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Food & Beverage Local Business Spotlight

Ventura County’s Best Local Coffee Shops

With a new Starbucks location popping up on every corner, it can be easy to miss out on what local coffee shop gems Ventura County has to offer. Though I often spent money at chain coffee places while in high school, I noticed a shift once I got my first drink-making job, and I’ve only had barista jobs ever since. Through learning the craft behind making a drink, I learned to appreciate sitting down and truly savoring it. When I started frequenting local coffee shops, I simply never looked back because of the difference in quality, price, and even the overall experience. Although it may be convenient for many people to succumb to large chain coffee places, I would urge them to give some of these places a try, because they just might surprise you!

  1. Tatiana’s Coffee and Tea

Tatiana’s is located at 2470 E Main Street and serves a variety of drinks and food with an Argentinian twist. They offer teas, coffee, smoothies, bagels, pastries, and, notably, empanadas! Upon entering, there is an immediate homey, cozy, “mom and pop” feel. There is endless art and photography displayed throughout the shop. Some of these pieces are local and available for sale, along with a selection of used books and jewelry. The eclectic decorations were beautiful and helps to differentiate them from other coffee shops, making the experience unique and memorable.

I ordered a dirty chai with soy milk, a spinach and feta empanada, and a guava pastelito. The chai was comforting and tasted complexly spicy. It was not too sweet and the spices lingered as I sipped it. Though the soy milk did not foam as well, that is to be expected, and tasted amazing nonetheless. The empanada was generously filled to the brim with feta and spinach, flaky, and paired delightfully with their spicy chimichurri sauce. I could not help but try their guava pastelito and it did not disappoint. The ratio of cream cheese and guava was perfect and was not too sweet, as the buttery puff pastry base and tangy cream cheese counteracted the sweetness of the jam.

I believe Tatiana’s offers a distinctive experience due to the Argentinian food offered as well as the staff. Though it was my first time there, they treat you like regulars by cracking jokes and making you feel welcome. They also offer punch cards which allows you to get up to $3.50 off your 11th order. Though it was moderately noisy in there, being next to a road, I could definitely see myself studying there when it is not busy or grabbing a quick bite in the morning with friends.

2. Beacon Coffee

Beacon is located at 5777 Olivas Park Dr with a smaller menu and a few rotating pastries available. It is minimalistic and calming in there, with instrumental music playing. They sell lots of coffee-related gear such as a Chemex, their own coffee beans, and even offer barista training or latte art classes to take. Furthermore, Beacon effectively bridges the gap between the grower and the consumer. There are photos of people they work with on the walls, which adds credibility to their craft because they emphasize working closely with their growers to ensure the best quality and taste possible. There is even a roaster in the back that is visible to customers through a large window! The atmosphere there was so relaxing, making it the perfect place to study, work, or read for fun.

I ordered a dirty matcha with oat milk as well as a blueberry muffin, and I was truly blown away. The oat milk was frothed to perfection and tasted just as light, airy, and creamy as whole milk would have. I did not get my drink sweetened but it was not bitter at all. Their matcha and espresso was a stunning combination that not every place can do correctly. Most of the time, I am met with a green-ish, brown drink where the flavors fight against each other. At Beacon, however, the flavors were holding hands in harmony. The dirty matcha almost tasted savory in the best way possible due to the vegetal, grassy flavor of the matcha paired with the nutty, smooth espresso. As for the blueberry muffin, it tasted homemade and was filled with so many blueberries inside. It was fluffy, moist, and not too sweet which made for a lovely snack that did not sit heavy afterward.

In my opinion, Beacon is the place to be for anyone who is a bit of a coffee connoisseur looking to level up their coffee game at home or looking for quality espresso-based drinks that do not require heaps of sugar to make them taste good. Personally, this is a place I would rather go to alone than with friends because it is small and quiet in there which makes it a perfect place to focus or get some alone time.

3. Daylight and Moon Cafe

Daylight and Moon Cafe is located at 2991 Loma Vista Rd C and offers coffee, tea, toast, pastries, and empanadas. A selection of their pastries are gluten-free and vegan. The interior is bright, clean, and modern with a few colorful accents on the wall; a nod to their orange logo. There is a plethora of indoor and outdoor seating available with lots of charging outlets. Apart from the usual, they have a few games available such as Uno, Connect 4, and Scrabble to play. Though their menu is small, they offer many syrups or flavor combinations to go off of and even use local honey in their drinks.

I ordered a seasonal cherry latte with oat milk as well as a smoked salmon toast. The smooth espresso was made perfectly sweet with the cherry. I’ve never had a cherry latte before, but it was genuinely such a delicious and unique combination not available everywhere else. The oat milk itself was so foamy and clung to the side of the cup even when I finished the drink. As for the toast, it was refreshing and filling, though I could have used more smoked salmon given the price point. However, I loved the capers and balsamic glaze which took it up a notch for me! I had to wait over 30 minutes for these two items while it was slightly busy, so beware if you are tight on time like I was or opt to go during the week instead of a Sunday.

Overall, Daylight and Moon Cafe is a great place to grab breakfast or a light lunch with some coffee. It could interchangeably be used as a place to study or play some games with friends depending on the circumstances. Though the location is a bit random with not much to do nearby, it is close to Ventura College, which could make it a fun place to go after class for a caffeine pick-me-up or, perhaps, a competitive game of Uno.

