Where jazz music meets good prices and grand ambiance
Are you tired of throwing your money away on overpriced drinks and going to the same rowdy dive bars? Then a jazz club might be what your soul needs. The lights are dim, there are whispers of conversation in between songs, the piano and saxophone notes fill the room. This defines a great jazz club. We are so lucky to have one of the best spots in southern California right here in Ventura.
Musicians from all around the world have performed at The Grape. The drummer from Tool, Danny Carrey has performed there quite a few times. Also musicians from Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band including Wayne Bergeron and Eric Marienthal. The Grape is a magnet for talent from all around the world. This is why it’s got such a rich and exquisite ambiance.
Danny Carrey (third from left) performing at The Grape.
The Grape also prides themselves with their extensive bar menu. They truly have one of the largest menus in Ventura and at affordable prices as well from wine to whiskey, gin, tequila, mezcal, to beer. Their wall is decorated with so many bottles. You must check it out for yourself. If it’s your first time going, I definitely recommend to check out their Happy Hour. Very college-friendly! The drinks are at amazing prices and they also have someone performing jazz or blues music to accompany your drink. If you do not drink, they have tea, etc. Light snacks can also be ordered to be paired with your drink. During their official evening showtimes, a ticket can range from $10-$25. If you would still like to experience the jazz magic but without the price, you may do so by sitting on some of the bar stools facing the inside of the other room where the performer/s are. A visit here is always worth it.
Here is someone sharing an image of them enjoying a hot tea at The Grape.
We all know college life can be very stressful. A great solution for that is going to The Grape to listen to some live music. Jazz and Blues music is known to be very beneficial for our brain health. This genre helps lower stress and anxiety levels. It also helps with creativity by activating theta brain waves and improves cognitive functions like memory and attention. A lot of college students can benefit from visiting this local gem.
This jazz club has an exclusive feeling to it, but it is very welcoming. I had a conversation with a guest who was relaxing at the bar, Miss Dana. I mentioned to her how the demographic at The Grape tends to be an older crowd and I wish there were more of my college peers spending their evenings here.
“I agree I hope more of the younger crowd can find their way over here. This place is always very welcoming. They kind of have to be. They realize that the younger generation are the ones in charge of keeping this culture alive.”
– Miss Dana, 63
I was able to spot a few younger people in the crowd. I conversed with Mathew. I asked him about his experience and how often does he attend The Grape.
“I really enjoy live music. It inspires me to keep practicing guitar. Maybe one day I’ll play here during their jam session nights where whoever can write their name on a list and play on the stage. I do wish more of my friends were down to come with me though. They’d rather go downtown, which don’t get me wrong is fine with me. But sometimes, live music and a glass of wine after a long day hits the spot just right. I try to come once a week.” – Mathew, 31
I did not expect to enjoy being at The Grape as much as I did. It ended up being one of the most relaxing and fun nights I’ve had in a while. Carve out some time to go relax at our local jazz club. It is 100% worth it. The staff is wonderful and very accommodating. The other guests are friendly and chatty. The bar is full of options for drinks and the price range is amazing. Listening to live music on a regular basis has been a game-changer for me! Hopefully I’ll see you there!
Who doesn’t love authentic Mexican cuisine? At La Flor de Michoacán in Ojai, authenticity is what has enabled their longevity and loyal customers for 25 years strong.
Upon arrival, you are greeted by the embrace of an inviting and powerful representation of culture. The artwork, the menu, even the advertisements – they stay true to the essence of Michoacán where much of the inspiration of the store is drawn from.
The store is proudly owned by the Local Lopez family, at the head of which are Martín and Ernestina Lopez. It is a one stop shop – a combination of both a restaurant and corner store. I had a great opportunity to interview Oscar and Ulises Lopez to discuss how La Flor’s journey has unraveled during its 25 year run.
“I think it all started with my dad’s first experience working at a similar store in Carpinteria” said Oscar Lopez, the son and long time employee of La Flor. “He learned from that experience and was able to translate what he learned to his own restaurant.”
