Business, Commentary, Cultural, Government, Local, News, Women

Asm. Bennett announces UFW Leader, housing attorney Barbara Macri-Ortiz as 2026 Woman of the Year

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SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Oxnard) announces (March 16)  that he has selected Barbara Macri-Ortiz as his 2026 Woman of the Year. In observation of Women’s History Month, the California Legislative Women’s Caucus allows state legislators to select a Woman of the Year. Accompanied by her son, Macri-Ortiz joins Asm. Bennett today in Sacramento for the Woman of the Year floor ceremony. 

An attorney in private practice in Oxnard, Macri-Ortiz specializes in all aspects of affordable housing development, land use, and landlord-tenant law. Throughout her 39-year legal career she has focused on issues of importance to farm workers and other low wage workers.

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Business, Education, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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IN-PERSON EVENT: SMALL BUSINESS START-UP BASICS

March 25 @ 8:30 am

Join SCORE, City of Thousand Oaks, Economic Development Collaborative and Accelerate CA in this information-packed workshop that will help you assess whether starting a small business is right for you and consider the various options for starting a business, legal structures, and business plan basics. Address: City of Thousand Oaks, Oak & Park Room, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. The Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub (Accelerate CA Hub) is funded by the State of California and administered by CalOSBA. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Business, Commentary, Education, Family, Health, Local, News

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Stop Replacing and Start Repairing at Repair Cafe Santa Barbara in March 21

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Join us at Repair Cafe Santa Barbara to give your broken items a second life. This is a simple, but impactful way to take meaningful climate action that benefits you and the planet. By making small, conscious choices, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Government, Local, News, Veteranos, Veterans

Bilingual report — County of Ventura partners with Naval Base Ventura County to relocate Purple Heart monument

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VENTURA —  A partnership between the County of Ventura and Naval Base Ventura County has led to the successful relocation and installation of the Military Order of the Purple Heart monument to the Veterans Memorial at the Ventura County Government Center, creating a prominent public space to honor service members wounded or killed in combat.

The monument, originally located on the golf course at Naval Base Ventura County, recognizes Purple Heart recipients, however the location of the installation provided limited visibility to the broader community. To expand public access, the Military Order of the Purple Heart offered to donate the monument to the County so it could be relocated to a more accessible location.

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Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Politics, Public Safety, Youth

Bilingual report — Ventura County Probation Agency and Ventura County Library expand access to literacy programs for youth in custody

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VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Probation Agency and the Ventura County Library have launched an innovative partnership to bring tailored library services directly into the County’s Juvenile Facilities through the new Next Chapter Library. This pilot initiative marks a significant step toward expanding educational access and literacy opportunities for youth under custodial supervision.

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Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Government, Local, News

Ventura County Arts Council (VCAC) — CALL TO ARTISTS: Mo(u)rning Earth at the Atrium Gallery

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“Mo(u)rning Earth,” featuring lead artist Vanessa Morrow, is one in a series of art exhibitions addressing mental health that is part of VibeWell Ventura County, a county-wide initiative that uses art and culture to raise awareness of mental health conditions. This show’s theme invites artists to consider the/their physical environment and the idea that processing grief or loss through arts can transform “mourning” into the “morning” of a new dawn/day. 

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Business, Cultural, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula breaks ground on Santa Paula Creek Bridge Project

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ANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula marked an important milestone on March 3 with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Santa Paula Creek Bridge, a project that will improve access, connectivity, and safety while establishing a connection over the Santa Paula Creek. 

Mayor Carlos Juarez, Vice Mayor Jenny Crosswhite, Councilmember Pedro Chavez, City Manager Dan Singer, and Deputy City Manager Aminah Mears were in attendance to celebrate the start of construction, along with City of Santa Paula department directors, staff members, project partners, and community members.

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Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Opinion, Politics

Bilingual commentary — The ‘Mooch’ and Other Measures of Time

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I used to enjoy most of my classes in college. But I also found myself sitting through some agonizingly dull 50-minute lectures on obscure topics. John von Neumann, a Hungarian and American mathematician of prodigious talent and insight, coined a name for that measure of time. He stated that the average college lecture lasted 52.6 minutes, which is a millionth of a century—that is, a “microcentury.” 

