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VenturaBAA’s 37th Annual Open Competition Winners
The 37th Annual Open Competition from the Buenaventura Art Association (BAA) is now on display at the Ojai Art Center, running through May 28. This juried exhibition showcases original 2D and 3D works from amateur and professional regional artists across California, bringing a vibrant mix of creativity to the Ojai community. The Ventura Breeze first reported the winners, and it's a wonderful chance to see local talent shine in a setting that celebrates artistic expression. Whether you're an art enthusiast or just looking for a cultural outing, this exhibition offers something for everyone. Head to 113 S. Montgomery St. in Ojai to experience the works firsthand. It's a reminder of the rich artistic spirit that thrives throughout the 805 region, from Ventura to Ojai and beyond.
VenturaFocus on the Masters Arts Archive & Library – A Conversation with Lori Cozen-Geller
Lori Cozen-Geller doesn’t just sculpt metal and wood — she carves light and shadow into geometric poetry. The Ventura-based minimalist artist, recently featured by Focus on the Masters Arts Archive & Library, creates wall pieces and standing forms that play with positive and negative space, often finished in sleek automotive paint. Her work transforms industrial materials into something meditative, and it’s a reminder that Ventura’s creative pulse runs deep. The conversation with Lori, originally published by our friends at Ventura Breeze, offers a window into how a career born from intensity becomes a practice of precision and calm. For anyone who’s ever wondered where our local artists find their spark, this profile is a must-read. It’s another reason to love the 805 — where the arts aren’t just displayed, they’re archived and honored.
VenturaVentura College Launches Loreto Study Abroad Trip
Ventura College just made history — and it’s the kind of story that makes you proud to live here. Over spring break, 11 students headed south to Loreto, Mexico, Ventura’s sister city, for the college’s very first study abroad program. Led by Professor of Sociology Daniella, the group dove into a weeklong mix of culture, science, and community connection. It’s a beautiful example of how our local college is thinking beyond the classroom and giving students real-world, cross-border experiences. This trip matters because it strengthens the bond between Ventura and Loreto — a relationship that’s been growing for years. As reported by the Ventura Breeze, the program was immersive and interdisciplinary, blending sociology with hands-on learning. For a community college to launch an international program like this is no small feat. It shows that big opportunities don’t just happen at big universities. Here’s hoping this is the first of many adventures for Ventura College students.
VenturaSanta Paula Cruise Night
Mark your calendars, Ventura County! Santa Paula's beloved Cruise Night is back for 2026, turning historic Main Street into a rolling car museum every month. For 25 years, this tradition has brought families and gearheads together under the stars — classic chrome, live music, and that small-town magic we all crave. As Ventura Breeze reported, the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce and city partners are keeping this free community staple alive. Whether you're reminiscing about your first hot rod or just want a night of tacos and tunes, it's the perfect excuse to cruise over and feel that Central Coast connection.
VenturaVentura Police run for inclusion in annual Law Enforcement Torch Run
Ventura, mark your calendars for Thursday, June 4, 2026. From 8:00 to 9:30 a.m., our very own Ventura Police officers and staff will be hitting the streets to carry the “Flame of Hope” as part of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. It’s a four-mile, non-competitive relay that’s so much more than a run — it’s a powerful statement of unity and inclusion for our local Special Olympics athletes. This is the kind of event that reminds us what community really means. Seeing our officers lace up their running shoes to support these incredible athletes shows the heart of Ventura. As first reported by the Ventura Breeze, this tradition brings law enforcement and residents together in a shared mission of respect and belonging. If you’re out and about that morning, give a wave or a cheer — it’s a small way to be part of something bigger.
VenturaSafe Use of Flea and Tick Products in Pets
Flea and tick season is here on the Central Coast, and while we love our pets roaming our Ventura beaches and Ojai trails, those tiny pests can cause big problems. The FDA warns that flea bites can lead to flea allergy dermatitis, causing hair loss and skin infections in dogs and cats. Before you grab any product off the shelf, it's worth checking with your vet — especially for our local pets who spend time near the Ventura River or in coastal chaparral. This important reminder comes from Ventura Breeze, and it's a great chance to review safe use of flea and tick treatments. Always follow label directions, use the correct dosage for your pet's weight, and never mix products. A little prevention keeps our furry friends happy and healthy all summer long.
