Ventura County.. Ventura the city:Here's a quick video talking about what schools are the BEST schools in the city of Ventura.  When I help my buyers buy a home, I like to bring this up as something to consider in their home search.  Even if they don't have any kids, school boundaries and school district(s) are very key in re-sale value..  01/28/2016

Check out this amazing hillside home in Ventura Ca.  Very unique hillside home!! 5573 Rushmore Street, Ventura, CA. 93003www.5573RushmoreStreet.com   01/23/2016

Was getting in shape at the top of your New Year's resolutions list?  You're not alone.  Luckily, weekday Ventura group walks help keep you in shape.  Instead of working out in a stuffy gym, head outdoors with other like-minded individuals and take a hike.  It's fun and it's free.Weekday Ventura Group WalksWhat: Ventura Pier WalkWhere: Anacapa Brewing Co (472 Main St)When: Wednesdays at 12pmCost: FREEContact: FreshRealm Facebook pageDo you work near the Ventura Pier?  Instead of grabbing a bite to eat at lunchtime, grab your walking shoes for one of the weekday Ventura group walks.  The group meets every Wednesday at noon right in front of the Anacapa Brewing Co.  Everyone then walks to the pier.  You can pick up lunch once you reach your destination or just stay for the afternoon.  It'... 01/21/2016

Was one of your New Year's resolutions to start a garden this year?  Our Ventura community has the perfect climate to cultivate many different plants, fruits and vegetables.  You can learn all about them at the Ventura Botanical Gardens Sow in the New Year event this Saturday.What: Ventura Botanical Gardens Sow in the New Year Where: Ventura Botanical Gardens (Grant Park When: Saturday, January 9th, 2016 9am to 11am Cost: FREE Contact: Ventura Botanical Gardens (805) 216-7173 or via emailVentura Botanical Gardens Sow in the New YearThe Ventura Botanical Gardens Sow in the New Year event is meant to be a great way for families to get outdoors and learn more about nature.  Guests will be scattering wildflower seeds along the hillsides.  Be patient.  You will see the fruits of your labor t... 01/07/2016

Christmas is over.  A brand new year begins at midnight tonight.  It's time to take down your Christmas decorations.  For many in our Ventura community, that the tree.  But what do you do with it?  Ventura Christmas tree disposal is as easy as 1-2-3.Ventura Christmas Tree Disposal Strip the tree.  Take off the decorations, tinsel, lights, etc.  Anything that wasn't naturally a part of your Christmas tree needs to be removed from it before you toss it. Cut up the tree.  Before your Ventura Christmas tree disposal, cut the tree up into four foot sections or smaller.  This makes it easier to handle as well as ensures it will fit in your bin. Take it to the streets.  Put your cut up tree into your brown bin.  Then, place the bin outside your home on your regular curbside pick-up day. See?  ... 12/31/2015

12/30/2015

Christmas Eve is exactly one week from today.  Have you completed your holiday shopping yet?  Congratulations if you are already done.  For the other 90% or so, you'll probably be heading out to our Ventura community stores to finish up.  Take a break (and a breath) after dark.  Watch the 2015 Ventura Harbor Village Boat Parade of Lights throughWhat: 2015 Ventura Harbor Village Boat Parade of Lights Where: Ventura Harbor Village (1583 Spinaker Dr) When: Dec 18th & 19th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm Admission: FREE Contact: Ventura Harbor Village (805) 477-04702015 Ventura Harbor Village Boat Parade of LightsThis year's theme for the 2015 Ventura Harbor Village Boat Parade of Lights is "Surf, Sand and Santa".  The parade starts at 6:30pm.  But you can come early and get some shopping done first.  St... 12/17/2015

12/06/2015

The clock is ticking.  You have 21 more shopping days here in our Ventura community until Christmas.  Have you gotten all of your shopping done yet?  Need a little holiday inspiration?  Come to the 2015 Downtown Ventura Christmas Tree Lighting tomorrow night.  You'll certainly find it here.What: 2015 Downtown Ventura Christmas Tree Lighting Where: San Buenaventura Mission (211 E Main St) When: Fri, Dec 4th 5pm to 7pm Admission: FREE Contact: Downtown Ventura (805) 641-10902015 Downtown Ventura Christmas Tree LightingA total of 21 missions were built in California between the late 1700s and early 1800s.  One of them is the location of the 2015 Downtown Ventura Christmas Tree Lighting tomorrow night.  The San Buenaventura Mission is the last of the missions that Father Junipero Serra foun... 12/03/2015

