Good morning, Ventura.

Coastal Cowgirl Festival, a free country event blending beach vibes with western culture, is set for July 11 at Santa Barbara City College (West Campus entrance) and will return on August 22 at Promenade Park in Ventura with 60 vendors, a beer garden and a performance by Chanel West Coast.

California's Phone-Free Schools Act required all districts to limit or ban student smartphone use by July 1, 2026, allowing exceptions for emergencies+ individualized education programs.

Lawmakers also considered a bill for stricter policies for younger students set to take effect by July 2028.

Ventura homeowners can adjust their thermostat to cut high energy bills during this hot summer.

Experts say setting it 1 degree higher saves about 3% on the bill, meaning 78 degrees is suggested for comfort & cost savings whether bills run $100 or $150.

Ventura officials announced that rewards and drone surveillance will target illegal fireworks use ahead of Fourth of July celebrations — part of a state effort to lower fire risks during the country’s 250th anniversary.

For Fourth of July celebrations, the state allows only 'Safe and Sane' fireworks, as verified by CalFire (the state fire agency), to avoid fines up to $50,000 or jail time; residents should check local rules before lighting any devices.