Martín has collaborated with his elder son Ulises Lopez to create a menu that keeps customers happy day in and day out. Everything is made in house, including the fan favorite habanero salsa.
In a town where there seems to be an everlasting revolving door of restaurants and shops, staying relevant is a challenge, but not one they haven’t been ready to take on. “One of the biggest things is adapting to what people want so we can provide something for everybody… That’s one thing my dad has taught me…”
When asked about what it means to one day carry the legacy of the family store Oscar said: “To me, it’s like a golden goose being handed down, it means a lot. It means freedom. And I want to build upon it and maintain it… It’s a blessing.”
The passion held for the store and the family values they upkeep are unmatched and undoubtedly felt through the delicious, authentic cuisine made in their kitchen. The genuine want to connect with customers is seen through the many community events such as fundraisers for those in need, the raffle like the one held during this celebration of 25 years, and the constant updates to store inventory.
La Flor has been my favorite Mexican restaurant in the entirety of Ventura County, and it was a blessing to be able to celebrate the longevity they have created, and the history made. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next 25 years brings!
The celebration and raffle will be going on until the end of April. You can locate La Flor De Michoacán at 702 W El Roblar Drive in Ojai California – Open Every day of the week. Follow them on Instagram!
As a student at Ventura College, I’ve always known there were resources available to help students succeed, but after speaking with Pete Parker, Director of Development for the Ventura College Foundation, I realized just how much support is actually available behind the scenes.
The Ventura College Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students overcome barriers that may stand in the way of their education. Whether it’s financial struggles, housing challenges, food insecurity, or even transportation, the foundation works to make sure students have what they need to continue their academic journey.
One of the biggest ways the foundation supports students is through scholarships. This year alone, the foundation is awarding over one million dollars in scholarships, which is an incredible milestone. These scholarships can make a life-changing difference, especially for students who might otherwise have to pause or stop their education due to financial stress.
Pete explained that the foundation’s goal is simple: remove barriers so students can succeed. While financial support is the most common need, the foundation also works closely with programs like the Ventura College Basic Needs Center and the Promise Program to ensure students are supported in every aspect of their lives. These programs provide essential resources like food, school supplies, and additional support systems that help students stay focused on their education.
What many students may not realize is that some of this support is made possible through community involvement, including the Ventura College Marketplace, which helps generate funding that goes back into student programs and scholarships. This connection really shows how the campus and the community work together to support student success.
Something that really stood out to me was learning that the foundation is actually separate from the college itself. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works as an external partner, connecting the community to the college. Through donations and partnerships, they are able to fund scholarships and support programs that directly impact students.
The scholarship process is also much simpler than many students might expect. There is only one application that opens in October and closes in February. From there, students are matched with scholarships based on factors like GPA, major, and personal background. The foundation also provides workshops and support through the Writing Center to help students submit strong applications.
What makes the foundation truly special is the connection between donors and students. At the annual scholarship ceremony, donors get to meet the students they are supporting, creating a meaningful and personal experience. Pete shared that seeing students smile, celebrate, and even cry tears of joy when they receive support is the most rewarding part of his work.
As a recipient of two scholarships myself, this experience is incredibly personal. Being a single mom returning to school, support like this makes it possible for me to continue my education and work toward my goals. Receiving two scholarships through the Ventura College Foundation has been life-changing, and I’m deeply thankful to the donors who made that possible. Their support goes further than they may ever realize.
At the end of the day, the foundation’s mission is clear—they want students to succeed. They want to see students achieve their dreams and continue growing even after they leave Ventura College. It’s not just about the time spent on campus, but about building a lifelong connection and support system.
If you are a student at Ventura College, I highly recommend applying for scholarships and exploring the resources available. You never know how much support is out there until you take that first step.
