Smooth Sailing: Port of Hueneme highlights record growth, infrastructure investment and economic Impact at 2026 State of the Port

PORT OF HUENEME — Business leaders, elected officials, port customers, labor representatives, and community partners gathered Thursday at the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club for the 2026 “State of the Port,” a special meeting hosted by the West Ventura County Business Alliance highlighting the Port of Hueneme’s economic impact, operational progress, infrastructure investments, and vision for the future.

In opening the event, Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners President Jason Hodge reflected on the yearly meeting. “The State of the Port is an important opportunity to bring together the people and organizations that help us live out our mission. It gives us a chance to recognize our progress and share our vision for how we’ll continue to impact our community and shape the region going forward,” he said.

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula partners with Ventura County to promote Winter Storm Preparedness

SANTA PAULA — As Southern California prepares for a potentially active winter storm season, the City of Santa Paula is partnering with the County of Ventura to promote community preparedness, share important safety information, and help residents prepare for possible impacts associated with El Niño conditions.

Port of Hueneme — Port of Hueneme Newsletter – November, 2026

Every day, the Port of Hueneme unites people, businesses, and neighborhoods around the world. From the longshore workers and employees who make cargo move, to the partners who help us thrive, to the community we proudly serve, our success is built on working together. This month, we’re recognizing the people, partnerships, and shared purpose that move our Port forward.

Bilingual report — Become a Santa to a senior at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center

VENTURA — The City of Ventura’s annual Santa to a Senior program kicks off Thursday, November 12, 2026, to collect gifts for seniors at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center. Gift donations will be accepted through Wednesday, December 9, 2026.

“Each year, this program brings the warmth of the holidays to more than 200 seniors in our community,” said Recreation Supervisor Janine Cobian. “For many participants, these gifts are the only ones they receive, and they serve as a touching reminder that the community has not forgotten them this holiday season.”

People Self-Help Housing — College Community Courts, Ventura: Pre-Applications Available Monday, Dec. 14

VENTURA — Pre-applications will soon be available for College Community Courts: new affordable housing from People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH). At 9AM on Monday, December 14, the pre-application will be available online at pshhc.org/COL in English and Spanish.

Located at 80 Baylor Drive in the City of Ventura, College Community Courts will provide 57 new one, two, and three-bedroom homes for low-income households earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The development will designate 29 apartments for agricultural worker households, 2 apartments for survivors of domestic violence (via the Ventura County Coordinated Entry System), and 2 apartments for those experiencing homelessness (via the Ventura County Coordinated Entry System).

Hiatus Craft House owners entrust $15 million to the Ventura County Community Foundation

CAMARILLO — Dawn and Dave Gross, Newbury Park High School graduates of 1987, have spent years helping young people in Ventura County do what they love most: build something from the ground up. Now they are making that commitment permanent. NewCo Foundation, the philanthropic endeavor the couple built, is entrusting its assets to the Ventura County Community Foundation and its NextGen Ventures operation to Intentional Schools LLC.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura appoints Maruja Clensay as Community Development Director

VENTURA — Following an extensive recruitment process, the City of Ventura is pleased to announce the appointment of Maruja Clensay as its new Community Development Director. Clensay, who has served as Assistant Community Development Director since August 2024, brings extensive experience in land use planning, development, and public administration across both the public and private sectors.

Port of Hueneme and ForeFront Power energize solar carport, as Port charges forward to zero Emissions by 2030

PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme partnered with ForeFront Power, a leading developer and asset manager of commercial and industrial-scale solar energy and storage projects, to build a 913-kilowatt solar energy carport system over an automobile staging area near the Port of Hueneme/Oxnard Harbor District Administration building. Built at no upfront cost to the Port, the completed project will help stabilize electricity costs and reduce carbon emissions, contributing to the Port’s goal of eliminating emissions from its on-Port operations by 2030.

