The Ventura Chamber held a ribbon cutting at Ambitious Beauty on December 9.
In 2019, Kimberly Ramos embarked on a journey that transformed her passion into a successful beauty business. Initially working a 9-5 job, Kimberly’s pivotal moment occurred during a trip to Mexico, where a less experienced beautician sparked her interest in nail art. Inspired, she began practicing on herself, later extending her skills to friends and family.
Frustration with her corporate job reached a tipping point, leading Kimberly to resign and take a leap of faith. Armed with determination, she initiated her beauty venture with a humble cardboard box as a makeshift table, leveraging social media for marketing. Soon after, she caught the attention of a local business, securing her first professional opportunity. Following that success, Kimberly dedicated time to honing her skills, earning her licenses and certifications.
Kimberly specializes in lash extensions, facials, and body contouring, utilizing a noninvasive slim massage method to eliminate stubborn fat and tone the body without resorting to surgery or downtime. Beyond her clientele, Kimberly is dedicated to empowering other women by imparting the artistry of lash extensions, body sculpting, and nails through her teaching initiatives.
Amidst her busy schedule, Kimberly finds solace in taking long walks on the beach with her faithful companions, Kobe and Canela. Her story serves as an inspiring testament to the possibilities that unfold when passion meets determination in the pursuit of one’s dreams.
Zins has taken her love and passion for baking and turned it into a career.
Crumbl Cookies, a gourmet cookie store, has been serving Oxnard since 2022 and is now open in Ventura! With their iconic pink boxes and unique rotating menu, Crumbl is sure to have a flavor for everyone.
Local Crumbl franchise owner and operator Michelle Zins has taken her love and passion for baking and turned it into a career. Michelle, who is originally from Camarillo, left for Arizona to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Northern Arizona University in 2013. After working many jobs in the hospitality field, from 5-diamond resorts to the conference and wedding industry, Michelle found that her passion lies in the restaurant business. During the pandemic, Michelle was furloughed from her job and ended up relocating back to her hometown of Ventura County. The one place she missed the most after moving back to California was Crumbl Cookies. Since there was not a Crumbl Cookies location within a 50-mile radius, Michelle knew that Crumbl was just what Ventura County needed! She is now the franchise owner of both the Oxnard and Ventura locations and has loved serving up fresh cookies to the community over the past few years.
Crumbl Cookies is a locally owned and operated gourmet cookie shop. It was founded in 2017 by two cousins. After developing a recipe for the perfect chocolate chip cookie, they opened their first location in Logan, Utah. As Crumbl continued to grow, they expanded their menu to include new flavors. They eventually began franchising their stores and now have over 800 stores nationwide! Crumbl specializes in weekly rotating cookie flavors that vary from raspberry cheesecake and Oreo crumb cake to lemon poppy and much more! Their award-winning chocolate chip cookies are always on the menu, along with an additional 5 flavors to make sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Planning a holiday party, baby shower or wedding? Crumbl also offers catering in both regular sized and mini cookies! We offer in-store ordering, curbside, and delivery! Order on the Crumbl app or at www.crumblcookies.com today!
Visit us!
Crumbl Ventura
1708-C S Victoria Ave
Ventura, CA 93003
805-666-2233 [email protected]
Crumbl Oxnard
365 W Esplanade Dr
Oxnard, CA 93036
805-307-0060 [email protected]
Visit Ventura Team wishes you and yours a very Happy Holiday Season.
2023 has been our year. Stronger than ever, with our community at the forefront, we have a lot to be proud of. Visitation and economic development through tourism are thriving… and we couldn’t do it without you. This year we did what we do best: support our local businesses, lift up local artists and community members’ voices, and collaborate to make Ventura the best it can be.
We’ve welcomed visitors from all over the state, country, and globe together, continuing to put Ventura on the map as the beautiful beach destination we know it is. Our Visitor Center volunteers welcomed over 20,000 visitors who walked through the Visitor Center doors this year from Canada and Thailand to New York and Arizona. Some find us as they travel through California and see our name on the sign, while others have been waiting years to visit our slice of the beautiful coast.
