Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety, Salud, Seniors, Women, Youth

City of Santa Paula opens Cooling Center amid high temperatures

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SANTA PAULA — With temperatures expected to reach 90 degrees or higher for several consecutive days this week, the City of Santa Paula will open a cooling center at the Santa Paula Community Center to provide residents with a place to find relief from the heat.

The cooling center will be located in the front lobby of the Santa Paula Community Center, 530 W. Main St., Santa Paula, and will be open this Wednesday, September 9 through Thursday, September 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Residents using the cooling center will have access to:

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Business, Cultural, Education, En español, Events, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) — Logo contest, Library Day, Student-Led Candidate Forum, and more

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Ventura County students are invited to showcase their artistic talents by designing logos for the 2027 Academic Decathlon, Batalla de los Libros, Battle of the Books, Mock Trial, Science Fair, and Civic Action Project. 

The winning designs will be featured on event lapel pins, awards, and competition materials. Students can compete for the opportunity to leave their mark on these prestigious events and win a plaque at the competition awards ceremonies. The deadline to submit entries is Friday, October 16, and details on how to enter are available at this link.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Veterans

Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum — Special exhibit honoring 9/11 now open in San Luis Obispo

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Coast Veterans Memorial Museum invites our community to remember, reflect and help preserve the stories of a day that changed America.

Our new special exhibit, “On 9/11, I remember…”, is now open, presenting the events of September 11 and the lasting impact they had on our nation, our military and generations of veterans and their families.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

UCSB Arts & Lectures adds four powerful speakers to its 2026-2027 season

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Global economic analyst Rana Foroohar, two-time Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu, OB-GYN Mary Claire Haver and MacArthur Fellow Danielle Allen will address topical issues including the economy and national security, academic freedom, women’s health and how we define success

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Commentary, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) — You’re invited! Fall exhibitions and events

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MCASB presents two solo exhibitions: Alexis Childress: Migration, Memory, Movement and Tristan Esmino: sa gawi ng araw as part of the ongoing MCASB Satellite Gallery program at the Riviera Beach House in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone neighborhood. Childress is a recent MFA graduate from UCSB, and Esmino is an MFA candidate at USC. Linked by the artists’ use of textiles and themes of landscape and ancestry, the two exhibitions will be installed throughout the gallery, in conversation.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Salud, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging — Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) available to help with Medicare Open Enrollement

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VENTURA — With the Medicare Open Enrollment period soon to begin, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) – part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency – will again be providing countywide resources and help.

Medicare Open Enrollment begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. HICAP counselors, who are registered by the California Department of Aging, provide free, unbiased Medicare counseling to the public.

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Education, Local, News, Youth

Moorpark College wins 2025-26 Western State Conference Commissioner’s Cup

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MOORPARK — Moorpark College’s student-athletes turned a championship-heavy year and conference-best academics into the Western State Conference’s (WSC) 2025–26 Commissioner’s Cup title.

The prestigious recognition, previously known as the Conference Supremacy Award, recognizes colleges for their athletic excellence in WSC competition in the conference’s 20 sponsored sports coupled with academic achievement as a department. Moorpark Raiders teamed up to take home the win by earning five WSC titles in the 2025-26 academic year and posting the best overall GPA of 3.37 among its student-athletes.

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Business, Finance, Local, News, Sports

Gabe Grandcolas named president of the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Board of Directors

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SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table (SBART) is pleased to announce that Santa Barbara native Gabe Grandcolas has been named president of its board of directors, taking on a leadership role with an organization that has supported and celebrated local student-athletes for nearly 60 years.

Grandcolas brings deep roots in the Santa Barbara community to the role. He graduated from Santa Barbara High School, where he was a high school baseball pitcher, before heading to the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, where he graduated cum laude. As the Sales Director with the Knight Real Estate Group, Grandcolas built his reputation on careful listening, creative problem-solving and giving clients a clear understanding of their options, whether they are selling a family property or looking to call the greater Santa Barbara area home.

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Business, Education, Government, Local, News, Youth

UCSB Associated Students executive appointed to Isla Vista Government Board of Directors

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SANTA BARBARA —  Noah Luken, the 2026-27 Associated Students of UCSB’s Executive Vice President of Local Affairs, has been appointed to serve on the Isla Vista Community Services District (CSD or IVCSD) board of directors. Luken will fill the remaining term of Director Edward Pilotte, a recent graduate of UC Santa Barbara.  