If you’ve ever opened TikTok or Instagram on a Sunday Morning and suddenly felt the urge to get your life together, you’re not alone. What starts as a quick scroll down your “For You Page” can quickly snowball into watching video after video of perfectly curated influencer routines. You might see freshly cleaned rooms with wrinkle-free bedding and matching pillows, elaborate skincare regimens, an iced matcha in aesthetically designed glasses, or a perfectly planned to-do list for the upcoming week outlining tasks to be done in preparation. Sunday resets have become a trending phenomenon, creating more pressure to do more in preparation for the upcoming week and setting unrealistic expectations for the average college student. As viewers engage with these videos, they may find them calming, yet also subconsciously internalize pressure to complete the same tasks within a day and adopt unrealistic expectations of what their lives should look like.
These types of short -form videos have taken over our feeds, showcasing a mix of productivity and self-care. As we watch these influencer “resets”, we subtly compare them to our own lack thereof. While they may appear to be simple lifestyle content, there is more happening beneath the surface. This trend has contributed to the inauthenticity surrounding the concept of what it means to be an influencer.
Through visually appealing content, the facade of “relatable” habits, and subtle product placements, these routines do not truly inspire viewers to replicate them— they instead influence consumers to purchase featured products while simultaneously creating pressure for the average person. What were once simple, mundane tasks have been transformed by social media, reshaping the meaning of productivity and giving rise to an unrealistic and unattainable lifestyle over time.
So, why are we addicted to watching this niche genre of videos when there is such an absence of reality?
For Gen- Z viewers such as myself, the “Sunday Reset” trend resonates so hard because it hits the holy trifecta of productivity, self-care, and aesthetic lifestyle content— all without feeling overwhelming due to it’s calming combination of visually appealing clips and carefully chosen audio. This draws us in as an audience, creating a sudden urge of motivation as we think, “Hey, if they can do it, so can I!” However, achieving this sense of accomplishment comes with potential downsides when attempting to replicate what these influencers have done. The average college student doesn’t have the luxury of dedicating an entire day to household tasks, a 10-step skincare routine, or purchasing overpriced groceries and meticulously organizing each item. In reality, we can often complete a portion of these activities while juggling the unpredictability that is life. Time and time again, these influencers live up to their title, as their content is primarily meant to be consumed rather than realistically replicated from a college student’s perspective.
The real kicker of the “Sunday Reset” trend and its high performance on our feeds is the “soft selling” embedded through influencer-generated content and the products they subtly incorporate into their routines. I’ve fallen victim to a few of these products— such as skincare or household gadgets— because I was drawn watching them being used in real time, often paired with a trendy song playing in the background. That combination creates a powerful setup that encourages audiences to purchase without hesitation. It’s easy to see how absorbed we can become, especially given how accessible it is to buy the items featured in these videos. Much of this is driven by features like the TikTok Shop, where a simple tap allows you to continue watching a video while adding items to your cart. Instead of explicitly saying “buy this,” influencers seamlessly embed products into their routine, shifting the message from a clear promotion to something that feels like a natural part of their lives. Gen- Z viewers, who are often wary of traditional advertising, tend to distrust anything that feels overly promotional. As a result, soft selling comes across as more authentic and unscripted, reinforcing trust in the influencers they follow. This relationship- building between influencer and follower creates a domino effect, leading the follower to become a frequent consumer of the promoted brand.
Targeted ad of under eye patches found on the TikTok Shop
Targeted ad of a supplement powder found on the TikTok Shop
To piggyback on the strong effects of “soft selling,” influencers carefully curate their image to align with their niche, aesthetic, and branding. They achieve this through neatly arranged products, cohesive color palettes, minimalist setups, and bright lighting. This visual clarity brings a sense of calm to a chaotic feed, encouraging viewers to stop and watch — often without realizing how much time has passed. Much of “Sunday Reset” content taps into these polished, effortless vibes such as glowing skin (as a result of an elaborate skincare routine), athlesuire outfits for casual outings like getting iced coffee, and ASMR-like clips cleaning and organizing their environment. All of these elements subtly communicate the idea that “this is what having your life together looks like.” That image is then perceived as both inspirational and attractive, while capturing the audience’s attention and keeps them coming back for more.
