Ventura 4th of July Street Fair 2014 Tomorrow's Independence Day!  With weather like ours, it's too nice outdoors to stay cooped up inside.  It's time to pack up your friends and family and head down to the Ventura 4th of July Street Fair 2014. What: Ventura 4th of July Street Fair 2014Where: Main St in Downtown Ventura, from Fir Ave to Ventura AveWhen: Friday, July 4, 2014 10am to 5pmCost: FREE admissionContact: City of Ventura (805) 654-7800 The Ventura 4th of July Street Fair 2014 marks the 39th year that this extremely popular fair has made an appearance in Ventura.  More than 30,000 Ventura residents and guests make the trip to downtown Ventura every 4th of July to witness the Pushem-Pullem wagon parade and listen to the live musical acts performing on six stages throughout the dow... 07/03/2014

Ventura Friends of the Library Book Sale 2014 Books have the ability to transport us to a world full of possibilities.  Reading doesn't have to be a solitary effort either.  Children who are read to on a regular basis recognize letters of the alphabet much earlier on than those who are not read to and the wider the variety of reading materials in a Ventura home increases a child's proficiency in reading.  They also tend to have higher math scores.  The San Buenaventura Friends of the Library wants to encourage reading in the home with their Ventura Friends of the Library Book Sale 2014. What: Ventura Friends of the Library Book Sale 2014Where: Albertsons (7800 Telegraph Rd)When: June 21, 2014 10am to 3pmCost: $1 for a plastic bag, $2 for a paper bagContact: San Buenaventura Friends of t... 06/19/2014

Ventura Household Recycling and Collection Event 2014 The calendar may say that it's almost summertime.  But does your Ventura home still need a good spring cleaning?  If you already did your spring cleaning and don't know what to do with your old tires, beat up furniture, outdated computers or other household and electronic waste, you need to come to the Ventura Household Recycling and Collection Event 2014 this Saturday, June 7th. What: Ventura Household Recycling and Collection Event 2014Where: 800 N Ventura Ave (future site of Kellogg Park)When: Saturday, June 7, 2014 8am to 12pmCost: FREEContact: Rosie Ornelas (805) 652-4555 or Richard Newsham (805) 658-4706 Only Westside neighborhood residents are allowed to participate in the Ventura Household Recycling and Collection Event 2014.... 06/05/2014

  thru to May10th     The remaining performances for this year’s Ventura Music Festival are:   Thursday, May 8th – 7:30pm Rising Stars First United Methodist Church 1338 E. Santa Clara Street (map) This year’s Rising Stars consists of three very talented teenaged musicians – Matthew Chen on the cello, David Fraley on the piano and Cameron Daley on the violin. Their performance will be a classical theme.   Friday, May 9th – 8:00pm Stanislav Khristenko Cleveland International Piano Competition Ventura Missionary Church 500 High Point Drive (map) Stanislav Khristenko, a multi-award winning pianist, native of Ukraine, graduate from the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, enthralls his audiences with his magical fingers ‘dancing’ out the notes from the pages of classical music giving ple... 05/08/2014

VA Home Loan With Zero Down Up To $598,000 Purchase Price In Ventura Ventura CA - Did you know that qualified veterans can obtain a VA home loan in Ventura CA with zero money down up to a sales price of $598,000?  This limit is for VA home loans closed in Ventura CA from February 28, 2014 through December 31, 2014. In late December of 2013, the VA announced the new VA Zero Down loan limits for 2014 for Ventura CA.  At that time, the VA Zero Down Loan Limit was going to be $556,250 which was an increase from the 2013 VA Zero Down Loan Limit of $546,250  However, the VA Zero Down Loan Limits for Ventura CA were REVISED and there was a slight increase from $556,250 to $598,000. Does this mean that the maximum VA loan in Ventura CA is only $598,000?  Absolutely not.  This just means that so... 05/04/2014

Ventura Beach Festival 2014 People have long envied the California lifestyle.  Living in Ventura, we understand where all that envy comes from.  The Friends of the Channel Coast State Parks wanted to celebrate everything we love about our great city and state.  So, they put together the Ventura Beach Festival 2014 for this Saturday, May 3rd, making it the first event of its kind. What: Ventura Beach Festival 2014Where: San Buenaventura State BeachWhen: Saturday, May 3, 2014 11am to 5pmCost: $25 for adults, $10 for kids ages 7-12 & free for kids under 7Contact: Friends of the Channel Coast State Parks (805) 626-0156 or via email The Ventura Beach Festival 2014 will showcase everything we love here in Ventura: great live music, delicious food and tons of recreational activities set in the... 05/01/2014

Ventura Harbor is Hopping on Easter 2014 Looking for something to do this Sunday?  You might want to grab the family and head to the beach.  Ventura Harbor is hopping on Easter 2014. What: Easter Sunday at the Ventura HarborWhere: Ventura Harbor Village (1583 Spinnaker Dr)When: April 20, 2014 12pm to 3pmContact: Ventura Harbor Village (805) 477-0470 Even though the Easter Bunny was busy hiding eggs and goodies for Ventura children all night long, he isn't too busy to hop on in for a visit at Ventura Harbor.  With sunny skies predicted for Sunday, Ventura residents will find it a perfect day to enjoy an Easter brunch with the family at one of the many fantastic Ventura Harbor restaurants.  Pick up an Easter bonnet at one of the retail shops.  Listen to live music at the Village Carousel ... 04/17/2014

