Good morning, Ventura.

At Mission Oaks Park in Camarillo, local bulldog Tommy—one-eyed and full of spirit—is competing for America’s Favorite Pet while supporting PAWS, the local charity for animal care.

His recovery from an early eye infection has made him a beloved figure in the community.

Descent of Dust and Shadows, a world-premiere fantasy horror from Young Artists Ensemble, began Jan.

9 at Theatre on the Hill at Hillcrest Center for the Arts and runs through Jan. 18 with 7:30 p.m. evening shows and 2 p.m. matinees (featuring young performers 13 to 19).

A Pepperdine University study finds that only 34% of homes lost in the 2018 Woolsey fire have been rebuilt by fiscal 2024, showing a slow recovery in the area.

The report warns that complex permitting issues + labor shortages are stalling reconstruction and reducing local tax revenue.

At a December 10 meeting, Calleguas Municipal Water District told the Rancho Simi board that local strategies will reduce reliance on imported water, with projects including desalting, groundwater banking & expanded recycled water use.

The board approved a plan aimed at improving long-term water reliability after recent droughts.

Ventura County sped up permit approvals for fire rebuilding in Camarillo a year after the Mountain fire, yet many homeowners still face a $300 per sqft insurance gap as bids soar with statewide demand.

High costs and labor shortages are slowing recovery for some neighborhoods.

Today in Channel League boys basketball, San Marcos defeated Buena 73-35 with Koji Hefner scoring 16 points, Santa Barbara beat Ventura 64-37, Pacifica edged Dos Pueblos 73-70 in overtime, and Oxnard won 60-50 over Rio Mesa led by Mikey Duran-Morales with 15 points.