like a snail

While everyone is awfully merry this time of the year, business is about as slow as it gets for a freelance writer. That compounded with a "rebounding" economy (notice the hopeful wording) has made for a really slow year.

My usual end-of-the year blip of business around October/November when folks are trying to use up what's left of their annual budget was pretty small this year.

By now everyone has pretty much wrapped things up until January.

My Christmas wish: For Barack to turn the economy around by the time my littlest one goes to Kindergarten plumping marketing and publishing budgets enough for freelance writers like me to get some substantial work.

A girl can wish, right?

The hillsides were alive with the sound of music

By Rebecca Wicks

Oct. 6, 2010

Ventura Breeze

I have to admit, my husband and I became members of the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy in 2007 for the not-so-noble cause of purchasing tickets to see Jack Johnson at their annual concert. We are big Jack Johnson fans (no joke: my two-year old can sing the chorus from the song “Breakdown”) and, apparently we are not alone, the concert sold out that year. While we had not been back to another concert, we have remained members.

While the group organizes a multitude of activities and events throughout the year it has a singular cause – to acquire land in order to preserve the hillsides, canyons and open space that contribute to the character and natural environment of Ventura.

With this mission at their forefront, the group also coordinates regular beach and river basin clean ups as well as a number of educational outreach events.

While the group has been in existence since April 2003 they acquired their first parcel of land in December 2007. The group stewards a total of three parcels of land today.

Despite all this, the group is probably best known for one of the largest events in the area – the annual Ventura Hillsides Music Festival. Thanks to this group and its efforts, Ventura has played host to a number of well-known music names the from the likes of Jack Johnson and Los Lobos to Jackson Browne and The Neville Brothers. This year was no different with headliner and 12-time Grammy winner Emmy Lou Harris the famed American singer-songwriter followed by Colbie Caillat, the Gin Blossoms and WPA.

If you haven’t been to a Hillsides event, let me tell you, it’s not your average concert. Two parts music, one part festival and one part education, the event is beyond mellow and mostly family-appropriate. So, armed with sippy cups and kettle corn from the farmer’s market, the family and I headed to Ventura College to catch the shuttle to the eighth annual concert.

We arrived in time to see the last half of WPA’s set. An amalgamation of bands including members of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Nickel Creek and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to name a few, the band sounded a little more blue grass than the early 90s rock and roll roots many in the group came from. Upbeat and fun, I always love the sound of Glen Phillips voice and the addition of the fiddles made their sound unique.

We spent the better part of the Gin Blossoms set in the kids area located in a shielded area almost behind the stage meaning we mostly listened to without seeing the band. Going into the concert my husband didn’t think he knew any Gin Blossoms songs beyond the well known hit “Jealousy.” At least four times – while helping my daughter color – he proclaimed, “Hey I know this song,” which tells you how big some of their hits were seeing he was a hip-hop listener back in his high school and college days. Jesse Valenzuela’s voice sounded strong and the band crisp reminding me that they were one of the better live performing bands amongst their peer set in the 90s.

Next up was Colbie Caillat, a local Newbury Park girl who has found recent fame with songs like “Bubbly” and “Realize.” Younger girls streamed down to the dance area to get a glimpse of the fresh-faced girl with a guitar singing mostly about love. She talked about the origins of some of her songs and seemed genuinely happy to be performing that day.

Last up was Emmylou Harris who I have to admit I knew little about prior to the announcement of her headlining the concert. She more than pleased the crowd with her melodic voice which has been sought after by greats such as Linda Ronstadt, Elvis Costello and Dolly Parton to name a few.

In the end more than 2,500 attended the event according to Stephen Svete a trustee for the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy.

“It went fantastic,” said Svete. “We were competing with a lot of events that weekend and we were still able to fill the hall.”

Svete gave much of the credit to the event’s success to the many volunteers who dedicate countless hours to the organization and the annual concert. He pointed out the event is headed up by volunteer Lynn Bartosh whom he called “phenomenal.”

Bartosh, who has no background in planning events, has learned as the event has grown how to put on one of the biggest events in Ventura.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Lynn,” said Svete. “In the end our organization doesn’t work without volunteers – and we have great ones.”

From the land of fried and frozen food

By Rebecca Wicks

Ventura Breeze, Aug. 11, 2010

My four-year old went to the fair for the first time two years ago. She has been a ride junkie ever since. Last summer she proclaimed she was going to get married at the fair. This year, armed with our pre-purchased ride tickets we headed out to the fair on opening day – because that is what serious fair goers like ourselves do.

