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Beauty & Wellness Business community Local Business Spotlight

More Than a Workout: The Story Behind The Routine in Ventura

If you’ve ever walked into a workout class and instantly felt out of place, you know how intimidating fitness spaces can be. That’s exactly what Karen, a Ventura College alumna and owner of The Routine in Ventura, wanted to change.

Karen didn’t always plan on opening a Pilates studio. She actually owned a beauty business in downtown Ventura for about 10 years, spending long days doing lash extensions. Over time, the work became physically demanding and pushed her to look for new ways to move and feel better.

So she started trying different ways to move her body going to the gym, taking group classes, doing yoga. But nothing really stuck until she found Pilates. She said she immediately loved it. It didn’t just feel like a workout. It made her feel good, energized, and actually excited to move. The only problem? The closest studios were far away.

So instead of settling for that, she decided to bring Pilates to Ventura herself.

When she first opened The Routine, it wasn’t perfect and she knew it wouldn’t be. Teaching was new, and things didn’t go exactly how she expected. But she leaned on her community, built a team, and now about nine instructors are still with her today. She strongly emphasized how important her team is to her, and how much they’ve helped shape The Routine into what it is today.

What really makes The Routine stand out isn’t just the workouts, it’s the environment. It’s supportive, safe, and welcoming. People start recognizing each other, building real connections, and it begins to feel like a second home.

Now The Routine is expanding to Santa Barbara, something her clients actually pushed for. For Karen, it’s about stepping out of her comfort zone and bringing something new to a different community. She said what excites her most is connecting with new people and making their day better.

At the end of the day, her story is simple: don’t wait for perfect. Believe in your idea, take the risk, and don’t be afraid to fail. Because sometimes the best things start with just trying something new.

Follow her journey here:

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community Food & Beverage Food & Dining Local Business Spotlight Student Life at VC

Top 3 Places to Eat or have a snack at VC before or after class

at number 3 I have the Multidisciplinary Center West building located at the north part of campus by N campus way. This spot is a solid choice for students who want something quick and convenient without having to leave campus. It’s especially useful if you’re in a rush between classes or don’t have time to go off campus. Since it’s located in a more so call chill area, it can also be a good place to sit down, relax, and eat without too much noise or distraction. Overall, it’s not the most exciting option, but it definitely gets the job done when you need something fast and easy.

At the number 2 I have Starbucks by TELEGRAPH and DAY RD which is a 8 minute walk and a 1 minute drive from the Ventura college and makes it very easy to get to and easy to grab. This location is perfect for students who want something familiar and reliable. Whether it’s coffee to wake you up in the morning or a small snack to hold you over, Starbucks has a variety of options that fit different needs. It’s also a good spot to meet up with friends or get some quick studying done. Even though it can get busy at times, the convenience and consistency make it one of the top choices near campus.

At number 1 I have L&T catering which is a catering truck that sells on campus and they have a lot of food options for a very solid price. This is easily one of the best places to grab food at VC because it offers both quality and value. Students can choose from a wide range of meals, making it a great option no matter what you’re in the mood for. Since it’s right on campus, you don’t have to worry about traveling far or wasting time. The combination of good portions, fair prices, and convenience makes it stand out as the number one pick.

Honorable mention: Food trucks that come to sell their products for students to grab and they are very noticeable and the lines that form will tell you that they are selling some good products. These food trucks add variety and excitement to the usual food options on campus. Since they rotate and bring different types of food, students get the chance to try something new almost every time. The long lines are usually a good sign that the food is worth the wait. Even though they aren’t always there, they’re definitely something to look out for when they show up. There’s always an option which are near by fast food places if you have the time and the willingness to grab something from a local or big named fast food place.

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community Student Life at VC Study Spots

The Ultimate Study Spot Guide: Ventura College & Local Hidden Gems

Finding a good place to study isn’t always easy. A lot of spots look great at first, but end up having uncomfortable seating, too much noise, no WIFI, or nowhere to plug in your charger. All of that can make it hard to stay focused and actually get work done. To make things easier, I went out to find different study locations around the Ventura College campus and throughout Ventura County. After spending time in a variety of spots, I put together a list of places that are actually worth your time, whether you’re looking for something quiet, comfortable, or just a change of scenery.

Ventura College Campus Study Spots

The library quiet areas and reading room are easily the most reliable study spots on campus. If your goal is to really lock in and focus, this is where you want to be. The second floor is especially quiet with many areas to sit. The WIFI is strong, there are plenty of outlets, and the desks are big enough to spread out your work and study comfortably. The overall environment is calm and peaceful, which makes it easier to stay on task. This is the best option for things like studying for exams, writing essays, or anything that requires full concentration. Rank: #1

The library study rooms are another great option, especially if you need a private space. I noticed the rooms don’t block out noise very well, but if you just need a space to yourself or with a group, this is the spot for you. They come with a large table, outlets, and a whiteboard. The WIFI is just as strong as the rest of the library, and having your own space makes it easier to stay focused for longer periods of time. The only downside is that they aren’t always available and need to be reserved, but when you can get one, they’re one of the best spots on campus. Rank: #2