This is the most festive time of the year.  Halloween was last month.  Thanksgiving is next week.  And then the countdown to getting your Christmas shopping done is on!  You can get started on your holiday gift list this weekend by visiting the 2015 Ventura Holiday Art Festival.What: 2015 Ventura Holiday Art Festival Where: Red Brick Art (4601 Telephone Rd #112) When: Saturday, November 21st 10am to 4pm Cost: FREE Contact: Paint Ventura (805) 643-6400 or via email2015 Ventura Holiday Art FestivalDo you have a hard-to-shop-for person on your Christmas list?  Are you invited to several different holiday celebrations and want to bring a hostess gift as a "thank you"?  Is there someone celebrating a birthday in your life?  The 2015 Ventura Holiday Art Festival offers great gifts for many oc... 11/19/2015

$999,000, 4Bd/2Ba Single Family House, 2344 sqft.    Temple Schneider Callahan | Connect Real Estate Services | 805-208-6024Temple@ConnectRES.com | 5573 Rushmore St, Ventura, CA 93003 Custom Renovation of Amazing Ventura Family Home - Ocean and City Views.. 4Bd/2Ba Single Family House   $999,000 Year Built 1974 Sq Footage 2344 sqft. Bedrooms 4 Beds Bathrooms 2 Baths Floors 2 Parking 3 Other Laundry In Unit Lot Size 14925 Square Feet DESCRIPTION COMING SOON LISTING… Welcome to the most gorgeous home on the cul de sac. This is not just a house – this is a home…celebrated! Located in the esteemed Skyline Estates; appreciate ocean and hillside views, and the best schools. Situated on a large, flat, usable lot – this home provides uncommon space, privacy and security with a wide, usable dri... 11/18/2015

Halloween is just 16 days away.  Last week, we told you all about the Ventura County pumpkin patches that are now open for business.  If you live in our wonderful Ventura community, make sure you visit one before October 31st.  There are other ways to celebrate All Hallow's Eve.  Get yourself into the spirit early by visiting the downtown Ventura 2015 Halloween Spooktacular.Downtown Ventura 2015 Halloween SpooktacularWhere: 300 Block of Main St (Between Oak & Palm) When: Saturday, October 24th 11am to 7pm Admission: FREE Contact: Downtown Ventura Partners (805) 641-1090Consider the Downtown Ventura 2015 Halloween Spooktacular as a dress rehearsal for Halloween night.  Kids from age 2 to 102 are more than welcome to dress up and join in on the fun.  There will be carnival games and an in... 10/15/2015

What does October mean in our Ventura community?  The weather starts to turn crispy cool at night.  Hot cocoa and warm apple cider will replace icy concoctions as the drinks of choice.  And, of course, there's Halloween.  On that note, several 2015 Ventura County Pumpkin Patches are now open and ready for business.2015 Ventura County Pumpkin PatchesWhat: Big Wave Dave's Pumpkin Patch Where: 4075 Telegraph Rd, Ventura & 3865 State St Rte, Santa Barbara When: Now through October 31 10am to 9pm Contact: Big Wave Dave (805) 218-0282 or via emailOne of the biggest 2015 Ventura County Pumpkin Patches is Big Wave Dave's.  There are two convenient locations to serve the public: Ventura and Santa Barbara.  Here, you'll find pumpkins both big and small.  Kids can try out games specifically meant ... 10/01/2015

Are you a fan of hops and barley?  Does the thought of a finely crafted ale make you shiver with anticipation?  Then you are going to be very happy to learn that the Ventura California Beer Festival 2015 comes to Mission Park this weekend.  Our Ventura community will be soaking up the suds in the best way possible.What: Ventura California Beer Festival 2015 Where: Mission Park, Ventura, CA When: Sept 18 5:30pm to 11pm, Sept 19 12:30pm to 5pm, Sept 20 11am to 6pm Cost: $30 (Blues Festival only) to $149 (3 Day Pass) Contact: California Beer Festival websiteVentura California Beer Festival 2015The Ventura California Beer Festival 2015 kicks things off with a fun food and beer pairing.  Come to City Hall at 5:30pm on Friday.  Five different Brewmasters have been paired up with five talented... 09/17/2015