We saw our beaches, our beautiful Ventura sunsets — our home on the big screen this year. The Journey to X Games California 2023 was a long one and we did it together. X Games 2023 saw so many firsts and broke so many records: 5 billion media impressions, the first time XG tickets and merch sold out, a traditional Chumash blessing performed in front of XG athletes and media for the first time, and a sustainable transportation plan and a city-wide collaboration to create beer, cocktails, and other fun treats unlike we’ve ever experienced in our town before. We saw X Games athletes soar over our heads and break records themselves, all while saying into the camera that Ventura’s welcome wagon has made the 2023 games unforgettable. All thanks to teamwork. All thanks to you and our community. We showed the world what our small beach town on the coast of California is made of and what we can do. We made history together and it feels amazing.
Though we will change from writing 2023 in our letters and emails to 2024, our unwavering gratitude for you hasn’t changed. Working together to share our unique and local Ventura story wouldn’t be possible without our ongoing conversations, projects, and relationship with you. And truly, many of our partnerships have turned into friendships, too.
So, from the bottom of our hearts, the Visit Ventura Team wishes you and yours a very Happy Holiday Season and a Wonderful New Year. We can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store!
They are labradoodle litter mate brothers Rich and Norm and are 10 years old. Besides liking to party, they enjoy going anywhere but they especially like Marina Park and Arroyo Verde.
“We could not do what we do without the support of our dedicated volunteers.”
In the heart of Ventura, California, the River Community Church stands as a testament to the power of community and compassion. Led by Pastor Jim Duran, this church has been a steadfast source of support for the under-resourced community for many years. In the face of challenges, including the recent unprecedented times, the church has continued its mission with unwavering dedication.
This past Thanksgiving, The River Community Church went above and beyond to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. Despite the trials of the past year, the church’s commitment to serving the community remained unshaken. Over 200 turkeys, pies, and essential food items were distributed to families facing economic hardships. This act of generosity not only provided a festive meal for many but also served as a reminder that even in difficult times, the community stands together.
Pastor Jim Duran, the lead pastor of The River Community Church, has been a guiding force behind the church’s initiatives. His vision for a church that actively engages with and uplifts the local community has shaped the institution into a beacon of hope. Under his leadership, the church has consistently sought innovative ways to address the evolving needs of the underprivileged by not just giving a hand out, but more importantly, a hand up.
Beyond the annual Thanksgiving outreach, The River engages in various ongoing initiatives to support the community. These include food drives, educational programs, and outreach events aimed at fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility. The church’s commitment extends to providing emotional and spiritual support, recognizing the holistic needs of individuals and families.
The impact of The River Community Church goes beyond the tangible goods distributed; it’s about building connections and creating a sense of belonging. The church acts as a catalyst for positive change, inspiring individuals and other organizations to join hands in making a difference.
In the face of uncertainty, Pastor Jim Duran and River Community Church continue to be a source of strength and compassion for the Ventura community. Their dedication to serving the under-resourced is not just a seasonal endeavor but a year-round commitment to creating a better, more inclusive society. The River’s food distribution is ran by dedicated volunteers that provide groceries to approximately 700 people a week.
“We could not do what we do without the support of our dedicated volunteers, our donors, local social service agencies, local congregations, and our business partnerships. This is truly a collaborative effort. We can do more as a team and we are better together. I am truly blessed to serve in a city where people want to work together for the greater cause,” says Pastor Jim Duran.
As we reflect on the past year, let River Community Church in Ventura serve as a reminder that, even in challenging times, the power of community and kindness can illuminate the path forward. The River Community Church – 889 E. Santa Clara St. Ventura, CA 93001 – www.therivercommunity.org
•Adoptable dogs receive Thanksgiving dinner from volunteers
More than 70 dogs available for adoption through All for Love Animal Rescue (AFLAR) and Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) received homemade Thanksgiving meals, complete with turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables and canine-appropriate pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving.
Lucky dogs received homemade Thanksgiving meals.
“I wanted to give something back to these organizations and the dogs they have rescued and provided care and shelter to. I thought to myself, ‘Let’s make Thanksgiving dinner for our pups.’ Thankfully, several of my fellow volunteers went along with the idea and gathered at my house the evening before Thanksgiving,” said AFLAR volunteer, Lupe Flores.
“We are very grateful for these meals that our volunteers cooked and assembled for all the dogs,” stated AFLAR Founder and President Maripat Davis. “Volunteers are the heart of AFLAR, and we are always in need of new volunteers and fosters and donations to help us continue our life-saving work.”
Both AFLAR and C.A.R.L. are counting on other community members to support their organizations this holiday giving season.
“As a boarding facility that rescues hundreds of dogs each year, we’re always in need of assistance, whether it’s through giving monetary donations, fundraising, volunteering or donating food and supplies through Amazon Smile,” said Clark.
