Stay Informed
Local News
AI-curated coverage of what matters across the Central Coast
Showing news for VenturaClear filter
News from Ventura
VenturaCabrillo Music Department Benefit Concert & Dinner
You know Ventura really shines when our kids take center stage, and the Cabrillo Middle School Music Department’s annual Benefit Concert & Dinner is one of those nights that reminds us why. According to the *Ventura Breeze*, this year’s event is happening soon, featuring live jazz from both Cabrillo’s own band and the Ventura High Jazz Band—a beautiful passing of the baton between our future and current young musicians. And it’s not just about the music; there’s fresh, local food to enjoy, making it feel like a true community potluck with a soundtrack. Tickets are $38 in advance, $42 at the door, with all proceeds going directly to support the CMS Music Department. For those of us who remember the thrill of a middle school concert or have kids finding their rhythm in band, this is a chance to keep those programs thriving. So grab a neighbor, support our kids, and enjoy an evening that’s as Ventura as it gets—local talent, local food, and a whole lot of heart.
VenturaVentura County Mental Wellness Festival
You know that feeling when the ocean breeze hits just right and suddenly everything feels a little lighter? That’s the whole vibe of the Ventura County Mental Wellness Festival, coming up soon by the sea. According to *Ventura Breeze*, this free, full-day event is all about celebrating mental health through creativity, music, art, and real community connection. It’s not just another resource fair—it’s a chance to breathe, laugh, and maybe even dance a little while picking up tools to support our own well-being and that of our families. Living here in Ventura, we know how lucky we are to have the coast as a natural reset button. This festival leans into that energy, blending healing with the kind of warm, no-pressure gathering that feels like a hug from the community. Whether you’re a longtime local or new to the 805, it’s a reminder that taking care of our minds doesn’t have to be heavy—it can be joyful, creative, and shared. Mark your calendar, bring a friend, and let’s show up for each other by the water.
VenturaGold Coast Gem Show
If you’ve ever walked along the Ventura Pier and wondered about the stories hidden in the rocks beneath your feet, mark your calendar for the first weekend of June. According to the *Ventura Breeze*, the Gold Coast Gem Show is sparkling its way back to town on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. With free admission, it’s the perfect excuse to bring the whole family—kids especially love the fossil digs and hands-on demonstrations that turn a Saturday outing into a mini geology lesson. What makes this show special for us locals is how it connects our coastal backyard to a much bigger world. From the Santa Monica Mountains to the Channel Islands, our region is rich with natural history, and the vendors here specialize in everything from polished beads to raw minerals that look like they belong in a museum. Whether you’re a seasoned rockhound or just looking for a unique gift, this gem show reminds us that treasure hunting doesn’t require a plane ticket—sometimes it’s just a short drive down the 101.
VenturaNavigating Dynamic Aging – An author talk with Joan Virginia Allen – at the Ojai Library
There’s something special about gathering in the cozy reading room at the Ojai Library, and on Saturday, June 13, we have a chance to do just that. According to the *Ventura Breeze*, local author Joan Virginia Allen will be there at 2pm to talk about her new book, *Navigating Dynamic Aging*. It’s not your typical self-help guide—it’s a deeply personal memoir about embracing the later years with energy, curiosity, and purpose. Joan’s a familiar face around Ojai, and her perspective feels especially relevant here in Ventura County, where so many of us are lucky enough to enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle well into our golden years. What I love about this event is how it shifts the conversation around aging from something to fear to something to celebrate. Whether you’re navigating your own journey or supporting a parent or friend, Joan’s stories offer real, local wisdom. And hey, it’s free, it’s at our beloved library, and it’s a perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Let’s show up, ask questions, and maybe even rethink what getting older can look like.
VenturaVentura Land Trust Wins Grant to Connect Youth to Coast
Good morning, Ventura. If you’ve ever watched a kid’s face light up the first time they spot a dolphin arching out of the surf or feel sand crabs skitter across their palm, you know that magic is worth protecting. According to the *Ventura Breeze*, our own Ventura Land Trust just landed a competitive grant from the California Coastal Commission’s Whale Tail Grant Program to bring that exact magic to Santa Paula youth. It’s part of a $2 million statewide push, and it means more field trips, more tidepool explorations, and more chances for inland kids to fall in love with the coast that defines us. This matters because too many young people in our region—especially those without easy beach access—never get to experience the ocean as a classroom or a sanctuary. The Land Trust already does incredible work preserving open space along the Ventura River and hillsides. Now, with this funding, they’re literally building bridges between Santa Paula and the shore. It’s a reminder that conserving our coastline isn’t just about protecting views; it’s about passing on a sense of wonder to the next generation. So next time you’re at Surfers Point, take a moment to appreciate the kids who might be seeing that view for the very first time—thanks to a grant and a whole lot of local heart.
VenturaCamino Real Tennis Courts Update
It’s tough news for anyone who’s ever chased a cross-court forehand at Camino Real Park. According to the *Ventura Breeze*, the beloved tennis courts—built back in 1972—have officially been closed after an inspection found they’ve reached the end of their usable life. We’re not talking about a simple resurface; the report says the cracks and wear are beyond patching, and a full rebuild is the only real option. That’s a big change for the regulars who’ve been rallying there for decades, and for the pickup games that give the park its lively, familiar hum. Sure, it’s an inconvenience, especially for those who’ve booked their weekend matches. But here’s the silver lining: a full rebuild means we’re not just getting a Band-Aid fix. We’re talking about fresh, level surfaces that could serve our community well for another 50 years. For a city that loves its outdoor spaces, this is a chance to invest in something lasting. Let’s hope the city moves quickly, because those courts aren’t just concrete and lines—they’re where we’ve made friends, taught kids to play, and spent sunny Ventura afternoons. Here’s to a speedy comeback.
