Hear ye!  Hear ye!  Let it be known throughout the land that, as of tonight, the circus comes to our Ventura town.  Trapeze and tightrope and clowns...oh my!What: Circus Vargas ArleQuinWhere: Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W Harbor Blvd, Ventura)When: May 21 to 25, 2015, Times VaryCost: $15-$25 for Bleacher Seating, $25-$35 Arena Seating, $45-$55 Reserved Ringside Seating, $60-$70 VIP Seating, Kids under 2 are FREE and must sit in paid adult's lapContact: Circus Vargas Box OfficeCome see what SanDiego.com chose as the "Best Circus in San Diego".  The circus comes to our Ventura town beginning tonight at 7:30pm.  The brand new ArleQuin show by Circus Vargas tells a story of a young boy's dreams of running away to join the circus.  When night falls, dozens of colorful characters come out ... 05/21/2015

Spring is a time when we throw off the cold, damp winter weather and embrace the sunshine.  That is especially true here in our Ventura community.  It is also the perfect time for an en plein air festival, which is just a fancy way of saying "in the open air".  Celebrate spring, life and artistic expression by visiting the 2015 Paint Ventura Art Fair this weekend.What: 2015 Paint Ventura Art FairWhere: Main St, Downtown VenturaWhen: Sunday, April 19th 10am to 5pmCost: FREEContact: Red Brick Gallery (805) 643-6400This Sunday's 2015 Paint Ventura Art Fair will be the culmination of four days that make up the Paint Ventura event.  Downtown Ventura has been transformed into an artist's paradise.  Visit the dozens of art booths to see if there is something you may want to purchase for your o... 04/16/2015

Easter is officially this Sunday.  But who can wait that long to enjoy the festivities?  Even the Easter Bunny has decided to take a break from his busy schedule to stop in around our Ventura County community and visit with all little boys and girls.  No matter where you are, there are sure to be some 2015 Ventura County Easter Egg Hunts to participate in this weekend. Saturday's 2015 Ventura County Easter Egg Hunts Camarillo Arts & Crafts Fair - 10am to 3pm, Camarillo Community Center (1605 E Burnley St) Camarillo Easter Eggstravaganza - 11am to 3pm, Camarillo Animal Shelter (600 Aviation Dr) Moorpark Easter Egg Hunt - 10am to 1pm, Arroyo Vist Community Park (4550 Tierra Rejada Rd) Oak Park Egg Hunt & Art Show - 9:30am to 2pm, Mae Boyar Park (130 N Kanan Rd) Simi Valley Egg Hunt - 9am... 04/02/2015

BIG CHANGES Made to California Purchase Agreement Effecting Ventura County Home Sellers... In November 2014;  Important changes were made to our California Purchase Agreement.  (Also known as the "RPA-CA," issued by CAR - the California Association of Realtors).   There were approximately 35 "game changing" changes made - a vast number compared to the usual, 4 to 5 housekeeping type changes made annually by CAR's Legal Department. The CAR purchase agreement is the sales contract commonly used for most all home sale / purchase transactions in California real estate.  A homeowner selling their home, stands to be damaged in a sale transaction IF they are unaware of these changes.     Here are a few of the changes made that Ventura Home Sellers really should know...   The Seller - now by de... 03/11/2015

They say that everyone is Irish on St Patrick's Day.  Since the official St Patrick's Day falls on a Tuesday this year (March 17th), there will most likely be a lot of people celebrating over the weekend.  That is why the 2015 Ventura St Patrick's Day Parade happens the Saturday before. What: 2015 Ventura St Patrick's Day ParadeWhere: Main St, Downtown VenturaWhen: Saturday, March 14, 2015 10amCost: FREEContact: Jim Monahan at (805) 643-4275 or via email or Nan Drake at (805) 644-7794 or via email The theme of the 2015 Ventura St Patrick's Day Parade is "Honoring Our Troops".  This year's Grand Marshal will be Jeff Gorell, Commander US Navy Intelligence Reserve.  Everyone in the Ventura community and surrounding areas are invited to come early to scout out the perfect spot to set up th... 03/05/2015

Are you an avid hunter?  Are you looking for a little home protection or do you want to add a new rifle to your collection?  Several hundred vendors will be coming to our Ventura community this weekend to participate in the Ventura Gun Show 2015. What: Crossroads of the West Gun ShowWhere: Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA)When: February 7 & 8, 2015 9am to 5pm on Sat, 9am to 4pm on SunCost: $12 per person, kids 12 & under are FREE with accompanying parent or guardianContact: Crossroads of the West gun Shows (801) 544-9125 or via email The Ventura Gun Show 2015 will be held in the San Miguel, San Nicolas and Anacapa Halls of the Ventura County Fairgrounds this weekend.  The public is welcome to attend.  The Crossroads of the West Gun Shows are held all over the c... 02/05/2015

