You know them. You love them. California produces the majority of strawberries in the United States each year. In fact, experts place this year's crop to come in around 1.8 billion pounds. To celebrate the impact of this berry on California's history, the fairgrounds play host to the annual Ventura Strawberry Festival which just so happens to take place later this month.What: Ventura Strawberry Festival 2025Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W Harbor Blvd)When: May 17th & 18thAdmission: $8 to $15, Kids ages 4 & under are freeContact: CA Strawberry Festival contact formVentura Strawberry Festival 2025The festival includes tons of strawberry-related activities. These include delicious food such as the usual sweet treats like strawberry shortcake, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and stra... 05/05/2025

On April 17, 2025, California Association of Realtors (C.A.R) reported that homes values down 3.0% to an average price of $940,000 in March of 2025 from an average price of $969,500 in February of 2025, but gained 2.4% from $918,040 in March of 2024 in Ventura County, California.Homes sales jumped 35.0% in March of 2025 from February of 2025, and rose 23.8% from March of 2024 in Ventura County, California.There were 3.5 months supplies of available inventory of homes in March of 2025, lower from 4.0 months in February of 2025, but higher from 2.9 months in March of 2024 in Ventura County, California.An average it took 33.0 days to sell a home in March 2025, declined from 36.0 days in February of 2025, but increased from 28.5 days in March of 2024 in Ventura County, California.For comple... 04/28/2025

Where is the year going? We're already more than midway through April .Summer will be here before you know it. With that comes summertime activities like boating. If you want a new boat or need to update your safety gear, then you definitely need to attend the Ventura Boat Specialists Boat Show.What: Ventura Boat Specialists Boat Show 2025Where: Boat Specialists Showroom (2900 Golf Course Dr, Ventura)When: Saturday, April 26th, from noon to 4 pmAdmission: FREEContact: Boat Specialists (805) 644-6290Ventura Boat Specialists Boat Show 2025Boat Specialists offers the best boats for any surfing or fishing adventure you find yourself planning off the California shoreline. Manufacturers range from Yamaha, Mercury, and Honda to Boston Whaler, Zodiac, and (new this year) Grady-White. To celebra... 04/21/2025

This year, Easter Sunday takes place on April 20th. And just two days later, we celebrate Earth Day. Fortunately, if you live in the area, you can celebrate both Ventura Earth Day and Easter over the same weekend!Ventura Earth Day and Easter Celebrations 2025Ventura Earth Day CelebrationSo, technically, Earth Day takes place on Tuesday, April 22nd. However, since many people work or go to school that day, organizers in Ventura put together a great Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 19th. Come to Plaza Park (Santa Clara & Chestnut) between 11 am and 4 pm to learn more about the environment and our impact on it. Don't worry. You will not be bored. Several environmental groups set up informational booths to help educate you on the changes, both big and small, that we can make to prot... 04/20/2025

A Local Realtor’s Guide to Your Next HomeWelcome to Friendly Village in Simi Valley, CA—an inviting neighborhood where charm and convenience come together to create the perfect place to call home. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or looking for a peaceful community to settle down in, Friendly Village is a sought-after area with an abundance of opportunities. As a local realtor with years of experience, I’m excited to guide you through the homes for sale in this unique neighborhood and highlight why Friendly Village, Simi Valley, might just be your ideal home destination.Discover the Charm of Friendly Village, Simi Valley, CASituated in the heart of Simi Valley, Friendly Village is a well-established neighborhood known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community. The ... 04/10/2025

Discover the Ideal Living in the Heart of Ventura County If you're considering purchasing a new home in California, look no further than the charming city of Moorpark. Nestled in the heart of Ventura County, Moorpark offers a blend of suburban tranquility, top-rated schools, and a strong sense of community. As a local realtor, I'm excited to guide you through the many reasons why Moorpark new homes should be at the top of your list. Why Moorpark? Moorpark is one of the most desirable locations in Ventura County, and for good reason. The city is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, abundant green spaces, and a growing real estate market that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a spacious family home, a modern townhouse, or a stylish condo, Moorpark new home... 04/10/2025

When searching for a new home, one of the most important factors for families is proximity to quality schools. As a local realtor in Moorpark, I understand that the Moorpark Unified School District (MUSD) plays a key role in the decision-making process for many buyers. In this post, I'll provide an overview of the district, highlight its schools, and explain why MUSD is a great choice for families looking to settle in the area.What is the Moorpark Unified School District?The Moorpark Unified School District serves the city of Moorpark, as well as parts of surrounding areas in Ventura County, California. The district is known for its commitment to academic excellence, a diverse range of extracurricular programs, and a supportive learning environment for students of all ages. With a reput... 03/24/2025

