1. I can’t even put into words (though clearly, I’m attempting to do so) how much it meant to me to be asked to emcee the 805 Love Notes Thomas Fire Benefit concert at the Ventura Theater. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t nervous about being in front of a large crowd, but I was nervous about crying in front of a large crowd as we reflect on what so many friends and family have had to go through after losing their homes and how our community has come together to help, well, it just moves me to tears. My voice did crack a couple times, and I had to stop briefly, but I held it together.
Many thanks to local musician, Bill Benson, for the candid photos from back stage.
The artists were Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket), Shawn Jones Trio, Shades of Day, Franklin for Short, Chris Pearce, Jesse Siebenberg, Todd Hannigan, Shane Alexander, Max Kasch, Leslie Stevens, Shelby Figueroa, The Pemberton Sisters (Jamie Drake and Justine Bennett), and Brother Sal. It was a long day, but so many heart-felt performances from all the artists who donated their time. #VenturaStrong #805Strong
2. I have to continually remind myself that life is too short to wear uncomfortable shoes.
3. Some mornings start better than others.
4. It’s really quite disconcerting how many conversations I’ve had with different men I know that believe women are going too far on “this sexual harassment trend.” For starters, it’s not a trend, it’s a notion whose time has come. It’s time for women to band together and demand their dignity.They shouldn’t have to live in fear or shame. Yes, women are coming out of the woodwork to speak up, finally, and I’m glad. It makes me smile how many men are living in fear that they could be called out for past bad behavior.
That being said, this isn’t just a women’s problem. Men are abused as well, sexually and/or mentally belittled; they too have suffered in silence. It’s time we talk about this, because the more we do, the more future perpetrators will think twice before acting on their evil impulses.
I would also like to promote goodwill and good relations between each other. I do not support man bashing. I LOATHE generalities. I hope we never lose the art of seduction and being attracted to one another. What joy there is in finding good companionship (short or long-termed).
5. Last month while visiting my daughter for Christmas, I made it go right to catch up with a dear old friend of mine, John Nyman. He and his wife moved to Portland about a year ago. It’s been way too many years since the last time we saw each other, I think it was at my wedding in 89. In any case, we yapped it up with Sydney Rose in tow for over an hour in a coffee shop, and afterwards I kicked myself for not having Sydney take a photo of the two of us. So I did the next best thing. I grabbed a photo of him from his FB page and a photo of myself and photoshopped them together. He has not changed at all, except for the beard!
6. The other thing that happened while visiting my daughter in Portland over Christmas is that I visited my first strip club, apparently the oldest one in Portland called Mary’s, or Mary’s Club or St. Mary’s or something like that. Sydney actually was taking me to her favorite Mexican restaurant but warned me that the diner shared a bathroom with Marys. I swear I tried to hold it in, but finally gave up and timidly made my way to the back, through a heavy door and around a sharp corner where yes, a woman was dancing on a pole. But now that I think about it, and as God as my witness, I couldn’t tell you whether she was naked or not….so yeah, no photo for this one 😉
7. I love that my dad and Carol “Represent” when they step out for jazz. This is Nate Birkey from NYC. My dad came to know him when he played here in Ventura in the 90’s at a popular hub for jazz, California 66 (now Cafe Fiore)..
8. While taking a walk out to the mermaid statue down at the Harbor’s entrance on New Year’s day, just as I was arriving at my destination, a man walking his dog said hello to me and asked me where my better half was. The fact that he thought I should have someone with me didn’t bother me as much as assuming that this “other person” would be the better half. What the hell, right?
9. I came across an article online called “8 Things InStyle Editors Actually Bought Without Hesitation in December.” So yeah, I was intrigued because I used to peruse the mag back in the day when I cared a little more about fashion. So I figured they’d know what is hip or not, right? NO THEY DON’T! WTF, Really? And…wait for it, they cost $695. Click for article source. 
10. Back when I was working on Buzzine Magazine, we shared an office space with Lin Milano, Alyssa Milano’s mom. I always enjoyed working with her as she was a strong professional woman working in a tough field representing actors. She once told me she would represent Sydney Rose (who was around 7 at the time). I was thoroughly touched by that gesture. So I asked Sydney if she would like to look into becoming an actress. She didn’t even have to think about it. She just flatly said, “No.” I’ve always respected her for that. Smart girl.
11. Another Thomas Fire Benefit is lined up for Saturday, February 3, and this one headlines Kevin Costner and Modern West along with Olivia Newton John, Colbie Caillat, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and more. I was asked if I wanted to do any interviews and all I really needed was a couple of quotes for an article about the event, so I submitted questions for Kevin Costner, who said he would rather have it be more personable and preferred speaking with me instead. So yeah, me and Kevin are tight now.
Seriously, he was warm and had true concern for our community (he grew up here and lives just up the coast). He totally reminded of Ray, the character he portrayed in Field of Dreams.
12. From my favorite quotes file, “How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.” – William Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice)
For two weeks we were in a thick haze, literally. The smoke was so harsh and thick, and toxic that everyone in town wore safety masks. People were keeping indoors as much as possible and sealing up their homes to try to avoid contact from all the ash, especially those first few days. Smoke and ash from forest fires are different from smoke and ash from homes that have burn. Houses contain asbestos, aluminum, copper, and all kinds of ugly toxic materials. The City was giving out boxes of masks for free. I wore a mask outdoors at all times as the air did not clear until Sunday, December 17.
I took myself off social media for several weeks as the images and sad stories became overwhelming. That along with working at City Hall with these industrial strength, incredibly LOUD air purifiers blowing 24/7 for over four weeks, trying to help frustrated citizens, and then walking out everyday to a view that made my heart fall, every single day. (I took center photo, the two others are from social media).
This image still makes me smile. Yeah, I may know who placed the mask on the Father Serra statue out in front of City Hall…but I’ll never tell. (photo credit: Sheldon Brown)
It was the perfect way to end 2017. We met for early evening cocktails which evolved into a three hour dinner at Lure…where the service was superior, the food delicious and the libations spot on. The conversations were witty, inspiring, and soul soothing. It’s so important to surround oneself with people who uplift and empower others.
I spent Christmas in Portland this year with my favorite girl in the whole wide world, Sydney Rose. I was only there for four days, but we made the most of it, spending much needed time out of Ventura, and as if on cue, it magically began to snow on Christmas Eve. It was perfect!
They call it “The Social Event of the Year” with family and friends strolling downtown Main Street, live music, snow fall, crafts and food booths, and a Wine Walk for those who enjoy the fermented juice of grapes. It seems to me that the more you partake the less you care about that initial, sometimes sour sensation on the palate.
A Couple of Things... 