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Ventura, CA Real Estate News

By Kathy Stoltman, RETIRED
Nothing remains of Ventura's Chinatown (called Sui Mon Gong by its residents) that began in 1866 and grew to house over 200 Chinese until 1923.   But in 2004, Ventura's Chinese American Historical Society commissioned respected Chinese artist Qi Pang and his wife Guo Song Yun to create China Alley Memorial Mural to depict the simple wooden buildings that made up a completely self-contained community with its own shops, businesses, rooming houses, and a Taoist Temple that non-Chinese called "The Joss House". In the early 1880’s, a flourishing Chinese settlement made up of merchants, laborers, and families settled in an area along Figueroa Street between Main and Santa Clara Streets. The largest concentration of activity was in an area known as China Alley,which ran perpendicular to Figu...
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By Kathy Stoltman, RETIRED
Ventura Harbor Ventura Harbor is the largest squid port on the west coast and one of the top 10 fish offloading harbors in the nation. Much of the harbor life centers around charming Ventura Harbor Village on Spinnaker Drive.  At this location, you can board a ship for a half day or full-day tour to the Channel Islands, go whale watching, take sailing lessons or a narrated harbor cruise, rent a paddle boat or kayak, or shop, dine and play. Ventura Harbor Village Strolling through the Harbor Village shopping area, look for the vibrant colors and intricate details of Ventura Harbor Tile Murals.  Local artists Michel Petersen created 29 separate murals, which depict local history and the marine environment, by hand, using more than 50,000 pounds of raw stoneware clay.  There are other loca...
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Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event in Ventura If you live in Ventura, then you can drop off for FREE, these hazardous waste materials Aerosol Cans Auto & Household Batteries Fluorescent Light Tubes & CFL's Gasoline Household Cleaners Motor Oil/Filters, other auto fluids Paint, Polishes & Varnishes Pesticides This event will take place Saturday, November 19 between 9am-2pm at Gold Coast Recycling 5275 Colt Street in Ventura RESERVATIONS REQUIRED Call 652-4525 Monday - Thursday 8am to 5pm for Appointment or go to City of Ventura Environmental Services
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This month one of the events held at the Ventura County Musuem is the recreation of  favorite frightening tales of unexplained and mysterious events.  This is recreated by local artists. Sounds very intriguing! The Museum first opened in 1913 in the newly built Ventura County Courthouse, which is now the Ventura City Hall.   Known as the Pioneer Museum, its collections of artifacts and curios were the legacy of Dr. Cephas Bard, a Pennsylvania doctor who came to Ventura after the Civil War. A compassionate man with wide-ranging interests, Dr. Bard accepted historical objects in lieu of cash payment for his services. Priceless Chumash, Spanish and Mexican-American objects from his collection are on display in the galleries today. In 1977, the Museum moved to its 15,000 square foot buildin...
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Marina Park in Ventura CA This is by no means a large park in Ventura, but it what it lacks in size it delivers with great views and access to the beach. In addition to beach access and great views of the marina and beyond, visitors will find a number of picnic tables and grills and a children's play area. One of the most unique features of this park is a cement and wooden ship called the San Salvador . While it may not get far out to sea, it does provide a fabulous theatre for active imaginations! Sailing lessons are offered nearby in the marina and fishermen can drop a line from the park's fishing dock. There are also sand volleyball courts, a hand-launch boat dock, and restrooms.   Directions: From the 101 take the Seaward Avenue exit and turn towards the ocean. Drive until you reach...
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By Dave and Patricia Zumbrun
(The "Z" Team 4 RE, Inc.)
The call of the Pacific Ocean beckons thousands of people from all around the world to visit the City of Ventura every year.  Many are so drawn to this gorgeous town that they end up buying a home and setting down roots.  However, to really get a feel for how amazing a place this fair city of ours is, you should take an evening cruise of Ventura Harbor.  Island Packers, a local Ventura business, offers two evening harbor cruises that you really shouldn't miss.  Their one hour "Taste of Ventura Harbor" cruise offers live music, appetizers from local restaurants such as Spinnaker Steak & Seafood Broiler, Andres Wine & Tapas Bar, The Greek and Milano's Italian Restaurant.  The next cruise leaves the Ventura Harbor (1691 Spinnaker Dr) on October 15, 2011 at 6:30pm.  The live entertainment f...
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California Street Offramp to be closed in Ventura If you plan to come to Ventura this weekend, please note that the ever so popular California offramp will be closed for 55 hours.  Caltrans will be shutting down the offramp on Friday, September 30th at 11pm and will be open Monday, October 3 at 6am. The alternative offramp will be Seaward Avenue and from that offramp, you can navigate to the ocean, downtown area or any of the Ventura City areas. Thompson Blvd and Main Street will both take you into Downtown Ventura. Caltrans will be doing maintenance work, this work is part of the $52 million project replacing concrete slabs and repaving ramps on Highway 101 between Santa Rosa Road in Camarillo and Padre Juan Canyon Road north of Ventura, officials said.                             I’m ...