VenturaScamp Club
Meet Cakebatter, a sweet-natured pup who loves yoga and long beach strolls with her humans. She's the latest star of Scamp Club, a beloved feature in the Ventura Breeze that celebrates the four-legged friends who make our community brighter. From the sand at Surfers Point to the trails along the Ventura River, Cakebatter embodies the laid-back, outdoor-loving spirit of the 805. If you have a scamp of your own who deserves the spotlight, keep an eye on the Ventura Breeze for submission details. After all, in a region where dogs are family, sharing their stories brings us all a little closer.
VenturaVentura County Public Works Week in Action
This week, Ventura County celebrated National Public Works Week with events that brought our local infrastructure to life. In Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, and at the Ventura County Government Center, families and school groups explored equipment displays, visited informational booths, and participated in hands-on activities. Over 1,200 kids came on field trips Tuesday alone, getting an up-close look at the services that keep our communities running—from water systems to road maintenance. It’s easy to take public works for granted until you see a child’s face light up behind the wheel of a street sweeper. These events, highlighted by the Ventura Breeze, remind us of the dedicated crews who maintain our roads, parks, and utilities. It’s a great opportunity to appreciate the behind-the-scenes work that makes the 805 such a great place to live.
VenturaVentura’s Strawberry Festival Delivers a Sweet Start to Summer
Summer has officially arrived in Ventura, and nothing says it quite like the sweet, juicy taste of locally grown strawberries. The 40th annual Strawberry Festival took over the Ventura County Fairgrounds last month, and by all accounts, it was a berry good time. From the always-entertaining strawberry shortcake eating contest to live music and family-friendly activities, the festival once again proved why it’s a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. As reported by the Ventura Breeze, this year’s celebration was especially meaningful—marking four decades of community fun. For those of us who call the 805 home, the Strawberry Festival isn’t just about dessert; it’s a chance to reconnect with neighbors, support local vendors, and kick off the sunny season together. Whether you were in the crowd for the tunes or just chasing a sugar rush, this event reminded us why Ventura knows how to do summer right.
VenturaVCAS Participating in the 3rd Annual California Adopt-A-Pet Day
You know that feeling when you walk into a shelter and a pair of soulful eyes just locks onto yours? That’s exactly what Ventura County Animal Services is hoping for on Saturday, June 6th, from 1 to 6 p.m. at their Camarillo and Simi Valley shelters. According to *Ventura Breeze*, VCAS is joining over 150 shelters statewide for the 3rd Annual California Adopt-A-Pet Day, and the goal is simple: get as many dogs and cats into loving homes as possible. It’s the kind of community event that feels less like a transaction and more like a reunion waiting to happen. What I love about this is how it brings our whole region together. Whether you’re in Ventura, Oxnard, or up the coast, these shelters are right in our backyard. Adopting from VCAS means you’re not just gaining a new best friend—you’re making room for the next animal in need and supporting a local service that’s been a lifeline for pets and people alike. So if you’ve been thinking about adding a furry family member, mark your calendar. It might just be the best Saturday you’ve had in a while.
VenturaScamp Club: Timmy
You know how sometimes you meet a dog and just *know* they’ve got a story? According to the *Ventura Breeze*’s latest “Scamp Club” feature, that dog is Timmy. This little guy—a Papillon, corgi, and dachshund mix who’s about 11 years old—found his forever home nine years ago when his human, Linda, adopted him from an Ojai no-kill rescue. He’d been saved from a high-kill shelter, and Linda named him Timmy because he was so timid. Now? He’s living the good life right here in Ventura, proof that second chances really do wag their tails. It’s stories like Timmy’s that remind us why our local rescues matter so much. From Ojai to Ventura, the Central Coast is full of people willing to open their hearts (and their homes) to animals who need a little extra patience. So next time you’re out on the Promenade or grabbing coffee downtown, give a little chin scratch to a rescue pup—you never know what kind of lucky story they’re carrying with them.
VenturaVentura Home Improvement, Food & Wine Expo 2026
You know that feeling when you walk into your kitchen and suddenly see every cracked tile and outdated cabinet? Well, the folks behind the *Ventura Home Improvement, Food & Wine Expo* are ready to help. According to the *Ventura Breeze*, the show is returning to the Ventura County Fairgrounds June 12–14, 2026, and this year it’s bringing a full Tiny Homes Village. Whether you’re dreaming of a backyard ADU for rental income or just want to taste some local wine while browsing bath fixtures, this is the place to be. What I love about this expo is how it speaks to our local housing reality. With prices still sky-high, many of us are thinking smaller—granny units, tiny homes, or smart remodels that add value without moving. And let’s be honest, a weekend at the fairgrounds with food and wine samples sounds like a pretty good way to tackle that to-do list. Mark your calendars, Ventura—this is one home show that actually feels like a community gathering.
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