VenturaVentura Housing Connections Series
If you’ve ever felt a little lost trying to navigate the ins and outs of renting in Ventura—whether you’re a tenant, a landlord, or a property manager—the City has your back. According to the *Ventura Breeze*, the new “Ventura Housing Connections Series” is a free workshop series designed to help all of us build better, more informed rental relationships. Think of it as a friendly guide to the stuff that often gets confusing: your rights and responsibilities, housing standards, and even how to communicate when things get tricky. What I love about this is how practical it sounds. It’s not just a lecture—it’s a chance to learn about the resources our own Housing Services team and local community partners offer. Whether you’re a first-time renter near downtown or a longtime property owner in the avenues, knowing these tools can save you stress (and maybe even a headache or two). It’s the kind of neighborly know-how that makes Ventura feel like home. Check the *Ventura Breeze* for upcoming dates—and bring your coffee!
VenturaSpring Productions, Summer Youth Offerings & Community Radio Update
It was a real hometown moment over at CAPS Media last week, and if you missed their 25th anniversary bash, you missed a true Ventura lovefest. According to the *Ventura Breeze*, the Community Media Center rolled out the red carpet with station tours, music from Doc Ventura, and video production demos by ECTV students. But what really stood out was the mix of old friends and new faces—longtime producers swapping stories right alongside folks who wandered in just curious about what it takes to make local TV and radio happen. This isn’t just a tech hub; it’s where our community tells its own story. Whether you’ve got a passion project, a podcast idea, or a kid looking for a creative summer outlet, CAPS is the place. Their upcoming summer youth offerings are a fantastic chance for Ventura’s next generation to learn the ropes of media making—skills that build confidence and connection. So if you missed the party, don’t miss the opportunity. Swing by, say hi, and maybe even become the next voice on your neighborhood airwaves.
VenturaHabitat Ventura Plans Ojai Tiny Homes
If you’ve driven through Ojai lately, you know the housing market there feels more like a fantasy than reality for most working families. That’s why news from the *Ventura Breeze* about Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County’s new Montgomery Street Tiny Homes project hits home. They’re planning five tiny homes—two duplexes and a single-family unit—on the same block, with a target groundbreaking in summer 2026. It’s not a massive development, but for the families who will finally have a place to call their own, it’s everything. What I love about this is how it fits Ojai’s character: small, thoughtful, and neighborly. These aren’t just houses; they’re a lifeline for locals priced out of a town where even a modest cottage can run half a million dollars. Habitat’s model—sweat equity, affordable mortgages, community support—has already worked wonders in Ventura and Oxnard. Now, Ojai gets its turn. It’s a reminder that solving the housing crisis doesn’t always mean big towers; sometimes it’s five tiny homes on one street, built by neighbors for neighbors.
VenturaVentura County Workforce Board Receives National Honor
Well, here’s some good news that feels like a win for all of us. According to the *Ventura Breeze*, our very own Workforce Development Board of Ventura County just snagged the 2026 WIOA Trailblazer Award from the National Association of Workforce Boards. That’s a pretty big deal — it’s a national honor given to just one workforce board each year for smart planning and forward-thinking labor market forecasting. For those of us who live and work here, it’s a quiet but powerful reminder that Ventura County isn’t just a beautiful place to raise a family; it’s also a place where people are working hard to make sure local jobs and training programs actually match what our economy needs. What makes this especially meaningful is how it reflects the collaborative spirit of our community. Whether it’s connecting a new grad in Oxnard with a tech apprenticeship or helping a career-changer in Ventura find retraining opportunities, the WDBVC’s regional partnerships are what keep our local workforce resilient. So next time you’re grabbing coffee downtown or chatting with a neighbor about job prospects, know that there’s a nationally recognized team right here in our backyard, quietly making sure our local economy keeps thriving.
VenturaLiz De Anza Students Donate Quilts to VCMC Oncology Clinic
There’s something special about a quilt, isn’t there? It’s not just fabric and thread—it’s warmth, care, and a little piece of home. According to the *Ventura Breeze*, the Builders Club at DeAnza Data Middle School just carried on a beautiful twenty-year tradition by donating handmade quilts to the oncology and chemotherapy clinic at Ventura County Medical Center. These aren’t just any quilts; they’re stitched with love by local students, supported by the Ventura Kiwanis Club, and given to neighbors who are fighting some of the hardest battles of their lives. What strikes me most is the longevity of this gesture. For two decades, Ventura’s youth have been learning that community isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about showing up, year after year. In a world that can feel so digital and disconnected, these kids are literally wrapping their neighbors in comfort. It’s a reminder that right here in Ventura, compassion is a tradition we pass down, one stitch at a time.
VenturaBeachfront Run Approaches Race Day with Strong Turnout
There’s something special about lacing up your sneakers along the Ventura Promenade, and according to the *Ventura Breeze*, this year’s 16th Annual Beachfront Run is shaping up to be the biggest one yet. With less than a month to go until Saturday, May 30, 2026, City Impact Inc. has already logged 762 registered runners—well ahead of where they’ve been in past years. That buzz tells me our community is ready to turn out and support a great cause, all while soaking in those ocean views that make Ventura feel like home. What I love about this race isn’t just the competition—it’s the way it brings together neighbors, local businesses, and families for a morning that feels pure Ventura. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just strolling the promenade with a coffee in hand, the energy is contagious. City Impact does so much behind the scenes for our region, and this run is a perfect chance to give back while enjoying a quintessential Central Coast sunrise. If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time—and a strong field waiting to welcome you.
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