Before you sell your Ventura home, you will want to determine a proper asking price.  If you ask too much, your home could languish on the market for a long time.  You will most likely have to reduce your asking price after a while and may eventually sell it for less than you would have if you had priced it right to begin with.  To find out what the "proper asking price" is, you need to ask yourself "what is my Ventura home worth?" There are a few different ways you can find out what your home is worth in the Ventura community.  Real estate websites like Zillow and Trulia offer up automatic valuation models (AVMs).  They use the data they have on hand, such as their inventory of homes for sale in the area, how much homes have sold for, etc.  What you will quickly find, though, is that ... 01/15/2015

We love this time of year!  Our entire Ventura community is filled with holiday cheer.  Did you know that there is an easy way to get from downtown Ventura to Harbor Village and back again?  It won't even cost you a dime.  The Downtown Harbor Trolley takes its circuitous route every Wednesday through Sunday.  But for a couple more days this year, you can enjoy a 2014 Ventura Trolley Ride with Santa. What: 2014 Ventura Trolley Ride With SantaWhere: Downtown Ventura to the Harbor VillageWhen: December 20 & 21 2014 12pm to 3pmCost: FREEContact: Downtown Harbor Trolley Driver (805) 827-4444 The regular Downtown Harbor Trolley runs every Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 11pm.  But the 2014 Ventura Trolley Ride with Santa gives kids a chance to ride with the Jolly Old Elf himself betwee... 12/18/2014

Ventura CA - The FHA Loan Limits for 2015 were released on Friday, December 5th, and the maximum FHA loan limit for forward mortgages has been increased for 187 counties nationwide.     Ventura County's FHA loan limit will match the recent Fannie/Freddie increase from $598,000 to $603,750 which is an increase of $5,750.   The new FHA loan limits apply to all loans with FHA case numbers assigned from January 1st, 2015 through December 31st, 2015.    Riverside and San Bernardino Counties are seeing their FHA maximum loan for 2015 stay at their current level of $355,350 for one-unit properties which had dropped from $500,000 to $355,350 for 2014.   Three other counties in California are seeing their FHA Loan Limits increase for 2015.  These are: Monterey County - increasing from $483,000 t... 12/09/2014

High Balance Conforming Loan Limits Increasing for Ventura County CA in 2015  The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which sets the loan limits for loans purchased by Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FHLMC), announced today that the Ventura High Balance Conforming Loan Limit is increasing from $598,000 to $603,750 for loans closed on or after January 1, 2015.  This is an increase in the Ventura High Balance Conforming loan limit of $5,750. The loan limits are established under the terms of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) and there a total of 46 counties affected nationwide by the increase.  Of the 46 counties affected, there are four in California: Monterey County increasing from $483,000 to $502,550 Napa County increasing from $592,250 to $615,250 Ventura Cou... 12/09/2014

How do you make a shopping trip into something even better?  When you partner it with a great cause like the Humane Society of Ventura County.  That's what happens when you visit the Ventura Purrs and Paws Holiday Boutique 2014 this Saturday. What: Ventura Purrs and Paws Holiday Boutique 2014Where: Balboa Middle School (247 S Hill Rd, Ventura)When: Saturday, November 8, 2014 8am to 3pmAdmission: FREEContact: Heather, Humane Society of Ventura County (805) 646-6505 x104 or via email Start making a list and checking it twice.  You're going to want to cross off the naughty and start shopping for the nice.  The Ventura Purrs and Paws Holiday Boutique 2014 at the Balboa Middle School allows you to get a jump on your Christmas shopping now.  Don't wait until the last minute.  Why would you w... 11/06/2014

Tomorrow's the big day...Halloween!  Next to Christmas, this has got to be most kids' favorite holiday.  When else is it OK to go up to a home and demand a treat while threatening a "trick" if none is provided?  To keep our kids safe, the Police Department wants to remind parents of a few Ventura Halloween Safety Tips. Whether you have little ones in the Ventura community that will be trick-or-treating or you are the one giving out candy, these Ventura Halloween Safety Tips should help you get through the night.   Ventura Halloween Safety Tips for the Trick-or-Treaters Before you go trick-or-treating, talk to your kids about never entering a stranger's home. Make sure your kids are always under adult supervision, whether that is you or a trusted neighbor/family member.  If your kids ar... 10/30/2014

Sure, the calendar says it is Fall.  But around the Ventura community, it has been hot as Hades!  Looks like crisper weather is right around the corner, though.  Thank goodness because the Ventura Harvest Festival 2014 is here! What: Ventura Harvest Festival 2014Where: Ventura County FairgroundsWhen: October 3-5, 2014 10am to 6pm Fri & Sat, 10am to 5pm SunCost: Adults $9, Seniors (62+) $7, Kids 13-17 $4, Kids Under 13 FREEContact: Ventura County Fairgrounds (800) 346-1212 Beginning tomorrow and running through Sunday, the Ventura Harvest Festival 2014 promises plenty of family-friendly fun.  This has become the largest indoor craft show in the area, with hundreds of vendors coming from all over the country.  Pick up something fun to decorate your Ventura home for the holidays.  Bring y... 10/02/2014