4. Palermo

Palermo is located at 321 E Main St with a huge selection of drinks such as locally roasted coffee, teas, specialty lattes and mochas, smoothies, variations of chai, etc. Apart from their many drinks, they also offer 18 flavors of gelato, locally baked pastries and desserts (gluten-free options available), gourmet truffles and chocolates. Near the back, there is a fairly big gift shop/retail section with a diverse array of items such as candles, greeting cards, kitchenware, journals, and Jellycats!

I’ve been to Palermo many times and my go-to order is a lavender mocha with soy milk. I will be honest and say this place can get extremely busy, so at times, the drinks can be a miss if you go at the wrong time. Most of the time, however, my drink is not too sweet and delectably floral with a rich chocolatey backbone that pairs well with the espresso used. I also had a lemon poppyseed scone that was quite dense, but then again, I may not just be used to eating gluten-free pastries. It was okay, but I would much rather opt for their gelato. I love the honey lavender one they offer!

I believe that Palermo’s location and vast menu helps to set them apart from the other coffee shops I listed because there is so much to do in downtown Ventura. I love stopping by here while thrifting or before grabbing dinner with friends. Even when it is busy, there is so much retail to shop through in the meantime which keeps me entertained and content while waiting. Though they do offer wi-fi, Palermo is a place that I enjoy going to when I am out and about with people as opposed to studying or working; it can get quite noisy when it is busy!

I had such a great time visiting these places and hope it inspired you to check out some local coffee shops whether you want to get some work done, enjoy quality time with friends, or spend some time alone, enjoying every sip and bite each shop has to offer!

Categories
Food & Beverage Local Business Spotlight

Local Libations: Ventura County’s Best Craft Cocktail Bars

As we begin slipping into spring, and later summer, sooner than later that first real heatwave will hit and the only thing to counter the muggy swelter will be something cold, lubricating, and easily accessible. Thankfully, Ventura County has seen an explosion in local bars and restaurants that have stepped up their mixology game and are slinging some serious cocktails that are sure to beat that mid-afternoon heat.

These places are pushing the envelope of mixed drinks and going further than a standard Old Fashioned or Cosmo by including locally sourced produce and spirits, to not just make a delicious drink, but one that shows what our beautiful county has to offer. I’ve taken the liberty to sacrifice some liver functionality in the search for the best places to visit on a weekend afternoon (or weekday, I won’t judge) that you can add to your Ventura vacation itinerary.

Bank of Italy – Cocktail Trust

Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust has been a Main Street institution for quality craft cocktails ever since it opened. Situated inside the historic 1920’s Beaux-arts style building on the corner of Main and Oak, the warm, hip atmosphere and intimate seating juxtaposes the stern Art Deco-esque facade, and the attentive bartenders are happy to whip up any of their extensive offerings. With many of the drinks taking inspiration from Italian classics, the BOI puts a modern twist on their drinks with unique ingredients and some local liquors. The drinks we settled on were the Gin Fix and Montenegro Daiquiri, both featuring Ventura Spirits liquors. The Gin Fix balanced VS’s Wilder Gin’s herbaceous vigor with pineapple and vanilla and gave off matured Piña Colada vibes. The Montenegro Daiquiri’s pairing of rum, pineapple, citrus and Ventura Spirit’s Angeleno Amaro’s orangey spice made for a very simple yet complex take on the 19th-century Cuban classic.

The Dutchess

The Dutchess has quickly become on of the flagship restaurants and bars in the Ojai valley, and has been popular with locals and tourists alike since its opening. With an inspired, modern take on drinks and Burmese cuisine, The Dutchess is a vibrant and cozy establishment that takes pride in working with local farms, breweries, and distilleries. Their cocktail menu rotates with the season, so other than a few staples don’t expect to order the same thing twice. After conversing with one of their bartenders and friend of mine, Eric, we volunteered as guinea pigs to try some drinks he had been working on. The first, a take on an Amaretto Sour sans egg white, used their house-made Amaretto with local botanicals and a persimmon simple syrup to balance the bite of the bourbon. The second drink, his spin on a Paper Plane, subbed the standard lemon juice for Pixie tangerine juice to give the modern classic its own Ojai twist. Both drinks were fresh, vibrant and packed a serious bourbon punch, qualities shared with all The Dutchess has to offer, cementing it as my #1 recommendation for a cozy drink in Ojai.

Jaguar Moon

One of the newest additions to Ventura’s collection of cocktail lounges, Jaguar Moon opened November of 2024 and brought a slew of Yucatánian flavors to the county. The bright, open space with vibrant colors and welcoming staff boasts a large collection of innovative drinks highlighting the many flavors and ingredients of the Yucatán, and their kitchen, Cocina Jaguar, offers Mexican dishes you can’t find anywhere else in Ventura.

For our visit, we started off with their smoky mezcal margarita and the tropical Oaxacan Cobbler, the latter truly being an adult fruit smoothie with a punch. To maintain sobriety we opted for some small plates, and decided on the Peruvian scallop crudo, their traditional guacamole with chicharrónes and salsa macha, and one of their cochinita pibil tacos. The food was incredible, with bold flavors and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. If you plan on a visit, I highly recommend the guacamole to share, and the cochinita tacos for yourself.

