Author: Nancy Olascuaga

Nancy Olascuaga is a dental office accounts clerk. She loves to remind patients that they are due for their dental exams and cleanings. She also helps the financial administrator with general account balances and insurance claims. Nancy is a happy person and enjoys helping others. She has three kids; they go to three different schools, but she manages to juggle their schedules while pursuing her dreams of obtaining a higher education in business. Her career goal is to have her own business. She grew up and currently lives in Ventura, but she has also lived in San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. She enjoys gifting gloves to the homeless folks in her area during the cold weather. She loves going to the beach and the Ventura Botanical Gardens. Nancy is able to find resilience every time she faces adversity.

Categories
Food & Beverage Local Business Uncategorized

Carnitas is King

Ventura has a new gem! Carnitas El Rey, 2437 E Main St

By Nancy Olascuaga & Deseray Radziewicz

El Rey’s restaurant’s indulgent carnitas originate from where they are best made: Michoacan (an elegant state of Mexico known for its rich ancient culture, magnificent landmarks, and flavorful carnitas). Eating here felt like we didn’t have to travel all the way to Michoacan to satisfy our juicy carnitas cravings.

Carnitas El Rey entrance, 2437 E. Main St, Ventura, CA
Michoacan styled murals adorn the restaurant walls.

Along the Way

Currently Carnitas El Rey has three locations in Oxnard, Santa Paula and now Ventura. All three El Rey restaurants and it’s Owners: Juan and Gricelda Zavala, have an impressive reputation for their authentic real deal Michoacan style carnitas.

Pinto beans, rice, homemade tortilla, carnitas, Agua de Tamarindo.

The Food

Nancy and I went to Carnitas El Rey to check it out. What we found was a beautifully decorated atmosphere and authentic Michoacan carnitas that were tender, full f flavor, and all around fabulous. A couple tips from fellow VC Social blogger Nick Lerma, get there early because they are SO GOOD that they could run out, and make sure to try the rice.

We made sure to do both and were not disappointed. Nancy and I each ordered the taco plate which came with beans and rice. Nancy had an agua de tamarindo and I had a sangria senorial soda to drink. I tried the green salsa, it was flavorful. While it didn’t make me sweat, it was just enough to dew my forehead. Everything was fresh, delicious, everything was clean, and everyone was warm and friendly.

Taco plate. Pinto beans, rice, homemade tortillas, carnitas, chopped onions and cilantro, green salsa.

If you’re looking for a new gem to check out in Ventura, we definitely recommend Carnitas El Rey! Check out their opening day post on Instagram on your way there.

Check out Carnitas El Rey – You’ve been warned, carnitas cravings ahead…
Categories
Culture & Student Life Nature & Outdoors

Finals Are Coming

by Nancy Olascuaga

Finals week is coming, and those sleepless nights are upon us. The next two weeks is a time of studying late at night, eating junk food, and drinking so much coffee! For those who are graduating, and those who will register for classes next semester, this is a stressful time, yes its temporary, but still stressful. With this academic year coming to a close: full of successes and stresses, going to Ventura Beach will help you manage stress and self care.

Here’s a list of why and how walking or sitting on a bench at Ventura beach will help you destress and make your finals week a memorable one:

The Smell: The scent of the sea is refreshing. Take a few deep breaths and take in the fresh and salty aroma. Taking deep breaths improves lung function, lowers stress, and improves concentration.

The Touch: If you walk barefoot or bury your hands in the sand, its’ particles will stimulate your psyche and your skin.

The Sound: The sound of the waves will help you feel optimistic and positive about your upcoming finals. The sound of nature will help soothe your body and relax your mind.

The Sight: You’ll see many people walking/jogging, long palm trees, and very talented surfers. If you catch a sunrise or a luminous sunset your body will relax and reduce stress. Watching the waves will boost your confidence going into finals, you will crush them!

Make sure you add some beach time to your finals study plans, or go afterwards with friends or alone. Surviving these next two weeks will set you up for a successful future in your awesome future academic endeavors, and it doesn’t have to be chaotic or full of stress.

Categories
Culture & Student Life Sports & Leisure

VC Women’s Basketball Will Grind Stronger and Smarter

Ventura College Women’s Basketball team’s loss Friday night to Allan Hancock was a devastating, but spectacular battle of their regular season finale. The outcome of this game (final score 56-42) won’t overshadow their present and future accomplishments; as they gain experience in sailing turbulent waters together as a team. Tiernan Phillips jetted 12 points, Sam McKenzie 7, Elena Ferrara 4, Alexis Howery 7, Alexa Coubal 7. 

The Pirates are coached by Ventura College’s best women’s basketball head coach: Ned Mircetic. As an inductee of the Ventura County Sports Hall of Fame, he is very humble and happy to share his chests full of priceless treasures: invaluable wisdom that has helped past and present players achieve their best in all aspects of their lives. In addition to his way of life philosophy of “basic fundamentals through team play to play hard,” he mentioned his focus is for his players to grind at life, and be at their best as they develop into adulthood. His passion to aid in their intellectual development individually and as a team has encouraged his current players to want to be better. According to Leslie Salazar, he expects them to show up early, be the smartest one, and work hard. Additionally, Alexa Coubal also praised his intelligence and ability to be a great teacher, something many coaches lack. 

It is also worth mentioning the pirates exquisitely demonstrated their philosophy “We Play Hard” both individually and collectively as a team. Before the game began, the pirates displayed an unifying force when they honored our flag during the national anthem. It was followed by the women’s basketball team honoring their 3 sophomores: Dani Henley, Alexis Howery, Tiernan Phillps, in a touching ceremony in which they received flowers, and in turn they took them to their families, who were in attendance and ready to cheer them on. 

Of course, defeating Allan Hancock would have meant everything to the Pirates, but let’s not forget they had a great season winning 9 out of 12 games. Friday’s defeat does not diminish their chance to be victorious (once again), since there’s another opportunity for our women’s team extend their playoff run this Saturday night against Moorpark College. Be certain coach Ned expects the Ventura College Women’s Basketball team to show up on Saturday, live life, and play with a high degree of intelligence.

VC Women’s Basketball Team Schedule & Tickets