Enjoying Some Summer Fun

Some weekends are crazy busy, but then others … well, they can be darn near perfect. Take last weekend for example.

I had business on Saturday that took me to the oh-so-wonderful town of Pt. Hueneme (just south of Oxnard). I spent many summers in Pt. Hueneme as a kid because my parents bought a condo there back in ’74 and that was our vacation home. On Saturday my best fiend Amy and I made our way to Pt. Hueneme and, after taking care of business, headed to the beach.

Despite the passing of years, there was little change to the beach. Except for some shoring up of the pier and some work being done at the northern end of the beach, nothing was different. In no time flat, we were in our swimsuits, slathered in lotion and sitting on beach chairs, a book (or in Amy’s case a Kindle) open on our laps.

Though we agreed that we could stay for a week because it was so beautiful, both of us had evening plans and left around 3:30 to head home. Her plans for the
evening? Seeing The Fab Four at Starlight Bowl for a pre-season concert. And mine? Heading to the Santa Anita Race Track for the launch of the Cal Phil summer series.

While Amy was in Burbank listening to one of the best Beatles cover bands around, I was at a linen covered table, sipping on a nice Meritage and nibbling on brie and salad as maestro Victor Vener showcased the music of composer John Williams. John Williams is one of my all time favorite movie music composers, responsible for bringing to the screen the music that defined films like “Jaws” and “Jurassic Park.” (“Jaws” is one of my favorite movies and listening to the theme being played by such a grand orchestra was awesome.)

On Sunday morning after church, I headed solo to Ocean View restaurant at Florencita and Ocean View. I sat outside and enjoyed a fabulous breakfast of apple custard French toast, French press coffee and a mimosa. Mellow music played from the modest sound system and I couldn’t have been happier. I eavesdropped on a nearby couple who were obviously foodies who couldn’t have been more pleased with the food, service and ambience of this local favorite. I loved hearing that because Ocean View is one of my favorite places, too.

And these are reasons why I just love summer: the concerts at Starlight Bowl and the Cal Phil at Santa Anita Race Track, outside dining, stealing away for a day at the beach.

To make some summer magic of your own, check out the upcoming concerts at Starlight Bowl (on page 22) and Cal Phil (on page 13).

And don’t forget that tomorrow is the 4th of July Celebration at La Crescenta Elmentary School, another wonderful summer tradition. I’ll be there and will be looking for you, too.

  Robing GOLDSWORTHY