Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Finance, Government, Immigration, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

El Concilio Family Services in Oxnard announces 36th annual Latino Leadership Awards Fundraising Campaign

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OXNARD — El Concilio Family Services has officially launched its fundraising and sponsorship drive for the upcoming 36th Annual Latino Leadership Awards. Established in 1990, the awards recognize outstanding individuals and businesses that have made substantial contributions to uplifting Ventura County’s Latino community.

“Our donors deserve to know that their generosity translates directly into high-quality, professional support for local agricultural and service-sector families,” said Yvonne R. Gutierrez, Executive Director. “The Latino Leadership Awards allow us to honor local excellence while raising vital funding to keep our immigration and education services responsive, credible, and fully accountable.”

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Business, Cultural, En español, Government, Health, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — The Magic Kingdom: A Utopian Blueprint

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Cities throughout the world have spent centuries trying to mold themselves into models of civic beauty, public safety, and high-functioning infrastructure that keeps its citizens happy and productive. Needless to say, most communities fall short of these aspirations. 

The larger cities here in Ventura County, such as Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo, and Thousand Oaks are typical American cities, continually struggling to balance their lofty ambitions with economic realities on the ground. Conflicting world views among a city’s leaders determine the direction of that city’s growth and development. Is there a common blueprint that cities such as ours can follow to maximize their potential?

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Food, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety, Seniors, Women, Youth

Guest contribution — Farmworkers and advocates, including legendary civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, rally at the State Capitol to demand accountability from California’s pesticide regulator

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The hearing room was full, with more than 110 Californians from across the state present, including those from the Central Coast. Many traveled hours from home, as far away as Ventura, taking a day from work and rising before dawn to attend the 2½ hour hearing. Community members called on lawmakers to confront the Dept. of Pesticide Regulation’s conflicts of interest and failure to protect the public.

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Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Food, Government, Health, Immigration, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Guest commentary — Allá En El Rancho Grande: Ventura County, One Big Plantation

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The past, present, and future exist concurrently. History matters because the present and past manifest in the now. This is why historical events such as the 1942 Sleepy Lagoon Case of the Zoot Suiters and the Deportation Campaigns of the 1930s speak to us today in relation to the overcharging and over-sentencing of convicted ethnic Mexicans regarding the former and the vicious Gestapo kidnappings of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency with the latter.

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Business, Finance, Government, Local, News

Sweet Sixteen: Port of Hueneme earns prestigious Excellence in Financial Reporting Award for 16th straight year

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PORT HUENEME — The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Oxnard Harbor District – Port of Hueneme for the sixteenth consecutive year. This year’s award, which recognizes the strength of the Port’s comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2025, is the highest form of recognition teams can achieve in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

“We are honored to receive this recognition because we know accountability matters,” said Jason Hodge, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners. “We prioritize accuracy and transparency and do all we can to serve as a vital economic engine for our region.”

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News

Ten Little Graduates, One Big Milestone: LEAP’s Lompoc Children’s Center hosts inaugural Preschool Graduation

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More than 60 family members gathered to celebrate the graduating preschoolers as they received their promotion certificates and goodie bags, proudly smiled for family photos, and shared cake after the ceremony. This fall, the students will continue their educational journeys at Miguelito Elementary School, Clarence Ruth Elementary School, La Cañada Elementary School, and Buena Vista Elementary School.

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

Two new members join the Ventura College Foundation Board

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VENTURA — New board member Denise Sindelar is the founder and principal project manager of Sindelar Art Consulting in Ventura. …

As the new Associated Students of Ventura College (ASVC) President, Briana Becerra serves on the foundation board, acting as the primary liaison between students and the college and district administration. Becerra, a communication major, also serves as the official spokesperson for ASVC and the broader Ventura College student body.

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

Friendship Center Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — Throwback Thursday!

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This year, we’re celebrating 50 years of serving our community, and this week marks another special milestone in our journey.

Forty-seven years ago, Friendship Center officially became a registered nonprofit organization, laying the foundation for the organization we know and love today.

For five decades, Friendship Center has been a place of care, connection, and community for older adults living with dementia and their families. Through the years, our programs have grown and changed, but our commitment to creating a welcoming, compassionate, and dignified place for our members has remained at the heart of everything we do.

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Business, Commentary, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

Ventura County Animals Services (VCAS) — Clear the Shelters — FREE adoptions, Saturday 8-22-26!

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VCAS is participating in Clear the Shelters on Saturday, August 22nd, 2026. This nationwide event is our largest pet adoption event of the year. Adoptions will be FREE, and adopters will go home with lots of free gifts from event sponsors. Animals go home spayed or neutered, vaccinated, flea-treated, and come with a FREE first vet visit!

Browse the DOGS, CATS, and BUNNIES in our care to see who you’d like to take home Saturday, August 22nd!