CSUCI’s Napa Hall Art Gallery showcases Mick Reinman’s creative journey in ‘Footprints’ with reception on Nov. 5

CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands’ Napa Hall Art Gallery will present “Footprints,” a solo exhibition exploring artist Mick Reinman’s decades-long career spanning fine art and entertainment design. The exhibition opens with a public reception on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. and the exhibit runs through Feb. 5, 2027. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Footprints” brings together work reflecting Reinman’s many creative roles as an artist, art director, illustrator and storyboard concept designer. The exhibition offers visitors a look at the breadth of his practice and the connections between his commercial projects and fine art.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

MICROBUSINESSES & QUANTUM: HOW TO START PREPARING

November 4 @ 9:00 am

Quantum computing sounds like science fiction, but its impact on everyday security is coming fast—and you don’t need an IT department or a big budget to get ahead of it. In this plain-English session, we’ll demystify what quantum computing actually is, why its ability to break traditional encryption matters for small teams, and how you can prepare using a lean, cloud-based setup. You’ll walk away with actionable steps you can take today—from leveraging your cloud providers’ built-in security updates to auditing your software vendors, cleaning up old accounts, and tightening basic access controls—ensuring your small business and client data stay fully protected for the future. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ventura County Animal Services — 22 Dogs from Oxnard encampment need homes!

CAMARILLO — Ventura County Animal Services and Dog Days Search & Rescue assisted Oxnard Animal Control in helped bring 22 dogs, including eight puppies, to safety after they were reported running loose near 5th Street and Harbor Boulevard in Oxnard.

The dogs appear to be in good overall condition and all are available for adoption through the Camarillo Animal Shelter.

Cottage Health brings Santa Barbara Primary Care practices together at new, expanded Location

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health has brought two existing Santa Barbara primary care practices together at a larger, centralized location as of November 3, 2026.

Cottage Primary Care – Santa Barbara and Cottage Primary Care – Santa Barbara – Bath St. will combine at 2400 Bath St., Suite 200, operating as Cottage Primary Care – Santa Barbara.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Important information as voting for the Nov. 3 Gubernatorial General Election approaches the last day: NOW’S THE TIME TO VOTE!

VENTURA COUNTY — Voters are encouraged to take advantage of the last few days of early voting ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, November 3, to avoid the last minute pressure and potentially long lines at vote centers on Election Day.

“People should think of Election Day as the LAST day to vote, not THE day to vote,” said Michelle Ascecncion, County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters.

“So many unforeseen things can happen – a rainstorm, a flat tire, an illness or accident – that can derail your plans to go vote on Election Day,” Ascencion continued. “VOTE EARLY and check it off your list of things to do!”

Bilingual report — Mysterious Madness and the Santa Ana Winds

I’m writing this article, irritated for no obvious reason, in the middle of a “Santa Ana event.” During these episodes, as if gridlocked traffic and social and political turmoil were not enough, Southern Californians must also deal with a veritable force of nature over which we have no control whatsoever: the hot and dry Santa Ana winds. 

Southeast Ventura County YMCA receives $1 million grant from state budget for Simi Valley Family YMCA expansion project

SIMI VALLEY — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA announced it has been awarded a $1 million state budget grant through the governor’s signing of State Budget AB113 last week to help fund the upcoming expansion of its Simi Valley Family YMCA branch.

This financial investment from the state will bring the YMCA closer to fully funding the $7.5 million project and achieve YMCA leadership’s objectives of funding the project through a partnership of local philanthropy, business investments and public/government funding.

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, a leading supporter of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA, advocated and secured this award to bring expanded programs, services and facilities that are accessible to all members of the Simi Valley community.

Bilingual guest commentary by Kaiser Permanente — Halloween Safety: Simple Steps to Keep the Holiday Fun and Injury-Free

As Halloween draws near, children across Southern California are eagerly preparing for a night of costumes, candy and neighborhood adventures.

While the excitement of trick-or-treating is hard to match, parents can take a few simple precautions to help ensure the holiday remains both memorable and safe.

According to Dr. Kristina Kang a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente in Camarillo, a little preparation can go a long way toward preventing common Halloween-related injuries and health concerns.

Among others, she recommends:

Celebrate Día de los Muertos: Visit the 2026 Community Altar at The Collection at Riverpark through Nov. 2

OXNARD — Join us in honoring the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos with a heartfelt community altar, created in partnership with the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit (OPAC). This meaningful installation offers a space to celebrate, remember, and connect with loved ones who have passed.

Museum of Ventura County — Your Museum, Your Community | Quarterly Update from the Development Team

I want to begin this quarterly update with what may be one of my favorite things I have ever had the opportunity to report.