Shelters nationwide are overcrowded as many Americans cannot afford to own their pets. A recent report highlights that public and private shelters across the nation are expected to reach a three-year high in euthanasia rates in 2023. For example, around 51,000 dogs were euthanized during the first half of the year representing a nearly 40% increase from that same period in 2022.
In addition, pet-friendly affordable housing seems to be one of the most common issues when people surrender their dogs, particularly large dogs, followed by the cost of veterinary care.
“Our organizations relentlessly work to find long-term foster and forever homes for our dogs in addition to providing them with necessary medical care and training,” Clark said.
AFLAR boards its rescued dogs at the C.A.R.L. facility in Santa Paula and also has several adoptable dogs in foster homes. Davis says she constantly receives emails and phone calls from pet owners who can no longer care for their dogs but want to rehome them.
“There is a crisis in our nation with regard to shelter overcrowding. We work non-stop to save as many lives as we can,” said Davis. “That’s why we need ongoing support!”
Please consider giving your support to C.A.R.L. and AFLAR this holiday season. You can donate to C.A.R.L. and AFLAR or reach out to these organizations and sign up to volunteer. Both organizations rely on volunteers and donations and do not receive government, state or city funding.
All For Love Animal Rescue, Inc. (AFLAR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit all-volunteer animal rescue group, dedicated to saving abandoned animals from shelters in Southern California. We are an all-breed rescue but focus on dogs in the most need, primarily Pit Bulls, followed by seniors, Chihuahuas, pregnant dogs and those needing medical care or surgery. We rescue, rehabilitate, and find forever homes through adoption events, networking, and community outreach.
Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit all breed, no-kill dog rescue and adoption organization. Since 1996, C.A.R.L. has rescued and placed thousands of unwanted, sick, abandoned and homeless dogs. Dogs in our adoption program are placed in pre-screened, loving and secure homes. We make a lifetime commitment to all of our dogs.
•Trainer shares the secret to getting your dog to ignore other dogs and focus on you — and it’s so simple!
By Kathryn Williams
Want your dog to learn that you’re the most important thing in their environment? This trainer’s clever tip will do it…
We’ve all been there — you let your dog off leash thinking they’ll stick close to your side, and before you know it they’ve sprinted off into the distance to greet another pup!
If you try to call your fur friend back in these situations and aren’t successful, there could be many reasons why your dog’s recall isn’t reliable.
But rather than trying to fight to get your dog to come back to you, it’s best to arm yourself with the best puppy toys and treats and use these as your secret weapon to prevent them from running off in the first place.
“It’s not difficult to teach your dog not to run over to other dogs,” says Spivey.
“The mistake people make is they take the dog out and because it’s friendly they let it off the leash and then it just runs over to the other dog.”
Spivey says that in that moment the dog learns not only that you can’t stop it, but that the other dog or person it’s running over to may be more exciting than you.
Mila starts to position her body in the direction of her potential new friend, but Spivey gently waves a tug toy in front of her face and she quickly moves back towards him to play.
“By not allowing the dog to make those bad choices and having something positive for the dog to play with, very quickly the dog doesn’t care about other dogs,” explains Spivey.
This simple method of replacing what’s captured your dog’s attention with something that’s even more high-value will teach them that you are more interesting than anything else in their environment.
So next time your dog shows an interest in another dog or person, why not try bringing their focus back to you with a toy or treat?
You may just find it turns out to be one of the best ways to have more fun with your dog on walks!
Ventura Friends of the Library Bookstore, 2nd Look Books, in E.P. Foster Library is ready to welcome Christmas shoppers Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sundays, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. You can find great bargains in gently used children’s books, cooking and craft books, audio books and books with a seasonal theme. The items in our store are definitely worth a second look, from current novels to jigsaw puzzles to older books and vintage books to fill you with the nostalgia appropriate to the season!
You can find unique items in categories such as Art, Architecture & Photography and Performing Arts. The Collectible & Vintage offerings will pique your nostalgia for old comics, classic cars or classic literature. The puzzle section includes Pomegranate, Ravensburger and Dowdle puzzles. When you make a purchase at the online store, you will receive an email letting you know when your order will be ready for pickup (in as few as 2 days) at the bookstore in E.P. Foster.
E.P Foster Library hosts Crafty Little Fox Club on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:00 pm. Kids can drop in every Wednesday afternoon for self-guided arts, crafts and coloring. A special, structured craft will be provided every 4th Wednesday of the month. On Fridays, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, kids of all ages can drop in to E.P. Foster for Lego Play.