It may be hard to believe with the unbelievably HOT temperatures we have been experiencing here in Southern California, but next Tuesday, September 23rd is the official first day of Fall.  You know what that means, right?  The Ventura Fall Home and Garden Show 2014 is here! What: Ventura Fall Home and Garden Show 2014Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W Harbor Blvd)When: September 19-21, 2014 12pm to 6pm on Fri, 10am to 6pm on Sat & SunContact: Ventura County Fairgrounds (805) 648-3376 If you own a Ventura home or even if you are currently in the market for a Ventura home, you won't want to miss the Ventura Fall Home and Garden Show 2014.  You'll get plenty of great ideas on how to decorate both the interior and exterior of your home.  Find deals on spas, kitchen and bath remodels, ... 09/18/2014

Just because the kids are back in school does not mean that summer is over, especially in Ventura County.  We still have a couple of weeks left before Autumn takes over.  Celebrate the waning days of summer at the Ventura Beach Party 2014 this weekend, September 6 and 7 at the Ventura Promenade. What: Ventura Beach Party 2014Where: Ventura Promenade (North of the Pier, on C St Plaza)When: September 6 & 7Admission: FREEContact: Ventura Beach Party (805) 827-1095 or via email The Ventura Beach Party 2014 is a free two-day event for all Ventura residents and visitors to enjoy.  Get your groove thing on with plenty of live music from some amazingly talented local bands.  Join in on some of the beach game fun.  Eat to your heart's content courtesy of food for sale from local food trucks and... 09/04/2014

2014 Ventura Senior Expo Are you a member of the Baby Boomer generation (born between 1946 and 1964)?  Let's face it, we're all aging.  When we hit 50, our bodies start to creak a little more, our stomachs don't handle the same foods they used to and we feel tired more often than we did before.  The 2014 Ventura Senior Expo will address all these issues and more for anyone in the Ventura area who is 50 years old or older. What: 2014 Golden Future 50+ Senior ExpoWhere: Ventura County Fairgrounds, Anacapa Hall (10 W Harbor Blvd)When: August 23, 2014 10am to 3pmCost: FREE admissionContact: Golden Future Expos (818) 763-4197 At the 2014 Ventura Senior Expo, guests will learn about different products, services and resources geared specifically for our aging population.  Just because you're o... 08/21/2014

Ventura Sounds of Summer 2014 Now that it is August, we have entered the waning days of summer here in Ventura.  The weather continues to be too beautiful to stay inside, though.  Enjoy your last few Sundays of summer air at the Ventura Sounds of Summer 2014 event. What: Ventura Sounds of Summer 2014Where: Carousel Stage, Ventura Harbor Village (1583 Spinnaker Dr)When: Sundays through August 31, 2014 1pm to 4pmCost: FREEContact: Ventura Harbor Village (805) 477-0470 Every Sunday until August 31st, the Ventura Sounds of Summer 2014 will feature a different musical act on the Carousel Stage at Ventura Harbor Village.  These local Ventura area bands will be playing reggae, blues and surf music absolutely free of charge from 1pm to 4pm.  Take a break from shopping at the Village to relax wh... 08/07/2014

2014 Ventura County Fair Do you remember what it was like going to the fair when you were a kid?  Chowing down on cotton candy.  Spending all your money trying to toss a ring so that it hooked a bottle just right in order to win a silly prize.  Riding the carnival rides until your tummy ached.  It's time to relive those fun days because the 2014 Ventura County Fair is here! What: 2014 Ventura County FairWhere: Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W Harbor Blvd)When: Now through August 10, 2014 11am to 10pm weekdays, 10am to 10pm Sat & SunCost: Adults $12, Children/Seniors $9Contact: Seaside Park (805) 648-3376 The 2014 Ventura County Fair actually started yesterday.  But there is still PLENTY of time to enjoy a good time with your entire family.  Visit the dozens upon dozens of arts and craft... 07/31/2014

      You know for sure it’s summer when the Ventura County Fair is here! Starting today, July 30th up to and including August 10th, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Boulevard (map), there are many fun and interesting activities and entertainment events scheduled.   Attractions include carnival rides and games, arts and crafts, exhibits and displays, farm animals and a petting zoo, many demonstrations, food vendors and outstanding live entertainment (concerts and rodeos – FREE with the cost of admission into the Fair).   This year’s scheduled entertainment features:   Weds., July 30th at 6:00pm – Motorsports   Thurs., July 31st at 7:00pm – The Beach Boys   Fri., August 1st at 7:30pm – Little Big Town   Sat., August 2nd at 7:30pm – The Spinners   Sun., August 3rd at 3:00pm... 07/30/2014

Ventura Dirty Car Challenge 2014 As you have most likely heard, California is in dire straits with their water situation.  Ventura residents are being asked to conserve as much water as possible, wherever possible.  That's why the city has issued the Ventura Dirty Car Challenge 2014. For the month of July, Ventura residents are asked to stop washing their cars, especially those people that wash their cars at home.  A typical Ventura home car wash will use up 80-150 gallons in just one wash.  When you go to a commercial car wash like Market St or Five Points, their machines only use around 45 gallons per car wash.  And, many commercial washes recycle their water, further lessening the amount of water resources utilized per vehicle. Ventura Water is holding a free car wash giveaway.  All ... 07/17/2014