Bonus – Ventura Spirits Pixie Collins

Although not a cocktail bar, Ventura Spirits is our local distillery whose liquors and canned options are perfect for your home bar or fridge. And nothing screams local more than their take on classic Tom Collins. Using their Wilder Gin (that is made with local botanicals including purple sage, sagebrush and pixie peels) and Ojai Pixie-cello, the Pixie Collins is perfect for a weekday afternoon when there’s not enough time for a bar, but enough daylight to sit outside and wind down.

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Local Business Spotlight Student Life at VC

Thrifting in Downtown Ventura

When it comes to shopping in Downtown Ventura, many people stop by the thrift stores on Main Street. There are an assortment of different types of thrift stores a person can find when they visit Main Street. There are thrift stores that support different organizations or charities, resell thrift or “vintage” store, and up-cycle second hand clothes. Each of these thrift stores offer something to different people depending on what they are looking for. I took a couple of people with me, Devonte Stepter and Ahmad Albanez, to go thrifting in order to find out what thrift store is the best overall.

The first thrift store we went to was one that everybody has gone to at least once in their life, Goodwill.

When we walked in they had recently changed the layout of the store. Ahmad looked at the clothes first while Devonte browsed the T- shirts. Nothing was found in the clothes. While looking at what other items Goodwill had out on the floor Ahmad found a purple ceramic bowl he decided he wanted to purchase. After leaving with just a ceramic bowl Ahmad and Devonte were asked their opinion on what they thought about their visit to Goodwill. Devonte said, “The organization of the store was up kept but they did not have much to offer. This store is a good one for buying knick knacks.” Unfortunately nowadays goodwill picks through their inventory and pulls their higher end items and the more sought out pieces. They do this in order to send it out to their e-commerce website which is like an Ebay for Goodwill items. Ahmad also had some input saying, “I found a cool purple ceramic bowl that I can place my chopsticks in. Other than finding the bowl the store seemed grey and cold, there wasn’t any clothes that stuck out to me and that is a good majority of the stores space. I don’t think I would not revisit the store unless someone I was with wanted to explore it then I wouldn’t be opposed to it.” After talking about what they thought of the store both Devonte and Ahmad agreed Goodwill would be a 4/10 rating on their scale.

The next thrift store we stopped at was called the C.A.A.N Thrift Store. The name C.A.A.N stands for Child Abuse And Neglect. This thrift store proceeds go to helping support children who are victims to abuse, the Safe Haven Emergency Shelter, and the Safe Journey Transitional Shelter.

As we walked in we were greeted with the sound of the radio playing throughout the store on the store speakers. As Ahmad and Devonte browsed the different sections of the store they did not seem too thrilled when looking around the store. By the end of the visit to this thrift store neither one of them found a single item they were interested in buying. When asked what they thought of the store Ahmad commented, “The atmosphere in the store is cold and grey. There is nothing that is catching my eye but the cassette collection is enjoyable. I like seeing the old cover art for albums and the recordings of old comedy shows was interesting.” Afterward, Devonte said, “I’m not a big fan of this thrift store due to how unorganized it is. it makes it harder to locate anything I had on my mind.” At the end of the visit they decided that this thrift store would be given a 3/10 rating.

The third thrift store we went to was The Coalition thrift store. This thrift store used to be more of a thrift store before than it is now. Nowadays if you go to The Coalition do not expect to be paying thrift store prices because this “thrift store” specializes in selling vintage clothes at resell prices.

As we walked in we noticed that this store was way more busy than the other ones that we had been to that afternoon. There were people in every aisle searching through the racks trying to find the next vintage piece to add to their collection. There was clothes, media, furniture, hats, accessories, and old quilts. We all spent a good amount of time looking through everything because there was so much that would catch our eyes. When asked about what they thought of the store, Devonte said, “I instantly fell in love, the store is so well kept which seems to be important to them as well as how they keep it all so organized. it was very easy to find my size in shirts and pants which also made my shopping experience more enjoyable.” Ahmad also seemed excited to share his thoughts and said, “The Coalition is probably my favorite store that we’ve gone to so far. They offer a wide selection of clothes to household goods. Their media section is a good spot where I spent my time looking at their DVD’s. I bought “The Devil Wears Prada” and I’m so excited to watch it. I really enjoy physical media such as DVD’s. The employees are very friendly and helpful. The only downside is that due to the store selling a wide selection of goods it can be hard getting through the aisles when there’s a large amount of people shopping.” Unfortunately after this thrift store visit Devonte had to leave early but before he left he and Ahmad gave the Coalition a 7/10 rating.

The final thrift store that was on the list was Buffalo Exchange. Buffalo Exchange is more of a second hand/up cycle store. Customers can come in to buy or sell items that they have. The way it works is if you sell your old items to Buffalo Exchange you can get 50% of the total sold in store credit or 30% cash.

