Business, Cultural, Government, Health, Local, News

Congressman Salud Carbajal honored by Central Coast healthcare leaders

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SANTA BARBARA — Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) was honored on June 1 by the CenCal Health Board of Directors with an official resolution recognizing his leadership and advocacy on behalf of Medi-Cal beneficiaries, providers, and communities across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

The resolution was presented by Santa Barbara County Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, alongside Marina Owen, Chief Executive Officer of CenCal Health, and CenCal Health Board Chair Sue Andersen, President & CEO of Dignity Health on the Central Coast.

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

Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: ‘Cornelis Botke: Painter of the Western Scene’

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On view now through July 12, 2026

Santa Paula artist Cornelis Botke (1887-1954) is best known as a master etcher and as a supporting figure in the career of his wife, artist Jessie Arms Botke (1883-1971). His etchings earned international acclaim and entered the collections of the California State Library, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Institution. Yet from childhood, Cornelis’ true ambition was to be a painter.

Botke was born in Leeuwarden, Holland, in 1887. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised and educated in a Mennonite orphanage in Haarlem. Although he longed to pursue painting, his guardians worried about his livelihood and enrolled him instead at the Haarlem School of Applied Art, where students trained for professional trades such as architectural drawing, engraving, and metalwork.

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

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves balanced budget for fiscal year 2026-2027

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“The adoption of this budget reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while continuing to invest in the services Ventura County residents rely on every day,” stated Chair of the Board Jeff Gorell. “This balanced budget maintains our strong fiscal foundation, supports public safety, infrastructure, health and human services, and positions our county to meet both current needs and future challenges. At a time when changes in state and federal funding are creating new challenges for counties across California, Ventura County remains focused on fiscal discipline, strategic planning, and delivering high-quality services to our residents.”

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

Bilingual report — Community invited to the 35th annual Juneteenth Freedom Day celebration on June 20

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“For 35 years, the Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration has brought together our Ventura County community to honor history, celebrate culture, and embrace the values of freedom and unity,” said Bruce Stewart, President of the Ventura County Juneteenth Celebration. “We are proud to continue this tradition and remain committed to ensuring that future generations understand the importance of Juneteenth and the contributions of African Americans to our nation and our community.”

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Entertainment, Events, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Sports, Women, Youth

Bike the Coast Ventura welcomes nearly 600 riders at inaugural event on June 13

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VENTURA — The inaugural Bike the Coast Ventura hosted nearly 600 riders on June 13, welcoming participants of all ages and experience levels to ride through the scenic City of Ventura. The event partnered with local businesses and organizations to ensure that the Ventura community charm was truly highlighted throughout the event. The field of riders included Ventura locals, loyal participants of Bike the Coast San Diego, the event’s sister ride that takes place in the fall, and cyclists who traveled from Northern California, Las Vegas, and Arizona. 

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

Just In Time For Summer 2026, Island Packers announces new Whale Watching schedule and non-landing specialty excursions

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VENTURA — With Summer fast approaching, Island Packers, the official concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, is expanding its non-landing schedule to include Summer Island and Summer Whale Watching excursions from Ventura Harbor from May – September 2026. Visitors of all ages can view some truly magnificent mammals and also have the option to board a vessel to experience specialty trips to destinations on The Nature Conservancy property, in addition to the company’s full schedule of transportation to destinations in the Channel Island National Park. www.islandpackers.com and Ventura Harbor Village

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

SCRV Pride Week Celebrates Inclusion, Community Leadership, and LGBTQ+ Pride in the Santa Clara River Valley

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SANTA CLARA RIVER VALLEY — The Santa Clara River Valley (SCRV) Pride Committee is proud to announce SCRV Pride Week 2026, a weeklong celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, visibility, inclusion, and community. The week will bring together residents, families, allies, businesses, public agencies, and community-based organizations from throughout the region for a series of events that celebrate diversity, honor local leaders, and strengthen community connections.

