COVID-19 continues to affect us all. For a little while, it looked like Californians would be able to enjoy a date night inside their favorite bars or restaurants again. Unfortunately, Governor Newsom put the kibosh on that in early July. He closed down any inside patronage of bars, restaurants, breweries, and tasting rooms throughout the state. While outdoor dining and to-go orders remain a possibility at many of Ventura's restaurants, this severely cuts into the owners' and employees' income. To help your favorite local restaurants stay in business during this rough time, the local restaurants began to encourage Ventura Takeout Tuesdays.>Ventura Takeout Tuesdays 2020Yes, the governor allows outdoor dining at Ventura area restaurants. However, restaurants only allow a certain numbers o... 08/03/2020

Just today, Governor Newsom ordered a second shutdown of indoor businesses amid concerns over the spread of COVID-19. That includes indoor dining at restaurants. However, he still allows outdoor dining and shopping to continue. Why? This facilitates social distancing much easier than the confines of indoors. So, the local experiment known as Main Street Moves Ventura appears to continue through until its end date of July 16th.What: Main Street Moves VenturaWhere: Downtown Ventura, Main St between Fir & Palm and California St between Santa Clara & Poli When: 7 am to 10 pm every day between now and July 16th, 2020Main Street Moves VenturaOn June 16th, five blocks in the downtown Ventura area shut down their streets to vehicular traffic. This allowed businesses in the area to expand out on... 07/06/2020

Each year, when reservations open up for California campgrounds, spots fill up fast. If you don't reserve a site early, you run the risk of not ever getting in during the season. When the governor announced the opening of Ventura beaches last month, many people thought campgrounds would soon follow. Alas, that didn't happen. For those who made their reservations earlier this year, COVID-19 concerns and the statewide shutdown canceled their plans. However, Ventura County campgrounds opened back up last weekend. Again, campgrounds filled up right away.Ventura County Campgrounds Now OpenCurrently, 28 California State Park campsites are open for business. That includes a few Ventura County campgrounds. Some state parks currently operate at only 50% capacity. Most of the parks in operation r... 06/15/2020

2020 started out rough for everybody around the world thanks to COVID-19 concerns. Non-essential businesses across the country shut down around mid-March. California's lockdown could continue through July. One thing that won't go on lockdown? Wildfire season. It's here. Local government officials require all Ventura County homeowners to get rid of dead brush and other fire hazards on their properties to lower the chances of total devastation from a wildfire. The deadline to complete your brush clearance is today. Are you in compliance? If you brought your property into compliance with the county's brush clearance policy, where do you take your trimmings?Brush Clearance in Ventura CountyHow to Clear Your BrushFirst, concentrate on any flammable or combustible materials in or around your ... 06/01/2020

Ninety years ago, the United States experienced the Great Depression. Twelve years ago, we saw the Great Recession. Now? A global pandemic. During the first two eras, the housing market took a massive hit. The Ventura housing market seems to differ during the global pandemic. Low inventory and even lower interest rates kept prices from dropping like a rock. Is it still a good time to buy a Ventura home right now? The answer might surprise you.The Pandemic's Effect on the Ventura Housing MarketState of the CountyYes, sales have slowed down. Part of this is due to the shelter-in-place order Governor Newsom put into effect several weeks ago. And part of it is due to so many out-of-work people. However, Ventura County opened up their beaches (with limitations) on April 20th. Other businesse... 05/18/2020

Back in mid-March, Governor Gavin Newsom issued his Stay at Home order for the state of California. Government officials eased these restrictions a little bit in mid-April. While restaurants still only offer to-go or delivery options, golf courses, bike shops, and car lots opened back up to the public. From April 4th to April 20th, Ventura beaches shut down due to COVID-19 concerns. However, as of April 20th, local officials opened up Ventura Beaches for limited usage. They want the public to enjoy our gorgeous Southern California weather but strongly encourage continued social distancing.Ventura Beaches Limited UseWhat's Allowed?For now, officials allow the following activities on Ventura beaches, parks, trails, and pathways: Walking Hiking Biking Running Jogging Ocean activities (swim... 05/04/2020

Officials shut down access to all Ventura beaches and parks as of April 1st. Schools shut down their on-site classrooms and transitioned to distance learning (from home) last month. They plan to stay that way through the end of the school year. However, some students relied on the school's cafeteria to eat one or two meals per day. With the shutdown, this makes it more difficult for them to receive the nutrition they need. Fortunately, the City implemented a few Ventura meal services during the governor's "Stay Well at Home" orders. Senior citizens also can be taken care of at this time through these meal services.Ventura Meal ServicesKidsVolunteers and staff of the Ventura Unified School District work hard to put together nutritious meals for kids ages 1 to 18 each week. They provide b... 04/06/2020

