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3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories LIFEArt plans to open gallery in Medford Since You Asked: New intersection won't be landscaped Emergency services, March 2 Ashland: Budget increase, swimming pool funding discussion on council agenda The new normal under climate change? Crime, Courts and Emergency Services Emergency services, March 2 Emergency services, March 1 Two injured in White City house fire Family, friends of Central Point fire victim try to cover costs Feds charge California couple with medical device fraud Politics and Elections Ashland: Budget increase, swimming pool funding discussion on council agenda Judge upholds Phoenix's moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries Ballots on Jackson County marijuana tax go out Friday Brown's inauguration brings hope to local lawmakers Kate Brown sworn in as Oregon's 38th governor Education LIFEArt plans to open gallery in Medford MSD considers adding a health center at one of the city's high schools Absenteeism in Oregon schools prompts bill that would tie funding to attendance, not enrollment Territorial Seed contribution a boost for SOU food program 200-plus Jackson County students miss vaccination deadline Environment The new normal under climate change? Lost Creek Lake algae bloom subsides Lost Creek Lake logjam could become hazard for boaters Made in the Shade Controlled burn planned for Ashland watershed on Friday State News Oregon considers banning non-medical vaccine exemptions Bill to dissolve Cover Oregon heads to Governor Brown Oregon official says he was questioned by FBI, IRS Hayes wants her private emails protected Oregon Senate votes unanimously to outlaw 'revenge porn' Nation - World Obituaries Clara "Jackie" Bean Mae Kathleen Quaccia Joseph (Joe) Torres Margaret M. Moffitt Ruby Beck Perkins Weather Photo Galleries Since You Asked Videos Web Cams Mail Tribune 100 Shareable Bank of America is predicting a massive Tesla collapse Mars One attracts science fiction geeks and people who hate society This $1 million Mercedes is like an armored private jet for the road Sports Latest Stories Ducks beat Cardinal, clinch Pac-12 tourney bye Kings Conquered Poulter, Casey share lead at Honda Oregon upsets No. 19 Stanford Kaminsky, No. 5 Wisconsin clinch Big 10 share Varsity 541 College Sports Ducks beat Cardinal, clinch Pac-12 tourney bye Oregon upsets No. 19 Stanford Kaminsky, No. 5 Wisconsin clinch Big 10 share Cal's big run tops OSU No. 7 Arizona overtakes No. 13 Utah Pro Sports Kings Conquered Poulter, Casey share lead at Honda Nadal wins first title in nearly nine months Rousey makes quick work of Cat Depleted Hawks beat Heat Community Sports Business Latest Stories Business Briefs: Feb. 28 People in Business: Feb. 28 Medford Fabrication isn't afraid to go big Ride & Drive: 2015 Audi R8 Blog: Friends Forever Real Estate News Housing prices climb 9 percent in Jackson County Big plans on the Butte Homes for the long haul People In Business People in Business: Feb. 28 People in Business People in Business Transportation Lodging gains bode well for travel industries Medford airport flies past January record Agriculture Warm winter has fruit growers poised for action Briefcase: Business briefs for Feb. 21 1-800-Flowers dumps Harry & David execs Opinion Latest Letters to the Editor, March 2 Letters to the Editor, March 1 Our View: Drawing back the curtain on government Dana Milbank: Jeb Bush, CPAC pinata Charles Krauthammer: The fatal flaw in the Iran deal Editorials Our View: Drawing back the curtain on government Other Views: Brown's list of challenges is lengthy Our View: School attendance bill could backfire Our View: Higher education still getting too little Our View: Adjusting for unintended consequences Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor, March 2 Letters to the Editor, March 1 Letters to the Editor, Feb. 28 Letters to the Editor, Feb. 27 Letters to the Editor, Feb. 26 Columns Dana Milbank: Jeb Bush, CPAC pinata Charles Krauthammer: The fatal flaw in the Iran deal GUEST OPINION: Police, community should work to prevent profiling George Will: Two reading lessons from the Supreme Court Guest Opinion: Don't overregulate Oregon's hemp industry Guest Opinions GUEST OPINION: Police, community should work to prevent profiling Guest Opinion: Don't overregulate Oregon's hemp industry Guest Opinion: Predatory banking practices bilk citizens Guest Opinion: Is less education the answer? Guest Opinion: Bill would shore up legal aid funding Lifestyle Latest stories Home Help: Enhance your home-office experience Community blog: How I Became Radical: The Power of Acceptance Community blog: The Guest List: Check! Review: In "Much Ado," why