Business, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics expands affordable behavioral health services for Santa Barbara County residents

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) is strengthening access to comprehensive Behavioral Health Services for individuals and families throughout Santa Barbara County through an integrated, whole-person care model designed to address both physical and mental health needs.

Santa Barbara County has significant community behavioral health needs that extend beyond the publicly funded specialty mental health system. Many residents experience challenges accessing timely outpatient mental health services due to insurance, cost, and provider availability. Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics helps address these gaps by providing integrated, community-based behavioral health services for individuals and families who might otherwise experience barriers to care.

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Business, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Behind the pour at Allan Hancock College annual West Coast College & University Wine Festival

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SANTA MARIA — When Allan Hancock College Winery operations specialist Grace Wearda arrived at the college just days before its West Coast College & University Wine Festival last year, she had little time to experience the planning behind one of the college’s signature events. This year, she led months of planning for the fourth annual festival, coordinating everything from participating wineries and vendors to volunteers and event logistics. 

Held June 13 on the Santa Maria campus, The West Coast College & University Wine Festival brought together college and university winemaking programs from across the region alongside local wineries, food vendors and community partners. The festival gives students an opportunity to showcase wines they’ve helped produce, receive professional feedback and connect with industry professionals while introducing the public to collegiate winemaking. 

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Parks announces launch of new reservation management website and policy updates

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VENTURA — Ventura County Parks is excited to announce major improvements for park visitors with the launch of a new reservation management website. These updates make booking easier, offer longer advance windows for popular sites, and introduce new self-service options for Day Use and Community Center reservations. New features for our guests include online booking for Distinguished Veterans, extended 180-day windows for Rincon Parkway, and streamlined self-service for Day Use and Community Centers. These enhancements are designed to make planning visits more convenient and accessible.

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Business, Commentary, Government, Health, Local, News

Trump Administration to auction lands near Carrizo Plain in SLO for oil drilling

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CENTRAL COAST — Last week, the Trump administration announced plans to auction nearly 36,000 acres of federal public land and mineral estate in four California counties to oil companies. The parcels cover thousands of acres adjacent to Carrizo Plain National Monument in San Luis Obispo and western Kern counties.

A public comment period on the proposal closes on August 1.

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Business, Commentary, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Guest contribution — Cancer-Causing Pesticide (including Santa Maria )exceeds California’s Own Safety Trigger, requiring state to act

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“Once again, DPR is sitting on bad news instead of telling the people breathing this air,” said Angel Garcia, co-director of the statewide coalition Californians for Pesticide Reform. “The Department loves a press release when a number goes down. When a number blows past their own safety trigger, they bury it in a spreadsheet and hope nobody notices. That’s not regulation — that’s public relations for the pesticide industry.”

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Business, En español, Family, Finance, Government, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Ventura updates Short-Term Rental Ordinance: Renew by August 31, Apply by July 13

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura has finalized an updated Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Ordinance with two critical deadlines property owners need to know:

Existing Permit Holders: August 31, 2026, renewal deadline

New Applicants: July 13, 2026, application opening date

Current STVR permit holders have until August 31, 2026, to renew their permits, or their permits will be canceled. The City is guaranteeing renewal for existing permit holders under a grandfathering provision, provided they meet updated requirements and submit applications on time through Ventura Online Permit Services (OPS).

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Business, Government, Local, News

All Aboard: Ticket to results marks $80 million in CalSTA Port & Freight Infrastructure Program funding at the Port of Hueneme

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PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme welcomed California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) Secretary Toks Omishakin along with other local and state leaders(on July 2) for Ticket to Results, a special event designed to highlight the transformational impact of California’s Port & Freight Infrastructure Program (PFIP) investments at the Port of Hueneme.

Ticket to Results revealed the progress the Port of Hueneme has made in deploying $80 million in PFIP funding. Port staff led guests through a behind-the-scenes tour of completed and ongoing projects showing how strategic state investments are increasing capacity, improving operational efficiency, reducing emissions, strengthening workforce development, and enhancing trade across the region.

“These impressive Port of Hueneme projects funded by the Port & Freight Infrastructure Program are not just critical for California’s supply chain system, but they are also of vital importance to our communities,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “Governor Newsom’s investments in transportation infrastructure are helping to move these projects from vision to reality, delivering cleaner air and better jobs to communities across California.”

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Business, En español, Finance, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Ventura County Assessor certifies 2026-27 Annual Assessment Roll at $194.4 Billion

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VENTURA — County Assessor Keith Taylor certified and delivered the 2026–27 Annual Assessment Roll to the Auditor-Controller’s Office on June 26, 2026, ahead of the July 1 requirement, marking a key step in the preparation of annual property tax bills for Ventura County property owners. The certified roll reflects a net assessed value of $194.4 billion after exemptions are applied, which is an increase of 3.95%.