When coming into Buffalo Exchange it was a different vibe than the other thrift stores. The workers greeted Ahmad and I, they had a store playlist that played up to date music, and the demographic was people between their early 20’s to mid 30’s. As we looked around nothing seemed to catch Ahmad’s eyes too much to want to purchase. There were a few things he hatred on but decided not to purchase. When asked about Buffalo Exchange Ahmad responded, “The atmosphere felt welcoming and warm compared to the other shops. The only thing that I could see being an issue is maneuvering around the store can feel a bit like I’m a running back trying to find a gap in the O line. It doesn’t bother me though.” Ahmad also shared one of his favorite finds from Buffalo Exchange, “One time I found a dope Minnesota Viking’s Starter Jacket here and now it’s probably my most reliable thrift store that’s local. I love that jacket!” After our trip Ahmad decided the rating on this saying he would give Buffalo Exchange a 7/10.

Below are Ahmad’s and Devonte’s finds:

Ahmad found the ceramic bowl at Goodwill and “The Devil Wears Prada” Blu-ray DVD at The Coalition.

Devonte found both pants and the Don Jon Bluray DVD all at The Coalition.

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Arts & Entertainment Student Life at VC

Feeling Moody? Just Hit Play!

Music has always been the universal language. No matter what country of origin, listeners are able to distinguish an emotional presence and overall feeling from the melodies, rhythm, and movement of the song. So this got me thinking about the overlooked behavior of choosing music when we have those emotional moments. What makes people put on certain songs? Specifically, when you are feeling sad, happy or angry, does the listener choose music to lift them out of that emotion or stay present in that mindset. I decided to set out get some answers!

The Psychology behind music selection

A lot of different choices can be made based on mood. Picture this, two people are having the exact same awful of a day then return to their respective places of living. They decide they want to decompress their day by turning on their speaker and putting on some music. Regardless of them going through the same awful day, even then, they would still most likely choose music from opposite sides of the spectrum. One might put on more of a Midwest Emo/EmoViolence/ Emo Hardcore and sit in their respective emotions and ride it out. The other might put on more 80s New Wave/ Synth Pop/ Goth Rock and dance it out right there in their living rooms to exert that awful day away. Why does this happen? I wanted to find out what music listeners choose based on their moods.

Instagram poll results

I took to my instagram, posted some polls on my story, and gathered my own data. These polls were centered around 3 major emotions. Sadness, Happiness, and Anger. Respondents were asked about their music choices when experiencing any of those three emotions. Do they choose music that matches the mood or do they choose music that pulls them out of that given emotion. About an average of 50 users participated in the research below. Heres what I found.

Sadness

First up, we have everyone’s good old companion, sadness. When asked about what music they choose, most people chose music that matches their mood. This means they are pressing play on the tunes that make them shed a tear or amplify those sad thoughts. In this way, they’re riding the wave and getting off it when they feel ready to. I think it is important to think about how a lot of the music in the mainstream, regardless of the genre, has a reoccurring run in with sadness. Whether this would be with an Electronic Pop hit about a breakup or a Indie Rock song about hating your 9-5, that all point to the same baseline of sadness. It’s a more normalized emotion within the music sphere and in our everyday and one to be processed, this is where music is often the helpful tool. When in comes to the other 19 percent in the poll, they are the ones to put the tunes to get them out of the pit of sadness. This would consist of upbeat, pop, bright songs to pump up the energy to move through it.

Happiness

When respondents were asked about they hit play on when it comes to happiness, there was also a huge gap that presented itself across the data. It appears that when users felt that they were having a good energy in their day where they felt energetic, happy, and joyful most users wanted to continue that vibe with some tunes to encourage rather than mellowing themselves out. In this instance more fast paced, high energy, bright songs would be in the rotation rather than some stripped back, calm, and grounded songs. This again would be another emotion that would be normalized in our mainstream with songs being used to get us hyped up and happy. This would be considered a more accepted emotion alongside sadness to be able to process through music in a healthy way. Feeling warm, joyful, and excited? Great put on some ABBA!

Anger

Here’s where it gets interesting! Given that the previous polls had a rather huge gap between the answers, this one was actually cutting it quite close. When users were asked about moments where they felt Angry, 55% of them said they would much rather choose music to continue on the rage. 45% said they wanted to put something on that would help them calm down and get to a better headspace. I think with the other emotions in the study, I can’t help but notice how Anger is more of the emotion that is not as easily accepted in the mainstream and in our everyday. It’s violent, its dark, and it can be visceral. As we should know, Anger can and is a healthy emotion to experience yet many user were wanted to choose music to calm them down and contrast the anger overall. When it comes to the choices for matching the mood this could consist of Hardcore, Metal, and maybe even a sprinkle of something Punk adjacent. Those wanting to calm themselves down are going more for the soft and mellow tones of Jazz, Acoustic, or Folk.

Let’s Rewind

At the end of the day, music choice is all subjective and changes from person to person! As mentioned previously, but two people feeling the same emotion and going through the same type of day, won’t neccessarilay mean that they will end up choosing the same music to decompress after a long day. That in of itself is really interesting! The main take away from this study was really the curiosity of how people make their moody music choices and present the findings. This is to get us to be a bit more aware of what we hit play on when we are feeling emotional. Do we go with the flow or go against it?

