Strike Up the BandAfter a rocky beginning...

Strike Up the Band

After a rocky beginning last year, the New West Symphony is back for its second season (B1). The group met with initial resentment after two community orchestras were dissolved to pave the way for it. But the symphony finished its initial year in the black, and has 12 concerts scheduled this season.

Lasting Landmark

The storm-ravaged Ventura Pier should be rebuilt to its original length, but with steel instead of wooden piles, engineers and others say (B1). . . . Council members will decide whether to allow Ventura to give up the distinction of having the state’s longest wooden pier, in exchange for making it tougher.