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VenturaVentura Girls Fastpitch 10U Gold Wins Western National Championship
What a summer for Ventura's young athletes! The Ventura Girls Fastpitch 10U Gold All-Stars just brought home the Western National Championship after a perfect 8-0 run in Salem, Oregon. Over seven days, these girls outscored their opponents 96-22—a dominant performance that had to be something to see. And here's the kicker: it's the first time in 50 years a Ventura team has claimed this title. That's not just a win; that's a piece of local history in the making. This team didn't just show up—they showed out, representing Ventura with grit and heart. For our community, this is a reminder of the incredible talent and dedication growing right here on the Central Coast. Hats off to the coaches, the families, and especially the players for putting Ventura on the map. We're so proud of you, and we can't wait to see what you do next. Thanks to the Ventura Breeze for sharing this inspiring story with us!
VenturaOjai Fall Fest Returns
Summer may be winding down, but the fun isn't over yet. The Ojai Fall Fest is back for its annual three-day celebration, and it's the perfect way to soak up those last golden days of the season. From Friday through Sunday, the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church grounds will transform into a vibrant hub of music, carnival rides, and family-friendly activities. With 20 bands set to perform across multiple stages, there's something for every musical taste, whether you're into rock, folk, or something in between. What I love most about this festival is how it brings the whole valley together. It's free to attend, free to park, and the Ojai Trolley makes it easy to get there without the hassle of finding a spot. Plus, with Fiesta Sunday adding an extra layer of celebration, and dozens of food and merchant vendors lining the grounds, it's a true community affair. All proceeds go to support St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, so you can feel good about every funnel cake and carnival ticket. Mark your calendars and bring the whole family—this is one tradition you won't want to miss. As always, thanks to the Ventura Breeze for keeping us in the loop on this beloved local event.
VenturaOn Vacation: Switzerland, Belgium & Holland
Got the travel bug? So did Priscilla Holmes and Rob Schleef from the Ventura Breeze, who recently traded our ocean views for the Alps and canals of Switzerland, Belgium, and Holland. Their snapshot from Lake Lugano is a reminder that even in the midst of summer heat, a little wanderlust can cool you down — and that our community’s stories don’t stop at the 101. It’s fun to see familiar faces from our local paper out exploring the world. It makes you wonder: where would you take the Breeze if you could? Whether it’s a day trip up the coast or a grand European adventure, they want to see it. So next time you’re heading out of town, grab a copy of the Ventura Breeze, snap a photo, and send it to [email protected]. Who knows — you might just end up in the next issue, inspiring a neighbor to book that flight.
Ventura300 Junior Lifeguards Swim Around Ventura Pier
If you were near the Ventura Pier on the morning of August 7th, you might have seen a sea of neon caps bobbing in the water — nearly 300 junior lifeguards taking on the annual swim around the pier. It's a rite of passage for these local kids, a true test of grit and ocean know-how that goes far beyond just making it to the other side. Under the watchful eyes of Ventura's lifeguards and instructors, these young swimmers navigated currents and pilings, building confidence and proving they've got what it takes to handle our beautiful but powerful coastline. Families cheered from the sand, and you could feel the community pride in the air. This is the kind of event that reminds us why Ventura's beach culture is so special — and why the Junior Lifeguard Program is such a cornerstone of growing up local. Thanks to the Ventura Breeze for sharing this story.
VenturaCoastal Cleanup Day Set for Sept. 19
Mark your calendars, Ventura County — Saturday, Sept. 19 is when we come together for the 42nd annual California Coastal Cleanup Day. From 9 a.m. to noon, volunteers will fan out across our beaches, rivers, and inland waterways to pick up trash and plastic pollution before it harms marine life. It’s a simple act that keeps our coastline — from Ventura Harbor to Rincon Beach — as beautiful as we know it. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or a first-timer, there’s a spot for you. Check the Ventura Breeze for site details and registration. Bring gloves and a water bottle, and bring the kids — it’s a great way to teach them stewardship. Our community has always shown up for the ocean, and this year is no different. See you on the sand!
VenturaVentura Harbor Village Seaside Movie Night – 25th Anniversary of Shrek
Grab your picnic blankets and head to the harbor next Friday – Ventura Harbor Village is rolling out the green carpet for the 25th anniversary of Shrek. It’s the kind of night that feels like a warm hug from our community: DJ sets from B 95.1 FM, KHAY 101.7 FM, and KRUZ 103.3 FM, giveaways, and a preshow packed with surprises starting at 6:30 PM. The movie kicks off right after sunset, around 7:15 PM, with the lighthouse glow and ocean breeze as your backdrop. This isn’t just a movie – it’s a chance to relive the swamp-tastic fun with neighbors, kids, and even the dog (if they’re leashed). Whether you’re quoting every line or hearing it for the first time, the sing-along energy makes it special. The Ventura Breeze shared the details, and we’re grateful for their heads-up. So come early, grab a bite from the village eateries, and settle in for an ogre-sized good time under the stars. See you there!