There are few places around the world where you can start the day in the mountains and end the day at the beach. Even fewer where this can happen in the space of a few hours on foot. Ventura County happens to be one of those place and the Mountains 2 Beach Marathon 2025 is the event that allows this to happen.What: Mountains 2 Beach Marathon 2025Where: Ojai to VenturaWhen: April 12th & 13thContact: M2B Marathon Organizers via emailMountains 2 Beach Marathon 2025This unique marathon begins in the mountainous area of downtown Ojai (around 700 feet ASL) and hits sea level in just 22 miles, ending near the Ventura Pier. It also counts as a Boston Marathon qualifier (if you know, you know). But if a full marathon feels a little out of your league, you might want to opt for the half-marathon ... 03/17/2025

It's officially March. For basketball lovers, this month is full of some phenomenal amazing college games. But in our town, it means something else: Ventura Mermaid Month.What: Ventura Mermaid Month 2025Where: Ventura Harbor Village (1583 Spinnaker Dr)When: March 1st to March 31stContact: Ventura Harbor Village (805) 477-0470Ventura Mermaid Month 2025The entire month of March is dedicated to mermaids at Ventura Harbor Village. Some activities and specials take place all month long. However, there are two specific weekends you might want to note on your calendar: March 8th and 22nd. Organizers planned some very special events that any mermaid enthusiast needs to attend.March 8th EventsPirates sometimes reported seeing mermaids or sirens as far back as before Christopher Columbus. Nowaday... 03/03/2025

Thinking about updating or renovating your Ventura County home? Looking for ways to make that happen? Then you might want to make plans to attend the Ventura Home Improvement Expo 2025 this weekend!What: Ventura Home Improvement Expo 2025Where: Ventura Fairgrounds (10 W Harbor Blvd)When: February 21st to 23rd (10 am to 5 pm Fri/Sat, 10 am to 4 pm Sun)Admission: $10 per person at the gateVentura Home Improvement Expo 2025At this amazing three-day event, you will meet dozens of companies that specialize in all things home improvement and more. Find out about the latest trends in home design. Learn about organic gardening. Turn your outdoor space into extended living space by adding a seating area and BBQ. Or really go upscale and create an entire outdoor kitchen. Interested in tiny house ... 02/17/2025

Running offers many health benefits. It reduces your risk of cancer. It helps you improve the quality of your sleep. Running even boosts your memory. If you enjoy running and want to push yourself a bit, sign up for the Ventura Marathon. Not only does it offer a gorgeous view of some of the best scenery in Southern California, but it also acts as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.What: Ventura Marathon 2025Where: From the Ojai Valley to Downtown VenturaWhen: Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 7:30 am to 2 pmAdmission: $160 for half-marathon, $180 for full marathonVentura Marathon 2025The race starts in beautiful Ojai Valley. Its primarily downhill course provides a great opportunity for participants to run at a faster pace. In turn, this helps lower your qualifying time for larger races l... 02/04/2025

On January 17, 2025, California Association of Realtors (C.A.R) reported the homes values declined 1.9% to the price of $895,000 in December of 2024 from price of $912,000 in November of 2024, but increased 1.4% from price of $882,500 December of 2023 in Ventura County, California.Homes sales rose 7.4% in December of 2024 from November of 2024, and jumped 25.5% from December of 2023 in Ventura County, California.There were 2.3 months supplies of available inventory of homes in December of 2024, down from 2.9 months in November of 2024, and lower from 2.4 months in December of 2023 in Ventura County, California.An average it took 44.0 days to sell a home in December 2024, up from 38.0 days in November of 2024, and higher from 37.0 days in December of 2023 in Ventura County, California.Fo... 01/23/2025

For the better part of the last two weeks, Southern California has been under siege. So far, fire destroyed thousands of homes, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and their pets. It has been heartbreaking to see so many people affected by this. With more wind expected this week, firefighters will have their hands full trying to contain the wildfires as much as possible. If you want to help the victims of the Southern California wildfires, there are some ways that are more helpful than others. Please read on to find out more.Southern California Wildfires: How You Can HelpMany people donate food and clothing right away when a disaster strikes. While the thought behind that is sound, the reality is that this may not be your best course of action. Unfortunately, it can be difficult ... 01/20/2025

New year. New home? If buying a Ventura home in 2025 made it to your resolution list, you might want to start working on your credit score now. Why? I can take several weeks to a few months to bring a score up. And to net the best interest rates, you need to get your score in tip-top shape.Tips to Improve Your Credit Score in 2025Pull Your Credit ReportFirst things first. It helps to know where you stand at the moment. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com to obtain a copy of your current report from all three major credit reporting agencies: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. They used to only offer one free report a year. However, they currently allow one free report per week from each agency. Thoroughly look over each report.Dispute Erroneous InformationFirst, start with fixing any errors you... 01/06/2025

