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February 2nd, 2015 at 2:00 pm

Santa Barbara events

What:
If selfies and smartphone photos don’t fulfill your facial photography needs, learn portraiture from a pro in this two-day workshop at Brooks Institute Extension. Created for artists, advanced amateurs, and newcomers to photography, “Magic of Portraiture” focuses on using light and honing people skills.

Photographing the human form can be daunting, and utmost care must be taken to build a trust between subject and photographer. Discover the elegance of window light and how to find beautiful light in environmental situations. Instructor Joyce Wilson also will cover how to style, direct and guide subjects for relaxed, natural poses. Day 1 includes working with models to experiment and try new techniques. Day 2 is a critique, demo and working session with Photoshop and Nik software to enhance and create professionally finished and artistic interpretations of the images captured.

Participants should bring digital camera and lenses, CF/SD cards, battery charger and extra batteries, external hard drive, and card reader. Laptop is optional. Macs for editing will be available on Day 2.

Where:
27 E. Cota St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

When:
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February 2nd, 2015 at 12:00 pm

Ventura Harbor boat ride

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by cruising Ventura Harbor and the Ventura Keys on a 64-foot catamaran. Island Packers will take you and your sweetheart on this special evening ride featuring live music aboard by local guitarist Steven Sunnarborg. Snack on cheese, crackers, and one complimentary beverage. A no-host beer and wine bar also will be available. Dress casually in warm layers or be prepared for lots of snuggling. Before or after the cruise, Ventura Harbor Village is a great place to shop and dine.

Where:
1691 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001

When:
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February 2nd, 2015 at 10:00 am

Alice in Wonderland

What:
That Alice really gets around in Wonderland. Literally. Treat your favorite theatergoer age 3 and up to a 360-degree immersive adventure in “Alice in Wonderland-In the Round,” an interactive mini-musical at Creating Arts Studios in Santa Monica.

You don’t have to be a kid to follow Alice down the rabbit hole, but taking a child along can be a lot of fun for both of you. Join Alice as she meets the Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, and other zany characters. Sing and dance along to modern-day songs with the audience as Alice finds her way back home through a journey of self-discovery.

Where:
3110 Pennsylvania Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90404

When:
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January 31st, 2015 at 10:00 am

Alfredo Garcia

Alfredo Garcia, recently promoted to manager of our Chula Vista Eastlake Village office, likes the diversity of his new position. Born in Mexico City, he is fluent in Spanish and English, as are many of his 66 agents.

“The Chula Vista office serves a true blend of ethnicities, which is an advantage being so close to the Mexican border,” Garcia said. “Our agents speak the languages of several South American countries, such as Argentina. Some speak Vietnamese and Filipino. One woman speaks five languages. It’s a wonderful mix.

“I like to help build confidence in all of my agents so they can build trust and satisfaction with their clients. We give them the best tools and resources to succeed. New agents are very impressed because of all the tools they receive as part of their training. I like seeing their big smile when they open their first escrow. Their success is my success.”
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January 30th, 2015 at 9:00 am

Romantic vistas in Ventura

With its rugged terrain and its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Ventura County is home to some of the most magnificently scenic vistas found not only in Southern California, but also anywhere in the world. It’s getting close to the time of the year where the hearts of young and old alike seek out special places where they can share special moments with those special people close to them. There are quite a few places throughout Ventura County where those moments can be most memorable. Here are a few of them:

  • Grant Park: Home to one of the most breathtaking vistas in all of Ventura County, the summit on top of Grant Park gives a lustrous 360-degree view of virtually all of the county, the Pacific, and even the Channel Islands on a day when the weather cooperates.
  • Ventura Beach Trail: From the mouth of the Ventura River, all the way to San Buenaventura State Beach, the Ventura Beach Trail offers ample opportunity to explore just about all of the varied topography of Ventura County. And because of that, there also is ample opportunity for smitten couples to spend a quiet moment or two when they stroll along arm in arm. (more…)

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