Every day, we seem to hear something new about COVID-19. Currently, all city-sponsored events involving more than 250 people gathered at one place at one time are put on indefinite hold. Ventura USD schools are shut down until April 10th. Some restaurants and other businesses find themselves closing due to lack of business or as a precautionary measure. While the March 21st Mermaid Meet & Greet appears to still be taking place, the parade has been canceled. (To keep up with current COVID-19 info, check-in on the City's website daily. If you find yourself at home for an extended period of time and want to get your property ready to sell, it might be worth your while to consider putting some of these kitchen remodel ideas to good use.Kitchen Remodel IdeasCabinet Color ChangeOne of the kit... 03/16/2020

In March, we celebrate Mermaid Month at Ventura Harbor Village. All month long, several mermaid-related events take place in the village. treasure-hunting, a mermaid parade, and a themed escape room created specifically for Mermaid Month. But if you want to see one of these beautiful creatures live, you need to come to one of the Ventura Mermaid Meet and Greet 2020 events scheduled this month.What: Ventura Mermaid Meet and Greet 2020Where: Ventura Harbor Village (1583 Spinnaker)When: Saturday, March 7th & 21st, 1 pm to 4 pmVentura Mermaid Meet and Greet 2020Ariel may be the most famous mermaid, but her friends make an appearance at the Harbor Village's Mermaid Meet & Greet. Talk to them and pose for a picture anytime between 1 pm and 4 pm this Saturday, March 7th. Try on a tail of your ... 03/02/2020

The Monday through Friday work week feels like it drags on and on sometimes. How do you break up the monotony? How about a stroll on Downtown Ventura's Walk It Wednesdays?What: Downtown Ventura's Walk It WednesdaysWhere: Main St VenturaWhen: Every Wednesday, from 4 pm to 7 pmContact: Downtown Ventura (805) 260-7023 or via emailDowntown Ventura's Walk It WednesdaysPerform a little mid-week pick-me-up with Walk It Wednesdays. Every Wednesday night, visit any of the ten participating Downtown Ventura restaurants for a delicious meal with your friends or significant other. Compare the fare offered by at least two of these restaurants over the course of two weeks. (Unless you enjoy two dinners in one evening. No judgment here.) The only judgment needed is your opinion about each appetizer an... 02/17/2020

In less than two weeks, we celebrate Valentine's Day. What do you have planned with your sweetie? Chocolates? Jewelry? Dinner? If you struggle to find a way to show your special someone how much you love them, consider one of these Ventura Valentine's Day events.Ventura Valentine's Day EventsWhale WatchingWintertime is a great time to go whale watching in Southern California. Right now, you might see gray whales as they journey back north from Mexico. Island Packers Cruises offers whale watching cruises every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through mid-April in the Ventura Harbor area. Choose from the early 9:30 am cruise or afternoon 1:30 pm cruise. Each cruise takes between three and three and a half hours to complete.Evening Harbor CruiseIsland Packers also offers a special one-hour Val... 02/03/2020

Why wait until spring to clear out the extra stuff in your Ventura home? Start now. Go through closets, cupboards, sheds, and any other nook and cranny to find things you seldom or never use anymore. Then, bring them to the Ventura Community Cleanup and Recycling Event 2020 this Saturday for proper disposal.What: Ventura Community Cleanup and Recycling Event 2020Where: Fire Training Facility (765 S Seaward Ave)When: Saturday, January 25th, 9 am to 12 pmContact: City of Ventura (805) 652-4526 or via emailVentura Community Cleanup and Recycling Event 2020Organizers allow no more than five boxes (similar in size to filing boxes) of items for each vehicle that shows up to the event on Saturday. They accept old household furniture, appliances, clothes, metal, and even tires. Bring in your Ch... 01/20/2020

We hope you enjoyed the holidays with your loved ones. Now that the new year is officially underway, time to take a look at your water usage. New water rationing bills were passed last year. Beginning by the end of June 2022, the State Water Board must adopt standards put in place by the bills to limit indoor and outdoor water use in California homes. Their goal? To lower the average household water usage from its current 65+ gallons per person to 55 by 2022, 52.5 in 2025, and, eventually, down to 50 gallons per person in 2030. To do so, they need your help to lower your usage. Your first step should be performing a Water Efficiency Survey.Water Efficiency Survey for Ventura ResidentsVentura Water offers free efficiency surveys for all Ventura residents. To do so, simply call (805) 667-... 01/06/2020

It may not snow here in Southern California, but we definitely know how to celebrate the holidays! First, with a tree lighting at the San Buenaventura Mission right after Thanksgiving. Then, with our Winter Street Fair and Wine Walk a couple of weeks ago. Only eight more shopping days until Christmas. So, if you have yet to start your shopping, I suggest you get on the ball now. This weekend's Ventura Winter Wonderland & Marketplace 2019 might offer your last opportunity to complete your shopping list before the big day next week!What: Ventura Winter Wonderland & Marketplace 2019Where: Ventura Harbor Village (1583 Spinnaker)When: Saturday, December 21st, 12 pm to 4 pmAdmission: FREEContact: Ventura Harbor Village (805) 477-0470Ventura Winter Wonderland & Marketplace 2019Grab your Christ... 12/16/2019