SCRV Pride Week reflects the Santa Clara River Valley’s commitment to creating a community where all people are welcomed, respected, and empowered to thrive. This year’s celebration will feature the SCRV Pride Mixer, a City of Santa Paula Pride Proclamation, and the annual SCRV Pride Brunch, highlighting the power of community, advocacy, and belonging.

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

Bilingual report — Community leaders named as 2026 Hancock Honors Recipients

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SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation announced the recipients of the 2026 Hancock Honors, presented by CoastHills Credit Union. The annual celebration, set for Sept. 12, recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership, philanthropy and service have made a lasting impact on the college and the communities it serves.?

This year’s honorees are educator and Allan Hancock College?alumna?Dr. Nicolasa “Niki” Sandoval, pioneering Santa Barbara County winemaker and philanthropist Fred Brander and the Melsheimer Family, longtime supporters of education and workforce development on the Central Coast.

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Business, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Public Safety, Seniors, Women, Youth

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Grant Awarded for Leisure Village Wildfire Resilience and Floodplain Restoration Initiative

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I am pleased to share that the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy has approved a quarter of a million dollar grant for the Leisure Village Wildfire Resilience and Floodplain Restoration Initiative. This funding will help remove highly flammable invasive Arundo vegetation adjacent to Leisure Village, reducing wildfire risk while improving floodplain function and environmental health.

As a member of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Board, I appreciate the Conservancy’s continued investment in projects that enhance public safety, strengthen community resilience, and protect our natural resources throughout Ventura County.

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Business, 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

June 18 @ 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, Family, Health, Local, News, Women

Advancing Women’s Health: Cottage Health names Dr. Helen Matthews Medical Director of Cottage Ob/Gyn Clinic

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SANTA BARBARA  — Cottage Health has named Helen Matthews, MD, Medical Director of Cottage Ob/Gyn Clinic, where she will help shape the next chapter of women’s healthcare on the Central Coast as part of the growing Cottage Center for Women’s Health.

Ob/Gyn care supports patients in preventive care, reproductive health, pregnancy, menopause and gynecologic conditions. As Medical Director, Dr. Matthews is focused on strengthening access to comprehensive Ob/Gyn care and supporting the overall healthcare experience for women, with care coordinated across specialties. Her leadership will help advance the patient-centered approach of Cottage Center for Women’s Health, connecting women with the individualized services, expertise and support they need.

“Women deserve care that meets them where they are.” said Dr. M

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

Meadowlark Service League distributes $265,000 to local charities

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CAMARILLO — Representatives from over 40 charities across Ventura County gathered to celebrate community along with the hard-working ladies of the Meadowlark Service League for a special “Breakfast of Champions” on Thursday, June 4th at the Las Posas Country Club. 

The charities that are supported by the Meadowlark Service League impact the elderly, youth/children, the arts, the homeless, the disabled, veterans, hospice, health, feeding the needy, community services, and education. In addition, $10,000 in scholarships were given to new and continuing college students. 

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

Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) Power of Purpose June 2026 newsletter

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Last month, I wrote about my experience at the Council of Foundations conference and the idea of connection being its own philanthropic cause, worthy of support, and how the work in front of us is not simply to gather with those who already affirm us. The deeper work is to break bread across difference and discover that we still belong to one another.

My email inbox was flooded with replies and messages expressing a shared concern for how polarizing and divided these times are. Your replies have stayed with me, and they fill me with hope. I really want to thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me, and please know how grateful I am for each and every one of you.

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

Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan Public Review Draft available. Comments due by June 22

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Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study & Action Plan, Public Review Draft, is now available. Provide comments by June 22, 2026

El Estudio y Plan de Acción sobre Vivienda para Trabajadores Agrícolas del Condado de Ventura, Revisión Pública Borrador, está disponible. Proporcionar comentarios antes del 22 de junio de 2026.

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Business, Health, Local, News, Women

Ventura County Medical Center dedicates new Breast Health Center expanding access to life-saving care

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VENTURA — Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) hosted a special dedication ceremony celebrating the opening of its new Breast Health Center on Friday, May 29, 2026.

