Good morning, Ventura.

U.S. News & World Report named 29 top companies in Southern California as best places to work based on scores in pay, benefits and work-life balance, with data showing strong scores from measures like employee belongingness.

The list features well-known names such as In-N-Out and local standout Patagonia, which earned high marks for pay and team spirit.

A murder trial continues today over the December 2022 shooting at Stearns Wharf that killed a Camarillo man, as prosecutors allege the confrontation stemmed from rival gang conflicts while a key witness, granted immunity, testified about Westside gang slang + clothing.

California public schools end summer break at different times in August and Ventura County districts will start instruction in the middle of the month with Oak Park Unified beginning on August 8th and Ventura Unified on August 13th — parents should check local websites for details.

The Perseid meteor shower will peak on Aug 12 — local viewers can see up to 100 meteors per hour if skies stay dark, though a bright moon may hide some trails.

Other minor showers are active now but are not as bright.

An 8.7 earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka region on July 29 led the National Weather Service to issue a tsunami advisory (the second-highest alert level) for the West Coast.

Ventura County officials said there is no immediate danger to the local coast (they continue to monitor the situation).