Tag: Ventura

38th Annual California Strawberry Festival on May 18-19 — Plenty of Berry Treats And Fun

VENTURA — The 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival is set for Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). Strawberry lovers looking for tasty treats in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere will find plenty of strawberry-themed food and beverages, live entertainment, carnival rides and other activities. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Over 50 food and beverage vendors will serve such treats as chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry-topped funnel cakes, strawberry nachos, deep-fried strawberries, berry kabobs, strawberry tacos, smoothies, and strawberry beer.Festivalgoers can visit the Strawberry Shortcake Experience —complete with shortcake, strawberries and whipped cream—to build their own berry desserts for $5.

Bilingual report — SCORE Ventura Seeks Volunteers / SCORE Ventura Solicita Voluntarios

SCORE is proud to be the nation’s largest network of volunteer mentors. To better serve the Spanish speaking Latino small business community in Ventura County, SCORE Ventura is seeking bilingual (English-Spanish) volunteers. 

As a SCORE Ventura mentor, you can play a pivotal role in the inspiring work we do. The skills, intelligence, and experience that you bring can be an invaluable resource for local entrepreneurs, helping them develop ideas, tackle challenges, and gain momentum as they grow. It’s a rewarding way to donate your time; one that really makes a difference.

Mitchell Thomas named new audit partner at accounting firm Nasif, Hicks, Harris & Co

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara and Ventura-based accounting firm Nasif, Hicks, Harris & Co. LLP has named Certified Public Accountant Mitchell “Mitch” Thomas as a new audit partner effective Jan. 1, 2024.

A practicing public accountant since 2012, Thomas joined Nasif, Hicks, Harris & Co. in June 2017. His practice focuses on audit and assurance services. Thomas has experience providing compilation, review, and audit engagements to a diverse range of clients including start-ups, construction, manufacturing, and non-profit entities.

April 7 — Experience The Ultimate Spring Break Getaway Where Sun, Sand And The Sea Meet At Ventura Harbor Village

VENTURA — As California bids farewell to winter and welcomes plenty of sunshine and vitamin SEA, Ventura Harbor Village beckons travelers from near and far to kick off Spring with warmer months ahead and celebrate Spring Break and Easter by the sea.

From March to April 2024, a myriad of popular seaside events and happenings await!  Experience The Channel Island National Park & Visitors 

Center, unique coastal shops, casual waterfront dining, and a newly-open waterfront patio where visitors can eat, view picturesque ocean views, sea lions, and listen to live entertainment.   

“Whether visitors are seeking unique waterfront dining, shopping or adventure, Ventura Harbor Village invites travelers to discover the beauty of this coastal destination while making Spring Break memories that will last a lifetime,” said Jennifer Talt Lundin, Marketing Manager Ventura Harbor/Ventura Harbor Village.

New Art City Theatre Accepting Submissions For Inaugural Playwright’s Festival

VENTURA — New Art City Theatre (NACT), a Ventura, California pioneering theatre company dedicated to the development of new theatrical works, is accepting original plays and musicals from playwrights for NACT’s inaugural playwright’s festival to be held in April 2024. Submissions will be accepted beginning October 31 through November 30.

Submissions must be full-length plays or musicals (two acts or at least a 75-minute one act). Projects must not be published or have received any fully produced productions, either amateur or professional. Submissions will be reviewed by the NACT reading team comprised of theatre professionals and community volunteers. Up to four plays/musicals will be selected from the entries. Selected writers will receive a stipend and an opportunity to engage in a week-long residency, collaborating with professional directors, actors, and dramaturges. At the end of the week, all projects will be presented to live audiences who will provide positive and structured feedback.

“It’s a place where talent meets opportunity,” adds NACT cofounder Beverly Ward, “There are no rules or magic formulas when it comes to creating compelling theatre. It’s all about getting the opportunities, trusting your instincts, and getting good feedback from colleagues and audiences along the way.”

Bilingual report — Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura counties request removal from Southern California Region Stay Home Order

The Board of Supervisors from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties on Dec. 8 issued a letter to state health officials and California Governor Gavin Newsom to request a separate Central Coast Region composed of the three counties. The letter requests that the Central Coast Region be allowed to exit the regional stay home order as a region after three weeks if the ICU capacity in the three counties exceeds 15 percent.

“The letter being sent to state officials is an accurate measure of our regional distinction through both geography and demographics,” stated Gregg Hart, Chair of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. “We are best positioned to understand the critical needs within our region and have existing partnerships to promote the health and economic well-being of our communities.”