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By Dave and Patricia Zumbrun
(The "Z" Team 4 RE, Inc.)
One of the most recognizable landmarks in Ventura is our beautiful pier.  Keeping it maintained in all its glory is a continual process.  The Pier Into the Future foundation will be sponsoring a Ventura Pier Under the Stars event on Saturday, October 1st from 5-8pm at the Beachfront Promenade near the Ventura Pier.  This food and wine tasting event will help raise money to continue routine maintenance and necessary repairs in the future to keep our historic Ventura Pier looking its best for generations to come. Included in every $60 General Admission ticket will be free parking, tasting opportunities of food, wine and other beverages from local restaurants and wineries and a beautiful Pier wine glass to commemorate your evening.  For the cost of a $100 VIP ticket, you will be allowed ea...
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By Dave and Patricia Zumbrun
(The "Z" Team 4 RE, Inc.)
This Saturday, September 17, 2011, join up with the Volunteer Ventura! program to help with Coastal Cleanup Day in Ventura.  For the 27th year in a row, Volunteer Ventura! will be hosting beach cleanup sessions from 9am to 12pm at five local Ventura beaches: Beachfront Promenade (check-in will be located next to the Crown Plaza Hotel at 450 E Harbor Blvd) Harbor Cove (in the Ventura Marina) Marina Park (at the end of Pierpont) San Buenaventura State Beach (on San Pedro St, off Hwy 101) Seaward Beach (at the end of Seaward Ave) Last year alone, more than 80,000 volunteers helped remove over a million pounds of trash (including recyclable items) from local beaches, waterways and lakes throughout California.  Keeping our Ventura County beaches clean is important, not only to the people who...
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By Kathy Stoltman, RETIRED
This is a Free Event held tomorrow, Thursday, September 15, 5-9 pm. Win a 3 or 6 hour Sail Aboard the Bill of Rights Tall Ship. To enter, visit a minimum of 10 artists throughout the Village. Sponsored by Island Packers for 2 adults. I think this is a great idea, for more information visit Ventura Harbor Village. This Ventura County Realtor is going for sure, I hope I win a sailing trip! Originally published at www.venturacountyrealestate.com I’m Kathy Stoltman – Your Ventura County Realtor – You can reach me anytime at (805)-746-1793 Or via email at kathyst@kathyst.com   I look forward to hearing from you   Search for Ventura Homes for Sale Search for Oxnard Homes for Sale Search for Port Hueneme Homes for Sale Search for Camarillo Homes for Sale Search for Ojai/Oak View Homes for Sal...
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By Dave and Patricia Zumbrun
(The "Z" Team 4 RE, Inc.)
It's almost hard to believe that it's been 10 years since our country was rocked to its foundation by the events that unfolded on September 11th, 2001.  I know we at the Z Team will definitely never forget what happened that day and neither will millions of others.  Next Sunday, September 11, 2011, there will be a 10th Anniversary of September 11 Memorial Ceremony held in Ventura at the Ventura County Government Center located at 800 S Victoria Avenue.  The public is invited to come pay their respects for those men, women and children who perished as a direct result of the terrorist attacks as well as the brave men and women firefighters, policemen and women and military personnel involved.  The memorial will held from 11am to noon between the Law Enforcement, Firefighter's and Veteran'...
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By Kirsten Mellinger, Ventura County Real Estate
(SkyView Real Estate)
Great family fun Labor Day Weekend at Ventura Harbor Village! Events: Labor Day Weekend at the Ventura Harbor Village Event WHEN:Sat., Sept. 3, - Monday, Sept. 5, 2011 DETAILS: Visit the Ventura Harbor Village for Labor Day Weekend fun in the sun! The weekend activities include:Saturday, Sept.3Trash to Treasure 10 am startVillage Main LawnSaturday, Sept. 3Relax with Gentle Yoga by the water's edge from 11 - 11:30 AM at the Village Main Lawn, Cost $5Saturday, Sept. 3Enjoy music by the Justin Claveria Combo at the Carousel Stage from 1 - 4 PM!Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 3-4Bring the family out for face paintings by Happy Rainbow Face Painting from 1 - 4 PM located on the promenade.Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 3-4 Visit the Kinetic Sculpture Race Vehicle Booth from Noon - 3 PM on the Village Main...
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By Kirsten Mellinger, Ventura County Real Estate
(SkyView Real Estate)
Mark your calender for the weekend of September 10-11th for the fantastic Aloha Beach Festival in Ventura!  
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By Sandy Acevedo, RE/MAX Masters, Inland Empire Homes for Sale
(951-290-8588)
    Friday Night Lights for Ventura HS, Buena High School, St. Bonaventure High SchoolNothing says Back to School and Autumn better than you your local high school's football games. Not only are the games entertaining, it is where the kids can meet safely, booster clubs can raise money for their local athletics and the community can show their support.You don't have to have a current high schooler to go out and support your local team. Try it! You might really enjoy it!I have compiled the varsity  schedules for these schools:  Oxnard High School, Pacifica High School, Rio Mesa H.S, Camarillo H.S., Hueneme HS, Channel Islands HS, Ventura, Buena, and St. Bonaventure H.S. If you are interested in learning more about Ventura County Real Estate and are looking for an Oxnard Real Estate Agent...
