Edition Number 3 with Maana Tea

Together with Maana Tea

“Tea is the elixir of life” – Lao Tzu

Ventura County! Summer is officially here! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the A/C’s are cranking. Traffic on the 101 is terrible all day, and we’re a week away from one of my favorite holidays. Independence Day 🤗

Without further ado, let’s catch a wave! 🌊 

Neighbors, this week’s edition of the wave will highlight:

• Local entrepreneur and founder of Maana Tea Darrayl King

• Real estate snapshot brought to you by V is for Ventura

• Local Events

• 4th of July Fireworks shows

• Ventura County News

• Message from the editors

Let’s get started…

This week, we sat down with Darrayl King, the founder of Maana Teas. Topics of discussion included adaptogens, nootropics, health, the age-old debate coffee v. tea, and an educational lesson on how tea is grown, harvested, and differentiated. Let’s begin with the basics: Numerous herbs are dried and made into teas. Some of the ones you have heard of are Chamomile, Rooibos, and Oolong. The main types of tea are herbal, white, green, oolong, pu-erh and black tea. What you may not have known, because I sure didn’t, is that many of the commonly purchased teas; all come from the same plant, “camellia sinensis”. For instance, White Tea is the youngest of the group and gets harvested early and heat treated. Green Tea is allowed to mature longer and then heated before oxidation takes place. Green Tea is also the most popular in the group, as more people in the world drink green tea than any other tea. Oolong is created when the tea leaves are allowed to partially oxidize before going through the heat curing process. Black Tea is the most mature and energetic of the bunch. Black Tea requires complete oxidation during the drying phase to make it the most caffeine-rich of the group.

 What differentiates Maana teas from the teas you’ll find in stores are adaptogens. Adaptogens are herbs, roots, or fungi that support the body’s ability to deal with stressors. Stressors could be anything from inflammation to fatigue, trauma, infection, or anxiety. When taken in proper doses, they help to bring your body back to homeostasis. Specific adaptogens have also been linked to positive cardiovascular, lung, and brain health benefits. Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about Darrayl.

Darrayl is an Oxnard High School (2005), and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (2010) alum. He grew up in a household that always had tea around, and his grandmother loved drinking tea, so he had a lot of exposure to the varieties of teas as a child. As luck would have it, he wasn’t much of a coffee drinker, except for the rare exception during finals week. Humans have been drinking tea for over 4,000 years, and there are probably as many different tea companies in the marketplace, which led me to ask Darrayl: Why did you want to enter such a crowded market? He took a second to think before providing a very thoughtful answer. “We grew up in the Red Bull generation of sugary energy drinks. I wanted to create a functional beverage that would be natural and healthy. A lot of black & minority communities don’t have access to or are up to date with current alternatives to make conscious decisions. Most beverage options are sugary, contain chemicals, or lack nutritional value. My goal is to substitute something positive for something negative. I plan to bring more awareness to adaptogens, and tea is the vehicle with which I want to do it. In the near future, I will be launching a canned iced tea product with adaptogens.”

 It wouldn’t be a good neighborly wave article if it didn't include at least one absurd question. I was genuinely curious, so I asked: Is the coffee v. tea beef more like the East Coast West Coast beef of the 90’s or the current Kendrick Lamar v. Drake beef? After a laugh, he said, “I would have to say the East Coast West Coast beef of the 90’s. You don’t realize how many people drink tea because the coffee drinkers are much louder about getting their caffeine fix. I’ve noticed people are generally becoming more aware of their caffeine intake. Our parent's generation drank a ton of coffee, and then we had the energy drink craze, but through those decades, tea never left; it has stood the test of time.” Darrayl answered the question like a veteran politician, cleverly steering the conversation where he wanted it to go. I like to end articles with either my favorite quote from the discussion or one that resonated with me, so here it is: “There are so many ways to get nutrition into your diet, you just need to figure out what works for you, and make conscious decisions to implement them. You don’t need to be perfect; no one is perfect.” 

You can find more information about Maana teas on Instagram @livemaana

If you are interested in adding more nutrition to your diet or creating a new morning ritual, please visit the link below:

Your local real estate report is brought to you by
V is for Ventura 

When I initially crafted this month’s 8-0-FIVE Blog for The Neighborly Wave, all five highlighted properties were actively available on the market. Just two weeks later, three of these properties are already in escrow. This rapid turnover signifies a vibrant and healthy local real estate market. It's encouraging news for sellers, though it may be disheartening for buyers.

So, what’s the solution? More housing. While opinions on new developments may vary, they play a crucial role in addressing the fundamental economic issue of high demand and limited supply. This month’s blog highlights the new condos at Park Place at Wagon Wheel, which offer a wide range of housing options and luxurious amenities. Here's a tip: developers often provide generous signing incentives. To fully capitalize on these offers, it’s important to visit the site with your Realtor, ensuring you receive the best representation and maximize these incentives.

