Category Archives: Uncategorized

Hike up Sisar Canyon, Sunday, June 25, 9:30am

RSVP by June 23 is required for a shuttle from the road to the trailhead, RSVP here: Sisar Canyon Hike RSVP

Bryan has planned a picturesque hike up Sisar Canyon, rated one of the best local hikes. The hike is Sunday, June 25th, 9:30am, and will be 3 miles round trip with 500′ elevation gain. The trail follows Sisar Creek up into Los Padres National Forest.  The trail is wide and well shaded by the stands of oak, sycamore and bay trees. There will be several stream crossings on sturdy logs and stones. More information on the trail can be found at https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/sisar-canyon-trail-santa-paula/

Where to Meet up: We will meet at the parking lot of the general store at the corner of Route 150 and Sisar Rd as shown in this Google maps Link: Meet up Place . As parking is limited at the trailhead, which is about 1/2 mile up the road, we will shuttle you from the Meet up Place to the trailhead.

What to bring: Don’t forget your hiking poles, a broad brimmed hat, sunscreen, water and a snack!

More Description of the Hike: From the trail head the trail rises gently high above the creek on your right which is taking a steeper route tumbling through rocks and pools that form popular swimming holes until the trail meets the creek for the first stream crossing at about the 3/4 mile mark from the trail head.  Sturdy logs and rocks provide an easy crossing, dogs and bicycles ford right through the stream.  Your hiking poles are helpful here.  The trail then continues on through the narrowing canyon, a little steeper now climbing above the stream and with plenty of shade until it arrives at the second stream crossing at about the 1.5 mile mark. The stream crossing here is a little trickier, but there’s no danger, it’s just a shallow creek even with the extra water we received last winter.  This is an excellent place to have a snack and turn back for the hike back down, for a total of 3 miles round trip and 500′ elevation gain. 

Optional – For those hardy individuals that want to, we can continue on another ¾ mile until the trail meets the stream a third time, but it doesn’t cross, it makes a hard left turn, a switchback that leads up out of the canyon a third of a mile to a beautiful overlook of the canyon, the upper Ojai valley and the Topa Topa mountains rising thousands of feet behind you (about the 2.75 mile mark). Total 5.5 miles and 1000 feet total elevation gain round trip.

Lunch after the Hike: We can plan to meet up after the hike at the Summit Drive Inn, which is only 1 block from the Meet up Place. The Summit Drive Inn features Burgers $7, Fried Chicken Sandwich $8, Grilled Chicken Sandwich $8.50, and a turkey club for $9, BBQ, Shakes and Floats for $5! 

RSVP by June 23 is required for a shuttle from the road to the trailhead, RSVP here: Sisar Canyon Hike RSVP

Santa Paula Theater, May 21st, 2:30pm and Dinner

Join us attending Home, I’m Darling at 2:30pm, May 21, at the Santa Paula Theater located at 125 South 7th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060. Optional dinner at the Glen Tavern Inn follows.

The play, Home, I’m Darling, is a comedy about gender divide, which manages to ask important questions about what women might want and how they might successfully find it by retreating into a delusional cocoon to achieve martial bliss: “Judy wishes for a simpler time. A time of hats and ties and rotary telephones. A time when a wife greets her husband with a martini and a pair of slippers. Just be careful what you wish for.”

Tickets cost $22 – $24 and can be bought by clicking here: TICKETS

We’ll have an optional dinner afterwards at Enzo’s Italian Restaurant inside the Glen Tavern Inn, located at 134 N Mill St, Santa Paula, CA 93060. Selections include lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, chicken marsala, antipasti and rustic pizza hot out of the old-world oven. One can also savor signature dishes like chicken picatta, bruschetta, and the eggplant parmigiano. Enjoy coastal favorites with their chef’s daily fish specials and their weekend specials such as parmesan crusted pork chops and linguine with clams.

If you are planning on attending, please submit this form so we can get a count: Santa Paula Theater Attendance

This looks like a very fun Sunday Afternoon!

Rescheduled! – The Huntington , May 3, 10:45 AM

Carol A. has rescheduled our very cool trip to The Huntington, 1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108, for Wednesday, May 3 , 2023,  10:45AM (meet at entrance). If you plan to go, please click here so we can get a count: http://RSVP Huntington. Even if you signed up before, we ask you to sign up again so we have an accurate account.

The Huntington consists of three areas:

  • The Library is one of the world’s great independent research libraries, with more than 11 million items spanning the 11th to the 21st century.
  • The Art Museum features British, European, American, and Asian art spanning more than 500 years and includes more than 45,000 objects.
  • The Botanical Gardens encompasses about 130 acres and features living collections in 16 stunning themed gardens with more than 83,000 living plants including rare and endangered species, and a laboratory for botanical conservation and research.

Once at The Huntington, you can choose to explore any or all of these areas during the visit. A free digital guide/download is available for your self guided tour and a free Docent-led Garden tour starts at 11:00 AM. Additional Specialty Tours are available for $49 (includes admission).