Our longtime Facilities Manager, Miguel Aguiar, recently purchased a commemorative Museum tile, not for himself, but in honor of the people he has worked alongside throughout his years at MVC.

Miguel held a small unveiling ceremony with staff and volunteers to recognize four people he affectionately referred to as “my blessings”: Shanon Rice, David Bayer, Clyde Hofflund, and John Treuer. These are people who have worked alongside Miguel and the Museum over the years, giving their time and talents to help make so many of our events and gatherings possible.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

Help Shape Ventura County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan

Ventura County is inviting residents, businesses, and community organizations to help shape the County’s next Hazard Mitigation Plan by reviewing the draft plan at a public workshop on November 18, 2026.

City of Santa Paula accepting applications for Harding Park volunteer caretaker

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department is now accepting applications for a volunteer caretaker at Harding Park. The opportunity includes use of a City-owned, two-bedroom residence located on the park property in exchange for assisting with routine park upkeep, maintenance, and oversight.

The City is seeking a responsible, dependable, and community-minded individual or household to help maintain Harding Park as a clean, safe, and welcoming community space. Responsibilities may include assisting with park and sports field maintenance, reporting facility concerns, and providing a regular on-site presence.

Guest commentary — AMR Ventura County urges drivers, riders and trick-or-treaters to stay alert this Halloween

VENTURA COUNTY  — Halloween brings more children, pedestrians and riders onto streets after dark. To understand the risks, AMR Ventura County and Gold Coast Ambulance reviewed its call response data from previous years. Alongside routine medical calls, crews responded most frequently to traffic collisions, fall injuries, behavioral emergencies and suspected intoxication-related calls during this time of year.

“This year, Halloween falls on a Saturday, which typically means more people are expected to be out celebrating throughout the day and into the evening,” said Mike Sanders, AMR’s regional director for Ventura and Santa Barbara. “Halloween is always a busy night for first responders, but weekends can bring additional traffic, larger gatherings, and increased alcohol and substance use, making it important for residents to plan ahead and celebrate responsibly.”

$3 Million federal grant brings applied AI training to Moorpark College students

MOORPARK — Moorpark College has been awarded a five-year, $3 million federal Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant to launch the Applied AI Initiative for Workforce Readiness, Faculty Capacity, and Economic Mobility. The initiative will help students and faculty prepare for a workforce where artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday work.

The grant will fund a new interdisciplinary Applied Artificial Intelligence certificate that students can pair with their main field of study, from business and communication to cybersecurity and film and television. Rather than training AI specialists, the program will help students become professionals who can use AI effectively, responsibly and critically in their chosen careers.

805title Inc. expands to three-state footprint with statewide California licensing and new Arizona approval

SANTA BARBARA — 805title, a Latino-founded and owned independent title and escrow company in Santa Barbara, is announcing that the California Department of Insurance has granted it licensing in every county in the state. The company also recently received its Arizona license for title and escrow, and it confirmed that 805title of Nevada has been operating since June 2025. With these approvals, 805title now serves clients across three of the West’s most active real estate markets.

People’s Self-Help Housing Named ‘Developer of the Year’

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has been selected by the Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing (SCANPH) as the recipient of the 2026 Developer of the Year Award, presented as part of the Homes Within Reach Awards program. The award recognizes SCANPH member organizations that consistently demonstrate creativity, innovation, and perseverance in overcoming challenges to expand affordable housing opportunities. 

Presented annually at the SCANPH Conference, the Developer of the Year Award honors a nonprofit housing developer whose work exemplifies excellence in affordable housing production, community impact, and long-term commitment to residents. 

CSUCI Nursing students gain hands-on experience while helping protect the campus from the flu

CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) Nursing students are putting their clinical skills into practice this Fall while helping to protect the campus community during a series of flu vaccination clinics offered in partnership with the campus’ Student Health Services.

Second-year Nursing students who are members of CSUCI’s Student Nurses Association (SNA) will be administering the flu vaccines to CSUCI students, faculty and staff. The campus clinics provide Nursing students with valuable hands-on experience while offering CSUCI students and employees convenient access to an important preventive health service.

“This partnership gives our nursing students an opportunity to apply what they are learning in a real-world setting while making a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of the campus community,” said Neomie Congello, chair of CSUCI’s Nursing program. “It reflects the compassion, professionalism and commitment to service that are at the heart of nursing.”