We certainly hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving with family and friends. Who went to watch the official tree lighting at the San Buenaventura Mission last Saturday? Now that Christmas season is underway, you might want to visit the Ventura Winter Street Fair and Wine Walk 2019 this weekend. Time to get going on your Christmas shopping list. (And maybe pick up something for yourself as well.)What: Ventura Winter Street Fair and Wine Walk 2019Where: 300-500 blocks of Main St, Downtown VenturaWhen: Saturday, December 7th, 12 pm to 8 pmAdmission: Street Fair - FREE, Wine Walk - $55 to $99Contact: California Beer Festival (805) 628-9588 or via emailVentura Winter Street Fair 2019Need to pick up a winter birthday gift, Hanukkah present, hostess gift or Christmas present for the loved ones... 12/02/2019

Thanksgiving comes late this year (November 28th). That means less than a month afterward before Christmas Day. So even though we have yet to celebrate Thanksgiving, we thought you might want start planning a visit to the official Ventura Christmas tree lighting 2019 ceremony.What: Ventura Christmas Tree Lighting 2019Where: San Buenaventura Mission Steps (211 E Main St)When: Saturday, November 30th, 5 pm to 8 pmAdmission: FREEContact: San Buenaventura Mission (805) 641-1090Ventura Christmas Tree Lighting 2019If one Christmas tree brings you such joy and happiness, two must be twice as nice, right? That's what the event organizers of Ventura's tree lighting believe. Two Norfolk Pines and the mission's fig tree light up for the holidays at 6:45 pm. However, no one gets bored waiting. Seve... 11/18/2019

So, Thanksgiving is still over a month away. But why wait to give thanks for all the blessings in your life? Thousands of families in Ventura struggle to find their next meal and put a roof over their heads every single day. The holidays provide a perfect opportunity to show them some love. How? By participating in Ventura Bowl of Thanks 2019 for one.What: Ventura Bowl of Thanks 2019Where: Ventura County Potters Guild (1567 Spinnaker Dr #105)When: Sunday, November 3rd, 11 am to 4 pmAdmission: $25/bowlContact: VCPG (805) 644-6800 or via emailVentura Bowl of Thanks 2019The amazing artists at the Ventura County Potters Guild created beautiful handmade bowls specifically for the Bowl of Thanks event. Each one-of-a-kind bowl features unique touches you won't find anywhere else. With the purc... 10/21/2019

Just last month, thousands of folks gathered in our fair city for the Boots & Brews Country Music Festival. The month before that, we enjoyed Ventura Taste 2019, a culinary journey through the finest restaurants and most talented chefs we call our own in Ventura. As you can see, we love our beer, food, and music in Southern California. A brand new festival starts up later this month, the Ventura Brew Fest 2019. And it includes food and music along with that tasty beverage, too.What: Ventura Brew Fest 2019Where: Mission Park (185 Santa Clara St)When: Saturday, October 19th, 10:30 am to 3:30 pmAdmission: $15 to $30 tasting bundlesContact: Ventura Brew Fest contact formVentura Brew Fest 2019In conjunction with the Ventura 5K & Downtown Mile taking place at the same time and in the same are... 10/08/2019

Today's country music isn't anything like your mom and dad's country music. Sure, there's still a bit of twang and some boot scootin' going on. But, many of today's country artists incorporate a bit of rock and roll and even some hip hop beats into the mix. There's a little something for everyone nowadays. And, at the Boots and Brews Country Music Festival 2019 in Ventura, you have the opportunity to enjoy live music by some of today's best country music artists up close and in person.What: Ventura Boots and Brews Country Music Festival 2019Where: San Buenaventura State Beach Park (901 San Pedro St)When: Sat, Sept 21st, 1 pm to 9 pmCost: $50-$99 (+ fee), $20 parking pass, kids ages 10 & under are FREEContact: Boots & Brews Festival (805) 628-9588 or via emailBoots and Brews Country Musi... 09/16/2019

Labor Day signals the end of summer for many folks. By now, the kids are back in school. Family vacation time ends. But the fun certainly doesn't stop. This upcoming weekend, the Ventura Harbor Village hosts a few events that you will most definitely enjoy: the Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival 2019, the Beauteous Bowl Bonanza and the Seaside Live Music Concert.Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival 2019Where: Ventura Harbor VillageWhen: September 7 & 8, 10 am to 5 pmAdmission: FreeContact: Ventura County Art Events (805) 302-4371 or via emailOn Saturday and Sunday, come out to watch local artists create grand masterpieces using chalk and their imagination at the street painting festival. In addition to the chalk pastels on the ground, several artists showcase their paintings, ... 09/03/2019