Hill Road Library is hosting a special Willy Wonka Maker Lab and Film Screening on Thursday, December 14, 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Watch the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory before you see the prequel, and craft your own candy prototype!
On Saturday, December 16, 11:am to noon at Hill Road Library, the Discover Science Team will explore concepts of energy and motion through the creation of Snowball Catapults!
Tuesdays in December 3:00 to 5:00 pm, Hill Road Library continues its Winter Wonderland Simple Crafts and Seasonal Films. On December 19, watch Rise of the Guardians: Santa Claus, Jack Frost, the Sandman, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy team up to fight a phantom who steals children’s dreams. And create your own DIY Wrapping Paper.
On December 26, watch The Muppet Christmas Carol: The Muppets’ version of the Dickens holiday classic. And craft Ornaments.
Game On! Board Games for All Ages continues at Hill Road Library on Sundays, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Drop by and choose from over 35 games to play! For all ages. Fun for families or a great reason to meet with friends.
All these activities at the library are free and open to the public. For more information on library activities, call 805 626-READ.
The City of Ventura is gearing up to support its most vulnerable residents through its annual Foul Weather Shelter Program, which provides temporary shelter and essential stay-warm packs during harsh weather circumstances, including severe rain, wind, or low temperatures.
Last season’s Foul Weather Shelter Program stood as a beacon of aid, being activated 25 times over a span of 45 nights. It successfully assisted over 250 individuals and families, serving more than 3,000 meals and distributing 150 stay warm packs.
Leona Rollins, the Housing Services Manager, emphasized the importance of community collaboration, stating “Ventura thrives on an active network of local social service providers and nonprofits working collectively to cater to the needs of our most vulnerable population. This program stands as a crucial need, especially during these challenging times.”
The City invites contributions from the community to assemble warm packs for individuals unable to secure motel rooms during severe weather events. Essential donations include rain ponchos, blankets, jackets, hand-warmers, socks, toiletries, soft snacks, tarps, and carrying bags for items.
Community members can actively participate in this effort through various means:
Volunteer Sign-Up: Offer your time on evenings when the shelter is activated. Sign up online at Foul Weather Shelter Program.
Amazon Wishlist: Purchase and donate needed items through our Amazon Wishlist. All supplies will be directly shipped to the River Community Church. Visit https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2I46R6HC9NQ07 to contribute.
In-Person Donations: Bring materials to the River Community Church at 859 E. Santa Clara Street.
Monetary Contributions: Send donations by mail (checks labeled “Foul Weather”) to 859 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura, CA, 93001.
The Foul Weather Shelter Program is set to run through March 31, 2024. It will be activated when temperatures drop below 40 degrees and if there’s a prediction of ½ inch of rain or more.
To volunteer, donate through the Amazon Wishlist or learn more about the Foul Weather Shelter program visit the City’s website at www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/FoulWeatherShelter or contact Leona Rollins, Housing Services Manager, at [email protected].
Hi: I’m Nellie, an affectionate and loving 1 1/2 year old Chow that loves to play with my 3 foster siblings. I still have my sassy Chow moments, but I am eager to learn and continue to grow into the amazing dog I am today. I came to CARL as a very fearful and not socialized puppy, but my foster family took the time to gain my trust and teach me new things.
I am currently living with 3 other dogs, and we get along. I am definitely looking to be the alpha, which doesn’t always agree with other alphas in the house. I am both crate trained at night and potty trained. I love long walks and I’ve been doing good with a gentle leader, but I still have some room for improvement on my walks. Please go slow and take your time when coming up to me. Once I get to know you, I become a loving girl who wants to play with my toys, roll around being silly and chase lizards, but I also love to curl up on the couch.
If you’re ready and able to give me a lifetime of love and wonderful memories, please fill out an application to meet me. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. https://carldogs.org/
CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.
This is Ginger a 3 year old male Pomeranian.
He will brighten your life with his charm and good looks.
City Found: Oxnard
Animal ID: A779429 VCAS
Camarillo Animal Shelter VCAS
In 2019, Kimberly Ramos embarked on a journey that transformed her passion into a successful beauty business. Initially working a 9-5 job, Kimberly’s pivotal moment occurred during a trip to Mexico, where a less experienced beautician sparked her interest in nail art. Inspired, she began practicing on herself, later extending her skills to friends and family.