Influencer @amandaedins on TikTok
Aesthetic/Inspo account @dollicqte on TikTok
While “Sunday Reset” content is meant to feel calming and productive, it can also set an unspoken standard for what a “successful” day should look like. For majority of viewers, such as community college students, that standard isn’t realistic in a weekly basis. We have to manage our time carefully across multiple responsibilities— completing assignments, working shifts, and maintaining a social life. Instead of feeling motivated, some people end up experiencing guilt, telling themselves, “I didn’t do enough today” or “My life doesn’t look like that.”
This creates a harmful cycle in which content intended to inspire leads to comparison and self-doubt. These influencers “resets” function as highlight reels, presenting a highly curated version of their lives and creating a disconnect from reality. By turning self-care into performative tasks, they can make everyday activities feel like obligations tied to fitting into an idealized lifestyle. Before we know it, rest and relaxation becomes scheduled, and Sundays are filled with stress instead of serving as time to recharge. In this way, even “soft” productivity trends can add to the mental load rather than relieving it.
After posting an Instagram story questionnaire asking what typical Sundays look like for Gen-Z community college students, these were a few responses I had received.
“Grabbing a matcha, grocery shopping and finding somewhere to watch a sunset! This is what a Sunday of protecting my peace looks like,” said Julia Lopez, a former graduate of UCI.
Another contributor said “Bedrot,” which is a slang term for spending an extensive amount of time in bed— that involves scrolling on your phone, watching shows, or simply doing nothing.
Valeria Montes, a community college student attending Ventura College stated how “spending time with relatives,” is a typical Sunday activity she stresses the importance of.
“Going to the gym, [walking my] dogs, [hanging] out with friends,” was another response submitted by Grace Pacheco, a former graduate of SDSU.
At the end of the day, the “Sunday Reset” craze reflects exactly what it is: simply a trend that will pass as the next big thing emerges. As community college students, we can navigate this tone-deaf phenomena by recognizing its disconnect from reality. We understand that influencers spend hours curating these videos and are not authentically portraying what their lives actually look like. Instead of striving for perfection, the concept of a “reset’ should be tailored to our lives— focusing on how we can take care of ourselves, mentally and physically, to the best of our abilities.
I decided to give this trend a try and created a TikTok for what a Sunday looks like in my life, filmed clips of the activities I had done, while putting my own flare to the music choice and how I edited it as something others can say “Hey, my days kind of look like that too!”
Next time Sunday rolls around and you find yourself struggling to do a couple errands, household chores, or getting on track before the new week arrives, here’s a playlist to fuel those tasks you’ve been putting off!
some places sell plants. others help you grow a home. explore this garden center located at a hardware store in midtown ventura.
Do you like plants, but feel unsure of where to start? I wanted to focus on this small garden center located at Franklin’s Ace Hardware in Ventura. Miss Jackie is the wonderful human who runs it, alongside Stacey and Nick. She has helped so many clients with great tips and by boosting their confidence to start digging and planting. This is a family owned franchise. I love supporting local businesses and feeling like a part of their community.
Ace Hardware is known for their amazing customer service and that is definitely experienced at this location. They opened their doors back in October 2024. Their garden center is a newer addition. It’s only been one year of serving the community this March 2026.
As college students, we are always looking for budget friendly places and I believe this place is a great start. Miss Jackie takes amazing care of the plants and they have a small “plant recovery” section where they sell plants for a huge discount so they may be nursed back to health.
I’m not necessarily a plant guru but this place has my heart because it brings me so much peace even just walking through it and admiring all the beautiful plants and listening to the bubbling coming from all the fountains. There are disco balls glistening and birds enjoying the bird baths. It truly is a tiny magical oasis.
“I enjoy the uniqueness of our plant selection and helping customers with which plants would suit their garden the best.” – Stacey
“I love coming out here during my breaks to listen to the fountains and birds chirping in their bird baths. The ambience is everything.” – Mary
From succulents, tropical plants, jasmine trees, to petunias and marigolds, their plant selection is very vast and Miss Jackie is always taking recommendations. Come on in and get started on your gardening journey with customized picks and tips!
