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

SBCC’s Dual Enrollment Summer Bridge Program introduces more than 100 rising ninth graders to college

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SANTA BARBARA — This summer, Santa Barbara City College’s (SBCC) Dual Enrollment Summer Bridge Program welcomed more than 100 rising ninth-grade students from the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) and Carpinteria Unified School District (CUSD) for an immersive week-long college experience designed to inspire confidence, build a sense of belonging, and encourage students to pursue higher education.

Presented through SBCC’s Dual Enrollment Program, in partnership with SBUSD PEAC Program (see below) and supported by the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College, the Dual Enrollment Summer Bridge provides first-generation and historically underrepresented students with an early introduction to college life before they begin high school. Throughout the week of June 22-26, students earned one unit of transferable college credit while developing the academic, personal, and social skills needed for future success inside and outside of the classroom.

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Commentary, Cultural, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News

Bilingual commentary — A New Economic Weapon: Taxing Natural Disasters

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Finally, Mother Nature will be held accountable for not respecting international borders. The White House, never one to accept “unfair treatment,” has decided to launch a courageous new economic weapon against our former friend, Canada. Since “meteorological” is a big word, Trump is calling this weapon “weather tariffs.”

A recent series of blistering Truth Social posts excoriated Canada for “actively wafting” filthy, polluted, unhealthy air from their wildfires across the border into the U.S. Never mind that the Canadians “wafted” their soldiers into Afghanistan to help us with the war on terror in 2001. Never mind that when we have wildfires, Canada sends help.

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Business, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

SEEAG to create Farm Lab Hub at La Colina Junior High School in partnership with Santa Barbara Unified School District

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SANTA BARBARA — Students for Eco-Education andAgriculture (SEEAG) and the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) entered into an agreement in which SEEAG will educate elementary and junior high school students about the origins of food, sustainable farming practices, and potential careers in agriculture at La Colina Junior High School in Santa Barbara.

The programs will begin at the start of the 2026-27 school year.

La Colina will host a regional SEEAG Farm Lab Hub, bringing togetherstudents of multiple age groups for hands-on agricultural and environmental education. Third graders from nearby schools in the district will explorewater, plant, and soil science through SEEAG’s Farm Lab field trips in theexisting garden space, while seventh- and eighth-grade students will engage in advanced STEM investigations within two new learningenvironments: an Agricultural Innovation & STEM Discovery Lab and aCalifornia Climate Resilience & Conservation Learning Lab.

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Business, Family, Home, Local, News

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County receives more than $1 million to expand affordable housing

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VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced (on June 20) it has received a $1 million Equity Equivalent Investment from City National Bank. The organization also received $50,000 from U.S. Bank, with an additional $50,000 awarded to its sister organization, Housing Land Trust Ventura County (Housing Land Trust VC), a combined $100,000 investment in affordable housing across Ventura County made through U.S. Bank’s Community Possible Home program. These investments arrive as the cost of building and preserving affordable housing in the region continues to climb and will strengthen both organizations’ work to bring that cost down.

“U.S. Bank’s investment strengthens both sides of our work: the loans that help get affordable homes built and the land that keeps them affordable for generations,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund Ventura County and Housing Land Trust Ventura County. “The challenges facing working families in Ventura County are real, but so is the impact we can make when partners like U.S. Bank and City National Bank invest in this community.”

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Local, News, Women

Valerie Rachelle named new artistic director, dean of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA)

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SANTA MARIA — Valerie Rachelle has been announced as the new Artistic Director and Dean of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA). We’re pleased to welcome back a familiar face to the nationally recognized conservatory after her years of leading professional theatre organizations across the country.

Rachelle’s appointment, which was approved by the AHC Board of Trustees at its July 21 meeting, marks a homecoming for the accomplished theatre professional, who previously served PCPA as an actor, casting director, resident director and choreographer, and movement instructor in the conservatory’s professional actor training program.

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

Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) renews support for llan Hancock College’s Fire Academy

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SANTA MARIA — For a second consecutive year, Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy will receive $50,000 through the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) to provide protective equipment and scholarships, helping reduce financial barriers for students pursuing careers in firefighting. 

“Programs like the Metallica Scholars Initiative continue to create meaningful opportunities for our students while helping address California’s workforce needs,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “This continued investment helps ensure more students can complete their training and begin careers serving their communities.” 

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

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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Looking for your next career opportunity? Join us for the 2026 County of Ventura Career & Resource Expo + Candidate Connect on Wednesday, August 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Government Center Courtyard between the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Justice.

This free event is open to everyone and offers the chance to explore careers in technology, public safety, healthcare, engineering, environmental services and many other fields.

Meet representatives from County departments and agencies, learn about current job opportunities and, new this year, visit the Candidate Connect booth to speak directly with County recruiters and get your questions answered.

Whether you’re considering a career change, entering the workforce or looking for your next opportunity in public service, this event is a great place to start.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Health, Home, Local, News, Women, Youth

Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) — Power of Purpose — July 2026 Newsletter

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I am reminded every day just how much we are all part of the fabric of our Ventura County community, and how much good happens when we support one another and do it together.

In May, I attended the League of California Community Foundations’ Spring Convening along with VCCF President & CEO Vanessa Bechtel. There, we met with legislators on topics like access to highest-quality early childhood education through the Isabella Project, disaster resilience and support for our neighbors through the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund and more. I also got to exchange ideas with other community foundation board chairs, learn from their experiences and see what is applicable here in Ventura County.

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

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria welcomes new board members

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Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is thrilled to welcome Das Williams, Ashley Smith Fraser, and Danielle Bordenave to its Board of Directors, effective July 2026. …

“We are so pleased to welcome Das, Ashley, and Danielle to our board,” said Executive Director Jamie Collins. “Each brings with them a unique perspective that deepens our leadership’s understanding of how to best serve youth in our community and strengthen our mission of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.”