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By Kathy Stoltman, RETIRED
  A new California law will further protect homeowners pursuing short sales by barring first and second lien holders from going after sellers for money owed after the short sales close.   As of July 15, 2011 Gov. Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 458.   A short sale is a transaction in which the homeowner owes more on the loan than the property is worth. To sell the home, the lien holder or lien holders must approve the sale because the amount owed to the lien holder will be “short” or less than of what is currently owed by the borrower.   The new law builds on the protections offered by a previous law, SB 931, which required the first lien holder in a short sale to accept an agreed-upon payment as the full payment for the outstanding loan balance. SB 931 did not address junior lien holder...
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By Sandy Acevedo, RE/MAX Masters, Inland Empire Homes for Sale
(951-290-8588)
  Ventura County Real Estate Recovery and Car SalesCan Increased Car Sales be the Harbinger of Real Estate Recovery in Ventura County?Low rates and consumer confidence have combined to new car sales that exceeded last years total by 16%. Used car sales went up 8% from last year.David Greiner, president of Greiner Buick-GMC in Victorville said of car sales, "We are the first item purchased when the recovery starts," Greiner said. "You may repair it when things are getting worse. When the economy starts to recover, you start to make long-term investments."Factory production of motor vehicles and parts jumped 5.2 percent during July, helped by automakers replacing inventories depleted because of the March 11 earthquake in Japan, according to the Associated Press.Well, if it is true as Davi...
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By Joanne Louise Stevens, Realtor - Serving Brentwood and Surrounding Cities
(Keller Williams Realty Los Angeles-Brentwood)
Hello Everybody:  I hope you had a wonderful week.  We made it to Friday.  It’s almost Sunday and whether you are working this weekend, traveling or relaxing at home, please think safety.    I was at Port Hueneme this week at the California Air National Guard Base performing annual training. I am a Realtor®, and a Reservist also.  I proudly wear an Air Force uniform and with over 29 years of service, I’m still going strong.  I enjoy the camaraderie and the fact that I am serving my country is a wonderful and honorable experience.   (No, I do not fly planes. I leave the piloting to our pilots.) People are always asking me the above because they are fascinated by our air power.  It is true that our pilots are the best in the world!  Just ask the 150 passengers on US Airways Flight 1549, p...
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By Dave and Patricia Zumbrun
(The "Z" Team 4 RE, Inc.)
Summer has arrived in Southern California!  That means that the Music Under the Stars summer music program in Ventura is almost here.  Beginning July 9, 2011 and continuing every Saturday through September 3, 2011, Ventura's Music Under the Stars offers live music and great food for everyone from 7:30pm to 9:30pm at the Historic Olivas Adobe (4200 Olivas Park Dr). The schedule of artists set to perform throughout the summer concert series is as follows: July 9, 2011 - Louie Cruz Beltran, Playboy Jazz Festival favorite, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian music July 16, 2011 - Barbara Morrison, blues and jazz queen July 23, 2011 - Upstream, blends reggae and soca sounds with a Caribbean beat July 30, 2011 - Whiskey Dawn, one of California's hottest country bands August 6, 2011 - Soul City Survivors...
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By Dave and Patricia Zumbrun
(The "Z" Team 4 RE, Inc.)
The Ventura Family Festival in the Park offers three fun family events in one location at one time.  For the eighth year in a row, Barranca Vista Park (7050 E Ralston St, Ventura) will host the Family Festival in the Park on Saturday, May 14th from 9am to 3pm. Kids Swap MeetFor the sixth year in a row, the Kids Swap Meet will kick off the Ventura Family Festival in the Park from 9am to noon.  Kids will be allowed to bring in their old toys, games, books and clothes (as long as they are still in usable condition) to sell.  If you have any questions, please contact the Kids Swap Meet's supervisor, Kathryn Dippong-Lawson, at 805-644-6542.  If you wish to participate in the Kids Swap Meet, you must fill out an application here by May 6, 2011.  The cost to sell your kids' older stuff is $15....
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By Dave and Patricia Zumbrun
(The "Z" Team 4 RE, Inc.)
More than 100 acts will showcase their talents at the 17th Music Week in Ventura beginning April 27, 2011 and continuing through May 1, 2011.  Most of these performances will be provided at no cost or very low cost and will be open to all age groups.  Some of the musical genres that will be featured include blues, R&B, country, jazz, metal, ska and latin.  Several popular local bands will also perform, including the Bob Jones Trio, King Gypsy, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, 29 Mules, Urban Dread and the Shoemaker Brothers. Atlantic Magazine recently noted that Ventura County has become a huge force for live music, coming in 4th for concentration of music industry businesses after Nashville, Los Angeles and New York City.  In fact, on any given night in the downtown Ventura area, you can see a l...
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