Lila Francese, founder of OHI Home, offers insight into
what makes a house — and a life — more beautiful.
BY EMILY DODI
L
ila Francese of sought-after home staging company OHI Home LLC explains that “the goal of home staging is to...
By Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer | Photos by Luis Chavez
Vic Thasiah loves to run. And he loves the natural world. The California Lutheran University professor (who earned his Ph.D. at Oxford) recently merged his two passions into a single...
by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer | Photos by Corban Campbell
Jeff Hull, the owner, designer and driving force behind Jeff Hull Custom Boats in Ventura, is as relentless as the waves his custom boats are designed to ride. Every boat-building...
Donna Granata on the power of creativity and documenting an artistic legacy.
By Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer
Arts archive and library Focus on the Masters has been the steward for Ventura County’s artistic legacy since its founding in 1994. Through extensive...
Talking art, Italy, the magic of creation and “stretching the creative cord” with bead artist Mara Colecchia.
By Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer | Photos by Viktor Budnik
From a young age, Mara Colecchia was steeped in art. She grew up in...
By Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer
In the hillsides behind Ventura’s City Hall are several acres of natural paradise. A place where picturesque trails wind through a landscape filled with thousands of plants and stonework elements, gently rising for nearly a...
By Leslie A. Westbrook.
Ah, music and love. Such a “loverly” subject. Music inspires. Music can make you fall in love with someone, something or even a place. It can make you cry. Movies would be boring without music. Music...
By Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer | Photos by Viktor Budnik
With Feb. 14 just days away, chocolates, wine and flowers will be on every sweetheart’s mind. And when you want to “make hearts smile,” Sweet Peas on Johnson Drive in...
Camarillo comedian Jason Love is fighting cancer, one joke at a time.
By Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer
To local comedy lovers, Jason Love is no stranger. The Camarillo-based funny man has been making the rounds on the Ventura County club circuit...
by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer
Photos by Luis Chavez
Missy Drayton is living la dolce vita. The owner of Missy’s Cupcake Creations in Ventura has found her sweet spot, baking up cupcakes, donuts and other delectable treats at her bakeshop on...