Leslee Ramirez said, “Whenever I want to shop for trendy, high-quality items, I visit B Max Clothing.”
Have you ever found yourself spending an entire day visiting countless clothing stores in search of a pair of shoes for that dress? Or a skirt for that birthday party you were invited to next weekend? You’re probably a shopping lover (like me), but these kinds of situations can definitely be frustrating when it seems like we’ve searched the entire city and there’s not a single place that has anything worthy of our attention.
With rising prices and constantly changing fashion trends, it’s become increasingly difficult to find a place that offers clothing, accessories, and shoes worth buying at affordable prices. People today only shop online to save time, but I think it’s important to support local businesses. Besides, when it comes to buying clothes or shoes, there’s nothing better than trying them on and checking the quality in-person before you make a purchase.
I have visited numerous clothing stores throughout my life, and I can say that I always go back to those that caught my attention the first time I saw their window displays. But there is one in particular that I cannot resist visiting.
B Max Clothing is a boutique located in Fillmore, California. They have a wide range of items, including shoes, accessories, and clothing. The business targets women—from teenagers to adults—and all these beautiful ladies will undoubtedly find themselves walking out of this store with a new purchase.
A fantastic store is always up to date with the latest fashion trends. However, you may find different items or clothing colors depending on the season. For example, in fall, you might find high boots or a brown sweater, and in spring-summer, you might find a wide variety of open-toe shoes or sleeveless tops.
The in-store atmosphere has a California vibe. When you walk into the store, there is good music playing, from English pop to Spanish ballads. They also have a weekly arrivals section and a plus-sizes section. One of my favorite sections is the accessories section. Seriously, I could spend hours looking at the necklaces and earrings.
Accessories section
The customer service is excellent, whether you interact with a staff member or the store owner. I mention this because I have experienced it firsthand. Let me tell you about a time when I was looking for a pair of shoes to wear with a dress I had previously purchased. At the time, I wasn’t sure what color or style I was looking for, so I picked up the first pair that caught my eye. The owner was there, and I remember our interaction very well. She gave me her opinion on the right size for me and which ones would go best with my dress. To be honest, I think there’s nothing like feeling welcomed when you arrive at a shop; it definitely makes you want to come back.
You can find the store as @bmaxclothing on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and TikTok. I recommend checking out their Instagram (their most active social media platform) and watching the content they have posted. You can also visit their website B Max Clothing. Do not hesitate to stop by B Max Clothing the next time you want to go shopping.
“I probably go to Marco’s once, if not twice a week.”
Marco’s Pizza is a staple of quality food at an affordable restaurant in Ventura County. Although it is a chain restaurant, the closest one to here can be found in Canoga Park. Otherwise it is in a different state entirely. Recently, Marco’s has undergone several closures in other states. Upon my recent discovery, as well as many other Ventura locals and students who depend on Marco’s for a weekly pick me up (when cooking seems out of the question) – the sign on their door left in early January seemed to show that they were yet another member of the chain to experience a closure. “I probably go to Marco’s once if not twice a week,” says Angelo Zirpolo, a local mother and student. “What’s crazy is I had just got it the night before the sign went up in their door.” And Angela is not alone as 41% of Americans get pizza at least once a week. The number grows to 55 to 75% of Americans if you exclude pizza and just look at eating out once a week or more. The good news is this closure is temporary which wasn’t known until the recent sign replacing the old one informed us they are simply temporarily closed due to a change in ownership. This comes as great news as we definitely see a revolving door of restaurants coming and going in Ventura County and we myself included love our staples. The other good news is Topper’s, another (and if not more loved) pizza restaurant is alive and well until Marco’s doors open up again. The thing in my opinion that separates Marco’s from other Pizza joints is their journey as well as their vow to use organic ingredients as seen on their website. Quality ingredients (without endocrine disrupting additives like the ones seen in Dominos Pizza and Little Caesar’s) coupled with affordability seems priceless at a time when prices seem to do nothing but rise every time we blink an eye. With that being said, we look ahead and forward to the near future when Marco’s is back open.