We met some friends because while rides are fun, rides with other giggling four-year old girls are just that much more exciting. The girls rode cars, airplanes, helicopters, boats, swings…you get the idea. We snacked on cotton candy and ice cream. We saw animals. We perused exhibits. All in all, the fair did not disappoint.

Here are some of the highlights – in order – according my four-year old.

1. The caterpillar ride was good, but not as fast and missing what she thought should have been a bigger drop than she would have liked.
2. She was ecstatic to learn she was 42 inches (measured officially by the auspicious carnie manning the carousel) clearing her for solo non-adult accompanied missions on rides.
3. She won a panda bear playing a water gun game which she promptly named Pandy.
4. Getting ice cream with mommy. How much did I love that I made the list?
5. The four-day old baby pigs. “Mama, were they born for the fair?”

Now, from a mommy’s perspective here are some highlights and observations.

1. Fair food is a beast of its own. With no place on the U.S.D.A.’s food pyramid, virtually everything at the fair is fried, frozen, yellow or contains more than your daily allowance of sugar. You know it’s bad when the fair Website actually recommends you bring antacids. By the way, fried Twinkies are so yesterday. Go for chocolate dipped bacon instead.
2. All fair rides are designed to make you dizzy and nauseous. They all spin. Some spin in a straightforward manner, for example the carousel, while others are more like poorly weighted tops spinning awkwardly from one side to the other.
3. Carnies are as aggressive as ever. My favorite was the gal trying to convince me that giving my four-year darts to throw wasn’t going to end poorly.
4. If you love rabbits, pigs or cows the fair is the place to go. In their respective areas for example you will see rabbit after rabbit after rabbit in numbers upwards of 100.
5. No one was happier than me when the carnie measured my daughter at 42 inches. That spinning dragon ride looked like bad news to me.

Lastly, here are some tips for a speedier, thriftier trip to the fair with young children.

1. Get there early. This seems like common sense, but there are nearly no lines for rides from 11 a.m. to noon.
2. Don’t park in the fairgrounds parking lot. Not only will you save yourself $10, but the line to get into the parking lot generally stretches down Harbor to C Street and beyond. If you get there early exit Sanjon Rd. head for downtown and look for street parking near Figueroa, Santa Clara and Juniper Streets. Or, avoid the crowds and park at any of the fairground shuttle sites.
3. Consider going on Aug. 12 when a ride wristband costs only $25. With smaller rides averaging $2.50 each, if you go on more than 10 rides (which a four-year old can do in less than an hour) you’ll easily make your money back.
4. Pack a lunch and beverages. Save your money for treats and rides.
5. If your kids are old enough, enjoy the fair during the day, get your hand stamped and come back in the evening for fireworks at 10 p.m.

dan schorr

The news industry lost a great today. Perhaps not as well known as Cronkite or Rathers, but in many ways just as if not more important.

Schorr found his final home with NPR where I always looked forward to his commentary on current events and figures.

(photo via NPR)

the industry nicknamed it "Mel" cute, right?

The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has proposed to register methyl iodide -- a chemical used mostly in strawberry crops. Virtually all scientists believe the chemical to be in a word: deadly. Laboratory animals exposed to methyl iodide have developed cancer, neurological damage and birth defects.

The State Senate Food and Agriculture Committee is "looking into" the DPR's proposal. Once the approval is given, it is not subject to appeal. The company manufacturing the chemical expects their product to be approved and used on California strawberry crops next April.

The director of DPR has admitted the "material is highly toxic and we need to respect it."

Most farmers currently use methyl bromide, which is destined to be banned by federal regulators by 2015.

There may or may not be a way to stop the "okaying" of this chemical.

Drop an email to your state representatives, senators or to the Governor.

Check here to see who your state representatives are.

Click here to send the Governor an email.

Here is some proposed language to use in your email via Pesticide Action Network (PAN). Don't forget to include your full name and address at the end of the email.

I am emailing you to ask [Assemblymember/ Senator X] to ensure that methyl iodide is not registered for agricultural use in California. .

As a resident of California who lives among agricultural fields, I am extremely concerned about the health and environmental effects of this toxic chemical and believe it is the responsibility of the Senate and DPR to protect me and my family from such poisonous substances. Although I support the decision to phase out methyl bromide, I don’t think replacing one dangerous chemical with another upholds this responsibility in any way, especially when alternatives exist. From farms like Swanton Berry to strawberry giants like Driscoll, farmers know how to grow strawberries and other fruits and vegetables without toxic fumigants.

I am so concerned about methyl iodide because:

» Methyl Iodide is a known carcinogen, a thyroid disrupter, a neurotoxin and may cause miscarriages.

» It is used in laboratories to create cancer cells for scientific research.

