Music Men

Two new recordings, released by Ventura County residents past and present, may differ in style but share a fierce sense of artistic independence (Weekend Calendar, Page 62). . . . Ventura-based classical composer John Biggs, above, wrote three concertos featured in an album recorded last year. And Ventura-bred saxophonist Dave Binney, who lives in New York, concocted jazz offerings on another recording called “Lan Xang.”

Batter Up!

Here’s a way to keep your kids quiet: Give them a baseball bat and let them hit some balls at your neighborhood field or holiday baseball camp (Page 64). . . . Ventura County families have a wide choice of baseball facilities and programs available this weekend, including Who’s on First, an Oxnard range where professional catcher Jeffrey Tackett gives lessons by appointment.

Travel Plans

This is the time of year that scores of Ventura County schoolchildren travel with their families to Mexico--and schools have homework programs to ensure students have not lost ground academically when they return (B1). . . . “This is such a cultural tradition for these families, we never tell them not to go,” said Linda Bell, an Oxnard elementary school teacher. “But at the same time, we really make an effort to make sure these kids don’t fall behind when they’re gone.”

Snowbird Paradise

The Rincon Parkway along the ocean north of Ventura is a mecca for RV enthusiasts who flee snow and sleet for sand and surf this time of year (B1). . . . “We’re not missing the snow one bit,” said Pat Gragert, who lived in Minnesota before retiring.