Learn More Here: https://visforventura.com/blog/the805/spring2024

Thinking of buying or selling in Ventura County? You can reach me at [email protected]. Follow @VisForVentura for more real estate insights.

Vanessa Porter

LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

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DRE 02131118

Local Events & Independence Day Firework Shows

Oxnard

June 28 Gotta Dance Academy Presents 24 Karat Dance Recital 800 Hobson Way Oxnard Ca.

There are two shows: 11am and 5pm

June 28. Heritage square summer concert series with Higher Ground (celebrating Stevie Wonder) 715 south A street. Show starts at 6pm

Lawn seating is free, tickets are $10 for a chair near the stage

June 28 & 29th Comedian Ian Fiddance @ Levity Live

One show on Friday, two shows on Saturday:  For information and tickets, please visit the link below:

https://levitylive.com/oxnard/comic/ian+fidance/

June 30th. 10am-2pm Farmers Market at Channel Islands Harbor. Parking lot adjacent to Marine Emporium landing. 3350 South Harbor Blvd

July 4th: Channel Islands 4th of July parade; 6-7pm 3377 Harbor Blvd

4th of July Fireworks by the Sea at Channel Islands Harbor.
Harbor View Park near 3600 Harbor Blvd

The Fireworks Show is from 9-10pm.  

Ventura

The X Games are returning to Ventura this weekend. Grammy award-winning artist Wiz Khalifa is performing Friday Night. The legendary house producer & DJ, Kaskade is performing Saturday night. Tickets are still available; for more information, please click the link below:

July 4th, 10am-5pm; 4th of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem parade in Downtown Ventura 420 East Santa Clara St. More information below:

https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1737/4th-of-July-Street-Fair-Pushem-Pullem-Pa

July 4th, 8pm-10pm. Ventura Rotary Fireworks show at Ventura College

Tickets available here: https://www.venturafireworks.com/

Ojai

June 30th, 11am-2pm Ojai Pride Walk

Meet at Libbey Fountain at 11am for the walk. Picnic to follow

https://www.queersinthevalley.com/

Santa Paula

June 29th, 10am-2pm Certified Farmers Market

Anna's Cider Taproom 801 E Main St Santa Paula, CA 93060

June 29-30 Citrus Music Festival at Veterans Park. Admission is $5 each day. For more information, please visit the site below: https://www.heritagevalleyca.org/events/citrus-music-festival/

July 4th The Santa Paula Rotary Club is sponsoring its very first Drone Show. The 4th of July Drone Show event will take place at Harding Park with festivities beginning at 5pm. The drone show is scheduled to begin between 9-9:30 pm. Attendees can enjoy family friendly activities, lawn games, jolly jumpers, food vendors, and entertainment throughout the evening. The drone show featuring 150 drones promises to illuminate the sky with 15 minutes of stunning synchronized displays and music.

Camarillo:

June 28th, 7-9pm  Comedy Night: Studio Channel Islands Arts Center 2222 Ventura Blvd. Camarillo CA, 93010 https://events.humanitix.com/comedy-night-pyndnqub

June 28-30th Greek Festival @ Saint Demetrios Church    (5100 Adolfo Rd) Hours: Friday 5-9pm, Saturday 11-9, Sunday 11-7

June 29 Summer Concert Series with SMITH @ Constitution Park 7-9pm FREE EVENT

July 4th, 6-10pm: The City of Camarillo is hosting the Independence Day Fireworks Show at the Camarillo Premium Outlets. Be sure to arrive early, as road closures begin at 8:45 pm. The show can be viewed from anywhere in the outlets parking lot.

Thousand Oaks

June 29 at 4pm
Pop Up Arts & Music Festival @ Kimber Park, Thousand Oaks, CA, 3295 Bear Creek Dr, Newbury Park
FREE SHOW -- NO TICKETS REQUIRED

June 30 To Kill A Mockingbird @Fred Kavli Theater, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd

June 19 to July 31
Janss Marketplace Summer Concert Series on Wednesday Nights,
6-8pm (no concert on July 3)

4th of July Fireworks Spectacular Event at Janss Marketplace on Thursday, July 4, 2024
@9pm
janssmarketplace.com/events/4th-of-july-fireworks-spectacular to RSVP

Aside from having the best carnitas in Ventura County, they also have one of my favorite Instagram pages. Give them a follow @carnitaselreyoficial

Carnitas el Rey has 3 locations in the county to serve you:

Oxnard: 124 East 5th Street (805) 290-8794
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:30-6 pm Saturday & Sunday 7:30-6 pm

Ventura: 2437 East Main St. (805) 561-6282.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:30-6:30 Saturday & Sunday 7:30-6 pm

Santa Paula: 650 West Harvard Blvd. (805) 229-7433.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:30-6 pm Saturday & Sunday 7:30-6 pm

Ventura County News

• The Ventura Pier is set to re-open this Saturday June 29th, after a months-long closure 🤗 🎣

• The city of Santa Paula issued an urgent “do not drink” notice after an unknown suspect broke into a reservoir. The warning affected nearly half of the city’s residents. The warning was issued as a precautionary measure and was lifted when officials determined that no contaminants were found in the reservoir.