Moody Playlists

To finish things off here are some of some playlists of songs from my personal library that I would put on for when I fell Happy, Sad or Angry. When comparing myself to the results, I am definitely more of the listener to choose music that matches the mood entirely. I think this is a pretty good representation of myself but I encourage you to make some playlists to have ready when those emotional moments happen!

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Local Business Spotlight

Fun places for adults

Hello college students, here are the places to go to have fun, get together and have a great time.

The Varsity Club

Varsity Club is a new place for adults to go play and have fun. It is a good place to hangout at night with your friends or family. The Varsity Club is in Ventura.

There are indoor golf simuators and baseball that you can play and enjoy.

On Thursday night there is a DJ, there is an area where you can dance. Also, a band comes to play and you can enjoy the music.

Playing golf

The Loose Cannon

The Loose Cannon is a restaurant, bar and arcade at the Ventura Harbor. There are 20 games and food and drinks to enjoy. Loose Cannon has pizza, pretzels and hamburgers. They have bowling lanes and basketball that you can play. It’s a place to have fun and have a good time.

They have VIP to sign up for to recive discounts and loyalty rewards and more.

playing bowling

Bowlero

Bowlero is so big they have 28 bowling lanes and a lot of arcade games. It’s a place to have lots of fun and have a great time. They have a bar and food to eat to enjoy while you are playing. Bowlero is at The Collection in Oxnard.

On Wednesdays, they have discount day on the games.

The Mighty Axe

The Mighty Axe is in Oxnard at The Collection, across from Bowlero. There is an outside area where you can sit and relax by the bar. Inside there are areas where you can play with the axes. There are snacks that you can buy.

There are happy hours Monday-Friday 4:00pm-6:00pm for craft beer.

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Beauty & Wellness

Why You Need Project Pan ASAP!

What is Project Pan?

Are you ready to declutter your space and mind? Look no further. Project Pan is a trend that focuses on de-influencing the need to overspend, overbuy, and overconsume. Project Pan has been inspiring TikTok users since 2021 to finish your products before splurging on the newest “it girl” products at Target.

This challenge motivates individuals to “hit the pan,” or in other words, finish their products before buying more. Project Pan pushes beauty users to steer from the current societal norms that influence them to buy every new product that hits the shelf. It’s time to not purchase beyond what is necessary. Not a makeup user? Project Pan is bigger than just makeup. Even though it’s aimed towards beauty, it can be applied to any consumables in your life. You can overbuy craft supplies, clothes, or even books.

7 Reasons Why You Should Participate in Project Pan

  • Helps Save Money – Think about it. If it takes you 4 months to finish your stash of products, that’s approximately 121 days of no spending.
  • Organization – We’ve all seen the overstocked shelves at Ross, Marshalls, or TJ Maxx. When you try to look at one bottle, you knock over four others in the process. Let’s not bring the entire store home with us. Our bathroom cabinets deserve better than that. Plus, it’s aesthetically pleasing to look at an organized space.
  • Reduces Waste – Throwing away half-used products or forgetting about them until expired is wasteful. Using up products completely will minimize product and packaging waste.
  • Encourages Mindfulness – Once you start, you soon realize how much surplus you have and wonder how it got to that point. Project Pan encourages mindful consumption, creating more thoughtful and intentional spending habits.
  • Mental Health – It’s time to de-stress! Having to rummage through a clutter of products daily is exhausting. So is having the pressure to always buy new products. Fully consuming products will help alleviate the overwhelming burden of overconsumption.
  • Rediscovery – Have a favorite product you forgot about? Starting Project Pan and working through your products helps to rediscover your holy grails. I remember the feeling of finding my ol’ reliable hair serum stuck behind a drawer that wouldn’t shut. Made my entire morning. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it!
  • Sense of Accomplishment – There’s no better feeling than knowing “Yeah… I did that.” That’s how I felt hitting pan on a product. Seeing the progress you’ve made is not only satisfying, but also rewarding.

How do I participate in Project Pan?

This is how I Project Pan. It’s simple! Start by looking through your overfilled drawers, cabinets, and counter-space. Then, organize your products into their respective categories. Currently, I have a stash of perfumes, body lotions/scrubs, candles, and makeup products. I singled out products I’ve held onto for a while or ones nearing their expiration date. This will give you the kickstart needed for Project Pan ASAP. Get ahold of a box or container lying around, or an empty drawer space will work if you have one. This is what you’re going to use to house your products. Attached are photos of my future Project Pan products and my current Project Pan box. I’m loving how it has all panned out. Happy Project Panning everyone!

Categories
Food & Beverage Local Business Spotlight

Lovewell Tea & Coffee

This awesome little coffee and tea spot is located in our beloved hometown, Ventura, at 2271 N. Ventura Ave, where it has been spreading joy for 5 fantastic years! They have just opened an exciting new location in Oak View at 485 N. Ventura Ave. Lovewell is all about sharing smiles, creating memorable moments, and providing a warm and welcoming space for everyone to connect. With their unique hours—Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 2 PM—they’re making sure there’s plenty of time for you to enjoy their delicious offerings, even if they’re closed on Sundays. If you’re seeking amazing coffee, tea, and fresh pastries, this is the perfect destination, and I can’t wait to share with you all the reasons why it’s a must-visit!