Assessor Taylor noted that the overall increase is primarily on the Secured Roll which was driven by two primary factors: reassessments resulting from changes in property ownership, and the annual inflation adjustment applied under Proposition 13. Under Proposition 13, assessed values for properties that have not changed ownership are adjusted annually by the California Consumer Price Index (CPI), capped at a maximum of 2% per year.

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Bilingual report — City of Ventura invites public review of Draft Prohousing Designation Application

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura is inviting community members to review and comment on its draft application for the State of California’s Prohousing Designation Program. The public comment period will be open from July 8 through August 8, 2026, providing residents and stakeholders an opportunity to review the application and share feedback before it is considered by the City Council and submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). 

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Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — FREE – AI Webinar Series (July 7, 14, 21, 23, 28; Aug. 4, 11, 13, 18): Back by Popular Demand!

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Back by popular demand, this FREE webinar series is designed to help small business owners use AI to save time, improve marketing and grow revenue.

Attend one session or all
All sessions are practical and beginner-friendly

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Business, Cultural, Family, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

United Way of Ventura County announces Annual Spirit Award recipients

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VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County is pleased to announce the 21st Annual Spirit Award Recipients. These awards honor our Founding members. Every year since 2005, individuals and organizations who embody the qualities of Milton M. Teague, Douglas Shively, and Roy Pinkerton are selected for this prestigious honor. This year we will also award our President’s Award, and our Women United Award. The awards and awardees are listed below:

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

Bilingual commentary — Are Latinos “White”?

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I had a moment of angst three years ago as I filled out the 2020 U.S. Census form. I froze in my tracks, just as I had with employment forms in the past, when I saw a question asking me to denote my race. I am thoroughly aware that much of the U.S. population, especially in the more conservative states, would not consider me “white.” 

Their assessment is based solely on my appearance. I’m not particularly dark, but neither am I of “fair skin.”

In light of recent developments in our country, I am now less willing to declare myself as of the “white” race on any form inquiring about my ancestral background. However, in the following Census question inquiring about my ethnicity (as opposed to “race”), selecting “Hispanic or Latino” was an obvious choice.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Entertainment, Events, familia, Family, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual guest commentary by Kaiser Permanente — From fireworks to heat waves: Health expert outlines July 4 safety MustKnows

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As Fourth of July celebrations approach across Southern California, families are preparing for a day filled with barbecues, pool parties and fireworks—traditions many look forward to all year. 

But health experts are reminding the public that the holiday also brings a spike in preventable injuries.

“People love this holiday because it brings everyone together,” said Dr. Kimberly Petrick, a family medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Still, a little caution goes a long way in keeping the day festive instead of stressful.”

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

House Farm Workers! — Reserve your seat for Field to Fork Today!

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“From Field to Fork” brings together farmers who produce Ventura County’s agricultural bounty, chefs who celebrate that bounty on their menus, and the farm workers whose labor makes it all possible.

Enjoy a multi-course gourmet dinner while helping promote affordable, safe, and stable housing for Ventura County farm workers and their families.

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Business, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Santa Paula City Council charts new path forward with the announcement of a leadership change

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SANTA PAULA — One of the most critical decisions a locally elected body exercises as part of their governance and oversight responsibility is the selection and tenure of its City Manager. Recently, the Santa Paula City Council assessed the existing contract with the City Manager and honored its existing agreed upon terms which sunsets June 30, 2027. Mr. Singer graciously agreed to complete his remaining term and service to the community and reaffirms his commitment to projects that benefit Santa Paula.

By providing a full year to make these changes, the Council will ensure a more efficient and seamless transition period.

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Sports, Women, Youth

Sold-Out 2026 Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic Showcased leadership, sport and philanthropy in support of People Helping People

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SANTA YNEZ VALLEY — More than 300 guests gathered at the Santa Ynez Valley Polo Club on Saturday, June 27, for a sold-out 2026 Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic benefiting People Helping People (PHP), demonstrating how visionary leadership and philanthropy continue to strengthen the Santa Ynez Valley.

Presented by Happy Canyon Vineyard, the Polo Classic has become one of the region’s premier charitable sporting events, where exceptional polo, hospitality, and philanthropy converge to support local families.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Family, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Guest contribution — Trump administration scoffs at Federal and California law and public process to hand public lands to big oil

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CENTRAL COAST — Environmental organizations across California are condemning Trump’s Bureau of Land Management’s approval of oil and gas leasing and development plans for both the Bakersfield and Central Coast field office regions—a decision that critics argue was a rushed, legally deficient move that ignores California law, bypasses the public, and offers some of the state’s most beloved public lands over to the fossil fuel industry.