No boring minutes and seconds for us (except for math and physics homework)! This comical chronometry allowed my nerdy engineering classmates and I to go around saying things such as, “I saw a movie that lasted four and a half microcenturies.” After all, we were used to doing time conversions in our head. But students in other majors who overheard us would just shake their heads and roll their eyes. 

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

SEEAG’s 13th Annual Ventura County Farm Day Set For April 11

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VENTURA COUNTY — More than 20 farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public during the 13th Annual Ventura County Farm Day on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event, organized by Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEG),  invites community members of all ages to explore and experience local farms, ranches and agricultural venues across Ventura County.

Farm Day features tours, tastings, giveaways, and family-friendly activities while visitors learn first-hand about the hands and lands that provide food to local communities and the world. 

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Business, Cultural, Government, Local, News, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — County of Ventura announces artist team (Elisa Torres) for landmark Moon Ditch Mural Project

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VENTURA — The County of Ventura, in partnership with Studio Channel Islands Art Center, is proud to announce the selection of the lead artist and artist team for the Moon Ditch Mural Project, a public art initiative that will transform a nearly mile-long flood control channel into one of the largest murals in Ventura County. Elisa Torres, an accomplished Oxnard-based muralist, painter, and cultural strategist has been selected to lead artistic work on the project. Visible from Highway 101 and passenger rail lines, the Moon Ditch mural will be seen by tens of thousands daily and serve as a cultural landmark for years to come.

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

Santa Paula Art Museum — ‘Cornelis Botke: Painter of the Western Scene’ opens March 14!, more upcoming events

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Be the first to see our all-new exhibit on Saturday, March 14! Santa Paula artist Cornelis Botke (1887-1954) is best remembered as a master etcher whose work earned international acclaim and entered the collections of the California State Library, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Institution. Yet from childhood, Botke’s greatest ambition was to be a painter.

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Business, Cultural, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

Ventura County Community Foundation presenting ‘Isabella Project’ Lunch & Learn on March 26

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The Ventura County Community Foundation is collaborating with over 150 community partners for our Highest-Quality Early Childhood Education initiative in Santa Paula, known as the “Isabella Project.” We invite you to learn more about the different committee members and groups dedicated to removing all barriers to accessing highest-quality early childhood education in our community. 

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Business, Finance, Health, Local, News

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation’s 2026 Party of the Year raises $810,000 to support Cottage Children’s Medical Center

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SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation (SBCHF) held its annual Party of the Year on March 7, 2026, at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Goleta. With more than 500 guests in attendance, the black-tie event raised over $810,000 in support of Cottage Children’s Medical Center.

The Party of the Year recognizes healthcare professionals and celebrates donors whose generosity strengthens high?quality pediatric care across the region. The event’s program featured remarks from Heather Hambleton and Lisa Iscovich, the Party of the Year event co-chairs; Eric Seale, Chair of the Cottage Health Board of Directors; Scott Wester, President and CEO of Cottage Health; and Dr. Miriam Parsa, Chief Pediatric Medical Officer for Cottage Children’s Medical Center. Guests also enjoyed an enchanting performance by State Street Ballet.

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Family, Food, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

‘SEA’ What’s exciting & new In 2026 at Ventura Harbor Village

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VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village announces a wave of new visitor amenities in 2026. Situated just off scenic Highway 1 and the 101 freeway, the waterfront destination invites locals and travelers alike to take in the views and soak up the waterfront lifestyle with expanded dining, new artsy retailers and wine releases, beauty collaborations and more, making Ventura Harbor Village a must-visit coastal hotspot.

“These exciting additions reflect the spirit of Ventura Harbor Village – creative, welcoming, and deeply connected to the coastal experience,” said Brian Pendleton, Ventura Port District General Manager. “In 2026, we’re delighted to offer even more ways for guests to eat, sip, relax, and enjoy the Harbor seaside.”

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Events, Finance, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Calling all California business owners: Verizon has a $5,000 grant opportunity for you!