“I applied for the IVCSD Board of Directors to bridge the institutional gap between the two most influential public-facing entities in Isla Vista — Associated Students and the Community Services District,”  said Luken, a fourth-year economics and philosophy double major at UCSB. “This will allow for greater collaboration and coordinated efforts when addressing issues faced by students and Isla Vista residents.”

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Health, Local, News

Last chance to become a Community Environmental Council (CEC) Climate Steward this fall!

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Over seven weeks, you’ll explore the science and solutions behind the climate crisis facing our region, hear from local experts and climate leaders, and connect with others who want to make a difference. You’ll have chances to put what you learn into practice through hands-on field experiences and a stewardship project centered on an issue you care about. You don’t have to do it alone — we’ll be there to guide you!

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Commentary, Events, Family, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) to commemorate 25th anniversary of 9/11

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THOUSAND OAKS — This year marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. To honor the lives lost and the courage of those who responded, the Ventura County Fire Department invites the community to join firefighters in remembrance ceremonies across the county.

Commemorations will take place at every VCFD fire station in the county, along with VCFD Headquarters in Thousand Oaks, and our Fire Communications Center in Camarillo.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — Following 33 Years of Public Service, Oxnard Police Chief Jason Benites announces retirement; Assistant Chief Rocky Marquez named as next police chief

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“On behalf of the Oxnard community, we thank Chief Benites for his steadfast leadership of the department over the past six years and his decades of service dedicated to keeping Oxnard safe,” said Nguyen. “We’re fortunate to have strong leadership within our Police Department, and I am confident that Rocky Marquez will continue the department’s commitment to excellence and service to our community as our next Police Chief.”

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Business, Commentary, Finance, Home, Local, News, Women

Guest contribution — Celebrating 15 Years of the Salena Bracamontes Insurance Agency

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VENTURA — Fifteen years ago, Salena Bracamontes took a leap into business ownership and opened the doors to her own State Farm agency. Today, she’s built so much more than a successful business with the Salena Bracamontes Insurance Agency, she’s built a dedicated team, lasting relationships with clients, and a reputation for showing up for the people and community she cares about.

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Business, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

Santa Barbara area businesses collecting diapers for babies in need

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SANTA BARBARA — For families with babies and toddlers, diapers are not optional—but for too many families across Santa Barbara County, having enough diapers each month can be a serious financial challenge. In recognition of National Diaper Need Awareness week, LEAP is calling on community members to help ensure local families have access to this basic necessity by donating diapers and wipes through its annual month-long community diaper drive.

“Every donation helps us put diapers in the hands of parents who need them most,” said Lori Goodman, CEO of LEAP. “Together, we can relieve some of the daily stress families face and make sure babies across our county have the healthy start they deserve.”

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Business, Commentary, Education, Family, Food, Local, News, Youth

Community Food Pantry at Girls Inc. relocating to Carpinteria Children’s Project

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CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is happy to announce that their on-campus community food pantry will be relocating and transitioning into the care of trusted community partner Carpinteria Children’s Project. 

Over the coming weeks, team members from both organizations will work closely together to ensure a seamless transition that provides members of the Carpinteria community with continued access to household necessities and kitchen staples. 

The decision to transfer stewardship of the food pantry is one that allows Girls Inc. of Carpinteria to focus its resources on impacting girls in the community and continuing its core mission of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. 

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, familia, Family, Finance, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — City of Camarillo Business Assistance Loans now Available

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In partnership with the City of Camarillo, the Economic Development Collaborative has launched the City of Camarillo Business Assistance Loan Fund. This low-interest program is specifically designed to prioritize the vibrant business community in the City of Camarillo. Start-ups can get the necessary capital to launch their ventures and established businesses can secure funds to fuel their growth. With abundant opportunities for collaboration, a diverse customer base and an environment of innovation, Camarillo is a perfect place to start or grow your business.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors

Friendship Center Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — The Friendly Finch: September 2026

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I am writing this letter whilst attending the National Adult Day Services Association conference with our Program Director (recently promoted!), Nerely, and Lead Program Specialist/Volunteer Coordinator, Mary. We are thrilled to be here learning about ways to further improve and expand FC’s programs and services, but do forgive any lack of cohesion in this letter, as traveling to Providence took us more plane time than my trips to and from school in Australia. Four legs of flight, a cross-state-lines Uber, and we are here!