The BLM issued the approvals without allowing the standard 60-day Governor’s Consistency Review period required before a federal land use decision affecting California can be finalized, and without responding to formal administrative protests filed by community organizations. That review exists precisely to ensure federal actions do not conflict with state law and policy—and this decision is in direct, flagrant conflict with both.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) presents Season 63

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SANTA MARIA —  PCPA is proud to announce Season 63, featuring a dynamic mix of Shakespeare, family favorites, contemporary drama, and large-scale musicals, including La Comedia of Errors, The Wizard of Oz, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 72 Miles to Go, Les Misérables, Mean Girls, and Murder on the Orient Express.

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 ATLAS Ventura Housing announces new brand image and awards $35,500 in scholarships to 16 students

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VENTURA — On June 17, ATLAS welcomed more than 150 guests to the Museum of Ventura County for its annual Scholarship Celebration, recognizing students pursuing higher education, career training, and professional development opportunities. ATLAS also revealed a new brand direction that better aligns with its mission as the nonprofit dedicated to empowering and uplifting participants of Ventura Housing programs, promoting stability and self-sufficiency. The organization received 29 scholarship applications from residents and program participants. Following a competitive review process, 16 students were selected to receive a combined $35,500 in scholarship funding to support their educational and career goals.

“Through ATLAS, we are helping families move beyond housing stability and into long-term success through education,” said Jeffrey Lambert, CEO of Ventura Housing. “When a student earns a degree, the impact reaches far beyond one person. It changes the trajectory of an entire family.”

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Business, Education, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

CSUCI Police Department earns prestigious national accreditation

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CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) Police Department has earned accreditation from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), becoming one of fewer than 100 campus law enforcement agencies nationwide to receive the distinction.

IACLEA accreditation is the leading standard for excellence in campus public safety. The rigorous three-year process required the department to demonstrate compliance with nationally recognized best practices, verified by an independent team of experienced assessors. The achievement reflects the campus Police Department’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors

Hospice Of Santa Barbara welcomes new board member, Deborah Brown

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SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) welcomes longtime community advocate Deborah Brown to its Board of Directors. Bringing more than 25 years of local healthcare and geriatric care management experience to the leadership team, Brown has a distinguished history of guiding families through life’s most difficult transitions. Her deep familiarity with HSB’s mission makes her a natural fit to help steer the organization’s continued growth.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Government, Local, News

Ventura County Leadership Academy to Unveil Bold New Identity and Programming at August 20th Celebration

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VENTURA COUNTY — On Thursday, August 20th, Ventura County Leadership Academy will mark its next chapter with The Big Reveal Party! This afternoon celebration will include the introduction of a bold new identity, new name, and announcement of expanded programming. The Big Reveal Party will bring together community leaders, changemakers, alumni, partners and friends for an afternoon of connection, celebration and a few surprises. Tickets and registration are available at www.vcleadership.org/bigrevealparty

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Business, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Public Safety

Ventura County Fire Dept. utilize new CAL FIRE Technology ?to strengthen wildfire risk reduction

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THOUSAND OAKS — As one of CAL FIRE’s six Contract Counties, the Ventura County Fire Department will begin using Vibrant Planet, an advanced wildfire planning platform designed to improve how hazardous fuel reduction projects are prioritized, planned, and measured.

The new technology combines parcel-level imagery from low-orbit satellites with fire behavior modeling, wildfire history, weather patterns, vegetation, and building data to identify where fuel reduction projects will have the greatest impact on reducing wildfire risk.

By moving beyond traditional metrics, such as the number of acres treated, the platform helps fire agencies identify projects that provide the greatest protection for communities, critical infrastructure, watersheds, and natural resources. The data-driven approach will help ensure that limited wildfire mitigation funding is invested where it can have the greatest impact.

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Business, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors

Friendship Center Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara July 2026 Newsletter

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A Letter from the Director
I love playing tour guide.

I’ve had quite a few out-of-town visitors stay with me this summer, and I can’t help but feel proud showing them the beauty of our coastal community.

From strolling our beaches and admiring the Spanish architecture to ending the day over a hearty dinner at Harry’s, I’m reminded every time just how fortunate we are to call Santa Barbara, and surrounding communities, home.

I think Santa Barbara has mastered something that many destinations try so hard to create: a quiet confidence. It isn’t flashy or overwhelming. It doesn’t compete for your attention. It simply offers beauty, nature, fresh air, good company, and the space to enjoy them. Sometimes the best things in life aren’t the most complicated. They’re simply done well.

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