Social Events · Ventura County
Garmin announced at a press event at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach that Ventura will host its fourth marathon series city in August 2027, selected from more than 50 cities evaluated. The course is expected to start and finish in downtown Ventura, showcasing coastal locations including the Ventura Pier, Surfers Point and the waterfront. Events will include a full 26.2-mile marathon, a half marathon, fun-run events for various ages and abilities, and a race expo featuring fitness technology and local businesses. Organizers anticipate benefits to local hotels, restaurants and retailers from destination tourism. Further details on the course, registration and race events are expected as planning continues.
Crime · Ventura County
AJ Agazarm, 39, lead instructor at Agazarmy Atascadero in San Luis Obispo County, was arrested Sept. 22 on suspicion of felony residential burglary in Ventura County. His ex-girlfriend, who has a court-ordered restraining order against him, reported the alleged break-in at her family home via security footage timestamped at 3:41 p.m. that day and said he stole the camera, legal documents, and garage/gate openers. Agazarm was booked into custody and released the following day on a $50,000 bail bond; as of publication, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office had not filed criminal charges. A temporary restraining order against him was issued Sept. 28 in an open domestic violence case in Ventura County, replacing an emergency protective order issued the day of his arrest. Gracie Barra terminated Agazarm's two-decade franchise affiliation in July, before the arrest, and his studio at 2160 El Camino Real continues to offer classes to children as young as 4.
Crime · Santa Barbara County
A Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge sentenced Lee Michael Harrison to six years and four months in state prison on Friday for defrauding two elderly victims of $136,000. Harrison pleaded guilty to charges including grand theft by false pretenses, theft from an elder or dependent adult, dissuading a witness, and extortion after posing as a private investigator with law enforcement connections. He also faced charges related to using a bounced check to purchase a $37,981 necklace at The Webster store at the Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel in March 2025. Judge Pauline Maxwell ordered restitution of approximately $133,000 across three victims. Prosecutors said Harrison allegedly continued scamming people in Ventura County while out on supervised release and fled from custody for about a month before being located in Bakersfield.
Community News · Ventura County
The City of Ventura is hosting a Junk Drop Off Event on Saturday, November 14 at the City Maintenance Yard at 336 Sanjon Rd, Ventura, CA 93001. Residents are invited to properly dispose of hard-to-manage waste and recycling by arriving at their selected time slot to help manage roll-off bins and minimize traffic congestion. Questions can be directed to the Environmental Sustainability Division at (805) 652-4525 or sustainability@cityofventura.ca.gov.