Ventura Housing unveils future developments and celebrates resident success at Second Annual State of Ventura Housing Breakfast

VENTURA — On Wednesday, Oct. 21, Ventura Housing welcomed 160 residents, community leaders, elected officials and partners to The Livery at Rumfish y Vino for its Second Annual State of Ventura Housing Breakfast, raising about $42,000 for ATLAS, the agency’s philanthropic arm. Centered around the theme “Investing in Families. Strengthening Futures.,” the morning highlighted how funders, developers, government and community partners, and residents each play a role in making affordable housing possible. Ventura Housing also shared updates on five developments in its pipeline, led by Santa Clara Apartments and Pasteur Court Apartments, which are set to begin construction in April 2027.

Massive Los Padres National Forest vegetation-clearing proposal reduced by 200,000 acres due to environmental concerns, public input

“The Forest Service made real changes in response to environmental concerns and public input, and the project is far more focused than when this process began,” said Los Padres ForestWatch Director of Advocacy and Field Operations Benjamin Pitterle. “While we appreciate those improvements, this remains a large and complex project, and there are still important areas where further refinement is needed.”

CSUCI’s Extended University recognized among Nation’s Leaders in Student Satisfaction

CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) Extended University has been recognized as one of the nation’s highest-performing colleges and universities for student satisfaction, earning a place on the inaugural 2026 Student Voice Score® (SVS®) Honors List, released by higher education technology company EdSights. CSUCI’s Extended University ranked No. 8 in the nation.

The Student Voice Score Honors List recognizes the top-performing 20% of participating colleges and universities within each higher education sector, celebrating institutions that are setting the national standard for student experience and success.

Gold Coast Transit District seeks development partner to create housing near transit in downtown Oxnard to help sustain public transportation

OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified developers to transform its approximately 2.93-acre Third Street property in central Oxnard into a transit-oriented residential or mixed-use development. The project represents an opportunity to address local housing needs, make better use of publicly owned land, and create a long-term revenue source to help support public transportation services.

November at the Santa Paula Art Museum

The year is swiftly coming to a close, but we’ve saved some of our best events for last! In November, don’t miss the premiere of Jim Wilson’s solo exhibition, our Día de los Muertos Free Family Day, downtown Santa Paula’s Holiday Sip & Shop, and more. (It’s also a great time to make a tax-deductible year-end donation to support the Museum!)

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Prepare for the Storm: EDC’s Flood Preparedness Checklist

As California approaches the winter storm season, Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) encourages businesses and community partners to take proactive steps to prepare for potential flooding and severe weather. With the possibility of heavy rainfall, atmospheric river storms, and flooding this winter, preparing now can make a meaningful difference in protecting your employees, property and operations.

To help businesses plan ahead, EDC has developed a Flood Preparedness Checklist featuring 20 practical steps, including:

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Improving E-Bike Safety Across Ventura County

E-bike safety continues to be a priority for me, particularly as more young people ride e-bikes to travel to school and throughout our communities.

Earlier this year, I initiated a countywide review of e-bike safety strategies, bringing together law enforcement, educators, public health officials, and community partners. This month, the E-Bike Safety Task Force presented its findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.

Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) — VCTA – Unchecked Power, Sticky Notes, and a $1 Million Merchandise Bill

Under Ventura County’s current structure, voting for the Ventura County Superintendent of Education hands virtually unchecked power to the winner. Because the position is independently elected rather than appointed, the Ventura County Board of Education lacks direct oversight over the Superintendent’s day-to-day administrative and financial decisions. This structural loophole leaves taxpayers vulnerable to unchecked administrative spending—with no real institutional watchdog inside the office to rein it in.

Ventura Fire Department — Today is National First Responders Day

October 28 is National First Responders Day. We’re setting it aside for the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, 911 dispatchers, and correctional officers who show up when everyone else is at their worst.

Ventura firefighters run roughly 100,000 calls a year. Car crashes. Medical emergencies. The worst day of someone’s life, over and over, night after night. That weight doesn’t stay at the station. It follows them home, and their families carry it too.

We’re building the knowledge and tools to help local firefighters and the people who love them get through it.

You can help. Grab a limited edition t-shirt or hoodie, and every dollar goes to our mission of helping local firefighter families thrive.

