Every October, when I put together the annual Arts Issue for Ventana Monthly, I am struck by the level of talent that flourishes in Ventura County. From ceramicist and “Mama of Dada” Beatrice Wood to contemporary artist Hiroko Yoshimoto;...
The heat and humidity that have made the last few weeks so uncomfortable finally seem to be abating. And while raindrops may or may not fall this weekend, I’m grateful for lower temperatures, the approach of autumn — always...
There’s so much history wrapped up in our 2022 Food and Drink issue! We didn’t plan it that way; it’s purely a happy accident. But as I read the stories, it strikes me that there’s a certain regard for...
Happy Solstice, Ventana Monthly readers!
Yes, it’s June, and that means another beautiful Central Coast summer is upon us. We celebrate the season and our local environs with an issue devoted to our outdoor spaces and the people that have...
For me, the holidays are all about the pie.
From pumpkin and apple at Thanksgiving to
chocolate cream and boysenberry at Christmas to lemon meringue on New Year’s Eve, a flaky crust with a delicious filling is my favorite part of...
– Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer - Email: nancy@ventanamonthly.com
Where will you go this summer?
Perhaps some of you are already off on adventures — satisfying wanderlust, rescheduling plans and reconnecting with loved ones too long missed. No matter what excursions you...
Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer
Live music is filling auditoriums, theaters are turning on the lights, festivals have resumed, films are back on the big screen and galleries are inviting the public in for art shows, workshops and classes . ....
At a time when travel continues to be curtailed, it might seem odd to put a glorious photo of Venice on our cover.
We’re not trying to tease you, I promise!
This is from a live-streamed tour put together by travel...
Summertime is here, and Ventura County is slowly opening up. Restaurants are welcoming diners in for table service (at a reduced capacity, with social distancing), people are starting to hit the beaches and trails more regularly, some are even...
– Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer
nancy@ventanamonthly.com
W
hat do you get when a renowned architect becomes his own client? A dream house of extraordinary vision, as seen on our cover. Scott Johnson created a “country house” in Ojai that is vastly different...
