It’s New Year’s resolution time again.  To make promises to better ourselves or to quit doing things that we feel are harmful to us or to others.  This tradition dates back to ancient Babylonia and was first celebrated in March. Then those feisty Romans changed it to January in honor of the God Janus.  He was the patron of arches, doorways, beginnings and endings.  I contacted several locals to see what they are resolved to do and was buoyed by their positive messages and the notion that 2014 is full of promise and inspiration.  We hope you and yours have a very happy New Year!

• CHERYL HEITMANN
  Mayor Ventura, CA – “Better time management!”

• SHELBY FIGUEROA
  Singer/Songwriter – “Spend more time with friends & family and to take more pictures!!”

• SHANE ALEXANDER
  Musician/Singer/Songwriter – “I’m a Buddhist so I literally start EVERY day with resolutions – to be the best man I can be, to be the best artist I can be, to develop and maintain a blissful life condition and to keep my home-life balanced and flourishing.”

• BILL LOCEY
  Music writer Ventura County Star – “I live as if every day is New Year’s Eve, Christmas and my birthday”

• DOUG PETTIBONE
  Musician/Singer/Songwriter John Mayer band – “This year I will try to be the best father, husband, friend I can be.”

• GUY MARTIN
  Blues/Rock Musician – “My New Year’s resolution is to write, record and produce a long overdue original album. My last effort was in 2000.  Lots of unfinished music has been written since then!”

• MB HANRAHAN
  Artist/Muralist – “Never do something ‘only for the money'”

• KYLE HUNT
  Musician/Singer/Songwriter – “Aside from the usual resolutions like trying to live healthier and get in shape, I’d really like to release the new songs I’ve been working on. I’m looking forward to sharing them with everybody. On top of that I’d like to go see a lot more live shows. I’d like to check out some of the bands I haven’t had a chance to see.”

• TODD HANNIGAN
  Musician/Singer/Songwriter/Producer – “No resolution this year.  I usually end up breaking them all year.”

• MARK MASSON
  Musician Shaky Feelin’ – “My New Year’s resolution is to live everyday to the fullest appreciate all my friends, family and even all of my lovely acquaintances around Ventura. Life is short and we never know when it’s going to be taken away from us. Oh yeah and work out and stay in shape, drink only the best beer and keep on playing my music and rocking hard to pursue my dreams for me and other people who are pushing for me. Basically my resolution is to just try and be a better person.”

• JODI FARRELL
  Music/Voice teacher/Singer -“To thine own self, be true”

• LISBET FREY
  Owner/Partner Green Art People – “I can tell you this I have resolved to have more fun (unrelated to work) and to connect authentically with friends, family and music. I want to be more present and live and make connections out of love, not obligation. I also plan on working on my own music this year and getting back into singing/writing.”

• BRENDAN WILLING JAMES
  Musician/Singer/Songwriter Member of Grizfolk- “I resolve to be conversational in Swedish by the end of the year, to meet Steven Colbert, and eat sushi in Japan.”

• CHRISTINA DIAZ
  Artist/Editor in Chief E-Volved Magazine – “My 2014 resolution is to continue to stay sober (I have a 15+ months) and keep moving forward.”

• AMANDA PEACOCK
  Rock Photographer –“I think my New Year’s resolution is: Less time spent on social media, less time spent in bars (did you know that I don’t even drink?), more time with Family and friends, connecting on a deeper level. The past year has brought me new insight to what matters most.”

• DIEGO GAMBA
  Manager Bombay Bar & Grill – “To make downtown (Ventura) safe and thriving and to provide quality local entertainment in a safe and fun environment.”

• PERLA BATALLA
  Musician/Singer/Songwriter/Producer – “Every moment counts so I plan to pay close attention and take regular tech breaks for goodness sakes!! And most importantly I plan to continue to love big, always love big!!!”

• JIM RICE
  Executive Director Bell Arts Factory – “My resolution is to have a new resolution every day …not just once a year….but a lifestyle resolved to simply be… “BETTER”.

• TOMMY MARSH
  Blues/Rock Musician “My resolutions are many…LOL, lose some weight… Love my friends and family more apparently and deliberately… To give more of my time and substance or help others find their path or get back onto it… And of course the biggie…To WIN IN MEMPHIS!”

• JONNY REESE
  Owner Amigo’s Surf Cantina  “I am resolving to take better care of myself and the people I love. Be more open to new and different music styles!”

• SAMANTHA ROSS
  Comedian/Acct Exec VC Reporter – “I’m looking forward to 2014. Although this year was positive creatively, 2013 was challenging professionally. I was afraid of change, but in the end it was the best thing for me. This next year, I’m going to embrace new experiences and focus on a little thing called follow through.”

• TOM HILTON
  Radio personality KVTA Tom & Sandy’s 805 – “My New Year’s resolution it’s to lose 10 LBS without cutting down on beer LOL!”

• PAM BAUMGARDNER
  Owner VenturaRocks.com – “My New Year’s resolution is to create and maintain a well organized office. It will help smooth the way for getting more projects done. Oh! and dance more!”

• POLLY HOGANSON
  Music Advocate and Writer VenturaRocks.com – “Well I hope to travel to where ever Paul McCartney is and enjoy a once in a lifetime live concert.  Pick up an instrument, I think I have time now, and live a simple, healthy life, physically, mentally and spiritually. Here’s to 2014!”

Steve and Polly Hoganson