Local Ventura Farmers Markets Farmers markets have become all the rage over the last several years, even though they have been around for decades.  In most places across the country, these local bastions of healthy food are only open for a few months a year, offering "seasonal" fruits and veggies.  Luckily for us here in Southern California, it's always market season.  Ventura residents have a variety of local Ventura farmers markets to choose from each week as well. What: Downtown Ventura Farmer's MarketWhere: Corner of Santa Clara & PalmWhen: Saturdays 8:30am to 12pmAdmission: FREEContact: (805) 529-6266 In operation since 1986, the Downtown Ventura Farmer's Market is the oldest of its kind in Ventura County.  More than 45 local farmers and food vendors come to hawk their wares each w... 03/20/2014

The Big Read Ventura 2014 Reading has always been a favorite past time for us.  Stories let us travel to distant lands, far away galaxies, into Fantasyland and learn about places and cultures we may never have the opportunity to see or learn for ourselves.  The City of Ventura's Parks and Recreation Department is teaming up with the county libraries to present The Big Read Ventura 2014. What: The Big Read Ventura 2014Where: Various Locations in VenturaWhen: Now through May 2, 2014Website: City of Ventura's The Big ReadContact: (805) 677-3925 The book that is the focus of The Big Read Ventura 2014 is Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried", which is a collection of short stories about American soldiers during the Vietnam War.  Events have been set up throughout the City until May 2nd tha... 03/06/2014

Ventura Food Truck Fridays Food, glorious food!  Once a month, Midtown Ventura attracts dozens of the best mobile diners in the Southern California area for Ventura Food Truck Fridays.  This Friday, February 21, 2014 is your chance to celebrate this awesome foodie feast for the month. What: Ventura Food Truck FridaysWhere: Pacific View Mall (Main St & Mills), VenturaWhen: 3rd Friday of every month, 6pm to 10pm Some of the mobile restaurants that will be featured at this month's Ventura Food Truck Fridays include: Cousins Main Lobster, Gen's Baked Goods, the ever-popular Grilled Cheese Truck, It's in the Sauce, Belly Bombz, the Greasy Weiner, Perk-U-Later, Kona Ice and Sweet Arleen's.  Instead of sitting in one restaurant or picking from a boring buffet that's been setting out for who kn... 02/20/2014

Ventura Healthy Heart Fair 2014 February is Heart Health Month.  If you're like thousands of other Ventura County residents, you probably decided to make 2014 the year that you focus on your health.  The Collection at Riverpark wants to help you stay on track to a healthier new you in the new year with their Ventura Healthy Heart Fair 2014. What: Ventura Save a SweetHEART Healthy Heart Fair 2014Where: The Collection at Riverpark (Park View Ct, Oxnard)When: Sat, Feb 8, 2014 from 12pm to 4pmCost: FREEContact: (805) 278-9500 The goal of the Ventura Healthy Heart Fair 2014 is to teach the public about leading a heart healthy lifestyle.  According to the CDC, approximately 600,000 Americans die from heart disease every year.  That accounts for 25% of the total amount of deaths in the US annu... 02/06/2014

Ventura Requests Voluntary Water Use Reduction As you may know, Governor Brown recently proclaimed a water shortage emergency throughout the state of California.  Water fed to Ventura residents through Ventura Water is provided by three main sources: the Ventura River, Lake Casitas and groundwater.  Water levels in the river have remained extremely low due to the lower than normal precipitation in the area.  Lake Casitas is currently at 60% capacity, with the allocation of water to be implemented if it reaches 50%.  In response, Ventura requests voluntary water use reduction by at least 10% from all its residents as soon as possible. In the Kitchen Now would be a great time to consider upgrading your appliances to newer, more energy-efficient models in your Ventura home.  An EnergyStar ... 01/30/2014

Ventura Restaurant Week 2014 Just about everybody likes to dine out from time to time.  With the plethora of fabulous restaurants available in downtown Ventura, there are literally thousands of tasty dishes to choose from at any given time.  Ventura Restaurant Week 2014 is the perfect opportunity to support the local economy while tantalizing your tastebuds.  What: Ventura Restaurant Week 2014When: January 13-19, 2014Where: Participating restaurants in the Ventura areaContact: City of Ventura Offices (805) 654-7800 Ventura Restaurant Week 2014 has partnered with over 30 local downtown Ventura and Harbor Village restaurants to bring diners out of their homes.  To do so, they are offering a 20% discount with the purchase of an entree.  In addition to the 20% discount, the first 300 diners... 01/02/2014