SCIART Opens Call for Entries for The NEXT Big Thing

Studio Channel Islands Arts Center (SCIART) invites artists to participate in the call for entries for SCIART’s exhibition, The NEXT Big Thing. The annual exhibition is an exciting showcase of contemporary art created by emerging artists, as well as nationally exhibited and award-winning artists, in all medium including video, film, performance, sound and installation art. This year’s show will be juried by art critic and journalist Leah Ollman. The exhibition will award three cash prizes. The deadline for artists to apply is July 12, 2020.

Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura Receives Award of Merit from National Housing Organization

VENTURA — The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) recently honored the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) with the 2019 Award of Merit in the Resident and Client Services category for the Housing Plus…

Oct. 4-6 — Local artists shine for Ventura Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show at Ventura County Fairgrounds

VENTURA — For the real deal in handmade handiworks, don’t miss the Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show at the Ventura County Fairgrounds October 4-6, featuring more than 24,000 original creations from hundreds of trend-setting artisans and crafters. Festivities will be in…

Housing Authority Awarded $19 million for Phase Three of Westview Village Redevelopment

VENTURA — The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) has been awarded $18,983,730 from the California Strategic Growth Council for its Ventura Westside Housing and Active Transportation grant application. The award is granted through the state’s Affordable…

Ventura Senior Affordable Housing Project receives Largest National Housing Trust Fund award

VENTURA — The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura applied for and secured $8,370,651, the largest California award from the National Housing Trust Fund, for construction of the Willett Ranch senior affordable housing development. The Willett Ranch community…

Ferguson Case Orr Paterson Welcomes New Attorney

VENTURA — Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP (FCOP), Ventura County’s largest law firm, recently welcomed attorney Jamie Holzer White to the firm. Holzer White’s practice areas include estate planning, trust administration and probate, and she has extensive knowledge of charitable…

Graduating students of the Resident Leadership Academy celebrate spirit of community through local change

VENTURA COUNTY — Sponsored by Ventura County Public Health (VCPH), the Ventura County RLA is a 10-session comprehensive curriculum that encourages community residents to reduce health disparities and inequities by encouraging healthy eating, physical activity and public safety through policy…

Dec. 8 — County of Ventura hosts Flood/Mud Preparedness Event and Expo in wake of Woolsey and Hill Fires

OAK PARK — Experts from Ventura County’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) and Public Works Agency (VCPWA) will host a Flood and Mud Preparedness Event and Expo on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. until noon at Oak Park High…

Nov. 2 — Museum Hosts ARTLIFE Panel Discussion

VENTURA — The Museum of Ventura County will host a panel discussion, 2 to 4 p.m., Nov. 2, on the history, experiences and contributions of ARTLIFE founder and publisher Joe Cardella at the Museum’s Martin V. and Martha K. Smith…

June 10 — 32nd Ojai Wine Festival Combines Craft Beer and Fine Wine for Local Relief Efforts Benefiting Thomas Fire Victims

OJAI — For 32 years, the Ojai Wine Festival has served as the primary non-profit fundraising effort of the Rotary Club of Ojai-West and its numerous philanthropic endeavors that serve to enhance lives both locally and internationally. To date, the…

Ventura College Phoenix Scholarship Program Enters its 19th Year. Scholarship ceremony to be held April 19

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation is helping 28 mature adults attain their dreams of higher education by providing the financial assistance needed to return to college. This month, the Foundation will award a total of $48,400 in Phoenix Scholarships…

Museum of Ventura County Receives $1 Million Endowment

VENTURA — The Museum of Ventura County announced Feb. 2 that a $1 million gift made late last month established the Barbara Barnard Smith Museum of Ventura County Executive Director Fund which will provide permanent and ongoing financial support for the…

Bilingual report: 9 y 10 de febrero — FEMA ofrece consejos gratis de Jardineria y de Reconstrución contra los incendios en Vivero de Ventura

VENTURA – FEMA ofrece consejos gratis de jardineria y de reconstrución contra los incendios en vivero de Ventura, 6 de 9 am, sábado el 9 de febrero y 8:30 am a 5 p.m. domingo, el 10 de febrero, Green Thumb…

Dec. 8-10 — Local Rising Star Featured in Ventura County Ballet’s Beloved Holiday Performance, “The Nutcracker”

VENTURA COUNTY — When you first meet her, Jasmine Duncan appears to be a shy and quiet 16-year-old girl, but when she hits the stage, she comes out of her shell to dazzle audiences with her pure technical talent and…