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Local, News, Youth

Work Progressing on 70-Acre Agromin-Limoneira Green Waste Processing Center in Santa Paula

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SANTA PAULA — The land has been cleared for a 70-acre, state-of-the-art commercial composting center on Limoneira Company property in Santa Paula. The joint venture project by Limoneira Company and Agromin marks an expansion from the existing 15-acre green waste composting site at the location that has been in operation by Agromin since 2004.

The expanded site is expected to begin operations in the second half of 2027 and will be capable of processing about 295,000 tons of organic waste per year into compost and mulch. The current facility, which remains operating while construction is underway, is the only permitted commercial composting center in Ventura County.

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Business, Cultural, Local, News

Cottage Health listed as a 2026 PEOPLE Companies that Care

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SANTA BARBARA — Great Place To Work® and PEOPLE magazine have honored Cottage Health as one of the 2026 PEOPLE® Companies that Care. The recognition places Cottage Health among organizations nationwide recognized for their workplace culture and commitment to employees and communities.

The Companies that Care list is highly competitive and is based largely on employee surveys about their workplace experience. Honorees were selected based on their ability to care for employees, families, and the communities where they operate.

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

Bilingual report — City of Ventura nomination period officially closes for 2026 Municipal Election

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura has officially concluded the nomination period for candidates seeking election to the Ventura City Council in the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election.

The nomination period for City Council Districts 1, 4, 5, and 6 closed at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7. Because the incumbent in District 6 did not file for re-election, the nomination period for District 6 was extended for five days and closed today, Wednesday, August 12, at 5:00 p.m., in accordance with the California Elections Code.

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Business, Events, Finance, Local, News

Ventura Land Trust — Shop our Wild & Scenic Film Festival Silent Auction from home!

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The Wild & Scenic Film Festival silent auction is going online! The Wild & Scenic film festival is almost here and this year, you can shop our famous silent auction, right from your living room!

Starting August 15 at 8:00 a.m., you’ll have two full weeks to bid on an exciting selection of items and experiences—all from the comfort of home. Find your favorites, place your bids, and help support Ventura Land Trust while you shop. Let the bidding begin!

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) graduates 14 resident teens from Summer program

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SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) recently celebrated the graduation of 14 students from its free, four-week Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura (PBC) summer program. Designed for HACSB residents entering grades 9–12, the program equips students with the tools, resources, and experiences needed to prepare for college, careers, and future success. Since its launch four years ago, 65 students have completed the program.

PBC provides a well-rounded experience that promotes educational achievement, social-emotional wellness, and cultural awareness. Throughout the four-week program, students participate in college tours, educational field trips, community service projects, and interactive workshops. Participants also earn community service hours and receive a backpack filled with school supplies to help them begin the academic year prepared.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Health, Local, News

Bilingual report — CenCal Health recognizes local health centers for expanding access to care across the Central Coast

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SANTA BARBARA — From farmworker families and tribal communities to children receiving care at school and people facing housing challenges, federally qualified health centers across the Central Coast provide residents with essential health services. During National Health Center Week, Aug. 2-8, CenCal Health, the Medi-Cal managed care plan for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, is recognizing five health center partners whose work helps expand access to care across the region.

“Health centers are often the first place people turn when they need care, and for many families, they are a trusted ally at every stage of life,” said Marina Owen, CEO of CenCal Health. “Their work extends beyond the exam room, helping neighbors navigate health challenges, access supportive services and build a foundation for long-term well-being.”

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Business, Finance, Local, News

Mitch Rosenberg again named among Southern California’s Top Financial Security Professionals by Forbes

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THOUSAND OAKS — Mitch Rosenberg, CFP®, CLU®, MSFS, AEP® CEPA®, AIF®, of the San Fernando Valley Office of New York Life has recently been named to the Forbes | Shook Best-in-State Financial Security Professionals 2026 list. Rosenberg was ranked #8 among financial security professionals in Southern California, recognized for the trusted guidance he provides to individuals, families, and business owners as they navigate life’s biggest financial decisions.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE: LEARN ANYTHING FASTER WITH NOTEBOOKLM

August 11 @ 10:00 am

Successful businesses make better decisions because they have better information. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to use NotebookLM to conduct competitive analysis, refine pricing, accelerate SEO and AEO, and synthesize large amounts of research into simple summaries and action steps. You’ll also learn how to use AI to create executive briefs, reports, and slide decks quickly, helping you make smarter strategic decisions in less time. This session is ideal for business owners looking to leverage AI for research, planning, and strategic growth. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Health, Local, News

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Planning Your Fall Meetings?

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Whether you’re planning a board meeting, strategic retreat, volunteer training, film screening, public forum, or year-end gathering, The Environmental Hub provides a welcoming space designed to help mission-driven organizations connect, collaborate, and inspire action.

Located on State Street in the heart of Santa Barbara, The Hub features flexible meeting spaces, built-in AV, a catering kitchen, and competitive non-profit pricing. Every booking also supports the Community Environmental Council’s work to advance climate solutions across the Central Coast.