As 2025 begins, Alex Gandel remains a leading force in Ventura and Los Angeles County real estate. With more than 44 years of experience as a Top Producing Realtor, Alex has helped thousands of clients achieve their real estate goals. His dedication to excellence and personalized service has earned him a trusted reputation in the industry and the loyalty of multiple generations of families.Achievements That Speak Volumes Top Producing Realtor: Recognized as a leading agent year after year, Alex’s deep market knowledge and negotiation skills ensure his clients achieve the best outcomes. Thousands of Success Stories: From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, Alex has successfully closed deals for diverse clients, tailoring strategies to fit their unique needs. Community Leader: Beyond... 12/30/2024

On December 17, 2024, California Association of Realtors (C.A.R) reported the homes values lower 3.0% to the price of $912,000 in November of 2024 from price of $940,000 in October of 2024, but higher 1.1% from price of $902,500 November of 2023 in Ventura County, California.Homes sales decreased 19.4% in November of 2024 from October of 2024, but rose 15.2% from November of 2023 in Ventura County, California.There were 2.9 months supplies of available inventory of homes in November of 2024, grew from 2.6 months in October of 2024, and gained from 2.7 months in November of 2023 in Ventura County, California.An average it took 38.0 days to sell a home in November 2024, up from 33.0 days in October of 2024, and increased from 15.0 days in November of 2023 in Ventura County, California.For... 12/28/2024

Only eight more shopping days until Christmas. Can you believe it? And this year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of December 25th. That gives us double the reason to celebrate. Here are a few of the Ventura Harbor holiday fun events still to come before the year ends.Ventura Harbor Holiday Fun 2024Santa PaddleEven Santa enjoys a bit of paddle-boarding through the harbor. Dress up in your best Santa garb. Grab your paddleboard. Then head to Ventura Harbor Village on Saturday, December 21st.. Go for a paddleboard adventure with the jolly old elf himself between 11 am and noon. Don't have a paddleboard? Lack the coordination (or the nerve) to paddle out on a paddleboard? Don't worry. Ventura Boat Rentals offers paddleboard, kayaks, and even pedal boats for rent (Dock C-10). Whomever is dee... 12/16/2024

We hope everyone enjoyed time with their loved ones on Thanksgiving. Now it's time to focus on the next big holiday: Christmas. We ask that you continue the good cheer for those less fortunate in our community by participating in the 13th annual Ventura Can-Tree event.What: Ventura Can-Tree 2024Where: Figueroa Plaza, Downtown VenturaWhen: December 5th to 9thContact: Food Share of Ventura (805) 983-7100Ventura Can-Tree 2024According to the County of Ventura's Human Services Agency, more than 70,000 people in Ventura County experience food insecurity each and every day. Our food pantries have seen an uptick in people who come to their facilities for assistance. Now in it's 13th year, Food Share Ventura's Can-Tree event offers a fun way to help feed people during the holiday season.How You... 12/02/2024

In just ten days, we celebrate Thanksgiving. Since it falls so late this year, that means less than four weeks to get your Christmas shopping done. In fact, just 26 shopping days left after Thanksgiving to be precise. While many people set out early for Black Friday deals or wait for Cyber Monday to get their shopping done, you can help out our local "Mom and Pop" shops by shopping Small Business Saturday Ventura on November 30th.Small Business Saturday VenturaVentura Harbor Village's Small Business SaturdayFirst, make sure you stop at the Village's visitor booth to sign up for their e-newsletter and receive a gift card to one of the shops. Spend $40 at Treasure Cove and receive a free gift. Make a candle, enjoy some refreshments, and shop for someone special at the Barefoot Boutique an... 11/18/2024

Join us in celebrating 25 years of giving back through our annual Turkey Drive! Thanks to your generosity, we’ve provided groceries to feed over 329,000 people to date. This year, we’re aiming to make an even greater impact by providing holiday meals for 2,500 families in our communities, with 750 of those at the SeaBee Base in Pt. Hueneme and the remainder in Simi Valley, Moorpark, and the Conejo Valley.A gift of just $35 will feed a family of up to 10, supplying essentials like a 16 lb turkey, a 5 lb bag of potatoes, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, stuffing, and rolls. Each family served is qualified by Food Share, Ventura County’s largest food bank, ensuring that your support reaches those who need it most.To make your donation, visit www.pinnacleturkeydrive.com or bring a check... 11/05/2024