not let Shakespeare be Shakespeare? Adopt a Pet: Moby Food Restaurant Inspections: Sunday, March 1 Community blog: Support local CSA farms by signing up Saturday Joanna McQuillan Weeks: Cheeseburger pie is the perfect winter comfort food Page H. Onorato: Hot dogs I have known and loved Season Stepp: Tips for roasting vegetables Home and Garden Home Help: Enhance your home-office experience Specialty painting adds wow to your walls Dear Monty: Home seller questions agent ethics Home Help: Low-maintenance landscaping ideas Garden Cameos: Winter is the time to prune Health Community blog: How I Became Radical: The Power of Acceptance Community blog: The Guest List: Check! Health Watch: Sticking to your health plan when your family isn’t helping Community blog: Finding Your Indomitable Spirit to Defeat Addiction Dr. Murray Feingold: ‘Beet’ high blood pressure with borscht Hiking Biking Faith Religion briefs, Feb. 27 Religion briefs: Friday, Feb. 20 Religion News: Pope makes surprise shantytown visit Religion briefs: Friday, Feb. 13 RELIGION BRIEFS, Feb. 6 Milestones and Achievements Anniversary: Hofer New arrivals: Sunday, Feb. 8 Columnist for a Day Rogue Healthy Aging Tempo Latest stories Ashland High School presents 'Leading Ladies' Live Music in Local Clubs HAPA plays the Historic Ashland Armory An all-new Rising Stars music competition kicks off this weekend Ronny Cox plays the Unitarian Fellowship Theater Review: OSF elevates the neglected 'Pericles' Review: In "Much Ado," why not let Shakespeare be Shakespeare? 'She Stoops' rises on SOU stage SOU presents 'She Stoops to Conquer' 'The Glass Menagerie' is polished and professional Music Ashland High School presents 'Leading Ladies' Rogue Valley Symphony showcases Anton Bruckner and Richard Wagner Live Music in Local Clubs HAPA plays the Historic Ashland Armory An all-new Rising Stars music competition kicks off this weekend Community Events Third Fridays showcases local artists Southern Oregon Rod and Custom Show Ashland's First Friday Art Walk showcases new exhibits by regional artists Jacksonville celebrates Chinese New Year Dining Restaurant Inspections: Sunday, March 1 Great Outdoor Grill offers healthful options Restaurant Inspections: Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 Saigon Xich Lo Vietnamese cuisine The zwickels shall flow Tempo Videos Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obits Blogs TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Magazines/Special Sections Business Services NEWS NOW Get Up & Go: Monday, March 2 ... Our View: Drawing back the curtain on government ... Public Meetings: March 2-6 ... Get Up & Go: Monday, March 2 ... Our View: Drawing back the curtain on government ... Public Meetings: March 2-6 ... TRAVEL Discover the beauty and wonder of Oxnard Your trip could include an island getaway off the coast Comment By Luaine Lee Tribune News Service MailTribune.com By Luaine Lee Tribune News Service Posted Mar. 1, 2015 at 12:01 AM By Luaine Lee Tribune News Service Posted Mar. 1, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News Tourists know about the treasures found around Los Angeles, but just 65 miles north lies one of the best kept secrets on the West Coast. The little seaside town of Oxnard offers almost everything that you can find in its southern neighbor, but none of the crowds. The area boasts two harbors located just five miles apart, offering every water recreation you can imagine: boating, jet skiing, whale watching, gondola gliding, kayaking, sports fishing. All of that is skirted with seven miles of pristine beaches, picturesque sand dunes and an historic downtown. It's duly championed for what it doesn't have: traffic, long lines, weeks-in-advance reservations, swarming beachcombers and wallet-busting prices. But the truly unique thing about Oxnard is its proximity to the uninhabited Channel Islands, located just an hour off the coast. Eight islands, sculptured by faulting and volcanism, were once tethered to the land. Five of them are part of the National Park system. The nearest, Anacapa Island, features some of the best diving with its deep sea caves, kelp forests and crystalline water. The sea life is so abundant it's not unusual for a diver to spy a cormorant diving past him on its way to breakfast. More than 145 species of plants and animals thrive on these islands that are not found anywhere else. The islands permit camping for up to 14 days, but equipment (including water) must be carried in — except for Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz islands, where water is available. Pygmy mammoths once roamed the rocky terrain as did the Chumash Indians. For years pirates commandeered Santa Cruz Island (the largest) for lucrative smuggling, and