This milestone marked a major advancement in expanding access to high-quality breast imaging and diagnostic services for Ventura County residents. The project was made possible through a $2,034,969 RISE grant awarded by Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP), supporting transformative improvements at the region’s critical safety-net hospital.

“Grant opportunities like this from Gold Coast Health Plan are especially important because they allow for a targeted collaboration where our vision to provide enhanced breast health services can be realized for a community that deserves access to high quality health care,” said Matt McGill, VCMC Director of Imaging Services.

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Business, Education, Local, News, Women

Women’s Economic Ventures Releases 2025 Impact Report, Celebrates 35 Years of Empowering Women

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CENTRAL COAST — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has released its 2025 Impact Report, celebrating 35 years of helping women build financial independence, launch businesses, strengthen families, and contribute to thriving local economies across the region.

The report highlights a year of growth and innovation as more women turned to WEV’s programs and services to pursue economic opportunity and financial stability. Through business advising, training, and financial empowerment programs, WEV continues to support women at every stage of their economic journey.

Among the programs featured in the report is WEV’s Business of Care program, which helps women establish and grow successful home-based childcare businesses while addressing the region’s ongoing childcare shortage. The report also highlights the launch of WEV’s Credit Builder pilot, designed to help participants strengthen their credit, improve financial health, and expand access to future opportunities.

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

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Inspiring Stories from the Ventura County Class of 2026

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At the end of each school year, the Ventura County Office of Education takes the opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the remarkable students graduating from local high schools. Every year, we’re amazed by the stories we receive of students who have overcome great odds and achieved incredible things on the road to their high school diploma.

This year is no different, and we’re excited to profile just a few students who demonstrate the resilience, dedication and drive of the Ventura County Class of 2026. Among our featured graduates are a young man who journeyed alone from Mexico in search of a better life and a young woman whose family fled Ukraine to find safety and opportunity in Ventura County.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Immigration, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Opinion, Public Safety, Seniors, Women, Youth

805 UndocuFund — One Year Later: Remembering the June 10 Raids and the Road to Glass House Farms

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Dear Friends & Supporters,

June marks one year since Border Patrol carried out a series of immigration enforcement operations across Ventura County, reaching the Central Coast for the first time since the early 1990s.

Between June 10 and June 14, 2025, at least 95 community members were taken from their workplaces, homes, and families. Fear spread quickly throughout the region as workers stayed home, parents worried about their children, and entire communities braced for what might come next.

What many did not know at the time was that these raids were a warning of something far more devastating.

Together, we remember…

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

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency welcomes new assistant director

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Tyburski is an accomplished public works executive, infrastructure leader, and licensed California civil engineer with nearly 30 years of experience managing complex public infrastructure programs, multimillion-dollar capital improvement projects, and large-scale governmental operations. His career spans both the public and private sectors, giving him a well-rounded perspective on infrastructure delivery, operational strategy, and organizational leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from California State University, Fresno and a Master of Public Administration from Arkansas State University. 

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

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — 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, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Family, Finance, Health, Local, News, Women, Youth

Lumina Alliance’s Light the Way Campaign in San Luis Obispo reaches $1.9 million milestone to sustain critical survivor services

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Launched in response to growing uncertainty surrounding federal and state funding, the campaign was designed to help sustain life-changing programs that provide safety, healing, and prevention throughout San Luis Obispo County. With nearly 50% of Lumina Alliance’s budget historically supported by government funding, the campaign focuses on building long-term community investment to ensure survivors continue to have access to 24/7 crisis support, emergency shelter, transitional housing, therapy, advocacy, and prevention education.

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Cultural, Government, Local, News, Youth

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard celebrates groundbreaking of Endless Waves Skatepark, future home to an Olympic-quality skatepark

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OXNARD — The City of Oxnard celebrated the groundbreaking of the Endless Waves Skatepark at Del Sol Park, marking a major milestone in the City Council’s continued investment in recreational opportunities and infrastructure improvements for the community. Once completed, the nearly 40,000 square-foot, Olympic-quality skatepark will be the largest skatepark in Ventura County.