• The current Mayor of Oxnard John C. Zaragoza has announced that he will not run for re-election. Mayor Zaragoza has served the city of Oxnard as an employee or elected official since 1962.

Something For The Kids

The Ventura County Fair has announced a “Read and Ride” promotion for all K-8 students. Students can earn free ride passes for reading books, and submitting written summaries. All entries must be made by July 1st. Please visit venturacountyfair.org for more information

AMC Dine-In Thousand Oaks 14 and other AMC theatres are hosting $3 movies on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11am and 2pm for its Summer Movie Camp, June 24 to August 14, 2024. The lineup is as follows:

• July 1 and 3: Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax

• July 8 and 10: Sing

• July 15 and 17: Sing 2

• July 22 and 24: The Secret Life of Pets

• July 29 and 31: Migration

• August 5 and 7: Despicable Me 2

• August 12 and 14: Despicable Me 3

More info at www.amctheatres.com/events/summer-movie-camp

The fair is open from 12pm-midnight from July 31-August 11th

🎶 Fair Concert Schedule 🎶

Wednesday July 31- I love the 90’s Tour (Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc, Sugarhill Gang, C+C)

Thursday August 1st- Brantley Gilbert

Friday August 2nd - Sublime with Rome

Saturday August 3rd- Dustin Lynch

Sunday August 4th- Tapy Quintero y Los Tucanes de Tijuana

Monday August 5th- Comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias

Tuesday August 6th - Ludacris

Wednesday August 7th- Gary Allen

Sports

The Dodgers are currently on a road trip. They have a 3-game series against their divisional rival, the San Francisco Giants, at Oracle Park June 28-30

The Dodgers return to Los Angeles to host another divisional foe; the Arizona Diamondbacks, July 2-4

For the latest Dodgers News & tickets, visit: https://www.mlb.com/dodgers

Copa America News

The Copa America Tournament is underway, with all 16 teams having played at least 1 match in the Group Stage. The Argentinian team won the previous Copa America Cup and is the favorite to win this year.

The United States Men’s team won their opening match against Bolivia 2-0

The USA takes on Panama today; they are expected to win this matchup. The match begins at 3pm PST, and can be viewed on FOX

The Group Stage, also known as the tournament's opening round, will continue until July 2nd. The Quarterfinals will take place between July 4-6

Local ‘Tics (Politics)

2024 is an election year in this country. Election years guarantee two things: 1. Interesting holiday parties and 2. debates! The first presidential debate kicks off today, featuring two well-known names in American Politics. President Joe Biden will be facing off against former President Donald Trump. The debate will be hosted by CNN, and is scheduled to have two moderators, Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. Presidential hopeful and Independent Candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and all other non-major party candidates will not be on the debate stage tomorrow. Candidates needed to earn at least 15% support in four approved national polls and be on the ballot in enough states to win 270 electoral college votes (the threshold to win the presidency. The debate will begin at 6 pm PST.

Weather

Oxnard

Ventura

Camarillo

Thousand Oaks

Santa Paula

Simi Valley

Message from the authors:

The 4th of July has come to represent a day off from work, and an excuse to eat smoked meats and potato salad, but it’s historical significance is much greater, and a lot more violent. On July 2nd 1776, The Continental Congress voted in favor of Independence from Great Britain. Two days later, on July 4th, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted The Declaration of Independence. “The Revolutionary War” as it is now known, had already been going on for over a year. Battles between the colonists and the red coats began on April 19th, 1775, with the exchange of gunfire at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. The fighting continued until the last British troops were expelled from Charleston and Savannah in late 1782. The American Revolution officially ended on September 3, 1783, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris.

This would not be America’s only battle with the British as we declared war against them again in 1812. I give this background not to make you a more valuable trivia night partner but as a reminder that thousands of citizens have given their lives and paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we all enjoy. Our country is far from perfect, but it’s still very young and able to be molded into a better version of itself. Politics can be divisive, but we don’t have to be. Make a new friend this 4th of July weekend, invite a neighbor over to your BBQ. You don’t need all of that potato salad anyway.

 MV & CS

Thank you for reading The Neighborly Wave. Feel Free to share it with someone that enjoys drinking tea, and reading about history.