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Business, Government, Home, Local, News

County of Santa Barbara and City of SB Housing Authorities seeking help from county renters and rental property owners to show true cost of rental housing

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SANTA BARBARA — The City and County Housing Authorities are asking community members to complete a short rental market survey.

A SB County-wide request is being made to renters and rental property owners to complete a short rental market survey to help determine the true cost of rental housing.

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Business, Family, Finance, Home, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $500,000 loan for a 21-unit supportive housing development in Santa Paula

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“Predevelopment financing is often the hardest capital to secure, but it’s what allows a project like Gateway Grove to move from an idea to groundbreaking,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund Ventura County. “By stepping in early, we’re helping the Santa Paula Housing Authority, Many Mansions, and Homes & Hope turn a vacant motel into 21 homes for people who need them most, including veterans who have served our country.”

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Local, News, Youth

VCCF scholarship season surpasses $2 million milestone in awards

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CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation Scholarship Program has awarded $2,009,312 to students across the county for the 2026 season, exceeding the nonprofit’s past scholarship grantmaking record.

“As another incredible scholarship season closes and we enter a new school year, we are proud to celebrate the hard work and promise of the students this program exists to serve,” said Kirsti Vomund, VCCF scholarship director. “This year, we awarded 610 scholarships to 441 students, making this our biggest award year ever!”

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Finance, Local, News, Women, Youth

United Way of Ventura County — Thank you for making our Spirit Awards Gala a success!

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This special event would not be possible without our incredible award recipients and the meaningful work they do for our Ventura County community, as well as our presenters, sponsors, donors, performers, volunteers, vendors, and United Way staff. We are so grateful for your support and partnership in making this celebration a success!

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Business, Education, Finance, Local

Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara receives over $500,000 from State Coastal Conservancy to launch the Ocean Collective with SBCC

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SANTA BARBARA — The Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara (CFSB) has been awarded $507,500 from the California State Coastal Conservancy to launch the Ocean Collective, a partnership dedicated to building career pathways and shared infrastructure for the region’s Blue Economy. SCC funding comes from the voter approved Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 (a.k.a. “2024 Climate Bond” or “Proposition 4”).

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Business, Home, Local, News

Housing Authority Executive Director/CEO Rob Fredericks announces planned retirement at end of 2027

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SANTA BARBARA — Rob Fredericks, Executive Director and CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, has announced his intent to retire at the end of December 2027, following more than three decades of service to the Housing Authority and nearly twelve years as its Executive Director/CEO.

Fredericks shared his planned retirement with the Housing Authority Commission to provide ample time for a thoughtful, orderly, and successful leadership transition. The advance notice will allow the Commission to develop a recruitment and transition plan for the agency’s next Executive Director/CEO, while ensuring continued stability for the residents, participants, staff, partners, and community members who depend on the Housing Authority’s work.

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Business, Events, Finance, Local, News

Guest contribution — TruNorth Jets — Book Vacations 90 Days Prior to Takeoff

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SANTA ROSA VALLEY — With the holidays less than 90 days out, now is the prime time to consider booking arrangements in order to maximize savings on costs as well as time.

Typically, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year in the U.S. If you plan to travel on that day, you will definitely need to get ahead of the holiday rush. Booking ahead allows you more flexibility to adjust travel dates if necessary and can help lessen the stress of having to book everything last minute.

Additionally, as the holidays near, flight prices will increase as availability dwindles and demand escalates. By securing bookings in advance, travelers increase their likelihood to secure the best pricing for their trips.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce announces action-packed September event calendar

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SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a robust lineup of community events throughout September 2026. From the beloved monthly Cruise Night — kicking off a festive Labor Day weekend — to a Candidates Forum ahead of the November election, a ribbon cutting celebrating new housing investment and a downtown business mixer, September promises to be one of the most active and community-centered months of the year in historic Santa Paula.

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Business, Commentary, Education, Local, News, Youth

SEEAG receives $40,000 AgWest Farm Credit Grant For Southbank Learning Farm

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VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) has received a $40,000 grant from AgWest Farm Credit to help prepare and develop the organization’s new Southbank Learning Farm, a 3.63-acre agricultural education and workforce development site located behind the Ventura County Juvenile Facilities in Oxnard.

The grant will support the development of a unique community resource where agriculture serves as a catalyst for education, career exploration, food security, environmental stewardship, and new opportunities for local youth.

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