“We are thrilled to break ground on the incredible new skatepark—a bold project that showcases our commitment to creating vibrant spaces where our youth, families, and entire community can come together to enjoy social and health benefits,” said Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur. “The Endless Waves Skatepark will become a premier amenity for our community members throughout Ventura County and a proud symbol for the neighborhoods of La Colonia, Rose Park, and the City of Oxnard for generations to come.”

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Business, Commentary, Government, Local, News, Opinion

Guest contribution — Ventura County Taxpayers Association — Performance theater over statutory power

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The Ventura County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, unfolded in a highly charged atmosphere. Faced with a packed room of over 100 disgruntled citizens and a profound break in institutional trust by Superintendent Dr. César Morales, the Board of Trustees responded to a political crisis with a unanimous 5-0 vote to launch an ad hoc committee. Chaired by Trustees Michael Teasdale and Richard Lucas III, this committee is tasked with hiring experts to conduct an independent investigation and full forensic audit into the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE).

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

Bilingual report — Couple celebrates 20 years of learning together through Allan Hancock College’s Community Education Art Classes

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SANTA MARIA — For the past 20 years, Nick and Deborah Carpenter have shared a tradition that has become an important part of their lives: taking Community Education art classes together at Allan Hancock College.

Over two decades, the couple has explored a variety of creative pursuits through the college’s tuition-free art offerings, developing new skills while building lasting memories. Among their most meaningful projects were creating the rings they later exchanged on their wedding day.

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Business, Education, Events, Family, Finance, Local, News, Youth

Southeast Ventura County YMCA seeks school supply donations for its drive on July 10

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is holding a school supply donation drive through July 10.

The goal is to fill 230 backpacks with donated items for young scholars participating in the Y’s “Find My Genius” summer learning program. The program serves low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level in the Conejo Valley and Simi Valley school districts.

Needed are newly purchased pencils, pencil boxes, 24-pack crayons, wide-ruled composition notebooks, spiral notebooks, colored pencils, erasers, pocket folders, glue sticks and hand sanitizers.

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Business, Education, Government, Local, News

Moorpark College Vice President John Forbes named Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow

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MOORPARK — John Forbes, vice president of academic affairs at Moorpark College, has been named one of 40 fellows in the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, selected from a competitive pool of more than 125 candidates for the 2026-27 cohort.

The Aspen Institute’s research has shown that exceptional presidential leadership directly contributes to student success, prompting Aspen to offer the fellowship for senior community college leaders on track for the presidency. The year-long program includes training, mentoring, coaching and workshops to prepare participants for the role.

“Excellent colleges share a common trait: they are led by presidents who focus on a few transformative initiatives that extend beyond enrollment and even completion numbers…” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “I cannot wait to begin working with this impressive set of leaders.”

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Business, Family, Finance, Home, Local, News

McCarthy Companies in Ventura delivering 60 affordable homes to Burbank

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VENTURA — McCarthy Companies has been selected to provide Preconstruction and General Contracting services for The Village at Fairview, a 100% affordable multifamily development in Burbank. Developed in partnership with Burbank Housing Corporation (BHC) and Homes and Hope, The Village at Fairview will deliver 60 affordable homes at 2321-2335 North Fairview Street, with all units reserved for income-qualified families.

Design development commenced in April of 2026 and construction groundbreaking is anticipated for Q1 of 2027.

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

Community Rallies around survivors at Voices of Hope Gala, Fueling Expansion of Ventura County Family Justice Centers

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VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation (Foundation) raised over $234,000 at its annual Voices of Hope Gala on Wednesday, May 27, at Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark. The evening drew 240 community leaders, elected officials, and supporters who gathered to raise critical funds for the Foundation’s free programs serving individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking, and other violent crimes.

Proceeds from the gala will support Camp HOPE, Voices of Ventura County, and the Pathways to Hope program, as well as the Foundation’s continued expansion. Two new Family Justice Centers are on track to open in 2027: the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center in Oxnard and the East County Family Justice Center, both of which will extend critical, trauma-informed services to communities across the county.

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