Economics according to moi is simple. If the public shops the economy will roll. Okay, shop and fix the economics woos. Oh yes, by the way, it's your job as women to shop. It's time to hit the streets to go shopping and why not support small business by shopping at boutiques and shops. Yes, that shopping economic fix job now includes all of you - men, women, children, young, old, tall short and me. It's fun too browse, shop and buy in person.

With gas so cheap these days, you can drive either short distances to Ventura shops and boutiques without the mall crowds. If you live further away, make it a day trip. Better yet stay longer. Real Venturians love both their locals as well as their tourists - tourists from countywide to worldwide.

Meantime, check into one of Ventura's Bed & Breakfasts like the "Bella Maggiore Inn" and enjoy a breakfast and/or lunch at "Nona's Courtyard Cafe" 67 South California Street, Ventura, CA (805) 652-0277. Tom, Ted and Wendy coordinate daily with their staff to make your stay a pleasant one plus an extraordinaire breakfast and lunch.

If you choose an alternate or wish to dine in the hotel's building try the "Sportsman Restaurant & Lounge" located at 53 South California Street, Ventura, CA 93001 or call (805) 643-2851. As owner, not only does Jenny run the restaurant, she often still welcomes her customers by working as hostess.

Also, if you’ve missed Susan Morehouse, Bartender and Fisherwoman, from the old San Souci and I emphasize the "old San Souci", you’ll find her tending bar at the Sportsman on Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights. Connie man’s (woman’s) the bar on Tuesday nights and Jessie’s there Wednesday through Friday nights. Sue is on board in the lounge on weekdays and Lisa weekend days

Now that you're in Downtown Ventura, you've eaten and your ready to shop at Ventura's local boutiques. Step outside to California Street and, walla, there you are in Ventura's walking shopping district or you can get in your car and drive to Midtown Ventura.

In Midtown, at Ralph's Comic Corner, you can select from over a million comic books. Yes, that's right - 1,000,000 comic books including collectable comics and cards. Ralph carries a large selection of back issues, as well as a full line of currently published comics, including everything from best-selling Marvel, DC, and image comics to the usually difficult-to-find small press titles. The comic book experts at Ralph’s Comic Corner are, of course, Ralph Holt himself plus Mike Sterling and Aaron Cornelius. Ralph has been in the comic book industry for 28 years now and has been at his current location for over ten at: 2379 East Main Street, Ventura, CA 93003 (805) 653-2732.

Across the street and still in the 2300 block at 2304 East Main Street is the "Couch Potato" the FUTON SPECIALISTS, which was established in Ventura County in 1990. The store, also, includes a large selection of mattresses, futon covers, nine sizes of beanbags, and foam furniture on display. This time of year, Chuck, the store's owner brings in a truckload filled with beanbags in a variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and patterns to fit your "Couch Potato's" needs.

From casual dining to casual living to casual playing furniture, stop by and check out "Barstools & Dinettes" where owner Santa Cruz carries living room furniture, bedroom sets, dining tables, entertainment center, kids furniture, sofas, and lounge chairs in a variety of styles. Also, "Barstools & Dinettes" can special order to meet your furniture needs whereas the “Couch Potato” your kick back and relaxing furnishing needs. "Barstools & Dinettes" is another Midtown Ventura 2300 block business at 2358 E. Main Street, Suite C, Ventura, CA 93003 (805) 641-3265. The storefront faces Arcade. www.outletfurnitureonthenet.com.

Back to Historical Downtown Ventura where "Town Biz 101" wants to remind you of Wild Planet downtown's funky department store destination - a store that specializes in ironic gifts for everyone, including finicky teenagers, goofy uncles, and you. You're bound to find something from our selection of over 500 styles of shoes, CD's, LP's, DVD's, incense, candles, body jewelry, house wares, tobacco accessories, purses, clothing, baby gear, and more. Wild Planet carries nothing you need and everything you want. Did we mention SHOOOOOOOOOOES? Cute shoes, funky shoes, stylish shoes, and during the winter months, BOOOOOOOOTS! You will find Wild Planet located across from the movie theater at 560 East Main Street. (805) 643 5238.

Among the latest newcomers is Dee Dee's Dog Spot - Ventura's premier full-service pet spa. Have your dog pampered at this pet spa where Dee Dee provides professional pet grooming including nail trim. Other doggie services are self-serve pet Wash-N-Dry availability, doggie day care, pet sitting, dog training, and pet taxi service.

Dee Dee brings to her business 10-years experience in the pet care industry. Have your dog pampered at "Dee Dee's Dog Spot" located at 973 East Front Street across from the Wharf. Via phone reach Dee Dee at: (805) 648-SPOT (7768).

Home-based businesses: Joining the home-based business industry is "Crocheting by Karen", where Karen's creations are a specialty - custom crocheting to fit your tastes. Among the custom crocheting, Karen crochets scarves - hat sets, individual scarves, ponchos, doggie apparel, Afghans, scrunches (hair apparel) and much, much more.

In addition, Karen is starting up "Karen Rodriguez Administrative Services" also a home-based business with services in word processing, spreadsheets, data entry, event planning and Desk Top Publishing. Karen brings over 20-years experience to the table in high performance administrative support. To reach either or both of these services "Crocheting by Karen" and/or "Karen Rodriguez Administrative Services call (805) 746-9404 to schedule an appointment.

...and as always, there is more to come.