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VenturaSanta Paula Cruise Night
Mark your calendars, Ventura County! Santa Paula's beloved Cruise Night is back for 2026, turning historic Main Street into a rolling car museum every month. For 25 years, this tradition has brought families and gearheads together under the stars — classic chrome, live music, and that small-town magic we all crave. As Ventura Breeze reported, the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce and city partners are keeping this free community staple alive. Whether you're reminiscing about your first hot rod or just want a night of tacos and tunes, it's the perfect excuse to cruise over and feel that Central Coast connection.
VenturaVentura Police run for inclusion in annual Law Enforcement Torch Run
Ventura, mark your calendars for Thursday, June 4, 2026. From 8:00 to 9:30 a.m., our very own Ventura Police officers and staff will be hitting the streets to carry the “Flame of Hope” as part of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. It’s a four-mile, non-competitive relay that’s so much more than a run — it’s a powerful statement of unity and inclusion for our local Special Olympics athletes. This is the kind of event that reminds us what community really means. Seeing our officers lace up their running shoes to support these incredible athletes shows the heart of Ventura. As first reported by the Ventura Breeze, this tradition brings law enforcement and residents together in a shared mission of respect and belonging. If you’re out and about that morning, give a wave or a cheer — it’s a small way to be part of something bigger.
VenturaSafe Use of Flea and Tick Products in Pets
Flea and tick season is here on the Central Coast, and while we love our pets roaming our Ventura beaches and Ojai trails, those tiny pests can cause big problems. The FDA warns that flea bites can lead to flea allergy dermatitis, causing hair loss and skin infections in dogs and cats. Before you grab any product off the shelf, it's worth checking with your vet — especially for our local pets who spend time near the Ventura River or in coastal chaparral. This important reminder comes from Ventura Breeze, and it's a great chance to review safe use of flea and tick treatments. Always follow label directions, use the correct dosage for your pet's weight, and never mix products. A little prevention keeps our furry friends happy and healthy all summer long.
VenturaScamp Club
Meet Cakebatter, a sweet-natured pup who loves yoga and long beach strolls with her humans. She's the latest star of Scamp Club, a beloved feature in the Ventura Breeze that celebrates the four-legged friends who make our community brighter. From the sand at Surfers Point to the trails along the Ventura River, Cakebatter embodies the laid-back, outdoor-loving spirit of the 805. If you have a scamp of your own who deserves the spotlight, keep an eye on the Ventura Breeze for submission details. After all, in a region where dogs are family, sharing their stories brings us all a little closer.
VenturaVentura County Public Works Week in Action
This week, Ventura County celebrated National Public Works Week with events that brought our local infrastructure to life. In Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, and at the Ventura County Government Center, families and school groups explored equipment displays, visited informational booths, and participated in hands-on activities. Over 1,200 kids came on field trips Tuesday alone, getting an up-close look at the services that keep our communities running—from water systems to road maintenance. It’s easy to take public works for granted until you see a child’s face light up behind the wheel of a street sweeper. These events, highlighted by the Ventura Breeze, remind us of the dedicated crews who maintain our roads, parks, and utilities. It’s a great opportunity to appreciate the behind-the-scenes work that makes the 805 such a great place to live.
VenturaVentura’s Strawberry Festival Delivers a Sweet Start to Summer
Summer has officially arrived in Ventura, and nothing says it quite like the sweet, juicy taste of locally grown strawberries. The 40th annual Strawberry Festival took over the Ventura County Fairgrounds last month, and by all accounts, it was a berry good time. From the always-entertaining strawberry shortcake eating contest to live music and family-friendly activities, the festival once again proved why it’s a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. As reported by the Ventura Breeze, this year’s celebration was especially meaningful—marking four decades of community fun. For those of us who call the 805 home, the Strawberry Festival isn’t just about dessert; it’s a chance to reconnect with neighbors, support local vendors, and kick off the sunny season together. Whether you were in the crowd for the tunes or just chasing a sugar rush, this event reminded us why Ventura knows how to do summer right.
VenturaVCAS Participating in the 3rd Annual California Adopt-A-Pet Day
You know that feeling when you walk into a shelter and a pair of soulful eyes just locks onto yours? That’s exactly what Ventura County Animal Services is hoping for on Saturday, June 6th, from 1 to 6 p.m. at their Camarillo and Simi Valley shelters. According to *Ventura Breeze*, VCAS is joining over 150 shelters statewide for the 3rd Annual California Adopt-A-Pet Day, and the goal is simple: get as many dogs and cats into loving homes as possible. It’s the kind of community event that feels less like a transaction and more like a reunion waiting to happen. What I love about this is how it brings our whole region together. Whether you’re in Ventura, Oxnard, or up the coast, these shelters are right in our backyard. Adopting from VCAS means you’re not just gaining a new best friend—you’re making room for the next animal in need and supporting a local service that’s been a lifeline for pets and people alike. So if you’ve been thinking about adding a furry family member, mark your calendar. It might just be the best Saturday you’ve had in a while.