Ventura Charter School moves 21st annual Campout to Campus amid October heat, keeping a tradition rooted in 1969 on track

VENTURA — When high temperatures made Steckel Park unsafe for this year’s campout, Ventura Charter School’s campout committee moved the 21st Annual Campout to the school’s own campus. That kept one of the school’s longest-running traditions going for students in grades K-8, their families and staff. The three- day event ran October 7 through 9 as originally planned, with outdoor programming, shared meals and student-led campfires. Campout is one of several annual traditions through which the school pursues its mission to engage every student in meaningful and supportive learning experiences.

Bilingual report — Ventura County residents urged to eliminate standing water following recent rainfall to prevent mosquito breeding

VENTURA — Following last week’s rainfall and with warmer temperatures expected this week, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) is urging residents to eliminate standing water around their homes and properties to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus (WNV). The reminder comes as the California Department of Public Health reports West Nile virus activity at a five-year high statewide.

Standing water left in outdoor containers can quickly become a breeding source for mosquitoes. In as little as seven days, mosquito eggs can hatch, larvae can develop, and adult mosquitoes can emerge. With mosquito activity continuing into the fall, recent rainfall, and warmer temperatures may contribute to increased mosquito populations throughout Ventura County.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

CLAUDE 102: PROJECTS, ARTIFACTS, SOPS & WORKFLOWS

October 29 @ 10:00 am

If you’ve mastered the basics of AI prompting, it’s time to take the next step. In this interactive 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn how to transform Claude from a simple chatbot into a reliable business partner that helps you organize projects, create reusable business assets, document processes, and automate everyday tasks. You’ll discover practical strategies to reduce repetitive work while maintaining consistency across your business. This course is designed specifically for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Facilitated by: Deborah Deras, EDC SBDC Marketing Advisor, International Speaker, Author, AI Educator, Professor & Doctoral Scholar researching the impact of AI on Small Businesses. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Date announced for the 14th annual Ventura County Farm Day (May 8, 2027)

VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) announced that the 14th annual Ventura County Farm Day will take place Saturday, May 8, 2027.

Farm Day is a free, interactive experience where the public visits farms and other agricultural venues throughout the county. It offers behind-the-scenes tours, tractor rides, produce tastings and giveaways, and kid-friendly activities while visitors learn first-hand how food is grown, harvested and delivered to stores locally and around the world.

Bilingual report — Women’s Economic Ventures to celebrate 35 years of impact with 35 for 35 Business Showcase 

VENTURA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) will celebrate 35 years of empowering women and strengthening local economies with its 35 for 35 Business Showcase on Tuesday, December 8, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County. Open to the public, the event will spotlight 35 WEV-supported businesses and bring together entrepreneurs, supporters, and community members to celebrate the people and partnerships that have shaped WEV’s legacy since 1991. 

For 35 years, WEV has helped women build the knowledge, confidence, and connections to pursue entrepreneurship and greater financial independence. Behind that work are generations of business owners who have turned ideas into livelihoods, created jobs, supported their families, and contributed to the vitality of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. The showcase will bring that legacy to life through the businesses and people at its heart. 

People’s Self-Help Housing now accepting applications for Skylight Homes: New for-sale homes in Santa Maria

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has begun construction on Skylight Homes: a new, for-sale, single-family subdivision in Santa Maria. Interested buyers are encouraged to sign up for the interest list and attend a mandatory Agricultural Worker Project Presentation to begin the application process.  

Located at 3170 Santa Maria Way, Skylight Homes will consist of 49 new homes, built over two phases of construction. The subdivision is surrounded by existing single-family neighborhoods, shopping centers, schools, and community parks. Each home will come with: 

Ventura Music Festival — That’s a wrap on the Fall series. We’d love your feedback!

The Board and Staff of the Festival value your feedback! If you attended any of the Fall Series concerts as a patron or a volunteer, please fill out our short survey. You’ll automatically be entered to win a pair of tickets to Chanticleer or a 2027 standard concert of your choice!

Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing October 2026 e-newsletter

Our newest owner-builders are beginning their homeownership journey at Mission Gardens II in San Miguel! This new development is bringing 14 new single-story homes for first-time homebuyers to the community, with each household contributing over 1,600 hours of construction labor in lieu of a down payment. Learn more about Mission Gardens II and our build your own home program at pshhc.org!