» Methyl Iodide will contaminate our groundwater.

Big words, jargon, not just my pet peeve

I was listening to a BP executive talking on the radio about how BP is committed to mitigating the situation in the Gulf and it reminded me of a cardinal rule I used to teach when media training: Use simple layman terms.

As some would say – speak English!

I’m sure this executive is a highly educated individual. And, perhaps in places such as a boardroom or shareholder meeting the use of big words work to impress his audience and maybe even garner him respect, placing him in a superior position in the room.

But, when you’re talking to America – big words make people feel like they are being talked down to.

It reminds Americans that rich, highly-educated people tend to run their lives. Most people don’t run around “mitigating” problems. If you ask a harried mom with multiple kids she “does everything in her power to stop the problem.” If you ask a foreman on a manufacturing line he simply put, “fixes it.”

Straight honest talk is the best way to speak to people – in a crisis situation and not.

Both big words and jargon in the end come off as patronizing.

I spent a fair number of years working in technology (second only the legal industry when it comes to big words and jargon offenders) sifting through terms like core competency, robust solution, platforms, and enterprises. Most of the time what I was writing was meant to be consumed by insiders in the industry like trade media or middle-men who sold to consumer outlets. The terms got used so much they fooled people into thinking they were real words, and meant – well, something real.

In the real world, those types of terms mean very little if anything at all, and generally leave a bad taste in most listener mouths.

So remember spokespeople stay away from big and lots of words as well as jargon.

Keep it simple.

corporate madness

I've lived in a handful of cities in my life, but traveled quite a bit and I've never come across a series of events quite like these.

I think they are fun and in good-spirit which is nice to see. I'm glad this event has seemed to survive so far in our less-than-stellar economy. Hope I just didn't jinx them.

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No stuffiness about these Corporate Games

By Rebecca Wicks

Apr. 21, 2010

Ventura Breeze

This year, more than 66 companies are facing off at the 21^st annual Corporate Games. Put on by the City of Ventura, events range from the traditional softball and 5K run to those sports less covered by ESPN including dominos, Texas Hold’em and Frisbee golf.

According to city event planners the six-week competition which ends May 15 is designed for companies to get outside and to get to know each other.

This year’s games include 29 different sports. Rowing is this year’s demonstration event.

“We had 16 companies compete [in rowing] this year with four other companies on a waiting list,” said Chip Tarleton a supervisor for the City of Ventura. “It will probably be a full event next year.”

Scott Powers, a four-year veteran of the Games will be competing in tennis, badminton and table tennis.

“The games are very well organized by the City and allow for a respectable level of competition without going overboard,” said Powers a budget analyst for the County of Ventura. “The atmosphere created allows for people to partake in a sport that may not be in one’s comfort zone but seems fun and entertaining to try.”

Powers who considers himself a novice at tennis will, in his first match, play one of the finalists who competed in the gold medal match last year.

“I am completely overmatched,” said Powers who was able to keep a sense of humor about the impending match. “The game starts at 8 a.m. and I plan on being home for breakfast that morning.”

The Games opening event reception took place earlier this month at the Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo where a mix of sponsors, city officials and some participants mingled.

While sports like basketball, soccer and surfing are all part of the Games, the most popular games may better reflect the prevailing attitude of having fun. According to Tarleton, the most popular sport this year is bowling with 75 teams entered followed by miniature golf where 59 teams are registered. The next three most popular sports: board games including spades, dominos and Texas Hold’em; billiards and finally bocce ball which was last year’s demonstration sport.

Competition is divided into divisions based on the size of each company. After the first week of competition in the Division A category Naval Base Ventura County was in the lead with the County of Ventura in second and Amgen in third. In Division B Nusil Technology edged out Patagonia for the number one spot by one point, with Proctor & Gamble in third.

In Division C Northrop Grumman stood in first place with Dairy Farmers of America and Dako following. In Division D Limoneria was in the lead with Crescendo Interactive in second and Calavo Growers in third.

Tammy Butterworth, a management assistant for the watershed protection district has been competing in volleyball since 2002. She says meeting new people and the memories are both great aspects about the Games.

“My best memory is when our women’s beach volleyball team won first place against the Navy one year,” said Butterworth. “It was a great feeling.”

On Apr. 17 participants joined an Earth day beach cleanup event which also honored Jacob Dole Prosbasco, a former city of Ventura employee who competed in the games and passed away in 2008.

The Games conclude on May 15 with closing ceremonies events at San Buenaventura State Beach. Events for the day include the mandatory tug-of-war contest, live music, a sandcastle contest and award ceremonies.

