08/21/2026
Gathering is Good for the Soul
Communal dining has long been a way for people to connect in a relaxed environment—sharing sights, scents, and flavors as they break bread, engage in real conversation, and create new friendships while savoring the bounty of Ventura County.
Last night’s Totally Local VC Dinner at the historic McCormick Ranch, Camarillo was a beautiful example of community harmony at its very best.
Guests began the evening on the front lawn of the historic McCormick Home, designed by renowned architect Albert C. Martin. They were welcomed with a signature cocktail presented by Rancher’s Daughter Vodka, along with wines and craft beers from Camarillo Barrel Works. As attendees mixed and mingled, they enjoyed small bites, learned about the deep history of this historic ranch, and met some of our talented local winemakers, brewers, and distillers—sampling the true flavors of Ventura County.
The dinner was served family style under the shade of the ranch’s 100-year-old barn and featured a spectacular five-course menu created by Chef Tim Kilcoyne and Pastry Chef Chavez. Each dish was thoughtfully crafted using locally sourced ingredients and paired perfectly with selections from Camarillo Barrel Works. Finishing off the evening with perfectly paired Ventura Spirits Strawberry Theft Liqueur and locally roasted Beacon Coffee.
Plates were passed, glasses were raised, stories were shared, and new friendships were made as the spirit of community filled the air.
Totally Local VC was truly honored to host this special dinner on such a remarkable piece of Ventura County history. It was a privilege to share the McCormick family’s legacy, the beauty of this historic farm, and the incredible bounty produced by our local farmers, ranchers, winemakers, brewers, distillers, chefs, and food artisans.
“Because in the end, it’s not just about the food. It’s about gathering, connecting, and remembering that when we come together, we are nourished in more ways than one.”
~ Kat Merrick
Our Totally Local VC dinners are about more than incredible locally sourced food and drink.
They are about investing in the future of Ventura County agriculture.
Funds raised through these dinners help us continue our agricultural education programs, inspire the next generation of chefs and food professionals, introduce students to the people and places behind their food, and support efforts to help grow and sustain the next generation of farmers.
It truly takes a community to make a difference—and last night, our community came together in the most beautiful way.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported us, volunteered, donated, cooked, poured, served, and helped make this unforgettable evening possible. We are so grateful for each and every one of you.
It Truly Takes a Village
For 20 years, Totally Local VC has brought our community together through signature Totally Local VC Dinner Seriesf held each year at ranches, farms and historic locations throughout the county. These events would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, volunteers, local businesses, and partners.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to each and every person who helped make last night’s dinner a success.
Heartfelt thanks to
The McCormick Family and Home Ranch
Tim Kilcoyne
Anastashia Chavez
Sponsors
Port of Hueneme
Melissa Sayer and Matilija Law
Five Points Meat Market
Larry Bushey - Bushey Financial Services
Amigo Rental
Otto Schimel and Otto and Sons and Islands Funerals & Cremations
Francesco Leone 🦁 The Official Group Music
Thank you, Purveyors,
Ventura Spirits
Ranchers Daughter Vodka
Camarillo Barrel Works
Beacon Coffee
Café Ficelle
Five Points Meat Market
Ocean Pride Seafood of Ventura
Our Farmers who supplied the ingredients for tonights Dinner
Petty Ranch
Wicked Wire Ranch
Underwood Family Farms
Pyramid Flowers
Tehachapi Heritage Grain Project
Reiter Affiliated Companies Berries
Special Thanks to
Chris Corsones
Lance Korthals,
J.R. Ford
Mary Hellion Campbell
Jeff Johnston
Kelli Hope and Team
And our incredible Totally Local VC Volunteers!
Mary Jo Taylor
Jackie Warden
Francisco Leon
J.R. Ford, Lance Korthals
Chris Corsones,
Diana Sterling Boydstun
Andrew Snelgrove
Carol Stevens
Laurie Romero
PjTiwari
Carole Stevens
Laurie Romero
Maggie Ramos McKinney
Lisa Morris
Joni Jordan
Laura Losito
Lynne Rosche
Jackie Worden
Lisa Lubert
Sam Boydston
Lynne Rosche
TotallyLocalVC.com
, Underwood Family Farms
