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Ventura, California

Our beloved Ventura, where the Pacific Ocean meets historic charm, offers a vibrant coastal lifestyle rooted deeply in California's heritage. From the serene Mission San Buenaventura, the last mission founded by Father Junípero Serra, to its role as a proud gateway to the Channel Islands National Park, our city is a treasure trove of natural beauty and a storied past that makes every resident feel connected to something truly special.
Founded 1866 | Population 108,817 | Peak 108,817 (2024) | County Ventura County

Top Events in Ventura, California

1
1782 Mission Founded: Father Serra establishes the ninth California mission, San Buenaventura.
2
1866 City Incorporated: The town officially incorporates as San Buenaventura, beginning modern governance.
3
1920 Oil Boom: Major oil discoveries fuel rapid economic and population growth.
4
1932 Ventura Pier Rebuilt: After storm damage, the iconic pier is reconstructed, cementing its landmark status.
5
1980 Channel Islands NP: Ventura becomes gateway to newly designated 'Galapagos of North America'.
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Latest News in Ventura

Mar 22, 2026
Parolee with Prior Double-Murder Conviction Sentenced to Life Without Parole in Killing of South Los Angeles Woman
LOS ANGELES—A man previously convicted of two murders in 1998 was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole …
Mar 16, 2026
Study: Cannabis Ineffective for Most Mental Disorders
A major review of past studies has delivered a clear verdict on the role of cannabis-based medicines in treating mental health and…
Mar 16, 2026
Investigator Exposes $170M Fraud in California
Investigator Nick Shirley has brought to light a massive $170 million fraud scheme operating within California, representing a sig…
Mar 15, 2026
NYPD Captain Arrested for Assaulting Alleged Child Predator
NYPD Captain Kai Bowen is now facing serious legal repercussions following an off-duty incident that escalated into violence. Repo…
Mar 13, 2026
What’s Behind Trump’s Push to Revive California Oil?
The Trump administration’s directive to Sable Offshore Corp. to restore the Santa Ynez oil unit in California represents a s…
Mar 10, 2026
CBS Investigation Reveals Hospice Fraud Hotspot in Los Angeles
CBS News has exposed a troubling epicenter of hospice fraud in Los Angeles, California, shedding light on a systemic issue that ha…

Historical Timeline of Ventura

1782 History
Mission San Buenaventura Founded
1866 Government
City Incorporated
1920 Economy
Oil Boom Transforms Economy
1932 Culture
Ventura Pier Rebuilt
1945 Economy
Post-War Growth & Development
1965 Transport
Major Freeway Expansion
1980 Environment
Channel Islands National Park Established
2000 Culture
Downtown Revitalization Begins

Did You Know? — Ventura

1
Ventura is home to Mission San Buenaventura, the ninth and last mission founded by Father Junípero Serra.
2
The city is a primary gateway to the Channel Islands National Park, often called 'North America's Galapagos' for its unique biodiversity.
3
Ventura has a rich surfing history, with its iconic 'Surfer's Point' being a well-known break since the 1960s.
4
The Ventura Pier, originally built in 1872, was once the longest wooden pier in California.
5
The Ventura County Fair, held annually since 1875, draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city each year.
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Famous People from Ventura, California

SD
Skin Diamond
Actor, Composer · Born Feb 18, 1987 · Age 39
KA
Krista Allen
Actor, Erotic Photography Model · Born Apr 5, 1971 · Age 54
MS
Matt Shakman
Actor, Television Director · Born Aug 8, 1975 · Age 50
LA
Louis Amundson
Basketball Player · Born Dec 7, 1982 · Age 43
JM
John McCook
Actor, Singer · Born Jun 20, 1944 · Age 81

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