it was the site of one of California's first wineries. Crossing the channel you can spot bottlenose and Risso's dolphins skipping along the wake of the ship, seals bobbing in the briny, and whales blowing geysers of water through their blowholes. These waters host the world's largest congregation of blue whales, sighted June through September; the grey whales predominate December through May. Cruises may be arranged through Island Packers at islandpackers.com. (805) 642-1393. There are all-day, half-day, evening, dinner and harbor tours, all at various prices. A half-day cruise to Anacapa runs $37 for adults, $27 for kids. An all-day trek to Santa Cruz costs $59 for grown-ups and $41 for children. For bicep-building kayak trips, tours, lessons or rentals try Channel Islands Kayak Center (805) 984-5995, www.cikayak.com . The Channel Islands Maritime Museum provides a dandy little visit to our seafaring past. It's open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and located in the harbor. (805) 984-6260, adults $5. Downtown Oxnard is singular in several ways. For one, it offers free parking all over town. Try THAT in Los Angeles. Sequestered on South A Street is Heritage Square where 15 historic structures have been relocated to a city block and restored. Since the area was settled because of its abundant agriculture, most of the dwellings are historic farmhouses. Guided tours are available Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 4 p.m. or by appointment. Adults $5. (805) 483-7960. The one-time Andrew Carnegie Library looks like a miniature Parthenon plopped in the middle of downtown. Donated to the city in 1906 it's seen a variety of uses, but today it houses Oxnard's Carnegie Art Museum. Specializing in California artists, the museum changes collections quarterly, but one small room is dedicated to local artists. Located at Plaza and Centennial parks, admission is free. Just 31 miles northeast sits Simi Valley, which houses the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, well worth the trek. Adults $16, youths $9. Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (800) 410-8354. The loamy soil of the Oxnard Plain proved perfect for sugar beets, and in the 1900s the Oxford Brothers built the largest sugar-beet processing plant in the nation. The area is still rich with produce — strawberries, leafy vegetables and the explosive lima bean. Eleven percent of the lima beans consumed in the U.S. still come from Oxnard. To celebrate their agricultural heritage Oxnard holds a Strawberry Festival in May and a muy picante Salsa Festival in July. There's a bountiful choice of inns and hotels in the area. The Residence Inn by Marriott features a scrumptious complimentary breakfast and a golf course next door. (800) 331-3131. Prices range between $129-$149. Embassy Suites is the only Southern California suite-hotel situated smack on the beach. Prices range $159-$264. (805) 984-2500. The Vagabond Inn, near downtown, welcomes furry little tourists — and dogs too, $74-$129. (800) 522-1555. There are great places to eat and most of the restaurants feature farm-to-table victuals. Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine, in Channel Islands Harbor, specializes in seafood stewed in a tangy tomato sauce, simmered in handmade clay pots. The Kitchen downtown is deceiving. It looks like a brew pub, and proffers beers and ales, but it serves some delicious grub, too. It's located at the corner of Fifth and A streets. If you're game for breakfast or lunch, you're in luck. BG's Cafe, favored by locals, sports some of the best food in town, and so reasonably priced. Try the Chinese chicken salad — the best ever. 428 S. A St. La Dolce Vita, located in Heritage Square, brings a touch of Italy to these Pacific shores. The Waterside Restaurant in Channel Island Harbor offers entertainment every night but Tuesdays. For nightlife try the Lookout Bar and Grill, The Shores, Pirates Grub 'n Grog or the Beachcomber Tavern. There are 22 award-winning wineries in the area, though the grapes are not generally grown here. Herzog Wine Cellars, located in an industrial park, is the nation's largest kosher winery, adjacent to its Tierra Sur restaurant. Tastings every afternoon but Saturday. You'll find Rancho Ventavo Cellars housed in an elegant Victorian in Heritage Square. Tastings Fridays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Strey Cellars presents what they call "edgy" tastings Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Most wineries charge $12 for tastings. By Luaine Lee Tribune News Service MailTribune.com By Luaine Lee Tribune News Service Posted Mar. 1, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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