Food Forward Event Collects 7,500 Pounds of Citrus
Ventura Breeze
July 10, 2026
The Ventura County citrus groves are more than just a scenic backdrop—they’re a lifeline. On Saturday, June 6, 2026, Food Forward, Inc. proved that point in Somis by rallying volunteers for Zest Fest, a community harvest that collected a whopping 7,500 pounds of citrus. As reported by the Ventura Breeze, the event brought together both seasoned pickers and first-timers, all eager to turn surplus fruit into meals for neighbors facing food insecurity.
This isn’t just about oranges and lemons; it’s about connection. Food Forward’s work ensures that the bounty of our local farms doesn’t go to waste, but instead reaches tables across the Central Coast. For anyone who’s driven past those fragrant orchards and wondered how to give back, this harvest is a sweet reminder that small actions—like showing up on a Saturday morning—can yield big change. Kudos to everyone who rolled up their sleeves.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from Ventura Breeze.
City
VenturaSource
Ventura BreezePublished
July 10, 2026
AI-curated summary from local news sources
Explore VenturaAll Ventura NewsMore News from Ventura
Ventura1978 Santa Barbara – ‘Discovering Paradise’ by Mark Lewis
Fellow 805 neighbors, here's a lovely one from our friends at the Ventura Breeze. Santa Barbara author Mark Lewis just released 'Discovering Paradise,' a book drawn from the wild, life-changing years he spent in Santa Barbara in 1978 and 1979 — stories he'd been telling friends for forty-five years before finally putting them on paper. He started the project back in October 2023, the same day he cut his cable TV service, trading screen time for storytelling. It's a nice reminder that the Central Coast has a way of collecting memories worth keeping, whether you landed here in the '70s or last summer. If you love local history and a good hometown tale, keep an eye out for it. And if you've got a 1978 Santa Barbara story of your own, we'd love to hear it.
VenturaGold Coast Health Plan Awards $2 Million in Community Grants
Some good news for Ventura County this week: Gold Coast Health Plan is putting more than $2 million back into the community through its RISE grant program, spread across seven local providers and organizations. GCHP has been covering roughly 220,000 Medi-Cal members here since 2011, so this is our health plan investing in the groups that keep our neighbors healthy. That's the part worth pausing on. These grants fund resilience, innovation, sustainability, and equity work — the unglamorous, behind-the-scenes services that so many families quietly depend on. In a county where the cost of living keeps climbing, $2 million spread across local organizations can go a long way. Big thanks to the Ventura Breeze for spotlighting it. Keep an eye on which groups receive funding — chances are you know someone they've helped.
VenturaAre Those the Happiest Crocs on Earth?
You know those moments when a stranger's tiny joy makes your whole afternoon? That's exactly what happened to Dave Ramser outside Moon's Thai on Thompson recently, when he spotted a guy waiting for takeout wearing Crocs absolutely covered in Disney characters. His wife probably wanted to disappear, but the exchange that followed is pure Ventura — friendly, a little goofy, and completely genuine. It's the kind of small, warm story the Ventura Breeze does so well, reminding us that this town runs on random conversations and shared smiles. In a world of big headlines, sometimes the happiest Crocs on Earth are just a reminder to slow down, say hi, and enjoy the little things. So next time you're grabbing pad thai downtown, look around. You might spot a pair of Crocs that make your day.