Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — CAUSE Stands with Survivors in the Farmworker Movement. Please see related stories

We are heartbroken feeling the profound grief in our communities from the emerging allegations of sexual abuse by Cesar Chavez.  We stand with all of the survivors, from Dolores Huerta herself to those whose names we may never know.  Far too many women are harmed by powerful men while giving their blood, sweat, and tears to social movements, and choose silence in order to protect the work they have dedicated their lives to. These revelations are even more hurtful as they run contrary to the very spirit of worker organizations which exist to harness the collective power of workers against those who use their power to cause harm. We must all recommit ourselves to the work of making our movements safe places to call home and condemn leaders abusing their power in all forms.

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Statement on Cesar Chavez

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) unequivocally condemns any form of sexual violence against women and minors and strongly denounces the actions alleged involving the late Cesar Chavez. No individual, regardless of stature or legacy, is above accountability when it comes to protecting and upholding the dignity of others. LULAC stands with all victims of sexual abuse and affirms that no one has the right to exploit or harm children or women under any circumstances. We extend our deepest concern and solidarity to those who have suffered.

Women’s Economic Ventures celebrates International Women’s Day with community eaders, Entrepreneur Story, and Trailblazer Award

VENTURA & SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES — In celebration of International Women’s Day, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) brought together community leaders, entrepreneurs, donors, and partners for a special event honoring women’s leadership and the power of investing in women’s economic opportunity.

Held on March 5 at Spanish Hills Club in Camarillo, the gathering highlighted WEV’s mission to support women facing barriers to financial self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship and financial education. The program also recognized the organization’s 35th anniversary and the ongoing impact of investing in women and women-led businesses.

Senate Leader Monique Limón recognizes Elena Brokaw as 2026 Woman of the Year

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Board Chair Elena Brokaw has been recognized by Senate Leader Monique Limón as one of Ventura County’s 2026 Women of the Year. The recognition honors Brokaw’s leadership and her contributions to strengthening cultural engagement, community connection, and regional collaboration across Ventura County.

Brokaw serves as the Barbara Barnard Smith Chief Executive Officer of the Museum of Ventura County, where she has helped expand access to arts, history, and educational programming while building partnerships with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses. Her leadership has supported increased community participation in cultural initiatives and enhanced opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with Ventura County’s heritage.

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

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.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson named 42nd District’s 2026 Woman of the Year

VENTURA — Ventura County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson has been honored as the 2026 Woman of the Year by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. She was recognized by the 42nd District Assemblymember for being part of “Women Making History”.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Heat advisory for Ventura County through Friday

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, Public Health Office, and the National Weather Service are monitoring a prolonged heat event through Friday, March 20.

?? Temperatures are expected to be up to 25° above normal, with inland areas reaching the 90s and even 100s.

Ventura County Coalition announce ‘No Kings Protest’ on March 28, part of nationwide day of action

VENTURA — On March 28, thousands of Ventura County neighbors will come together along with millions of Americans across the country in a nationwide day of nonviolent protest at the third No Kings National Day of Action. There are more than 3,000 events nationwide. 

Once again, the local coalition of pro-democracy organizers from Indivisible Ventura, Justice For All Ventura County, and 50501 VC are hosting the No Kings Ventura County event March 28, from 10 AM to Noon, at the Ventura County Government Center, on the corner of S. Victoria Ave. and Telegraph Rd. in Ventura.

SBCC Psychology chair and research team’s study on movement disorders published in the International Journal of Public Health

SANTA BARBARA —A study by an international team of researchers led by Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Psychology Department Chair Leida Tolentino was recently published in the International Journal of Public Health (IJPH) titled “Movement Disorders in Cabo Verde: Epidemiology, Access Barriers, and Public Health Implications in an Aging Island Population.” The country-level study is the first to estimate the prevalence and incidence of movement disorders—primarily Parkinson’s disease—in the island country of Cabo Verde, to identify at-risk groups, and to document significant barriers to diagnosis and care. Read about the published study.

The findings reveal growing demographic vulnerability, especially among men and those aged 60 and older, and suggest that national public health strategies should prioritize integrating neurological disorders into broader Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) and aging policies. The widely-observed access barriers and inequities in care delivery further signal an urgent need for decentralized services and public health system strengthening. The results of this study may inform public health policy in other low- and middle-income countries facing similar challenges.

