Story and photos by Chuck Graham The 500-pound silverback was hungry. Not hangry...just hungry. As shafts of morning light penetrated the rainforest of the Virunga Mountains in Central Africa, the mountain gorilla casually lumbered over to a dense stock of bamboo,...
Shepherdess Land and Livestock integrates land management with sustainable wool production. By Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer | Photos by Viktor Budnik Wide open skies. Rolling hills softened by velveteen carpets the color of emeralds. Oak trees, the Topatopa Mountains and a...
By Alex Wilson | Photos by Viktor Budnik Sergio Garcia is hoping to spread the word about the Oxnard Bike HUB, a community bike repair shop and second-hand bike store that opened in downtown Oxnard last November, because he knows...
Beloved institution Danny’s Deli embraces its community with traditional recipes, a caring staff and a taste of Jewish culture. By Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer | Photos by Viktor Budnik Brisket roasted to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Bagels made fresh daily. Matzo ball soup. Fat...
According to Wendy Collings, her own Hanukkah celebrations involve the whole extended family getting together and sharing a traditional Jewish meal — usually featuring food from Danny’s Deli. They also do a white elephant-style gift exchange. At Ventana Monthly’s request,...
Friends of the Santa Clara River provide education and restoration for a precious ecosystem. By Tim Pompey | Photos by Viktor Budnik Where is the Santa Clara River? Your answer to this question might depend on where in Ventura County or Los...
Ventura County Potters’ Guild is grounded in tradition and community. By Marina Dunbar | Photos by Viktor Budnik Since the group’s inception over sixty years ago, the Ventura County Potters’ Guild has been the county’s premiere organization for artists who wield...
By  Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer | Photos by Viktor Budnik The Oaks in Santa Paula is a special community. A short drive from town along Highway 150, and just a few miles from Steckel Park, some 200 homes nestled at...
By Mike Nelson | Photos by Viktor Budnik It makes sense that once you’ve established a fitness product business successful enough to find its way into high-end retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, your next logical entrepreneurial step is to buy...
By Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer | Photos by Viktor Budnik Thousand Oaks might be better known for its numerous shopping centers, posh suburban enclaves, top-notch performing arts center and proximity to Hollywood (with more than a few famous names making...