Ventura Spark of Love Toy Drive 2013 We may not get snow here in Ventura County, but that doesn't make Christmas any less magical.   There's nothing as precious as watching a child's face light up with joy as they unwrap their presents.  Unfortunately, not all children are able to feel the joy due to the financial constraints their families find themselves in.  You can help make a child's Christmas special by donating to the Ventura Spark of Love Toy Drive 2013.  There's still time left to participate! What: Ventura Spark of Love Toy Drive 2013Where: All Ventura County Fire Stations, Police/Fire Headquarters or Ventura City HallWhen: Now through December 24, 2013Contact: (805) 339-4319 The Ventura City Fire Department is working in conjunction with the police stations, other fire statio... 12/19/2013

Ventura Holiday Tree Lighting 2013 It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Ventura.  But it really doesn't feel like Christmas until the tree gets decorated and lit.  Ring in the Christmas season with the Ventura Holiday Tree Lighting 2013 tomorrow, December 6th in downtown Ventura. What: Ventura Holiday Tree Lighting 2013Where: San Buenaventura Mission (211 E Main St)When: December 6, 2013 5pmAdmission: FREEContact: (805) 643-4318 The Ventura Holiday Tree Lighting 2013 ceremony will take place in front of one of Ventura's most treasured landmarks, the San Buenaventura Mission.  Local Ventura area choirs will be lifting their voices in song with traditional Christmas carols before the official countdown begins.  Even Santa is making a special trip to Southern California for ... 12/05/2013

Ventura Shop Small Saturday 2013 I hope everyone enjoys their time spent with loved ones in Ventura this year.  Since Thanksgiving has come late this year, there will only be 26 shopping days left until Christmas.  That means it, too, will be here before you know it.  If you haven't purchased every gift on your Christmas "to do" list this year, can we make a suggestion?  Instead of going to large malls or chain stores, try Ventura Shop Small Saturday 2013 this Saturday, November 30th. What is Shop Small Saturday? A great example of Ventura Shop Small Saturday 2013 is the local farmers markets.  Not only are they a great place for the freshest produce, meat, cheese and baked goods, but they also offer unique, one-of-a-kind articles that would make fantastic gifts for the holidays.  You d... 11/27/2013

Donations Needed for 2013 Ventura Thanksgiving Baskets Thanksgiving is one of the only holidays throughout the year that seems to be dedicated totally to family and eating.  Unfortunately, hundreds of Ventura County families are struggling to feed their families right now.  They would be happy to sit down to any kind of meal, let alone a feast regular citizens are blessed enough to have.  You can help.  Ventura Teen Voice/PAL says that donations are needed for 2013 Ventura Thanksgiving baskets.  What: Donations for 2013 Ventura Thanksgiving BasketsWhere: Ventura City Hall Dept of Parks/Rec (501 Poli St, Rm 226)When: By 12pm on Friday, November 22, 2013Contact: Mario Robinson (805) 654-7807 or Richard Newsham (805) 658-4706 The Ventura Teen Voice Leadership Program is working with the Ve... 11/21/2013

Early 2013 Holiday Shopping in Ventura OK.  So, we realize that Halloween is barely over and the Thanksgiving turkey hasn't even been chosen yet.  However, with just over 3 1/2 weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, you might want to start thinking about purchasing presents for the people on your "nice" list right now.  Two events come to mind for early 2013 holiday shopping in Ventura this month: Purrs 'n Paws Holiday Marketplace and the Museum of Ventura's Holiday Boutique. What: Ventura Purrs 'n Paws Holiday MarketplaceWhere: Balboa Middle School Cafeteria (247 S Hill Rd, Ventura)When: November 9, 2013 8am to 3pmContact: Heather (805) 646-6505 The 2nd Annual Purrs 'n Paws Holiday Marketplace sponsored by the Humane Society of Ventura County is perfect for early 2013 holi... 11/07/2013

"Blues at the Beach" at San Buenaventura Beach When: Sat, November 2, 10am – 6pm Where: 901 San Pedro St., Ventura, CA   ROADSHOW REVIVAL CELEBRATES FALL IN SOCAL-STYLE WITH "BLUES AT THE BEACH"   Fall for some means changing leaves, warm clothes and the return of all things pumpkin. This year, autumn in Ventura will be celebrated the way coastal Southern California celebrates best - at the beach.   On Saturday, November 2, blues lovers will find themselves enjoying live music in the Ventura sunshine at the San Buenaventura Beach.   Sponsored by Players Casino, "Blues at the Beach" has confirmed a variety of different musical acts, including headliner and legendary blues guitarist Elvin Bishop and harmonica player and singer James Harman.   Also gracing the stage will be the R&B Bombers... 11/02/2013

Ventura Voter Info 2013 American citizens help shape how our country is run by electing officials we believe represent our best interests in the government.  On Tuesday, November 5, 2013, registered Ventura County voters will be casting their ballots in the General Election to fill positions on three different school districts and several special district seats.  If you are uncertain about where to vote, polling hours, sample ballots, voter registration deadlines and other Ventura voter info 2013, you'll find it below. Ventura County Votes The positions being voted on next Tuesday are for: Las Virgenes Unified School District Governing Board Members (3 seats) Oceanview Elementary School District Governing Board Members (3 seats) San Buenaventura City Council Members (4 seats) Saticoy Sa... 10/31/2013