An Hispanic woman sits near the fountain in Ventura, overlooking the San Buenaventura Mission. Sundays bring folks out in their fine clothes to enjoy Spanish mass at the Mission.  Ventura is officially called San Buenaventura, or city of good fortune, translated from Spanish.

Ventura is a mix of escapees from L.A. such as chefs, artists and even celebrities who find the laid back destination ideal for hiding out and chilling. It also includes a Spanish population, some who work in the fields locally. The city was one Father Junipero Serra's

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