Stay Informed
Local News
AI-curated coverage of what matters across the Central Coast
Showing news for VenturaClear filter
News from Ventura
VenturaTwelve More Restored Film Noir Classics Screen At Ojai Art Center
Film noir fans, mark your calendars. The Ojai Art Center Film Branch is bringing back Shadows & Secrets for a second season, starting August 2. This twelve-week series will showcase restored American film noir classics every Sunday at 7 p.m. through October 25. After the first season’s enthusiastic response, it’s clear our community’s love for these moody, black-and-white thrillers is alive and well. For those of us in Ventura and the broader 805 region, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy classic cinema in an intimate, local setting. The Art Center is a beloved cultural hub, and this series offers a perfect excuse to head up the 33 for a Sunday evening escape. For more details, check out the original announcement from the Ventura Breeze.
VenturaThe Grape: The Little Jazz Club That Built a Community
There’s a certain magic that happens when you walk into The Grape in Ventura—the kind of place that feels less like a business and more like a living room where everyone knows your name. This little jazz club has quietly become a cornerstone of the local music scene, hosting everything from seasoned pros to up-and-coming artists who make the 805 proud. It’s not just about the smooth sax or the clink of glasses; it’s about the way strangers become friends over a shared love of live music. As reported by the Ventura Breeze, The Grape has grown into something far bigger than its modest storefront suggests—a true community hub where neighbors gather, musicians find a stage, and the spirit of Ventura County comes alive. In an age of digital everything, it’s refreshing to have a spot that reminds us what real connection feels like. If you haven’t been yet, grab a seat, listen close, and see why this place matters.
VenturaCity Shifts Design Review Authority
Big changes are coming to how development gets the green light in Ventura. The City Council voted to dissolve the Design Review Committee (DRC) as part of a push to speed up housing approvals and cut through red tape. City leaders say the old process was piling on costs and delays for builders, which ultimately affects how quickly new homes can come to market. This move streamlines the review process by eliminating a layer of oversight that officials deemed duplicative. For neighbors keeping an eye on local growth, it means fewer hurdles for developers—but also raises questions about preserving Ventura’s character as projects move faster. The Ventura Breeze first reported the decision, noting the council’s focus on balancing efficiency with community design standards. As the city tackles its housing shortage, this shift could shape what gets built and how quickly we see new rooftops.
VenturaVentura Music Festival Brings Five Nights of Music
The Ventura Music Festival is back for its 31st season, and this year’s Summer Series is shaping up to be something special. From July 20 and continuing July 23 through 26, five concerts will take over some of Ventura’s most cherished venues — think intimate speakeasy-style galas, powerhouse opera recitals, and daring chamber music experiences. It’s a celebration that turns our own backyard into a stage, and the Ventura Breeze had the scoop on the full lineup. For those of us who call the 805 home, this festival is more than just a series of shows — it’s a reminder of the vibrant arts community we’re lucky to have. Whether you’re a classical music devotee or just looking for a memorable night out, these performances offer a chance to connect with neighbors and experience Ventura’s cultural heartbeat. Mark your calendars and grab tickets early; this is one summer tradition you won’t want to miss.
VenturaUnited Water Seeks Voter Approval for $350M Water Bond
Ventura County voters will have a big decision to make this November. The United Water Conservation District Board has unanimously approved placing a $350 million General Obligation Bond Measure on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot. The funds would support three priority projects aimed at securing our region’s long-term water supply — a critical issue for the Central Coast, especially as drought cycles become more frequent. According to the Ventura Breeze, the bond would finance upgrades to local water infrastructure that many of us depend on. For residents in Ventura and surrounding communities, this measure could mean more reliable water in the years ahead. It’s a conversation worth having now, before ballots arrive.
VenturaOp-ed: Hospice Should Offer Dignity, Not Deception
A recent op-ed in the Ventura Breeze by Molly Corbett, CEO of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, reminds us that hospice care should be about dignity—not neglect. She shares the heartbreaking story of a Ventura County family whose loved one went three weeks without a nurse visit from their hospice provider. Here on the Central Coast, where community and compassion are part of our identity, this should give us pause. When we choose hospice for a family member, we're trusting that they'll be treated with respect and comfort. If you're researching options, Corbett's piece is a must-read. It's a call for transparency and accountability, and a powerful reminder that we all deserve better at life's most vulnerable moments.