The cost is $21.00 for seniors. You can purchase tickets at the door, however it is recommended that you purchase tickets ahead of time to ensure entry. Tickets can be purchased at https://tickets.huntington.org/ . Parking is free and car-pools are suggested. Please note that it is difficult to get a refund from the Huntington, so we suggest that you wait until a day or two before May 3 to purchase tickets, or reschedule your existing tickets.

Dining is available on-site, including:

  • 1919 Cafe: Serving a selection of freshly prepared menu items along with the recently reopened taqueria, 1919 Cafe offers indoor and outdoor dining. The Bar is also open with a wide selection of wine and beer.
  • Freshwater Pavilion: Located in the Chinese Garden, the newly reopened Freshwater Pavilion is serving milk tea (with optional boba) and iced teas; pastries including macarons, croissants, and whoopie pies; delicious grab-and-go fare including a Korean noodle salad; and assorted snacks.
  • Red Car Coffee Shop: Inspired by the Pacific Electric Railway and showcasing travel posters from The Huntington’s collections, Red Car coffee shop offers espresso, tea, pastries, ice cream, snacks, and grab-and-go fare. Pick up a warm croissant breakfast sandwich, muffin, or scone to go if you’re in a hurry, or take your time and enjoy a sandwich or salad for lunch seated at the banquette, booth, or bar area.

Menus can be found at: https://huntington.org/dining

A limited number of tables for picnicking are available in the Garden Court and patio adjacent to the ticketing area. No outside alcoholic beverages.

If you plan to go, please click here so we can get a count: http://RSVP Huntington.

The Library
The Art Museum
The Gardens

San Simeon Camping/Hotel Trip, April 20 -23, 2023

If you are interested in going on a camping trip to San Simeon, you need to make reservations NOW at https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/ before the camp sites sell out. In addition, if you rather stay at a hotel, you will need to make your own reservations, feel free to contact Carol Arensen for info on local hotels, including:

  • QUALITY INN,  9260 Castillo Dr, San Simeon, CA 93452, estimated cost for a STANDARD-2 QUEEN Beds is $115 TO $215 per night + tax,
  • CAVALIER OCEANFRONT HOTEL, 9415 Hearst Drive San Simeon, estimated cost for a STANDARD-2 QUEEN Beds is $214 per night +’tax ( 2 night minimum),
  • NOTE: many available hotels in the area depending upon personal price points. Some are much more , some are less. 

Rebecca Catterall is arranging this fun outing and provides the details below:

What: A three day trip up the coast to San Simeon. 

When: Thurs, April 20 – Sunday April 23 (or just come for the weekend)

Where: Camping will be at Hearst San Simeon State Park. We will be in the upper campground. Site is $35 per night. Several of us have already booked sites 14 – 17 so book a site near us for socializing and campfires. Note sites 11-13 are tent only. As of this writing several sites are still available. But weekends always sell out so don’t delay. There is a $7.99 cancellation fee with the state park if you have to cancel. But if you wait…you might not get a site!

Why: LPSC is always up to something interesting. Hikes along the coast with Elephant seals, Hearst Castle tour, wine tasting, hang out in Cambria, explore the coastline, and of course meals are possible activities.

Who: This is open to members of the LPSC. Not a member? You can join for a modest fee.

Questions: Contact Rebecca Catterall

Hearst Castle

TGIT Thursday, March 16, 3 – 7 pm

Rebecca is trying something different and has scheduled a two-part TGIT Happy Hour.

The first part from 3 – 5 pm, we will gather at Yolanda’s Mexican Restaurant at 2753 Main St, Ventura (near Community Memorial Hospital) . There is plenty of parking behind the restaurant. Yolanda’s has a wonderful Happy Hour menu including special prices on yummy Margaritas, house wine, draft beer, and well drinks. Food specials include taquitos, quesadillas, chicken wings, potato skins, nachos, and mini bean and cheese chimis. Their menu can be found at HappyHourMenu.

The second part from 5 – 7 pm is right next door at the Grape, House of Jazz and Spirits, located at 2733 E Main St, Ventura, CA. They have a Happy Hour with drinks, music and limited food, so you’ll probably want to eat at Yolanda’s beforehand. Music will be:

https://thegrapeventura.com/event/happy-hour-with-tom-etchart-friends/2023-03-16/

There is no cover charge at either place, so come for all or part of the two events!

General Meeting, February 2, 2023, 7:00 pm

Please join us for our General Meeting at the Pierpont Bay Yacht Club, 1363 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura Harbor, at 7:00pm. Our own Jim Graves, a longtime interpretive guide with the National Park Service, will give a presentation on the Channel Islands. And remember to bring a snack to share!