 Here's a local restaurant that is donating a whopping FIFTY PERCENT of their proceeds on 9/15/15 to Buena High School's Boy's Water Polo team..  How generous!  Be sure to stop in and have some dinner to support our boys.. Chipotle is located at 1145 South Victoria Ave in Ventura, CA. Fund Raiser Date: Tuesday, September 15th between 5:00pm and 9:00pm. Just tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause to make sure that 50% of the proceeds will be donatedto Buena Boys Water Polo!  :-)  09/02/2015

 Whether you’re buying a home that needs renovating, or just want to update the kitchen or floors before you move in - an FHA 203k loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration could be the ticket to your financing issues.   Although I am not a Loan Officer myself - I am a Real Estate Broker, and this loan can be the difference between being able to buy a fixer-upper you really want, or not. How Do You Qualify for an FHA 203k Loan?Generally, a FHA 203k loan allows you to incorporate your renovation costs into the mortgage - all in one loan.  The amount you borrow is the price of the home plus the estimated repair costs (including the labor and materials).Your down payment of 3.5 % (the minimum required for an FHA home loan) is  based on the full loan amount.  Don't forget - your mo... 08/29/2015

Even if you've been living under a rock, you know that California is in a severe drought right now.  The situation is dire.  We need to find ways to cut our water usage...and we mean CUT.  The 2015 Ventura Golden Lawn Conservation Expo will highlight several ways you can conserve water in our Ventura community.  And you might even win a prize in the process.What: 2015 Ventura Golden Lawn Conservation Expo Where: 500 Block Alley (Between Main St & the Parking Structure), Downtown Ventura When: Saturday, August 29th 12pm to 5pm Contact: Fox Fine Jewelry (805) 652-18002015 Ventura Golden Lawn Conservation ExpoLocal business Fox Fine Jewelry is hosting a Gold is the New Green Contest.  Governor Brown has asked all Californians to curb their water usage by severely limiting how often they wa... 08/20/2015

The 2015 Ventura County Fair: A Country Fair with Ocean Air.  That's right.  The fair is back in full force right here in our very own Ventura community.  You have until August 16th to take it all in.  Good thing, too.  That's because there is so much to see and do here!What: 2015 Ventura County Fair Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W Harbor, Ventura, CA) When: Now through August 16th 11am to 11pm daily Cost: $12 for adults (ages 13+), $9 for seniors (65+) & kids ages 6-12, kids 5 & under are free Contact: Ventura County Fairgrounds (805) 648-3376What's Going on at the 2015 Ventura County Fair?What's going on?  So much, that's what!  Carnival rides?  Check!  Corn dogs?  Check!  Live music?  Check!  And there are some big names coming to the fair to perform this year.  All concerts ... 08/06/2015

2015 ArtWalk Ventura hits town this weekend.  If you like art in any way, shape or form, you need to come to Downtown Ventura on July 18th and 19th.  You'll see the latest and greatest works of art from some of the most talented artists in our Ventura community and beyond.What: 2015 ArtWalk Ventura Where: Downtown Ventura When: July 18 12pm to 8pm & July 19 12pm to 5pm Contact: ArtWalk Ventura (805) 302-16602015 ArtWalk VenturaThe 2015 ArtWalk Ventura is one of the most popular events of its kind in the area.  This year marks its 22nd anniversary.  Thousands of people come from miles around just to be a part of ArtWalk.  And it's run completely by volunteers.Galleries, shops and art centers have opened their doors for the 2015 ArtWalk Ventura.  Additionally, several PODS (Portable On De... 07/16/2015

What are you doing this Saturday?  Come out to the 2015 Ventura July 4th Street Fair celebration.  Our Ventura community will be filled with the sounds of music and joy.  All of this is to honor our nation's 239th birthday.What: 2015 Ventura July 4th Street Fair Where: On Main St between Fir St and Mission Park When: 10am to 5pm Admission: FREE Contact: Ventura Street Fair Committee (805) 654-7749What's Going On at the 2015 Ventura July 4th Street FairThe 2015 Ventura July 4th Street Fair marks its 40th year in existence.  Each year, thousands of people come out to celebrate.  Visit more than 300 artists selling their wares on Main St.  Learn about how your lifestyle affects the environment at one of the informational booths.  Watch kids and adults ride around on bikes and wagons decora... 07/02/2015