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!
by Blake Mashburn | Jun 11, 2018 | News
It’s time to celebrate that most special guy in your life…..Dad! Father’s Day is here! Show your dad how much you appreciate everything he does for you by giving him a Father’s Day experience he will never forget. There are so many unique ways for you to spend the holiday throughout Ventura County this weekend! Here are our recommendations for a fantastic Father’s Day in our area!
40024315 – father’s day poster with set of ties on rustic wooden background. retro style. vector illustration.
Father’s Day Warbird Rides
Dates: Saturday, June 16th & Sunday, June 17th
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Saturday) & 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Sunday)
Location: CAFSoCal Museum (455 Aviation Drive, Camarillo)
Treat dad to a flight amongst the clouds in a AT6 Texan/SNJ or B-25/PBJ Mitchell bomber. Click on the link above for specific flight times and costs.
Father’s Day Brunch Buffet
Date: Sunday, June 17th
Time: 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Location: Discovery Ventura (1888 East Thompson Boulevard, Ventura)
Fill your bellies with a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet, complete with omelette station, carving station, oysters, children’s fare, and so much more! There will also be a bloody mary bar and bottomless mimosas. Reserve your family a spot online HERE!
Dad’s Day Out Train!
Date: Sunday, June 17th
Time: 11:00 am & 3:00 pm
Location: Foster Park (438 Casitas Vista Road, Ventura)
Take a 2.5 hour train ride through the beautiful Heritage Valley as you enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch. Book online HERE!
From Tree to the Sea: Father’s Day Wooden Boat Show and Classic Cars
Date: Sunday, June 17th
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Channel Islands Maritime Museum (3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard)
Check out spectacular classic wooden boats and cars on display at this 3rd annual show. There will also be a variety of family-friendly, maritime activities to enjoy.
The Blake Mashburn Group wishes all the dads in the Ventura County a very Happy Father’s Day!
by Blake Mashburn | Jun 4, 2018 | News
Find refreshing, mouthwatering beverages at the 32nd Annual Ojai Wine Festival!!! This favorite Ventura County event allows you to try the most delicious wine and beer available in the beautiful setting of Lake Casitas Recreation Area (11311 Santa Ana Road, Ventura)! Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 10th, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm for this incredible annual festival.
The highlight of this festival is truly the beverages! Enjoy over 250 different selections of wine from 60 award-winning Wineries! Looking for something different? Great Breweries will be offering 30 different craft beers and microbrews at the event.
Along with delectable libations, there are plenty of other reasons you need to come to the Ojai Wine Festival. Find unique items to buy from the Art & Craft Vendors and dine on delicious treats from the Dining Vendors. Dance the day away to live music by Area 51 and Tom Ball & Kenny Sultan. Take a relaxing ride on the Rotary Boat . Bid on some great items in the silent auction. And, simply enjoy the perfect summer weather with family and friends.
Ticket Information
- Main Tasting General Admission | $60 per person
- Premier General Admission | $75 per person
- Designated Driver/Non-Drink General Admission | $25 per person (Day of ONLY)
- VIP Admission | $150 per person
- VIP Designated Driver/Non-Drink Admission | $80 per person
- Parking Pass | $10 per car
- Children 12 & Under are FREE with paid adult.
- Purchase tickets in advance HERE.
The 32nd Annual Ojai Wine Festival is just one example of the incredible community events occurring throughout the year. If you are interested in Buying your dream home in this vibrant close knit community, search our Homes for Sale. Give The Blake Mashburn Group a call today or visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/.
Image Credit: Ojai Wine Festival
by Blake Mashburn | May 14, 2018 | News
Do not miss the 35th Anniversary California Strawberry Festival this weekend in beautiful Oxnard! Head to the Strawberry Meadows of College Park (3250 South Rose Avenue) on Saturday, May 19th, and Sunday, May 20th, from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm for the most deliciously sweet festival in California. Fill your bellies with the most incredible strawberry concoctions you could possibly imagine: chocolate dipped strawberries, deep-fried strawberries, strawberry nachos, strawberry popcorn, strawberry pizza, strawberry chimichangas, strawberry tamales, berry kabobs, strawberry shortcake, strawberry funnel cake, strawberry beer, margaritas, smoothies, and more!
The food might be the highlight but that is not all! There is so much to do at the California Strawberry Festival! Attend fun cooking classes and demonstrations at the Strawberry Promenade, enter one of the numerous exciting Contests, and find unique items for sale from the 200+ Artisans & Crafters. Bring the little ones over to the Strawberryland for Kids for carnival rides, inflatables, face painting, and more!
Enjoy spectacular live musical performances all weekend long on 3 stages! From rock to Latin to blues, there will be something to get you dancing at the California Strawberry Festival. Click on the links below for the full lineups for each stage.