Ever since I got my 3D printer, I thought about starting an at-home 3D printing business. I have all the tools I need at my disposal, and just needed to take that first step to start. In this video, I document the beginning of my journey to starting my own small business out of my room, from getting my printer all set up, handling my first customers, and starting to market and advertise my services. Join me as I learn the ins and outs of being a maker, and trying to earn some cash at the same time!
Follow my Instagram accounts to keep up as I continue this project!
Carnitas El Rey entrance, 2437 E. Main St, Ventura, CAMichoacan styled murals adorn the restaurant walls.
Along the Way
Currently Carnitas El Rey has three locations in Oxnard, Santa Paula and now Ventura. All three El Rey restaurants and it’s Owners: Juan and Gricelda Zavala, have an impressive reputation for their authentic real deal Michoacan style carnitas.
Pinto beans, rice, homemade tortilla, carnitas, Agua de Tamarindo.
The Food
Nancy and I went to Carnitas El Rey to check it out. What we found was a beautifully decorated atmosphere and authentic Michoacan carnitas that were tender, full f flavor, and all around fabulous. A couple tips from fellow VC Social blogger Nick Lerma, get there early because they are SO GOOD that they could run out, and make sure to try the rice.
We made sure to do both and were not disappointed. Nancy and I each ordered the taco plate which came with beans and rice. Nancy had an agua de tamarindo and I had a sangria senorial soda to drink. I tried the green salsa, it was flavorful. While it didn’t make me sweat, it was just enough to dew my forehead. Everything was fresh, delicious, everything was clean, and everyone was warm and friendly.
Taco plate. Pinto beans, rice, homemade tortillas, carnitas, chopped onions and cilantro, green salsa.
If you’re looking for a new gem to check out in Ventura, we definitely recommend Carnitas El Rey! Check out their opening day post on Instagram on your way there.
A new small and local business that just recently opened in the Market Place in Oxnard, CA is waiting for business to take off!!
Do not let the name mislead you. Surfko is a general clothing store that sells primarily women and men’s clothing. They also sell children’s clothing. Surfko is a store for all beautiful ages. This store recently launched men’s shorts for the beach. These shorts are two in one. Not only are they every day walking shorts, but they are also board shorts. Wait until you hear how affordable these one of a kind shorts are. For only $10, you get stylish every day lounge wear and waterproof swim trunks!
Gray Surfko shorts: $10Green Surfko shorts: $10
The prices at this store are out of this world. Not only are the prices cheap, but everything in the store ranges from $2-$10. There is nothing in the store that costs more than $10! These prices are like no other 💸.
History 📜
Surfko’s very first location started back in 2012 at the Camarillo Outlets. The store was located by the well known UGG store and the food court. The company first started off as a surf company that manufactured T-shirts and sweatshirts. As business was growing, Surfko was able to expand to a more general clothing selection. Thanks to being at the Camarillo Outlets for 12 years, they are now able to have a wide variety of affordable clothing. Some clothing products that Surfko sells in store includes:
Hawaiian shirts
Jackets
Denim Jeans
Joggers
Fleece pants
Sweatshirts
Hoodies
T-shirts
Pajamas
Tank tops
Leggings
Skirts
Shorts
Dresses
Unfortunately, due to recent inflation and rent prices sky rocketing the owner decided not to pay the expensive rent prices at the Outlets. This is the reason they are at a new location in Oxnard, CA. They need all the support they can get right now!
🗣️Surfko’s Motto 🗣️
At Surfko they believe it is important to have good quality, fabrics, and great designs. Plus, the best deals on clothing items, so that we as customers can save money.
💵Forms of Payment 💳
Surfko accepts many forms of payments via:
American Express
Apple Pay
Visa
Venmo
Google pay
PayPal
Mastercard
Shop
Meta Pay
Cash
Don’t forget to check out surfko whenever you are in oxnard, ca… guaranteed you will find something you like + it is affordable 🎉!
Feel free to follow Surfko’s social media to help their business grow 🙂
VC Social 