VenturaFree lecture – “Saving the California Condor”
The California Condor’s comeback is one of the great conservation success stories, and it’s happening right in our backyard. On [date], the Friends of California Condors Wild and Free will host a free lecture at [location] featuring board member Debbie Parisi, who will share the latest on wild populations and the breeding efforts that have pulled this iconic bird back from the brink. For those of us in Ventura and the broader 805 region, the condor’s fate is especially close to home—these majestic birds soar over the Los Padres National Forest and the Sespe Condor Sanctuary, just north of us. This talk offers a rare chance to hear firsthand about the ongoing work to protect a species that nearly vanished. Whether you’re a longtime birdwatcher or just curious about local wildlife, it’s a reminder of what makes the Central Coast so special. The Ventura Breeze originally shared the news, and we’re glad to pass it along. Mark your calendar and come learn how you can support these incredible creatures.
VenturaSips & Sustainability: Topa Topa Brewing Co
Join us on July 23 for a special evening that pairs great local beer with a great cause. Topa Topa Brewing Co. is teaming up with Ventura Land Trust for 'Sips & Sustainability,' a behind-the-scenes look at how the brewery keeps things eco-friendly from grain to glass. You’ll enjoy fresh tastings while learning about their green practices — and every sip supports local land conservation. This is exactly the kind of community connection we love here on the Central Coast. Ventura Breeze shared the scoop, and it’s a perfect reminder that when we drink local, we’re also protecting the open spaces that make the 805 so special. Grab a friend and raise a glass for the land we love.
VenturaVentura County Posts Record Primary Turnout
Ventura County just made history. According to the Ventura Breeze, the June 2, 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election saw the highest voter turnout for a midterm primary since at least 1990. County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the final certification, a clear sign that Central Coast residents are more engaged than ever in shaping their future. This isn't just a statistic — it reflects a community that cares deeply about local and state leadership. Whether you voted at the Ventura County Government Center or dropped off your ballot at a neighborhood box, your voice helped set this record. It’s a proud moment for the 805, proving that when it comes to democracy, Ventura County shows up.
VenturaVentura County Ag Industry Grows to $2.4 Billion
Ventura County’s agricultural roots just got a little deeper. The 2025 Crop and Livestock Report, presented to the Board of Supervisors and covered by the Ventura Breeze, puts the local farming industry at a record $2.4 billion—a 4% bump from last year. That’s not just a number; it means our strawberries, avocados, and lemons are feeding the nation and keeping our economy strong. Whether you’re a farmer in Oxnard or a shopper at the Camarillo farmers market, this growth touches all of us. It’s easy to forget, with all the new housing and tech buzz, that Ventura County is still an agricultural powerhouse. This report reminds us that the fields we drive past every day are more than just pretty scenery—they’re a $2.4 billion reason to be proud of where we live. For more details, check out the full story from the Ventura Breeze.
VenturaFood Forward Event Collects 7,500 Pounds of Citrus
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.
VenturaMoon Ditch Mural: Almost Done!
If you've driven southbound on the 101 near the Ventura Auto Center lately, you've probably noticed the explosion of color along the flood control channel. That's the Moon Ditch Mural, and word from the Ventura Breeze is that it's almost finished. Artist Elisa Torres has been transforming over 3,400 linear feet of concrete into a flowing canvas that connects our community to the land and water that shapes us. It's one of those projects that turns a daily commute into a moment of art. This mural isn't just about beautifying a drainage ditch—it's a landmark that tells Ventura's story. As someone who drives that stretch regularly, I can tell you it's already making the freeway feel more like home. Big thanks to the Ventura Breeze for keeping us posted. If you haven't seen it yet, take the southbound 101 between Victoria and Johnson and enjoy the final brushstrokes of a truly local masterpiece.
Have a News Tip?
Know about something happening in your community? We are always looking for local stories that matter to the 805.
Share a Story