Ten Ventura Kindnesses – Because Random Acts of Kindness Should Never End

Next time you’re buying coffee, buy a cup for the person behind you in line.

Ventura brims (please take the pun kindly) with great coffee houses. Prospect Coffee Roasters, Palermo, Cafe Ficelle, Sandbox Coffeehouse, and on… So buy yourself and a new friend a cup. Heck, why not throw in a fresh-baked croissant too?

Send a random postcard

How does getting an out-of-the-blue note from a friend feel? Yep. So why not turn the tables, and send a postcard to anyone who makes you happy to be here. And a post card allows you to keep it Hemingway brief.

Thank someone for quietly doing their job — and maybe helping more than just themselves…

In every time, there is no shortage of quiet heroes. We don’t need to list them. But maybe next time you go through the checkout line, just say thanks to the checker.

Buy someone an inspirational book

Ever read a book that changed the way you see the world? Maybe that book will change someone else’s outlook too. Plenty of book-buying options in Ventura, from Timbre Books to Bank of Books. Added kindness, you’re shopping local and helping our businesses through these tough times.

Praise a deserving local business online… Or a Ventura artist, or a writer, or a brewer, or a vintner, or

If you’re lucky enough to live here in Ventura, you know exactly who deserves the praise. There is a riotous wealth of talent in this town, from Stephanie Hogue and Steve Munch at Latitudes Art Gallery, to Sabine Dodane at Rêves de Sabine, to Parfait Eklu (Parfait would be the owner/chef of Barrel 33). No doubt, you know your own talent. A heartfelt online shoutout to someone who impresses you can make a big difference to them.

Pick up trash on the beach

No one ever said you have to wait for an official beach clean-up day. Grab a hefty bag and head to the sea. You’ll be a good — and serene — samaritan.

Treat your Mom to a Ventura dinner. Or someone who is so kind, they might as well be your Mom

Your Ventura restaurant options are endless, and they can all use your help. You can read what we tell you, or just head to our handily walkable downtown and wander… and change your mind a dozen times. Takeout, delivery, outdoor dining; whatever you choose, your Mom/special person will feel special. And your local restaurant will be grateful.

Leave a beautiful, unsigned card on someone’s doorstep

We sell beautiful cards here at the Ventura Visitor Center, plenty of them with heart-stopping local photos on the front. You can write the heart-pleasing stuff on the inside. Just let your, well, heart do the writing. This works for Ventura’s residents and visitors both. Visitors, say you just got great service somewhere. Buy a card, write it, and bring it back to the establishment. Feel the world feel better.

Buy a sandwich (or make a sandwich) and hand it to the first person who needs it..

If you’re buying a sandwich, Ventura offers dozens of delicious, and affordable (kindness doesn’t have to break the bank) choices. The Ventura Sandwich Company, LC Imports, Valentino’s Gourmet Pizza, and Meridians are all great options. Kind to remember that not everyone gets three meals a day.

Be spontaneous — or not

Some folks set their phone alarm so that it goes off a few times a day. In that moment, they do something kind. Make it up on the fly. Makes you feel good just reading that, doesn’t it?

“Remember, the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched — they must be felt with the heart.”

Thank you, Helen Keller.

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