Cottage Health welcomes Neuro-Oncologist Dr. Douglas E. Ney

SANTA BARBARA — Dr. Douglas E. Ney, a board-certified neurologist and neuro-oncologist, has joined the Cottage Neurosciences Clinic, expanding access to specialized neuro-oncology care for patients across the Central Coast.

Dr. Ney specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors and neurologic complications of cancer and works closely with multidisciplinary teams to support coordinated care. He will practice alongside Dr. Richard Chung, Dr. Nicole Moayeri, Dr. Brian Walcott, and physician assistant David Barsky.

Habitat Ventura’s Women Build 2026 mobilizes community to provide necessary repairs for senior residents

NEWBURY PARK — Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County (Habitat Ventura) brought together more than 70 volunteers this International Women’s Day weekend for its annual Women Build event presented by Bank of America. On Saturday, March 7, volunteers gathered at a senior mobile home park in Newbury Park to complete critical repairs on six mobile homes for the senior community. Throughout the day, volunteers worked side-by-side completing interior and exterior repairs, painting, replacing stairs, and addressing any additional needs that required support.

9/11 Survivor and wellness visionary Ana Maria Lugo to co-host ‘Rooted: A Wellness Summit” in Oxnard

OXNARD — On Sunday, May 3, 2026, OPAC (the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit) in partnership with Raising Mami Alchemy, Inc., will host Rooted: A Wellness Summit, a first-of-its-kind immersive gathering designed to bridge indigenous culture, mental health, and somatic healing. The summit is co-led by Ana Maria Lugo, a wellness educator and holistic practitioner whose personal journey from 9/11 survivor to community healer has transformed wellness access for thousands in Ventura County.

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara celebrates 23 Family Self-Sufficiency graduates

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) recently celebrated 23 graduates who completed the organization’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. These 23 graduates have a combined escrow of $578,608.93 and an average income increase of $43,007. Of this group, seven are no longer receiving housing assistance.

Knight Real Estate Group names Mike Day director of operations

SANTA BARBARA — Knight Real Estate Group, one of Santa Barbara’s top producing real estate teams and an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, has announced that longtime real estate professional Mike Day has joined the firm as Director of Operations.

Day brings nearly three decades of real estate industry experience to the role, along with a strong background in technology and operational leadership. In his position with Knight Real Estate Group, he will oversee team operations, marketing systems, and business infrastructure while also working directly with buyers and sellers throughout Santa Barbara County.

Bilingual report — Ventura’s Summer Activity Guide has arrived!

VENTURA — The Parks & Recreation Summer Activity Guide is available online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide. Registration begins Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. and will be available online, over the phone, or in person at City Hall, Room 226, 501 Poli Street. Registration information and policies are on page 7.

Guest contribution — Gayle Nagy brings decades of experience to Gem Mortgage

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Gayle Nagy, an expert mortgage lender with deep ties to the Central Coast, has joined Gem Mortgage, a division of Golden Empire Mortgage, Inc.

Nagy, who has been working in real estate since 1980, works with her clients to find the right financing solutions for them. While that includes conventional, FHA and VA loans, Nagy can also broker “niche” loan products for clients with more specialized mortgage needs.

Museum of Ventura County — Celebrating 2026 Women of the Year in Ventura County

The Museum of Ventura County’s Board of Directors and staff are proud to celebrate two remarkable women whose leadership and dedication strengthen our organization and community. Dr. Sevet Johnson, MVC Board Member, and Elena Brokaw, MVC’s Barbara Barnard Smith CEO, have each been recognized as 2026 Women of the Year.

Down the Rabbit Hole Craft Beer & Music Charity Festival on June 20 seeks sponsors and artisan vendors

THOUSAND OAKS — The Down the Rabbit Hole Craft Beer & Music Charity Festival, set for Saturday, June 20 in Thousand Oaks, is seeking sponsors and artisan vendors. Now in its 5th year, the festival is tripling in size to include the entire south parking lot of The Oaks Mall (156 W. Hillcrest Dr.) across from Pedals & Pints Brewing Company.

Proceeds from the festival go to the Ventura County Fire Department’s Widows, Orphans and Assistance Fund and Westlake Village Rotary Club nonprofits.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

“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. 

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

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.

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

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.