Local Business · Ventura County
The Farm Bureau of Ventura County reports that despite a record $2.4 billion in agricultural production value in 2025, major crops including strawberries and lemons generated negative net returns. Strawberry production costs exceeded gross revenue by $8 million, while lemon production costs surpassed revenue by $21.8 million. The organization states that net returns across major commodity groups have declined approximately 80% since 2015 due to rising production costs and policy pressures.
Education · Ventura County
The Ventura County Community College District launched CCCStart, a new enrollment platform, on Oct. 8, allowing students to begin the process at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges in approximately 15 minutes. The platform personalizes enrollment questions based on student goals rather than presenting a uniform application, and is expected to replace the statewide CCCApply system by June 2027. VCCCD serves approximately 30,000 students annually across its three colleges. The new system also adds identity verification through ID.me or DMV Mobile Wallet to strengthen fraud prevention.
Public Safety · Los Angeles County
The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard issued a beach hazards statement Monday at 12:31 p.m. covering Ventura County Beaches, the Malibu Coast, and Los Angeles-area beaches, in effect until Friday at 3 a.m. Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves from elevated surf of 3 to 6 feet are expected, with minor beach erosion and tidal overflows possible along south-facing beaches, especially near Malibu and Long Beach. The NWS warns of increased ocean drowning risk and advises staying out of the water or near occupied lifeguard towers, and avoiding rock jetties.
Community brief · Ventura County
The Ventura Land Trust will present "Mammals Magnified," a lecture on collections-based research, as part of its Environmental Speaker Series. Dr. Ally Coconis, curator of mammalogy at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, will discuss how museum specimens aid in understanding biodiversity and climate adaptation. The free event is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Surf Rodeo HQ in Ventura.
Community brief · Ventura County
The 5th Annual Bowl of Thanks and Ventura Pottery Market will take place November 7 and 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ventura Harbor Village. Attendees can purchase handmade ceramic bowls for a $30 donation benefiting Food Share Ventura; last year's event raised over $21,000 from more than 800 donated bowls. Each bowl purchase includes a passport for free food tastings at participating Harbor Village restaurants, limited to 300 per day. The…
Community brief · Ventura County
The 3rd Annual Bloodsuckers Ball, a vampire-themed Halloween event, is scheduled for Saturday, October 24 at the Ventura Theater in Ventura, California. Guests must arrive in vampire costume; weapons and nudity are prohibited. The evening includes a Best Dressed Vampire Costume Contest with first, second, and third place awards. Advance tickets are $20; door tickets are $30.