Ferguson Case Orr Paterson Attorney to Receive Ventura County Bar Association’s Public Service Award

VENTURA COUNTY — Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP (FCOP) attorney Joseph L. Strohman, Jr. has been named by the Ventura County Bar Association (VCBA) as this year’s recipient of the Ben E. Nordman Public Service Award. The honor is in…

Ferguson Case Orr Paterson Launches New Website

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County’s largest law firm, Ferguson Case Orr Paterson, recently launched its new website at www.fcoplaw.com. Designed to offer quick and easy access to essential information, the new site features a more comprehensive profile of the firm’s…

WEV’s New League of Extraordinary Women Kickoff Unites Local Women to Strengthen Women Business Owners in Ventura County

VENTURA —  Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) hosted a group of influential women leaders from Ventura County at the kick off of their new League of Extraordinary Women held at the Atmore Ranch on Tuesday, July 25th. More than 50 guests…

Continuing: Summer of Love 50th Anniversary exhibits at the Museum of Ventura County

VENTURA — Summer of Love 50th Anniversary exhibits continues at the at the Museum of Ventura County. Experience the significance of the times through the community-based Tune In, Turn On, Drop Out pop-up exhibit featuring memorabilia from across Ventura County, including a…

April 13 — Half Full or Half Empty: Managing Water Conflicts and Encouraging Collaboration

VENTURA — Thanks to recent rains, many are tempted to think the drought is over. Learn the opinions of three local water experts as they share their insight at Half Full or Half Empty: Managing Water Conflicts and Encouraging Collaboration, 5:30–7:30…

Volunteers to be Honored at Wish Night 2017 Gala

CENTRAL COAST — Two volunteers will be honored by Make-A-Wish® Tri-Counties at the 8th Annual Wish Night gala on March 3 at the Hyatt Regency in Westlake Village. Meredith Garofalo/KEYT News Channel 3 has been named community partner of the…

Channel Island’s Maritime Museum Offers “Groups Only” Days for Customized Events

OXNARD — Private groups may now claim the Channel Island Maritime Museum as theirs exclusively for events and tours, the Museum recently announced. Perched on some of the most scenic waterfront property in Ventura County, the Museum gives visitors a…

Feb. 18-19 — Art Comes Alive at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum

OXNARD — Visitors of all ages can enjoy an assortment of maritime mysteries associated with the life and times of historical characters, portrayed by volunteers in period costume, and hear stories about the fascinating maritime heritage surrounding rare and beautiful paintings…

Spirit of Giving Food Drive Raises Over 12,000 Pounds

VENTURA COUNTY — From November 28th to December 14th, Dole Packaged Foods and FOOD Share of Ventura County collaborated on their first inaugural Spirit of Giving school food drive to empower local students to give back to those less fortunate…

Jan. 19 — EDC-VC Annual Meeting Focuses on Sustainable Water Solutions

CAMARILLO — As Ventura County enters its sixth year of drought, the 20th annual meeting of the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County (EDC-VC) will explore the theme “Drowning in Drought: Sustainable Water Solutions.” Featured will be keynote speakers Susan Mulligan, general manager, Calleguas…

FOOD Share Hosts SoCal’s Most Festive Holiday Food Drive: The 5th Annual CAN-tree Collection

OXNARD — For three days, Southern California’s premier destination shopping and dining center will be transformed into a stunning display of charity and cheer as FOOD Share’s 5th annual CAN-tree Collection, hosted by The Collection at RiverPark and Cumulus Media,…

EDC-VC Joins California Trade Delegation Trip to China

CAMARILLO – As part of the ongoing effort to increase trade and investment, particularly in California’s renewable energy and clean tech sectors, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and the California Energy Commission recently led a delegation…

Volunteers Wanted for ‘Art Comes Alive’ at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum

OXNARD – Channel Islands Maritime Museum is looking for volunteers to participate as historical figures in period costume for its third annual “Art Comes Alive” event, scheduled to take place 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Feb. 18-19, 2017. The event presents…

Ferguson Case Orr Paterson Announces Two New Partners

VENTURA — Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP (FCOP), Ventura County’s largest law firm, is pleased to announce John Hribar and Lane Lopez as new partners. Hribar’s practice is focused on appeals and civil litigation; Lopez specializes in tax law, business…

Renowned International Ballet Star Joins Ventura County Ballet for Holiday Classic, The Nutcracker through Dec. 11