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To complement the hundreds of FREE resources available through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, Verizon, in partnership with LISC, is awarding $5,000 grants to 25 small businesses based in California to help them sustain and grow their businesses. The grant will be awarded directly to selected business owners and does not need to be repaid.

Who Can Apply?

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Business, Cultural, Local, News

Guest contribution — From 1948 to Today — Flowers By Paulann Stands as one of Oxnard’s living landmarks

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OXNARD  — In the years following World War II, the city of Oxnard was experiencing a new chapter of growth. Returning veterans were building families, downtown storefronts were reopening, and small businesses were becoming the backbone of a rapidly evolving community.

Amid this moment of renewal, a new florist shop appeared on North A Street—a shop that would go on to become one of the city’s longest-standing businesses.

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Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Ventura County Office of Education — LAST CHANCE to register for the VCOE Equity Conference

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Help increase opportunities and remove obstacles for students by attending the 6th annual Equity Conference at the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Educators, families, and community members are invited to register today for this free event, which will feature a variety of speakers and workshops in English and Spanish. Food, drinks, and language interpretation will be provided.

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Business, Cultural, Finance, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit Program

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The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment and strategic importance to the state or region.

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Business, Cultural, En español, familia, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — County of Ventura awarded $5.6 Million through State Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program

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VENTURA — The County of Ventura and the Ventura County Continuum of Care have been awarded $5.6 million through Round 6 of California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program, a statewide effort to support regional strategies that prevent and end homelessness. The award was announced on March 2 by Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The County of Ventura was among 20 regions statewide included in this latest round of awards.

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

Bilingual report — City of Ventura invites community input on Arts & Culture policies

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Community feedback will help inform the development of new arts and culture policies, updates to City grant programs, and a five-year plan to implement the goals of the Arts and Culture Element. Residents are encouraged to participate by attending a public meeting, joining a pop-up activity, or completing an online survey.

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Education, Events, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

Wired for Innovation: FIRST Robotics Competition brings California talent to the Port of Hueneme

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PORT HUENEME —?It was a weekend of gears, grit, and glory as the Port of Hueneme proudly welcomed the annual?FIRST?Robotics Competition for the fifth year in a row. This exciting two-day event is held inside the FATHOMWERX lab — a dynamic space for innovation and technology transfer between the Port of Hueneme, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), the Economic Development Collaborative, and Matter Labs. 

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Business, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News

Guest contribution — The PICKLR Santa Barbara announces membership pricing and grand opening dates

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GOLETA — The Picklr Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County’s new premier indoor pickleball destination, today announced the official launch of its highly anticipated Founder Membership Sale, beginning March 18 at 10:00 a.m. exclusively through their website, along with its Grand Opening celebration on May 2nd, 2026, which will be open to the public.

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Cultural, Education, Events, Government, News, Youth

SBCC’s Science Discovery Day on March 14 calls on all budding scientists

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SANTA BARBARA — Stargazing, chemistry lab fun and so much more are waiting for community members of all ages at Santa Barbara City College’s Science Discovery Day, Saturday, March 14, from 1-4 p.m. on SBCC’s East Cliff Campus. 

Presented by the SBCC STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Transfer Program, Science Discovery Day is a FREE family event, created by SBCC students and faculty to showcase the wonders of the world, with interactive displays and hands-on activities for the whole family.

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Business, Education, Family, Finance, Health, Local, News, Seniors

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

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Ahh… the sweet smell of almost-spring air, and fresh paint, is here!

Over the past several weeks, our spaces have had quite the makeover. New floors, refreshed walls, updated furnishings, and reimagined workspaces. It has been a major overhaul, made possible by the final funds from the Department on Aging’s Bridge to Recovery grant- resources originally designated to help organizations like ours strengthen infection control and safety in the wake of COVID (ie. removing carpet and fabric surfaces, improving airflow and spacing… yes, please!).

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Business, Family, Finance, Government, Local, News

Volunteers in Ventura County help those with low-moderate incomes file for available tax credits through VITA program

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VENTURA — Tax season is upon us and low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents are encouraged to take advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

Throughout February to April 30, 2026, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers will help working families and individuals file their state and federal tax return and access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Households earning up to $69,000 are eligible to use the free services.

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