VenturaA View from House Seats – Conejo Players Present Steel Magnolias
Get ready to laugh, cry, and maybe call your best friend on the way home — Conejo Players is bringing the beloved classic 'Steel Magnolias' to the stage, right here in Thousand Oaks. It’s 1987 in Chinquapin, Louisiana, and six Southern women are trading barbs and secrets under the dryers at Truvy’s salon. But beneath the hairspray and one-liners lies a story that hits close to home for anyone who’s ever leaned on a friend through the hard stuff. This is the kind of community theater the 805 does best — intimate, heartfelt, and performed by neighbors who pour their hearts into every scene. The play, written by Robert Harling after his sister’s passing, is a tribute to the women who hold us up. If you haven’t been to the Conejo Players Theatre yet, this is the perfect excuse. Grab a friend, grab a tissue, and support local arts. A big thanks to the Ventura Breeze for spotlighting this gem — see you at the show!
VenturaFlying U Rodeo Closes Out Ventura County Fair
What a way to close out the fair! The Flying U Rodeo brought the dust, the thunder, and the hometown pride to Seaside Park this weekend, wrapping up Ventura County Fair's 12-day run with two nights of professional PRCA action. From the heart-pounding bull rides to the lightning-fast barrel racing and the adorable chaos of Mutton Bustin', the Grandstand Arena was the place to be. It's the kind of classic, all-American entertainment that reminds us why we love living here on the Central Coast. For those of us who grew up going to the fair every summer, the rodeo is more than just an event—it's a tradition. It ties us to our agricultural roots and brings the whole community together, from the youngest kids in the stands to the seasoned cowboys in the chutes. We caught the recap in the Ventura Breeze, and it sounds like announcer Steve Goedert kept the energy high all weekend. If you missed it this year, mark your calendars for next August—this is one closing act you won't want to skip.
VenturaEvent Calendar
Good news, Ventura! Our local ocean conservation community is getting a fresh home base, and you're invited to the party. The MERITO Foundation is hosting an open house and ribbon-cutting at their new offices on Market Street this Friday, August 21, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. It's a chance to tour the space, meet the team, and see firsthand the tailored programs and services they offer to protect and educate about our beloved coastline. This is more than just a new office—it's a sign that Ventura's dedication to marine stewardship is growing. Whether you're a longtime volunteer, a curious neighbor, or someone who just loves our beaches, this is a perfect opportunity to connect with a group that works hard to keep our waters healthy. Stop by for refreshments, good company, and a behind-the-scenes look at their work. For more details, check out the Ventura Breeze's event calendar at venturabreeze.com/events. See you there!
VenturaCity Invites Public to Coastal Planning Workshop on Aug. 29
Hey Ventura, mark your calendars for Saturday, Aug. 29. The city is hosting a community workshop to talk about the Local Coastal Program update — and they want to hear from you. It's a free, open-house-style gathering from 10 a.m. to noon at the Museum of Ventura County on Main Street, so you can drop by anytime, grab some info, and share your thoughts on how our coastline should be managed. This is about more than just paperwork — it's about protecting the places we love, from our beaches to our neighborhoods. Whether you're a homeowner, a business owner, or just someone who enjoys a sunset at the pier, your input shapes the rules for future development and conservation. The Ventura Breeze shared the details, and we think this is a great chance to get involved without sitting through a stuffy meeting. Come chat with city planners, ask questions, and help guide the future of our coastal community. See you there!
Ventura2026 Ventura City Council Voter Guide
Ventura neighbors, mark your calendars — the ballot for the November 3, 2026, City Council election is officially set. The nomination period closed on August 7, and now we know who will be vying for seats in Districts 1, 4, 5, and 6. Whether you’re in Midtown, the Avenue, or near the harbor, this is your chance to have a say in how our city grows, from housing to local business support. While the Ventura Breeze’s voter guide (published August 22) will have the full candidate list and details, now’s the time to start thinking about what matters to you. City Council decisions touch everything — potholes, parks, public safety, and the character of our neighborhoods. So grab a coffee, read up, and get ready to vote. Your voice matters, and this November, it’s your turn to shape Ventura’s future.
VenturaLive Music Calendar Aug 19 – Sept 1
If you're looking to catch some live tunes over the next couple of weeks, the Boatyard Pub in Ventura has you covered. From Katie Shorey's Monday sets to the weekly Bluegrass Jam on Thursdays, there's something for every ear. This weekend, don't miss Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer on Friday and Big Ben on Saturday—perfect for soaking up those last summer evenings by the harbor. Next week, Mack and D and 805 Crosscut keep the rhythm going. It's always a treat to see our local musicians doing their thing, and the Boatyard's lineup is a great reminder of why Ventura's music scene is so special. For the full scoop on times and genres, head over to VenturaRocks.com, and thanks to the Ventura Breeze for keeping us in the loop. Grab a friend, enjoy the ocean breeze, and let the music carry you through the end of August!
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