A Good and Welcome Start to the Holidays
I’ll start with some good news: Fire officials have declared High Fire Season over! With the recent deluges we’ve experienced, the ground and foliage are now saturated enough to help thwart the life-altering conflagrations we’ve seen over the last decade. We can reasonably expect a quiet holiday season — for once. Of course, conditions could well change after the New Year, but fingers crossed for continued rain. I think I speak for all of Southern California: The drought can f*ck right off.
Now Open: The Flying Spoon at the Santa Paula Airport
Months after Flight 126 and The Hangar closed for good, a new restaurant/wine bar/coffee bar called The Flying Spoon is doing a soft launch ahead of its grand opening, which is still “to be announced.”
They’re currently open Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM with a limited menu. Dale, Judy, and I are planning to check it out soon.
Ventura County Happenings
The next few months are packed with events and special themed nights at your favorite hangs.
Piru
Mountain View Inn & Restaurant
piruinn.com
Saturday, November 22 | 2:30 PM: Complimentary Wine Tasting
Eight wines, plus a few selections from Red Engine brewing, appetizers, and the best folks around.
Saturday, December 6 | 6:00 PM: Winemaker Dinner
Six courses, seven wines, one dynamite evening not to be missed. $125/person, plus tax and gratuity.
Downtown Santa Paula
Saturday, November 22 | 4:00 – 8:00 PM: Holiday Sip 'n’ Shop
Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce
Explore Downtown’s unique businesses and get a start on your holiday shopping. A full list of participating businesses is still pending, but it’s a good bet that most of your faves will be there. It’s a good time to take advantage of special discounts and say hi to old friends.
Wednesday, November 26 | Normal business hours: Rabalais’ is rocking Thanksgiving Eve.
Breaking with their tradition of closing early the day before Thanksgiving, Rabalais will be open for normal business hours this next Wednesday, with Happy Hour from 2:30 to 5:30 PM. Bottoms up! (And if you try their cocktails, that’s exactly how you might find yourself — bottoms up. Be sure to take a designated driver with you.)
Friday, November 28 | 7:00 PM: Holiday Parade
Take a folding chair and stake out your spot along the parade route. Don’t forget to dress warmly — it could be chilly.
Saturday, December 6 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Holiday Market at the Santa Paula Art Museum
santapaulaartmuseum.org/events
This annual tradition has become a local favorite. Peruse the artwork on display, check the vendor tables for artisan crafts that make distinctive holiday gifts, enjoy a little nip of champagne while you shop, and listen to live music. If you haven’t been yet, the art museum offers one of the loveliest, most relaxed vibes around. Admission to this event is free.
BIRTHDAY MILESTONES
In the meantime, The 805 Diary will be taking this next week off, as Dale and I will be celebrating some big birthday milestones. (AARP won’t know what hit 'em!)
And we’re looking forward to a (relatively) quiet holiday season at home. I’ve volunteered to make Thanksgiving dinner for the family. This year’s theme: A mix of traditional English afternoon tea and pub fare. (Wish me luck!)
Here’s wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Love to all!
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