OXNARD — Australian dancer, Aaron Smyth will once again reprising his role of the “Nutcracker Prince” in the Ventura County Ballet’s (VCB) 18th annual production of The Nutcracker at Oxnard Performing Arts Center, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. & 7…

Foster VC Kids, Ventura County Office of Education Collaborate on Innovative Support Systems for Foster Youth

Parent Teacher Forum to be held Oct. 11 VENTURA COUNTY — School stability is extraordinarily difficult for youth that experience life in foster care. Less than 50% of foster youth graduate from high school and only 3% go on to…

Snap a “Selfie” for Hunger Action Month

VENTURA COUNTY — September is Hunger Action Month, and FOOD Share is asking everyone to share the message that 1 in 6 Ventura County residents is still food insecure. That’s 136,000 of our children, families, and seniors who lack, at…

FOOD Share launches 5th Annual CAN-tree Collection with kick-off breakfast on Oct. 13

Seeks 200,000 Pounds of Food to Restock Shelves VENTURA COUNTY — FOOD Share will launch its inaugural Share16 Holiday Campaign and 2016 CAN-tree Collection drive with a kick-off breakfast held at its warehouse on Thursday October 13th, 8:30am-9:30am. Community, business,…

‘Take a Hungry Person to Lunch’ to be held at participating Ventura restaurant on Nov. 17

VENTURA — TAKE A HUNGRY PERSON TO LUNCH at a participating downtown Ventura restaurant Thursday, Nov 17 10:30 am – 2 pm in recognition of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week: November 12-20 Meet Thursday., Nov. 17, at 10:30 a.m. at…

New Non-Profit Provides Much-Needed Information on Ventura County Agriculture

VENTURA COUNTY — A new non-profit organization has been created to provide educational resources and highlight the important roles played by farmers, ranchers and agriculture in Ventura County. The 501(c)(3) organization, Treasure Our Farms, will showcase local growers and livestock…

Elderly Couple Stores 50 Years of Memories in Donated PODS Container after Losing their Home

CENTRAL COAST — With 50 years of Hank and Helen Kawecki’s memories packed into boxes and stacked into their neighbor’s garage, friends of the couple knew that more room would be needed to help the couple store and move their…

Ventura’s historic Downtown and Westside Cultural District to celebrate works of hundreds of regional artists for annual ArtWalk Ventura, Oct. 1-2

VENTURA — The streets of the city of Ventura’s historic Downtown and Westside Cultural District will transform into a mecca of artistic expression for the 23rd ArtWalk Ventura event the weekend of Oct. 1-2. The two-day Southern California art tradition…

Local PODS Puts Oxnard Union High Schools Football Training Camp Fundraising in Scoring Position

OXNARD — Local PODS moving and storage may make a winning season for Oxnard Union High School’s football teams by donating containers and services for the football boosters’ yearly fundraiser at this summer’s Dallas Cowboys Training Camp in Oxnard. Two…

321 Ways to Love: Local couple dedicates 35 years of service to Ventura County children and youth

VENTURA COUNTY — When Barbara and Edward Williams became a foster family in 1981, they couldn’t have foreseen the love that would fill their home. Recently honored by Foster VC Kids and the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, the Williams…

Communications Expert to Discuss the Subtle Art of Turning Detractors into Advocates at June PRSA Gold Coast Chapter Meeting on June 22

CAMARILLO — Finding common ground with those who disagree with you and your company can be a challenging task. But, as communications expert Dave Barthmuss, former group manager, communications for General Motors’ West Coast Region explains it, through transparency and…

Discovery Ventura to present Los Lonely Boys on Aug. 23

VENTURA — Los Lonely Boys will perform at Discovery Ventura, 1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Texan brother trio bounces back from adversity with its adventurous self-produced album, “Revelation,” which chronicles its return to the stage…

Local news briefs

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has announced that Arianna Lopez, an 18-year-old senior and a long-time Girls Inc. of Carpinteria participant, has been selected as a 2015 scholarship winner in the competitive Girls Inc. National Scholar Program. She was…

‘Expectation’ exhibit to be presented at Tool Room Gallery in Ventura on March 6

VENTURA — The Museum of Ventura County will present “Expectation,” a new series by Women’s History Month artist Marissa Magdalena Sykes and photographer Marie Gregorio-Oviedo, at the Tool Room Gallery at the Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura.…

Pacific Mambo Orchestra to perform at Ventura Theater on Feb. 14

VENTURA — The Pacific Mambo Orchestra will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Ventura Theater, 26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura. Tickets are $25 to $50. The 20-piece, San Francisco-based musical group is leading the rebirth of the Latin…

