by Blake Mashburn | Jul 23, 2018 | News

Summer is truly in bloom, but you want a relaxing and beautiful outdoor space you can utilize all year-long. This takes some initial planning, but can easily be implemented now.
Here are the things to consider:
1. Map out the area you’re looking to update. You should know the size of the total space along with areas of sunlight and shade to maximize the exposure of your plants.
2. Choose native plants that will thrive throughout the seasons. Here are a few we’d recommend:
- Matilija Poppy
- Hoary California Fuchsia
- Chalk Liveforever
- Shaw’s Agave
- Desert Marshmallow
- San Miguel Island Buckwheat
3. If you’re looking to create a more Zen-like garden, make sure to include a water source like a pond, waterfall or stream.
4. Incorporate ornamental grasses for a peaceful, low maintenance look. These include:
- Mondo Grass
- Blue Fescue
- Leatherleaf sedge
- Succulents
5. Choose a bird bath, sculpture, yard art, and bench to complete the space.
Remember, you want your bench facing the sun for a Zen-garden. You can also incorporate some comfy seating if you’d like and don’t forget some dazzling lights for night-time fun.
Need more ideas for updating your Ventura County home? Check out our website at www.BlakeMashburn.com
by Blake Mashburn | Jul 12, 2018 | News

The city of Ventura will be filled with beautiful, melodious music during the 24th annual Ventura Music Festival!!! This incredible festival brings world class musicians and performers to multiple venues across our area. Enjoy 9 incredible live performances in a variety of genres, including classical, jazz, and popular. Do not miss this fantastic cultural event!
Complete Schedule
Thursday, July 12th
- John Jorgenson Quintet | “Gypsy Jazz”
- Time – 7:30 pm
- Location – Olivas Adobe Historical Park (4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura)
Friday, July 13th
- Tea Trumpets | Festival Brass Quintet
- Time – 3:00 pm
- Location – Wyndham Garden Ventura Pierpont Inn (550 Sanjon Road, Ventura)
Friday, July 13th
- Twanguero | “Rockabilly Mambo”
- Time – 8:00 pm
- Location – Ventura College Performing Arts Center (4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura)
Saturday, July 14th
- Pink Martini | “Little Orchestra”
- Time – 8:00 pm
- Location – Oxnard Performing Arts Center (800 Hobson Way, Oxnard)
Sunday, July 15th
- Trio Céleste | Chamber Music
- Time – 3:00 pm
- Location – Ventura College Performing Arts Center (4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura)
- “What’s the Score?” Pre-Concert Talk by Nuvi Mehta at 2:15 pm
Wednesday, July 18th
- Jarabe Mexicano | Lively Latin American Songbook
- Time – 5:00 pm
- Location – San Buenaventura Mission Park (200 Block of East Main Street, Ventura)
- FREE Public Concert
Friday, July 20th
- Akropolis | “High Speed” Reeds
- Time – 8:00 pm
- Location – Ventura College Performing Arts Center (4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura)
Saturday, July 21st
- Perla Batalla | Songstress
- Time – 8:00 pm
- Location – Ventura College Performing Arts Center (4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura)
Sunday, July 22nd
- Malashock Dance | “Together in the Fires of Delight”
- Time – 3:00 pm
- Location – Ventura College Performing Arts Center (4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura)
Purchase tickets to each of these performances HERE!
Follow us on Facebook and visit our Website for information on more incredible community events throughout the year!
Image Credit: Ventura Music Festival
by Blake Mashburn | Jul 5, 2018 | News