Ventura Music Festival

Family accessible live music seems to be more and more difficult to find in smaller towns. There is one concert that happens every year as part of the Ventura Music Festival that takes place on the local college's baseball field. I really like that it's something that children of all ages can go to.

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Musicians Bring Classics from Vienna to Ventura

By Rebecca Wicks

Mar. 24, 2010; Ventura Breeze

Vienna may seemingly sit in the shadow of bigger European cities like Paris, London and Rome but when it comes to classical music it holds its rightful place near – if not at – the top. This year the Ventura Music Festival will celebrate music from the humble city of Vienna featuring famous composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and Strauss.

Cheryl Heitmann, executive director for the festival calls the season’s lineup “incredible and amazing.”

“No one would be disappointed with any concert they chose,” insists Heitmann.

Heitmann believes music is a gift to any community calling it something “good for the soul, especially in these stressful times.”

The festival begins on April 29 with the annual Tea and Trumpets event where music goers are treated to a traditional English tea while being entertained by Festival Brass. The festival continues through May 8 with a concert by pianist Yeol Eum Son.

Two major highlights will include the Grammy-decorated Herbie Hancock who will perform on Ventura College’s athletic field and world-renown violinist Itzhak Perlman.

“Herbie Hancock is simply a legend,” said Heitmann. “The concert at the college is one of the most popular we have each year.”

Heitmann describes the outdoor concert event as family-friendly where even small children can attend.

Perlman, who will perform at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, the only concert taking place outside Ventura has stirred excitement in the classical community in Ventura.

“He’s hands-down the best violinist alive right now,” said Tiffany Cho, an amateur violinist in Ventura.

“He’s just who he is – the world’s leading violinist,” said Heitmann who notes the venue makes the performance even more special. “You’ll be able to see and hear him well which is sometimes difficult at his often large concerts.”

For one member of the Escher String Quartet it will be a homecoming of sorts. Originally from Thousand Oaks, cellist Andrew Janss is more than excited about the Viennese-themed event.

“When it comes to a Viennese program, your mind goes straight to Schubert,” said Janss whose group will also be playing pieces by Beethoven and Mozart on May 7 at the Community Presbyterian Church in Ventura

The group is named for M.C. Escher the mathematically inspired artist famous for works such as graphically interlocking birds and hands.

“Escher believed art is a series of interconnected pieces,” said Janss. “It’s basically how a string quartet works, separate voices are not interesting, but together the interaction makes it interesting.”

The group, which came together at the Manhattan School of Music has been playing together for five years and has toured around the country and the world.

Janss and the Escher Group will likely draw a large crowd in Ventura with many members and followers of the New West Symphony, the Thousand Oaks-based group Janss started with in attendance.

“The Escher Group has a wonderful career,” said Heitmann. “We are more than excited to have them.”

Heitmann who has been the executive director of the Ventura Music Festival for four years expresses as much excitement if not more when talking about the group’s youth outreach programs.

“These days, there are so many budgets being cut especially arts programs,” said Heitmann. “Anything we can do to increase music’s presence we see as a win.”

The group’s programs reach elementary through high school students and include general exposure to instruments all the way through sponsored competitions.

Other groups performing at this year’s festival include Grammy-award winning guitarist Sharon Isbin, the Celefax Reed Quintet from the Netherlands and the Rising Stars who will perform with the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic.

art dreams

I love that Spring seems to usher in traveling art exhibits in Southern California. I've done a pretty good circuit over the past month or so -- saw the Renoir sketches at the Getty -- also saw this and this.

I really enjoy (nerdy writer alert) reading the short texts that go along with each exhibit. They are so compact, yet relay so much. It got me thinking, what a very specific copywriting skill to have.

I would love that job. While I'm by no means an expert in art, I think it would be beyond interesting to listen to experts wax on about a painting and an artist and then take all that information and pack it into two or three really great sentences.

One my favorite Renoirs is pictured above right. I always thought this was such a sweet picture of a mother and child. When at LACMA I learned that it was his nanny and his boy. Renoir also painted her in the nude all. the. time. I know, it's art and he found inspiration where he found it. But still, I'm a wife after all.

Gabrielle (the nanny) is more than prominent in so many of his paintings. She's the one in the beautifully renown painting which graces the banners currently hanging in the streets of Los Angeles.

Do you think his wife rolled in her grave a little when they placed that painting on the cover of the Website and brochure, and then on the banners?

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side note: my article "Caught Mid-Stride in Life" appeared in the magazine Mommies Magazine if you want to check it out.

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poetry out loud

I feel as if the amount of literature and poetry knowledge the average American has these days is pretty slim. I'm no expert by any means, but I can spot a basic Twain, Shakespeare, Poe or Fitzgerald reference.