My next interview was with a Lovewell enthusiast, mother, and teacher, Dolores. Even though Lovewell isn’t a short drive for Dolores and her family, their frequent visits have made them a beloved member of the community, recognized by the staff, owners, and fellow regulars. Her first visit with a close friend in the summer of 2021 marked the beginning of her delightful journey there. Dolores describes the atmosphere as incredibly friendly, vibrant, and reminiscent of a family gathering. She appreciates how the staff genuinely care about their customers rather than merely pushing their products. Dolores was drawn back in by one of the specialty drinks she had found delicious. After exploring a variety of coffee shops around Ventura, she confidently favored Lovewell for its exceptional quality and smooth coffee. She highly recommends the Marble Mocha (a delightful mix of white chocolate and mocha) and the CJ special (a heavenly white chocolate mocha with caramel drizzle). Her enthusiasm extends to their Ginger Turmeric tea, which she also highly recommends. Dolores describes their fresh pastries as “Bomb Dot Com,” delightfully baked every morning. When asked to describe Lovewell to someone unfamiliar with Lovewell or to encourage a visit, she vividly recalls the scene from the movie Elf where he bursts into the coffee shop exclaiming, “Congratulations, World’s Best Cup of Coffee!”

If you’re curious to learn more about Deloris’ inspiring insights, she shared an amazing review and images on Yelp that is sure to uplift your spirits! Additionally, she has launched an Instagram account dedicated entirely to Lovewell, showcasing all the positivity and joy it brings.

I interviewed a fellow classmate, Mae, and her fiancé, Jared. Mae enjoys tea while Jared loves coffee. They enthusiastically support this local business for many wonderful reasons. They fondly remember the previous coffee shop, Django’s, and appreciate how convenient Lovewell’s location is for picking up their favorites on the way to school, visiting a few times a month. The cozy atmosphere instantly puts them at ease. Jared remarked on its delightful mix of modern touches and an industrial look. They both love admiring the beautiful pictures and drawings of Ventura that adorn the walls. Mae and Jared spoke glowingly of the baristas, who made them feel warmly welcomed when recognized as regulars. It’s heartwarming to see how the baristas effortlessly create a friendly environment, taking the time to connect with their customers. It’s clear that the baristas set a positive pace and atmosphere. The seasonal and special menus elevate their beverages, making them stand out from traditional coffee shops. I asked both of them to describe Lovewell place in one word or a sentence to encourage someone new to visit. Mae joyfully said, “they got good food and good people,” while Jared simply stated, “the community.”

I had the pleasure of interviewing one of their fantastic managers, Rachel. She passionately believes that customers return because they are treated as valued individuals rather than mere “transactions,” and have a connect relationship on a deeper level. Lovewell sources their coffee from a remarkable farm in Tennessee called “The Well,” which proudly provides clean water to the community. Rachel feels that the coffee at Lovewell is special for its smooth, non-burnt flavor, offering a delightful experience. Lovewell features an impressive selection of 22 different teas, from “Fraser Tea.” For tea lovers searching for a diverse range of options, Lovewell is the perfect destination. Additionally, Lovewell presents an exciting variety of special menus throughout the year, and when their seasonal offerings return, they always aim to keep things fresh and unique.

I had the delightful opportunity of interviewing one of their fantastic baristas, Steven. He firmly believes that Lovewells coffee not only draws customers back but also that they return for the exceptional customer service. As a passionate barista, his goal is to ensure that every customer has an amazing experience. They offer a little bit of everything to cater to a wide variety of guests. The menu at Lovewell features familiar beverages that new visitors will love, as well as exciting and unique options for those seeking something different. Steven enthusiastically recommends the “Earl Gray Tea Latte with simple syrup.” When it comes to pastries, he is particularly excited about the Cheese Jalapeño Bagel and Nutella Croissant. He describes the cheese jalapeño bagel as “cheesy, a little spicy, and customizable with a variety of cream cheese options,” while the Nutella croissant has “the perfect crunch on the outside with a soft, layered interior filled with Nutella.” When asked to describe Lovewell to someone who has never heard of it or to encourage a visit, he joyfully said “welcoming” a place where customers can sit back, relax, and enjoy their time without any interruptions.

After reading and enjoying to know more about Lovewell’s community, make sure to stop by at Ventura, at 2271 N Ventura Ave or Oak View at 485 N. Ventura Ave or visit their website to make an order online, using this link LoveWell. You can always find them on Instagram and YouTube

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Local Business Spotlight

What to Know about HomeCare Facilities: The Butterfly Inn LLC

The Butterly Inn, LLC is a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly located at 4370 Whittier Ct, Ventura. The facility operates 24 hours/7 days a week with spacious living and activities.

The facility is designed to serve 6 ambulatory / non-ambulatory elderly residents in a private / semi-private room setting. Basic services include: 3 daily meals, snacks, laundry, activities and housekeeping of resident’s bedroom, which the facility will provide for the bedroom furniture, chairs, nightstands and lamps. Residents may bring their own furnishings with the prior written approval of the License/Administrator.

It is located close to several shopping areas, various restaurants for dine-out activities, various denominational churches, and several community parks. The facility location is also close to several medical and dental offices, close to Ventura County Medical Center and Community Memorial Hospital.

