Red Barn Reopens to Competitive Market

Linvill’s Little Red Barn produce outlet--for nearly three decades a familiar roadside attraction along California 126 near Santa Paula--has reopened.

Robert Rezzonico commenced business Monday after a nearly two-year hiatus, during which time the Red Barn’s owners, Libby and Don Linvill, had the property on the selling block.

Rezzonico, a Santa Paula resident, is leasing one side of the two-piece mock barn and is offering an assortment of staple produce items such as oranges, avocados, artichokes, lettuce, potatoes, tomatoes and watermelon.

“We feel that it’s a valuable piece of property,” Libby Linvill said. “We couldn’t find a viable purchaser so we decided to start it back up again.”

With a fresh coat of red and white paint and a silo, the produce outlet is highly visible to passers-by. Nonetheless, it re-enters a competitive arena.

In close proximity to the barn, other produce outlets--including Mr. C’s, Ralph’s, Manuel’s and Yamaguchi’s flower stand--vie for drive-by business. In all, about 15 roadside stands dot California 126 between Santa Paula and the Ventura-Los Angeles county line.

“That is a busy stretch,” Rezzonico said. “But it’s the first one” on that part of the road when heading east.

Plans, Rezzonico said, include utilizing the barn’s greenhouse and surrounding land for an indoor-outdoor garden center that will offer bedding plants and colorful annuals.

Rezzonico that although he purchases the stand’s produce directly from area growers, he will attempt to do some of his own growing behind the barn.

“We’ll have corn for the summertime and pumpkins in October,” he said.

Linvill’s Little Red Barn is at 18492 Old Telegraph Road (California 126). Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

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A reopening of another sort: the ever-popular “you-pick ‘em” offerings at Tierra Rejada Ranch in Moorpark are maturing for the season opener.

“I’m waiting for the blackberries to ripen,” said proprietor Rick Brecunier. “That’s the kickoff for our season each year.”

Brecunier expects to open his bramble berry patch to eager fingers the latter part of May.

The 25-acre ranch--more like a big garden than it is a farm--offers a wide assortment of fruits and vegetables during the summer and fall months.

Heavy winter rains delayed the planting of Brecunier’s assorted row crops, however, so other pick-your-own offerings, such as lettuce, corn, beets and tomatoes, won’t be available until later in the summer.

While he waits to open the gates later this month, Brecunier will continue to sell a variety of citrus--tangerines, pummelos, navel and blood oranges--on a self-serve basis.

The ranch and self-serve stand are at 3370 Moorpark Road. Call 529-3690.

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Right on the heels of Cinco de Mayo festivities comes another cultural event, this one culinary, that harks back to the rich heritage found south of the border.

This time around we celebrate the tamale. Yes, that wonderfully spicy concoction of moist cornmeal masa and husk wrapped around a succulent, meaty center.

Procure your fill of tamales during a unique presentation hosted by the Guadalapana Society of Mission San Buenaventura 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Ortega Adobe in Ventura.

Local historian Richard Senate will chronicle the rich background of the humble tamale, while society members prepare the popular dish.

Tamales can be purchased to eat at the event for a nominal charge or can be bought in larger quantities to take home. Live music and tours of the Ortega Adobe, 215 W. Main St., are also part of the event. Call 644-4346.