One of your favorite Ventura County summertime events is right around the corner…..the Surf Rodeo Music & Surf Festival!! Celebrate everything you love about living in this beautiful community on Saturday, June 14th, and Sunday, June 15th, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily in Pierpont Beach.
Enjoy a weekend of dancing to the 24+ bands. Catch the waves or watch them ride during the Surf Contest; held at 7:00 am on both Saturday and Sunday (must have Surf Rodeo ticket to be a spectator). Participate in the “Wimbledon” of Cornhole Tournaments; held at 10:00 am daily. Check out the exciting Rodeo Competitions. Dine on delicious food from your favorite local vendors and cool down with an ice cold beer from the Beer/Wine Gardens. Swing by the Street Fair to find unique items from around 100 vendors. Take a turn on the mechanical bull, try the beach activities, swing by the Kids Corral….and so much more! This festival is fun for all ages!
Live Music Lineup
Saturday, July 14th | Sunday, July 15th |
Fishbone | Shwayze |
Long Beach Dub Allstars | Joyce Manor |
Beebs And Her Money Makers | Yachtly Crew |
Raging Arb And The Redheads | The Untouchables |
The Upbeat | Highway Starr |
Kyle Smith | Shaky Feelin’ |
Rising Sun | Tropa Magica |
Ego Sunshine | The Love Dimension |
Zep Heads | James Kaye |
Rob Riccardo | TV Broken 3rd Eye Open |
Dano Forte | Danielle Stacy |
SRA | The Inside Break |
*More bands will be added to the lineup and a schedule of times for each performance will be released closer to the date!
Ticket Information
- Day Pass: $37 per person
- Weekend Pass: $45 per person
- Children 10 and under are FREE!
- Purchase tickets in advance HERE for great savings! Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.
The Blake Mashburn Group hopes everyone in Ventura County has a rockin’ good time at the 11th Annual Surf Rodeo Music & Surf Festival!
Image Credit: Surf Rodeo Music & Surf Festival
by Blake Mashburn | Jul 3, 2018 | News
While the festivities of the 4th of July are upon us, we need to be mindful of the repercussions of the loud noises of fireworks to our pets. Our pets have a
120-decibel pain threshold and fireworks are at 170 decibels; making for a very painful experience.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. DON’T TAKE YOUR PETS TO FIREWORKS DISPLAYS
2. If possible, keep your pet in an interior room to limit the effects of the noise.
3. Turn on the TV or radio in the interior room to diffuse the noise outside.
4. Try to have one family member stay with your pets during this time.
5. Make sure the room you use for your pets doesn’t have an escape route. Many pets look to escape where they are to get away from the noise.
6. If your pet was to escape your home, make sure they are chipped or have tags of identification on them at all times.
7. Are you hosting the Independence Day celebrations? Make sure you have cleaned up all debris so your pets do not start chewing on them. This can be poisonous to your pet.
Wishing you all a happy & safe 4th of July!
by Blake Mashburn | Jun 25, 2018 | News

14360841 – united states of america usa flag with fireworks background for 4th of july
Show off your patriotic pride this Independence Day in Ventura! Wednesday, July 4th, will be filled with family, fun celebrations for the holiday! Celebrate our nation’s independence and the freedoms that we enjoy every day as citizens of the United States! Spend the whole day celebrating with family and friends with delicious food, live entertainment, patriotic fun, fireworks, and so much more! Here is all the information you need to make the most of your July 4th in Ventura!
Ventura’s 4th of July Street Fair 2017
When: Wednesday, July 4th | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District
Cost: FREE!
Be “Ventura Strong” at the 43rd Annual Street Fair in Ventura. There is so much to enjoy at this fantastic community event. Explore unique, handmade arts and crafts created by more than 200 artists. Dine on delicious food made by local organizations and businesses. Take the kids to the Kid Zone at Mission Park (Main & Figueroa Streets) for rides, inflatables, and a Ventura Fire Department fire engine. Decorate your bicycle or red wagon in patriotic glory and participate in the Pushem Pullem Parade at 9:30 am down Main Street. All participants will receive a free commemorative button. Dance the day away to fantastic live entertainment.
Entertainment Schedule!
Oak Street Stage
- 10:00 am – 10:30 am | Barranca Vista Dancers
- 11:00 am – 11:30 am | Rubicon Theater
- 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm | Channelaire Chorus
- 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Channel Islands Harmony Chorus
- 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm | 805 Rhythm
Palm Street Stage
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Love Handles
- 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm | Got Rhythm
- 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm | Vendo
Mission Stage
- 11:00 am – 3:00 pm | Leif Engeswick
California Street Stage
- 11:30 am – 1:30 pm | Mighty Cash Cats
- 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm | Footworks Youth Ballet
- 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Raised on Vinyl
2017 Ventura Fireworks Show & Family Picnic
When: Wednesday, July 4th | 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: Ventura College (4667 Telegraph Road)
Purchase Tickets HERE!
Celebrate country, community, and family at the 24th Annual Ventura 4th of July Fireworks Show & Family Picnic. Enjoy delicious food from local food trucks and cart vendors or pack your own picnic! Swing over to the Kids Zone for bounce houses, inflatables, and games. There will also be live music, a DJ, robotics demonstration, giveaways, and more throughout the evening. Do not miss the spectacular fireworks show at 9:00 pm. This custom show will feature over 3,000 fireworks effects choreographed to music!
The Blake Mashburn Group wishes everyone in Ventura a very Happy & Safe 4th of July!