The facility will provide assistance and care for residents who require assistance with activities of daily living, ie., bathing, showering, teeth brushing, face washing, hair care, dressing, and the assistance of self-administration medications. Additional assistance to each resident based on his/her needs and services or subsequent need’s plan will be given.

It will provide a home-like atmosphere, which includes special events, family/resident activities, birthday parties, and cultural-based events. They encourage family participation as it promotes positive outcomes for our residents.

It is non-medical facility; their staffs are trained in first aid in observation of medical emergencies and will expeditiously contact resident’s physician or medical facility to ensure prompt treatment. 

Statement of Purpose

“Our goal is to provide home-oriented environment to cater to the individual needs of our elderly individuals who require assistance with their daily living needs. This facility will encourage elderly adults to pursue individual interest and activities. We will ensure that all residents maintain optimal level of health and receive medical, dental examinations or follow-up appointments regularly.”

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Categories
Sports & Leisure

The Sports Card Market Explosion

Would you believe that you could buy something for $400 and then in just a few months sell it for $10,000? You would probably laugh, but sports cards made that happen. Sports cards have been collected for over a century and began to pick up steam in the late 80s and early 90s chasing Ken Griffey Jr. However, by the early 2000s, the market had declined, suffering from overproduction and lack of interest. It remained like this for years and years, but this all changed in 2020. The sports card market exploded because of Covid-19, The Rise of Online Marketplaces, Social Media and National Attention. This led to card prices skyrocketing thousands of percent in just a matter of months.

When the Coronavirus pandemic hit, lockdowns left us locked in our homes. SportingNews, Ryan Fagan says, “They [people] looked for ways to pass the time without physically interacting with the outside world. There’s only so much Netflix a person can watch” People found themselves with more free time than ever. This extra time led many to rediscover old hobbies or pick up new ones, and for a significant number of people, that hobby was sports cards, “the [sports card] fire ignited once again” (Fagan) and the card market hasn’t looked back since. The 2020 Covid Recession was not a problem for the sports card industry, “card sales have demolished all-time records, dumbfounding investors and collectors alike” ESPN’s Dan Hajducky says. The Covid Pandemic revived cards, but social media took it to the moon. 

Social Media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok saw an explosion of content related to sports cards resulting in 100s of millions of views. People had nothing to do, Dan Miller of LA Times said “People weren’t working, they weren’t leaving the house, there was no sports, there was no DraftKings, people [would] stream it [cards] on their TV”. People were buying into card breaks for $50 and getting $1000 cards in return over and over. They were submitting these cards to get authenticated and graded for cheap and reselling in higher grade for massive profits and with more people looking to sell cards, this led to the rise of online marketplaces like eBay, Goldin Auctions, PWCC and specialized sports card platforms like Whatnot. These platforms made it easier than ever to buy and sell cards.  

The ease of online transactions and the ability to reach a broader audience drove both demand and prices to new heights. “From May to early June, more than 40 cards sold on eBay for at least $50,000. From mid-May to July, that number rose to 96, with more than 35% going for $90,000 or more” (Hajducky). Record sales were flying all over the place on these platforms. As more people joined the industry, record breaking sales of cards began to make national headlines like the Luka Doncic Rookie Logoman selling for a record $4.6 million, fueling interest from an entirely new audience that has yet to join the party, investors. Investors were seeing the growth of this market and were hopping on, they saw that it “has grown at roughly 2.5 times the rate of the S&P 500 since 2008” (Wellbeloved). Ever since they onboarded cards to their assets from August to September, six of the most expensive cards ever sold were in those months making this industry become one of the fastest growing industries in the world.

So what did cards really do? During late 2019, Lebron James Rookie Card in a perfect Gem Mint 10 condition was $1,100 fast forward to early 2021 it reached $42,000. Not only did it happen to expensive cards, it also happened to low end cards such as a Luka Doncic Rookie Card in a Gem Mint 10, buying it for $50 in early 2020 and selling it for $2,000 such as I did back in 2021. It happened to football cards also where a Patrick Mahomes Rookie Card in a PSA 10 selling for $14,000 off a $200 investment in 2020, and baseball cards, hockey cards and even Pokemon cards. All sales provided by Card Ladder. Sports cards blew up in a way no one could have imagined.

I wouldn’t be writing this if I had not experienced this boom. I’ve always been a collector all my life but in 2019 I decided to get serious about it and started trying to make some money off of it. I was buying cards on eBay, getting them graded to try and add more value to the card and selling them in 2020 for a lot of money. It really opened my eyes to see the potential when I bought a Zion Williamson rookie card for $20, got it graded and sold it for $1000. My biggest sale I had was for $10,000 for a Collin Sexton card. I had paid $400 for it. I had built a collection worth more than 6 figures at the time. Then as fast as the market went up, it went down just as fast. 

Fast forward 3 years and the sports card market went from boom to bust, cards have now dropped approximately 90% since their peak. The $42,000 Lebron James card I talked about above is now worth $4,000. The Luka Doncic card is now worth $250 and the Mahomes rookie card is worth just over $4,000. In 5+ short years the sports card market went from making people rich to now a lot of them losing money on their investments. What once was a raging market in 2020 and 2021 has cooled to pre covid levels in 2025. Will we ever see a bubble this big again?