Ticket Information
Adults: $12
Seniors (ages 62+) & Active Military with ID: $8
Children (ages 5 – 12): $5
Children (ages 4 and under): FREE
Purchase tickets HERE!!!
Image Credit: California Strawberry Festival
by Blake Mashburn | May 7, 2018 | News
39559177 – happy mothers day fresh pink roses on dark wood distressed table and background, with gift tag.
Celebrate the most special woman in your life this Sunday…….your Mom!! Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 13th! Want to make sure it is a day that she will never forget? There are so many options available in Ventura! Whether you want to treat her to a special meal or find something unique to do, you and your mom will certainly have a great time this weekend. Here are our recommendations for ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Ventura!
Mom’s Night Out
Time: 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: San BuenaVentura State Beach | 901 San Pedro Street
Cost: Click HERE for prices and to register
Get active this Mother’s Day with mom for the 8th Annual Mom’s Day Run. Run, jog, or walk in the 5K or 10K races. There will be live music by Emily B and delicious food at the finish line. All proceeds from this event benefit The VHL Alliance, which helps fund cancer research and services.
Mom’s Day Run
Date: Friday, May 11th
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Downtown Ventura
Start the celebration early at this special themed Ventura Late Night. Enjoy shopping the sidewalk sale…women get exclusive deals! Have fun dancing away to the live music throughout the evening.
Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Discovery Ventura | 1888 East Thompson Boulevard
Cost: $24.95 per adult | $12.95 per child
Treat your mom to one of Ventura’s most popular holiday brunches. With an omelet bar, carving station, kids selections, and more, there is something that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Mother’s Day Brunch
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: The Cave Restaurant & Ventura Wine Company | 4435 McGrath Street, Suite 301
Come to this very special holiday brunch in the cave. Enjoy a menu specially crafted for the day by Executive Chef Alex Montoya.
Mother’s Day Seaside
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Ventura Harbor Village | 1583 Spinnaker Drive
Take mom out for a shopping trip by the sea and dine at one of the 16+ delicious restaurants. Enjoy live ukulele music throughout the afternoon by Kenny Walters.
Happy Mother’s Day to all from The Blake Mashburn Group!
by Blake Mashburn | Apr 16, 2018 | News
There is no denying it…and why would we. One of the greatest things about living in Ventura is the breathtaking natural setting. With miles of beaches along the majestic Pacific Ocean, stunning hills and valleys, and lush green spaces, home owners in Ventura love having the most beautiful “backyard” around. They also know the importance of conserving and protecting this natural setting for themselves and future generations to come. Come celebrate Ventura’s natural beauty at the award-winning Ventura Earth Day Eco Fest!!! Enjoy family-friendly, eco-fun and entertainment on Saturday, April 21st, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Plaza Park (651 East Thompson Boulevard).
Join 6,000+ community members for this vibrant event. Check out the 100+ exhibits, including the Green Auto Expo, for great educational and informational material. Win fantastic prizes during the Earth Day Raffle and Silent Auction. Dine on a variety of delicious, healthy, and sustainable menu items from The Grilled Cheese Truck, It’s In the Sauce, Rice Balls of Fire, Kona Ice, The Deli Doctor, and Belly BombZ. Get centered during the free yoga classes (bring your own mat). Enjoy incredible live music and dance performances, as well as demonstrations, throughout the day. Your children will love exploring the educational exhibits, creating recycled art, participating in a scavenger hunt, playing fun games, and so much more! There truly is something for everyone in the family.
Yoga Zone Schedule
- 10:30 am – 11:00 am | Chelsea w/ Grass Roots Yoga
- 11:15 am – 11:45 am | Tiffany Puhy-Jenkins
- 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm | Erin w/ Soul Fire Yoga
- 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Yoga Jones
- 1:45 pm – 2:15 pm | Stephanie w/ Ravens Wing
- 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm | Nicole w/ Temple Pilates
Entertainment Schedule
Main Stage
- 10:00 am – 10:45 am | Pacific Sound
- 10:45 am – 11:15 am | Kealoha
- 11:15 am – 12:00 pm | Grace Fellows
- 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm | Billy Clower
- 12:30 pm – 1:15 pm | Anchor and Bear
- 1:15 pm – 1:45 pm | VCS Music Program
- 1:45 pm – 2:30 pm | Sea at Last
- 2:30 pm – 2:50 pm | Tae Kwan Do Plus
- 2:55 pm – 3:15 pm | Super Nova Dance Academy
- 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Jade Hendrix
Gazebo Stage
Be green and ride your bike to the Ventura Earth Day Eco Fest! There will be a free Bike Valet and ample secure bicycle parking locations.
The Blake Mashburn Group wishes everyone in Ventura County a very Happy Earth Day!
Image Credit: Ventura’s Earth Day
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
There is no denying it…and why would we. One of the greatest things about living in 