We still have room on our Feb 28 – March 5 Mammoth ski trip. We are staying at the Alpenhof Lodge, across the street from the village with easy access to lifts, restaurants and shopping! Details of the trip can be found here: Mammoth Trip Information There’s lots of snow at Mammoth, conditions should be great!

TGIT Thursday, January 19, 3-5 pm at Finney’s

On Thursday, January 19,  your LPSC looks forward to a TGIT Happy Hour (HH) at Finney’s Crafthouse Restaurant in downtown Ventura on the corner of California and Main. (Park in the nearby structure.) Their HH is a little earlier than we usually have, it is from 3-5 PM. They have great menus and ambiance. We plan to be outside with heaters so dress accordingly. Rain will move us inside.

https://www.finneyscrafthouse.com/ventura/

Finney’s Crafthouse is in the heart of downtown Ventura in an 100 yr old bank building

Tour of the Nethercutt Museum & Collection, Thursday, January 12, 9:30am

Carol A has set-up an exciting trip to the Nethercutt Museum & Nethercutt Collection in Sylmar, CA, and we need you to click here (RESERVE SPOT) if you plan to go so we can ensure we reserve enough spots. These places are highly recommended by Ralph Brasacchio so we know either they are fantastic or just another of his tall tales (LOL)!

The Nethercutt is comprised of two buildings, which are located across the street from each other. The Nethercutt Museum Building and The Nethercutt Collection building (Tower). The tour of the Museum is free and the tour of the Collection is $10.

The Nethercutt Museum is a 1-story building housing their collection of over 250 American and European perfectly restored automobiles, and is free.

Vintage Car at the Free Museum.

The Nethercutt Collection is very extensive and is housed in a 6-story building comprising of the Lower Salon, the Grand Salon, the Mezzanine, and the Music Room and costs $10 for the guided tour (not free). There is an elevator, handicap access, & seating throughout the 6 floors and you can take breaks during the guided tour to make it easy and enjoyable:

  • The Lower Salon is where guests assemble to start the guided tour. The salon is a microcosm of the entire collection. There are about 25 automobiles dating from the early 1900’s up till the late 1940’s. Also in display are nickelodeons, music boxes, David Winter Cottages, Dolls, Coins, and crystal figurines.
  • The Grand Salon comprises of marble columns, crystal chandeliers, painted ceilings all make up this beautiful Grand Salon Showroom of the 1910’s, 20 and 30s. On display are approx. 30 of the finest automoblies of that era. Duesenbergs, Cadillacs, Isotta-Fraschini, Delahaye, Minvera, Renault, Maybach, many other European and American built automoblies.
  • The Mezzanine is a large assortment of Radiator Hood Ornaments “Mascots”, including Lalique Crystal Mascots and 18th & 19th Century French Furniture.
  • The Music Room displays a world-class collection of automated mechanical instruments including Reproducing Pianos, Nickelodeons, Cylinder & Disc Music Boxes, Orchestrions and the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ. During the tour some of these instruments are demonstrated including a mini-concert on the Wurlitzer Pipe Organ. Also on display is our beautiful Louis XV Style Dining Room.
Start of the Tour in the Lower Salon.
The Grand Salon has marble columns and a display of the finest cars from the 1900-30’s Era.
The Mezzanine has a display of hood ornaments.
The Music Room has many instruments, including this organ.

Please let us know which tour you are planning to take by clicking here: RESERVE SPOT

The Nethercutt Museum is located at 15151 Bledsoe Street, Sylmar, CA 91342, and has free parking. They can be reached by calling (818) 364-6464. More information on the Nethercutt can be found here: https://www.nethercuttcollection.org/Home.aspx

General Meeting, Thursday, January 5th, 7pm

Please join us for our General Meeting at the Pierpont Bay Yacht Club, 1363 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura Harbor, at 7:00pm. Steve will be providing a cool presentation on skiing trends, then and now. And remember to bring a snack to share!

Bryan will be discussing our Feb 28 – March 5 Mammoth ski trip. We are staying at the Alpenhof Lodge, across the street from the village with easy access to lifts, restaurants and shopping! Details of the trip can be found here: 2023 Mammoth Trip. There may be space still available, so if you are interested in going on this trip, click and complete the Mammoth Trip Form. We are starting a waiting list and spaces may open up. There’s lots of snow at Mammoth, conditions should be great!

Tour of the Nethercutt Museum & Collection, Thursday, January 12, 9:30am

Carol A has set-up an exciting trip to the Nethercutt Museum & Nethercutt Collection in Sylmar, CA, and we need you to click here (RESERVE SPOT) if you plan to go so we can ensure we reserve enough spots. These places are highly recommended by Ralph Brasacchio so we know either they are fantastic or just another of his tall tales (LOL)! More information on the trip can be found here: Nethercutt Museum Trip.

A TGIT has been set for January 19th. Stay tune for details!!

Finally, we have setup tentative dates for 2023 Club events, which can be found here: 2023 Planning Calendar.

See you Thursday!