Categories
Arts & Entertainment Local Business Spotlight

5 Must-Visit Indie Bookstores in Ventura County

Are you planning on traveling to or are currently living in the Ventura County area? Are you searching for book bliss? Then you have come to the right place! This is your guide to the five bookstores in Ventura Country that you must visit. And hey, if you only go to one because it fits your niche, that’s fine! I’m not here to judge you, I’m only here to inform you. I’ll save the judgment for another time.

Bart’s Books

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302 W Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023

4.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you love basking in the sun as you browse, if you love fresh air while you read, Bart’s Books is the place to be. According to their website, “Bart’s Books is the world’s largest outdoor bookstore, serving the Ojai community since 1964. Bart’s hosts a collection of over 130,000 used and new books, ranging from rare out-of-print gems to well-loved paperbacks.” Before you enter the main area, you will find books on shelves lining the outside walls. Both used and new books can be found at Bart’s making it affordable for many budgets. Bart’s hosts events and offers a fun book-buying program. Bring a book, they buy it, and you leave with cash (or a new book).

From its warm-toned, brick red, and velvet green bookshelves adorned with foliage, to housing books from every major genre, Bart’s is truly for the outdoorsy bookworm.

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 22 – A. Kendra Greene No Less Strange or Wonderful: Essays in Curiosity

April 5 – Michael Arkush The Golf 100

April 26 – Indie Bookstore Day

The Bookworm

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93 E Daily Dr, Camarillo, CA 93010

4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

With a porch-style reading nook and rows of children’s books, this is the place for parents looking to find a book for themselves and their little ones. Bookworm has a sizable collection of Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction. However, the children’s section is where it truly shines. From board books to picture books, all the way to chapter books, any kid of any age can find something they love! So, if you’re looking to get a book for a child in your life it’s a must-visit bookstore.

The Bookworm also occasionally hosts events, so make sure to keep an eye on their socials. Although on the smaller side, Bookworm packs a punch, carrying books in the major genres most would be interested in. If you’re looking for a fun family outing, visit Bookworm because it is truly for the parenting readers.

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 8 – Drew Daywalt Reading

Calico Cat Bookshop

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495 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001

4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you love a challenge, I toast to you! This bookstore is not for the claustrophobic. You are surrounded by literature the moment you step through the door. If you do venture inside, Calico is going to be your new home for the next few hours. Thousands of used, rare, signed, and collectible books flow from the shelves to the ground and all around. Although they don’t have events, they update their website with new arrivals, so you can browse online before you head over (if that tickles your fancy), but being there is an experience you won’t want to miss.

It takes a special kind of book enthusiast to love and respect a bookstore like Calico. It’s welcoming and sweet and demands that you take your time and browse slowly. Although there is organization and tables with labeled genres, Calico is truly for the patient book hunters.

RECENT ARRIVALS

Responsibilities: Poems and a Play by William Butler Yeats

Theosophy by Rudolf Steiner

21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari

Point Omega by Don DeLillo

Smitten Bookstore

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365 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001

4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

While other bookstores on the list offer many genres, Smitten knows love and intimacy only. The colors are bright and the name is cute, but this is not the most child-friendly of bookstores. Though many of their books have cartoon couples on the covers, what lies within the pages is much less PG. That said, there is a small children’s section for the little ones to browse, just be cautious.

The bookstore offers the typical modern romance, classic romance, romantasy, and academic books on modern sexuality. You can also find tarot cards, tote bags, bookmarks, and so much more. The bookstore has an active event calendar that is definitely worth checking out.

As Jane Austen once said, “My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” That is exactly what a romance connoisseur will feel about the book oasis that is Smitten Bookstore. Smitten is truly for the romantic book lovers.

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 8 – Rebecca Thorne – Tea You at the Altar Book Release

March 9 – Book Swap

March 15 – Kate Tilney Author Signing

Timbre Books

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1910 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001

4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

With a bright reading room attached to a robust children’s section, Timbre is the perfect place to pick up a book and stay for a while. There is outdoor seating if you are interested, but a seat by the window indoors is just as appealing.

If you are looking for a new release, check with Timbre. Their shelves are filled with new releases and incredibly popular BookTok books. That being said, they also sell books that aren’t targeted just toward the BookTok audience. They have older and newer memoirs, books on music, books on art, etc. They also have two full bookshelves that display Timbre employee book recommendations, some even have notecard descriptions.

The space is warm, inviting, and aesthetically pleasing, with new events held each month. Timbre is truly for the modern bibliomaniac.

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 8 – Pierpont Book Fair @ Timbre

March 13 – Poetry Book Club

March 18 – Lewis Robinson in Conversation with Antoine Wilson

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This has been your guide to the five bookstores in Ventura Country that you must visit. Thank you for spending part of your day with me and I hope you are eager to get outside and into the community.

As an active reader and an employee of a book publishing house, I like to think I know a thing or two about bookstores. So, if you read through this entire article and are not convinced to visit at least one of these incredible spots, know that I am judging you quite heavily. See, I told you I’d save the judgment for another time.

Until next time, I’ve been me, and this has been lovely.