Good morning, Ventura.

Rachael Laenen and her family at Kimball Ranches in Ventura County continue a century-long avocado farming legacy + they replanted 100 acres after a severe fire, with new trees now producing fruit and hinting at future generations.

The new Pacific Surfliner morning service now connects Ventura and Goleta, offering free shuttles + a low fare option to ease Highway 101 traffic and reduce commuter stress.

Riders will enjoy flexible schedules and a greener way to travel.

Conejo Recreation and Park District kicks off Concerts in the Park series at Conejo Community Park from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The series starts Monday, May 25 with a Garth Brooks tribute and holds shows on July 4, July 19, Aug. 9 and Sept. 7—featuring country and rock music.

kidSTREAM Children’s Museum opened its doors on May 21 at the former Camarillo Public Library, offering Ventura County families indoor and outdoor exhibits that teach science, technology, reading, engineering, art + math.

The museum features a STREAM gallery, makerspace design lab and Early Explorer Memberships with exclusive benefits.

Local high schools, colleges and universities will hold graduation ceremonies for the class of 2026, with events scheduled at various venues from today to early June.

Readers should check with their schools for specific times and locations.

A local inventor introduced a DIY system called SAFE SOSS that blocks embers from entering homes to reduce wildfire risk.

With National Wildfire Preparedness Month under way, homeowners can quickly set up the solution to improve safety + protect their properties.

A wildfire burning on Santa Rosa Island is threatening a rare grove of Torrey pines today as the fire slows near the ocean, prompting conservation scientists to note that pre-collected seeds may aid in restoring this unique ecosystem (efforts in long-term recovery have been ongoing).

Southern California wildfires remain active as officials report the Santa Rosa Island Fire burned over 18,300 acres & reached 59% containment while the Ventura County Sandy Fire, sparked by a tractor hitting a rock in dry vegetation, burned 2,141 acres with 40% containment.

Forecasts predict temperatures and spotty rain later.

California FAIR Plan will raise most home insurance rates by 30% after Oct.

15, while some policyholders could see up to an 80% decrease based on risk factors. Experts say rising wildfire risks + soaring claims drive the increase and signal a need for long-term market reforms.

Aiden Steiner, a nine-year-old in Thousand Oaks, battles the rare disease INAD as his family awaits FDA approval for genetic therapy+ The Steiners have also launched the AJS Foundation to fund future clinical trials aimed at improving his care.

Aiden Steiner, a 9-year-old from Thousand Oaks, continues to smile as he battles rare infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy + his family works with researchers seeking a cure.