Local health information

> Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. will provide information on Covered California and free health screenings at selected locations throughout the month of January in Ventura County. Visit http://www.clinicas.org/outreach/calendar/2015-01 to find times, dates and locations.   > The Ventura County…

Grupo Yodoquinsi to present ‘An offering for our ancestors’ at the Bell Arts Factory on Nov. 10

VENTURA — Grupo Yodoquinsi from Mexico will present a free ‘An offering for our ancestors’ performance at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10 at the Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura. The group will perform with all prehispanic instruments, reports…

Día de los Muertos time is rapidly approaching

Workshops already in progress to prepare items for Day of the Dead celebrations throughout the region By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Soon the aroma of marigolds and copal incense will waft through the air, beckoning spirits to cross over…

Ventura College to celebrate Diversity in Culture with a Spanish Heritage Fiesta on Sept. 24

VENTURA — A Spanish Heritage Fiesta, a free community event to celebrate Diversity in Culture, will be presented by Ventura College from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24 at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.…

Emergency Preparedness Fair to be held in Ventura on Sept. 6

VENTURA — An “Emergency Preparedness Fair” will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St., Ventura, Assemblymember Das Williams reported in a media release. “With the recent Napa earthquake, it’s…

Local news briefs

SANTA BARBARA — The United Way of Santa Barbara County is seeking volunteers for its 23rd annual Day of Caring to be held Saturday, Sept. 20, the organization reported in a media release. Throughout the day volunteers will help more…

June cover story: Summertime fun coming to the 805 region

Concerts, fiestas, theater performances starting to fill up the upcoming calendar Amigos805 staff report There’s nothing to do around here. Can’t recall how many times that refrain has been said by teenagers and others living in the 805 region. However,…

Julieta Venegas to perform Sept. 20 in Ventura

VENTURA — Julieta Venegas will perform Friday, Sept. 20 at the Majestic Ventura Theater, 26 So. Chestnut St., Ventura. Born and raised in Tijuana, a place where radio stations can capture the sounds of El Norte, she heard music all the…

Cultural competency workshops on nutrition to be held Aug. 28 in Ventura, Aug. 29 in Santa Maria

The Network for a Healthy California — Gold Coast Region, will present a free training opportunity focusing the role of culture and its influence on food and nutrition and how these factors are relevant to your program. The workshops will…

Music Under the Stars in Ventura to present the Savor Carlos Santana Tribute Band on Aug. 31

VENTURA — Music Under the Stars in Ventura will present the Savor Carlos Santana Tribute Band from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31 at the historic Olivas Adobe, 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura. The entire series will be presented from July…

Local briefs

Aspiranet will hold an informational meeting for prospective foster parents who would like to learn more about the program from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8 at 1838 Eastman Ave., Suite 100, Ventura. Aspiranet, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity, supports…

Commentary: Environmental issues affect all of us

By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Back in the day when I was the environmental reporter for the old Star-Free Press, I received a binder (not filled with women!!!) loaded with pages of nonrecycled paper from an automobile manufacturer touting…

Bilingual report: Ventura College, Ventura College Santa Paula offer English language improvement classes

Ventura College offers a variety of options for those who wish to improve their English language skills, the Ventura County Community College District reported in a media release. The new English for Multilingual students (EngM) are for students who do not…

Visit our slideshow to see highlights of the Museum of Ventura County’s Día de los Muertos celebration

“Night of the Living, Day of the Dead!” was the theme for this year’s Día de los Muertos celebration on Friday, Nov. 2 at the Museum of Ventura County in Ventura. The museum’s Las Contemporaneas Committee presented an evening of…

Bilingual report: Ventura College art galleries presenting Latino art exhibits throughout November

“Autonomy and Cultural Identity: 20th Century Art of Latin America” will be presented Nov. 1 through Nov. 30 at the Ventura College Media Art Gallery. Curated by Ann Bittl, the exhibit explores the art of Latin America and Mexico during…

Bilingual report: Museum of Ventura County to hold series of Día de los Muertos events from Nov. 2-4

“Night of the Living, Day of the Dead!” will be presented from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2 at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura. Join the museum’s Las Contemporaneas Committee as they host an…

Cabrillo’s Azahar Place receives ‘Platinum for Homes Rating”

VENTURA – The Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. (CEDC) reported it successfully achieved the LEED® for Homes Platinum level of certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for achievement in green homebuilding and design, for its newest affordable home…