VenturaScamp Club: Timmy
You know how sometimes you meet a dog and just *know* they’ve got a story? According to the *Ventura Breeze*’s latest “Scamp Club” feature, that dog is Timmy. This little guy—a Papillon, corgi, and dachshund mix who’s about 11 years old—found his forever home nine years ago when his human, Linda, adopted him from an Ojai no-kill rescue. He’d been saved from a high-kill shelter, and Linda named him Timmy because he was so timid. Now? He’s living the good life right here in Ventura, proof that second chances really do wag their tails. It’s stories like Timmy’s that remind us why our local rescues matter so much. From Ojai to Ventura, the Central Coast is full of people willing to open their hearts (and their homes) to animals who need a little extra patience. So next time you’re out on the Promenade or grabbing coffee downtown, give a little chin scratch to a rescue pup—you never know what kind of lucky story they’re carrying with them.
VenturaVentura Home Improvement, Food & Wine Expo 2026
You know that feeling when you walk into your kitchen and suddenly see every cracked tile and outdated cabinet? Well, the folks behind the *Ventura Home Improvement, Food & Wine Expo* are ready to help. According to the *Ventura Breeze*, the show is returning to the Ventura County Fairgrounds June 12–14, 2026, and this year it’s bringing a full Tiny Homes Village. Whether you’re dreaming of a backyard ADU for rental income or just want to taste some local wine while browsing bath fixtures, this is the place to be. What I love about this expo is how it speaks to our local housing reality. With prices still sky-high, many of us are thinking smaller—granny units, tiny homes, or smart remodels that add value without moving. And let’s be honest, a weekend at the fairgrounds with food and wine samples sounds like a pretty good way to tackle that to-do list. Mark your calendars, Ventura—this is one home show that actually feels like a community gathering.
VenturaOn Vacation – Oregon
There’s nothing quite like a little Pacific Northwest escape to shake off the coastal fog, and according to the *Ventura Breeze*, Carol Leish has been doing just that—exploring the lush landscapes around Portland, Oregon. As someone who’s traded our Ventura sun for a few days of mossy green and craft coffee, she’s reminding us that even when we leave the 805, we’re still part of the community. It’s a sweet tradition: the *Breeze* invites all of us to send in snapshots from our own adventures, so if you’re heading out of town this summer, don’t forget to share a postcard-worthy moment. This little column speaks to something we all feel here in Ventura—our town is the kind of place you love to leave, but you love coming back to even more. Whether you’re hiking in Oregon or just up the coast in Santa Barbara, the *Breeze* wants to hear about it. So next time you’re sipping a latte in a new city or staring at a different ocean, snap a photo and send it their way. It’s a fun way to keep our little corner of the world connected, even when we’re miles away.
VenturaCommunity Wildfire Preparedness & Safety Evening
You know that dry, dusty feeling in the air we’re already starting to get? It’s that time of year again, and according to the *Ventura Breeze*, our local crews are getting ahead of it. The Ventura Land Trust, alongside the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council and our own Ventura Fire Department, is hosting a Community Wildfire Preparedness & Safety Evening. This isn’t just another lecture—it’s a chance for us to weigh in on the updated Community Wildfire Protection Plan before it’s finalized. If you’ve ever wondered why the hillsides look different after a clearing crew passes through, or wanted to know exactly what “fuel clearance by June 1st” means for your own backyard, this is the place to ask. What I love about this is that it’s not just top-down advice. They’re actively gathering *our* feedback—from the folks who live in the canyons, the ones who walk the trails, and everyone in between. Living in Ventura means we trade stunning views and coastal breezes for a very real fire season, and events like this remind us we’re all in it together. So grab a coffee, head over, and let’s make sure our community stays as resilient as it is beautiful.
VenturaFriends of Barbara Gives Hope to Elderly Homeless Women
You know that moment when you’re driving through Midtown and something makes you slow down? That’s exactly what happened to Veronica Sanchez—the familiar face behind Legacy of Love’s animal rescue work—when she spotted an elderly woman struggling with her shopping cart. According to the *Ventura Breeze*, Veronica didn’t just drive by. She pulled over and found the woman injured, exhausted, and in rough shape. That chance encounter sparked something bigger: “Friends of Barbara,” a new effort giving hope to elderly homeless women right here in our community. This story hits close to home because it reminds us that homelessness doesn’t always look like what we expect. Some of our most vulnerable neighbors are older women who’ve slipped through the cracks—often quietly, often alone. Veronica’s instinct to stop, listen, and act is pure Ventura spirit. It’s a beautiful reminder that compassion doesn’t require a grand plan, just a willingness to see someone who’s been overlooked.
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