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

Santa Barbara Museum of Art — Basil Kincaid Visits SBMA for Talk, Artist Workshop

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Basil Kincaid, whose work is featured in the exhibition Remixed, joins SBMA Assistant Curator Lauren Karazija, to explore ancestry, connection and conversation. Crafted from salvaged fabrics, quilts offer far more than physical warmth—they retain the indelible traces of past lives. Describing quilting as a “spiritual technology,” Kincaid engages in a dialogue across time and space through lived-in materials charged with the enduring energy of loved ones. Tickets are selling quickly; reserve yours today at sbma.net.

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

Ventura Music Festival — The Power in Partnership

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Community partners are essential to the vitality and success of the Ventura Music Festival. Whether through corporate sponsorships that help bring world-class artists to our stage or collaborative programming with fellow cultural organizations, these partnerships strengthen our community and enrich the Festival experience for audiences throughout the region. Simply put, what we do would not be possible without the generosity, vision, and support of these extraordinary partners.

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

Ventura Harbor Village invites music lovers to experience free seaside live music all month long

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VENTURA — Sit back, relax and continue to enjoy summer at Ventura Harbor Village with a menagerie of free, family-friendly, live weekly music throughout August 2026 on the seaside Promenade Stage at the waterfront.  www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

The ongoing music series showcases a dockside selection of top-notch musicians who present a variety of genres, including Pop, Rock and coastal surf rock. Welcome the perfect coastal day with live music from 1 – 4 PM.   Take in a scenic view by the water as talented local musicians set the scene with a mix of lively and laid-back tunes.  Whether you’re dining at a waterfront restaurant or simply soaking up the ocean breeze, the vibrant music adds the perfect soundtrack to your visit.

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Commentary, Education, Events, Family, Health, Local, News

New York Times bestselling author to headline Hospice of Santa Barbara’s signature fundraising event on Sept. 27 celebrating ‘One Wild and Precious Life’

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Centered around the theme “One Wild and Precious Life,” this year’s event celebrates the everyday moments that quietly become life’s greatest treasures—and the people who make them unforgettable. Inspired by Mary Oliver’s timeless question, the luncheon invites guests to reflect on love, resilience, hope, and the everyday experiences that ultimately remind us what matters most. Few contemporary writers have explored those themes with more honesty and compassion than Cheryl Strayed.

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Business, Commentary, Events, Family, Finance, Local, News

United Way of Ventura County — The latest news for you

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We are excited to share some of our auction items with you! You’ll want to join us to honor our awardees. You’ll need to join us to bid on our auction items. Regardless of why you come, please come! We can’t wait to see our old friends and meet new ones. All monies raised from our Spirit Awards Gala ensures we can continue serving the underserved in Ventura County.

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

SBCC Superintendent/President, Dr. Erika Endrijonas, shares gratitude to the campus community for demonstrating strong financial progress

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“Since I began in August, 2023, the message was clear from the SBCC Board of Trustees: ‘We need to address the structural deficit of the college,’” shared Superintendent/President Dr. Erika Endrijonas, who also sent a thank-you email to all employees. “This meant painful, yet decisive and strategic decisions needed to be made – ones that were not always popular with employees (faculty and staff) – and now, three years later, I have to thank every single employee for their hard work, determination and trust in me and my fellow leaders to get on a trajectory for a healthier financial future for the college. I cannot thank our amazing SBCC team enough … Thank you!”

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Business, Commentary, Health, Local, News

Cottage Health Emergency Departments earn prestigious Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award

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The Lantern Award honors emergency departments that foster collaboration and continuous improvement while maintaining high standards for patient care, safety and staff engagement. SBCH and SYVCH are among 126 emergency departments selected for the recognition this year.

“This recognition reflects the extraordinary skill, compassion and teamwork our emergency department staff bring to every patient, every day,” said Laura Canfield, Chief Nursing Officer at Cottage Health. “Their commitment to patients and to one another is reflected in the high-quality emergency care they provide every day.”

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Business, Local, News

Humane Society of Ventura County welcomes Jessica Pfahler as new director of development

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Pfahler brings more than 10 years of experience in development and fundraising to HSVC. Most recently, she served as director of alumni relations and annual giving at the University of Redlands, where she led a collaborative strategy uniting alumni relations and annual giving efforts, and provided strategic direction to the university’s alumni board. Prior to that role, she served as the university’s director of annual giving, overseeing a team focused on achieving fundraising and alumni participation goals

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Finance, Local, News

Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present 2027 Gala on Feb. 20. Sponsorships are available but going fast

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WHAT: The third annual Santa Barbara Museum of Art Gala, formerly known as the Gilded Gala, is an evening of timeless elegance in celebration of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s commitment to art, education, and community. This signature fundraising event brings the community together to support the Museum’s mission of integrating art into our lives.

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