I used to live in an area called Poet's corner in the Bay Area. All the streets in the area were named for such famous folks as Byron, Chaucer, Longfellow, etc. After I explained this to people, I would still regularly have people say, "oh so Hawthorne was a poet then?"

Because of this, I feel like programs like Poetry Out Loud are great for school kids. I love seeing that at least some students will truly internalizing some of the many great works out there.

Who knew Ventura had a Fashion Week?

Here is an article I wrote for a local newspaper.

Venturans to strike a pose

By Rebecca Wicks

Jan. 27, 2010

Ventura Breeze

While some will flock to New York this February for world-renown Fashion Week, Ventura fashionistas can get a taste of high-style here in town at the fourth annual Fashion Week Ventura.

Starting on Jan. 29 with a sneak peak performance the week will culminate with a fashion show held at the Ventura Elks Lodge on Ash Street.

The show will feature local clothing designers, entertainment, models, stylists and makeup artists. Proceeds from the event will benefit AIDS Project Ventura County (APVC).

The event’s founder Erika Harding, owner of Architexture Salon in Ventura chose the charity after losing her brother to AIDS.

“It’s an especially important time now since so much funding has been cut for AIDS resources,” said Harding. “The money goes locally to help people here.”

Last year the event’s theme “Green peace” produced one-of-a-kind pieces such as dresses made from shower curtains and elaborate floral head pieces.

This year the theme is Angels and Saints/The Seven Deadly Sins. It promises dramatic fashion to fit its theme’s powerful subject matter.

According to Harding, those in attendance can expect flowing clothing and clean and soft makeup for the angels and a bit of a harder look for the saints.

“Expect a lot of white and green,” described Harding. “And, for the saints, a little more medieval – think Joan of Arc.”

The sins will provide a stark contrast to the angels and saints. Angel Jones, head volunteer coordinator for the event said makeup will range from the simple to the truly avant garde.

What started as a way to promote Harding’s salon and bring local fashion designers and artists together has morphed into the city’s biggest annual fashion event. Clothing designer Lindsay Miller who has participated in the event since its inception attributes a number of friendships to having been involved in Fashion Week Ventura.

“It’s a super fun event to be involved in,” said Miller whose signature style is recycling and reconstructing vintage clothing.

Miller, who will have six pieces in the show is a self-taught designer.

“My grandma was a really great seamstress,” said Miller who said she started designing clothes for fun and over time developed her skills.

In addition to the more than 20 models, the show will also include dance acts, elaborate props and lighting and local Derby Daryln girls on roller skates selling raffle tickets.

Jones who is also owner of the local costume shop Wenches and Warriors has described the event as “a mind-blowing two hours.”

Jones said she is excited and inspired by the ever-growing participation in the event.

“The amount of collaboration from talented local people is so great,” said Jones. “There is such a range of people – all ages and backgrounds – involved.”

In line with the theme, the organizing group has chosen a handful of local “angels and saints” who will also strut their stuff on the catwalk.

Those VIPs selected include Matt Cooper the founder of Food on Wheels; Mayor Bill Fulton; Gwendolyn Allen who is part of a local bicycle troop that rides for environmental awareness; Alec Loorz an El Camino High School freshman who started the environmental nonprofit Kids Vs. Global Warming; and Chris Velasco from the WAV Project.

According to Jones VIP models have been asked to come dressed “as they would when performing their local saintly duties.” They will also be adorned with halos and wings made by local artists such as Robert LaMarch.

Harding is creating a set of wings constructed almost entirely from hair.

“They are all from hair extension clients,” said Harding. “I’ve cut all different shades and lengths of hair to look like feathers.”

A sneak peak performance event will take place at 9:30 p.m. at Paddy’s on Jan. 29. A kick-off party will be hosted at Candlelight on Feb. 4.

Doors for the fashion show on Feb. 6 open at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $15-$35. Tickets and more information can be found at www.fashionweekventura.com.

skinny times

In my agency days, one of my favorite "jobs" was pouring over different shelter publications on my train ride to and from work.

It makes me sad to see how thin some of these pubs are right now.

So many magazines have gone by the wayside in the past year or so. I just hope some of my favorites can hold on until the economy recovers.

And yes, that's a peanut used for scale.

crappy, but oh so good

I'm just loving Julianne Moore's look in A Single Man. She looks like she just stepped out of Valley of the Dolls. I know this book is conventionally thought of as trash by most literary folks, but I have to admit I was glued to this book and could not put it down.

Because of this (and the 30 million+ copies sold of it) I think it's worth putting in my literary canon.