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) on the first floor is a good middle ground if you don’t mind a little background noise. It’s more of a collaborative space, so people are talking and working together. Because of that, it’s not the best for deep focus, but it works really well for getting assignments done, using computers, or studying. The WIFI is strong, there are plenty of outlets, and you also have access to tutoring and other resources. If you like a space that feels productive but not completely silent, this is a great choice. Rank: #3

The outdoor tables around campus, especially the ones farther away from the main walkways, are another great option. These spots can be surprisingly peaceful if you choose the right location and time of day. They’re great for casual studying, reviewing notes, or working on assignments when the weather is nice. The downside is that there is no outlets and noise levels can vary depending on how busy campus is. Still, if you find a quieter area, it can be a really good place to stay productive without feeling stuck inside. Rank: #4

Local Hidden Study Spots

Switching to off campus spots, some of these places are a little more hidden and sometimes unpredictable in the best way. And by hidden, I mean those tucked away spots you’d probably walk right past without thinking twice, like small cafes or quiet corners between businesses. I wanted to showcase places you might not usually consider, but once you try them, they end up becoming your go to study spot.

Tree Lounge in Camarillo is a great option if you’re looking for a calm and comfortable place to study. The atmosphere is very relaxed, which makes it easy to focus without feeling overwhelmed or distracted. They offer WIFI and outlets, which makes it a reliable spot for longer study sessions. One thing that really makes this place stand out is that it’s accommodating for students who have kids. There’s a coloring area for children with paper and markers, so it’s a good choice if you need to study but also keep your child occupied. They also have outdoor seating with access to outlets, which is perfect if you want some fresh air while working. It rarely gets too busy, so you can usually count on it being a peaceful and comfortable place to get your work done. Rank: #1

Tifa Chocolate & Gelato in Camarillo is a great study spot, especially if you’re looking for something fun and relaxing. The atmosphere is warm and comforting, which makes it easy to settle in and stay for a while. Inside, the tables are set up with board and card games like chess, checkers, connect 4, and more, which can actually be a nice way to take a break if you’re studying with friends. They also have WIFI and a good amount of outlets. If you want some fresh air or a quieter space, there is an outdoor seating area tucked between the building and a grocery store, which makes it feel more private and less crowded. Overall, this spot works really well for both group study sessions and more relaxed solo work. Rank: #2

Palm & Boy Coffee and Acai in Ventura is another great option if you’re more focused on the overall vibe. its located on Main Street but tucked away at the end of the El Jardin Courtyard, so it feels a bit hidden. The outdoor seating area is really nice and gives the place a cozy, aesthetic feel. But the seating is pretty limited, which can be a downside. they offer free WIFI, but there aren’t any outlets, so it’s not ideal for long sessions if your laptop needs charging. It can also get a little busy, so it’s not the best choice if you need complete silence. Still, if you’re just looking for a comfortable place with good energy to get some work done, this is the place for you. Rank: #3

Valle Lindo Park in Camarillo is a good option if you want a completely different kind of study environment. It’s a very peaceful park with large open grass areas, that are perfect for a picnic style studying session, with long bench tables that work well for groups. The bench areas do require reservations, but the park itself stays pretty quiet overall, especially away from the playground. One thing that helps is that there are rules in place that limit loud music and certain activities, so it doesn’t get too chaotic. There isn’t any WIFI or outlets, so its not the best spot if you need your laptop for a long period of time, but if you just need a calm space to read, write, or review notes, its a great option. Rank: #4

At the end of the day, the best study spot really comes down to what helps you stay focused and comfortable. Everyone studies a little differently, so it’s worth trying out a few of these places and seeing what works best for you. Hopefully, you found a new study spot that you can try out and make your own.

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community Local Business Spotlight Student Life at VC

Besant Hill School

In this promotional video we highlight Besant Hill School An Academic & Arts School Developing Individuals’ Intellectual & Artistic Abilities.

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community Student Life at VC

For Future Pirates

There is something special at Ventura College most may not know about. There is a learning opportunity for children between the ages of 2-5. The Orfalea Child development center is at the far west end of campus at Telegraph and West Campus Way. The emphasis of the center on STEM education has earned them the Golden Gear award in 2019.” The center is one of the top programs in the county”, states Deanna Hall a professor and co-chair of the center. She has been in education for 35 years. Students enrolled in the Early Education program earn their associate’s degrees while not only observing but actual hands-on experience working with the children at the center. 

The classes are small with a 1 to 10 ratio and the classrooms for the children aged 3,4 and 5 will never go over 20. The 2-year-old class has one teacher for every 6 children. The advanced students will serve as teachers’ aide alongside permanent highly qualified teachers employed by Ventura College. The school’s outside learning lab has a garden where children can not only plant and grow their own vegetables but fulfill their desire to play at the mud table. The center has a “jungle” of trees that provide opportunities to look for lady bugs in the grass and be young explorers. The outdoor area also has a constructed river with rocks and logs to play on. The sensory adventure continues with what else but a pirate ship to play on. 

The center has scholarships available for qualified students; more information can be found by visiting the center or emailing vcchilddev@vcccd.edu. The quality care is comparable to most child learning centers. The center is family focused as it encourages parents to participate in volunteering and hosts STEM Day events twice a year. The center has built the curriculum to ignite the children’s imagination and lay the foundation that will begin their educational journey. For more information on how you can take advantage of this program visit https://www.venturacollege.edu/departments/student-services/child-development-center