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Business, Government, Local, News

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District fills board vacancy

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — At its July 15 meeting, the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD) board of directors appointed Marc Rashba to fill a board vacancy which resulted from Director Ray Tjulander’s resignation. Rashba will serve through December 4. A new board member will be elected via the November 3 general election.

Rashba, a 34-year Oak Park resident who has volunteered in the community, was one of seven applicants for the board position. Interviews were conducted during the July 15 special board meeting. Rashba was interviewed and, following his selection, sworn in.

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Business, Family, Finance, Government, Local, News

Guest contribution — Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) — Higher Grocery Bills Starting August 3rd

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When state lawmakers pass complex environmental mandates in Sacramento, they rarely frame them as tax hikes. Instead, they use promises of “producer responsibility” and “sustainability.” But when the bill comes due, it is always California taxpayers and everyday consumers who end up footing the tab.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Family, Government, Local, News, Seniors, Women

Explore Lompoc — Meet The Makers: 6 Artists & Creatives Shaping Lompoc

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LOMPOC — Lompoc doesn’t just display art. It lives it.

Around every corner of Old Town, color spills across walls, galleries welcome local talent, and hands-on experiences invite visitors to create something of their own.

It’s a city where creativity is part of everyday life, and the best way to experience it is to see it in person.

Spend a day exploring, and you’ll quickly discover the artists who shape its identity.

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Family, Health, Local, News

Guest contribution — A local family finds solace and support through Hospice of Santa Barbara’s Children and Family Services

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SANTA BARBARA — Owen Bailey met Laurie in December 1989 when she was 22 years old and was beginning the MFA theater program at the University of Connecticut. Owen was a senior.  Together, they left after a year to work at a small regional theater near Portsmouth, New Hampshire, producing a play each month. It was a bohemian, romantic life filled with creativity, ambition, friendship, and just enough macaroni and cheese to sustain two young actors chasing their dreams.

Their shared passion for storytelling eventually took them to New York City, London, and finally Los Angeles, where Owen discovered his true calling as an environmental advocate. Laurie moved behind the camera and built a career in photography. Together they raised two children, Ben and Nicola, while balancing careers, family life, and a shared desire to make a positive impact on the world.

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

Ventura County Probation Agency celebrates Probation Services Week 2026

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VENTURA COUNTY — In recognition of Probation Services Week, observed July 19–25, 2026, the Ventura County Probation Agency is honoring the officers and staff who work every day to strengthen public safety, support victims, promote accountability, and help rehabilitate individuals in the justice system.

Every day across California, probation professionals work behind the scenes supervising justice-involved individuals, responding to crises, supporting victims and families, and connecting people to the services and resources they need to successfully rebuild their lives. As California’s justice system continues to evolve, probation departments play an increasingly important role in balancing accountability, rehabilitation, and long-term community safety.

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

Bilingual report — Third Local Bird Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County

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VENTURA —The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that a bird collected on July 2nd, 2026, from the city of Thousand Oaks, tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected.Ventura County Public Health confirms that no human cases have been identified to date in 2026.

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Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Signups for YMCA After-School Child Care Programs underway for 2026-27 School Year

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — YMCA branches serving the Conejo Valley, Simi Valley, and Moorpark areas are registering students in TK through fifth grade for after-school child care programs for the coming 2026-27 school year.

Child care is available on school days, pupil-free days and minimum days. YMCA School’s Out Camp programs are held during Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks. Each program provides a structured environment that includes homework time, STEAM activities, arts and crafts, sports and nutritious snacks. All child care staff are state-licensed and certified in CPR and first aid.

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

Escape The Heat & Experience — A Coastal Getaway To Lompoc

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LOMPOC — It’s peak summer in California, and the heat is not being subtle about it.

Visitors experience heat waves, hot pavement, crowded coastlines, and a constant search for indoor, air-conditioned activities.

Then there’s Lompoc.

Just a few miles from the Pacific, the temperature takes a deep breath. Ocean breezes drift in, mornings often start with a light coastal mist, and summer  days settle into something far more comfortable than you’d expect from peak season in California.

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

Ventura Music Festival Opening Night Gala announces upcoming events

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Monday, July 20, 2026
Palomino | 6:00 PM
Attire: Semi-Formal
?(Feel free to dress the part!)
Join us for an evening at the speakeasy as we enjoy absinthe-inspired libations, exceptional bites, and 1930s French swing jazz by the renowned San Lyon ensemble. Proceeds to benefit VMF’s music education and community programs.

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

Ventura County Assessor sends 2026 Annual Value Notices to property owners

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Assessor’s Office has begun mailing approximately 250,000 Annual Value Notices to property owners. These notices inform recipients of their property’s assessed value as of the lien date, January 1, 2026.

Of the total notices being sent, approximately 206,000 property owners will receive postcards that reflect the standard 2% increase in assessed value in accordance with Proposition 13. In addition, more than 6,500 owners will receive letter notices informing them that their property’s market value is lower than its Proposition 13 factored base year value, indicating a temporary reduction in assessed value.

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Commentary, Cultural, Local, Opinion, Technology

Bilingual commentary — Can AI Help Our Children Discover a Career Path?

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Over the past few years, I’ve been watching my two older grandsons agonize over their career decisions. One of them has not quite settled on a choice. I see him pursuing one objective, and then another, only to change yet again.

The other grandson is just starting to focus on his path, realizing that the clock is starting to tick and that he’ll soon be making choices that will determine his initial foray into adult life.

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

Bilingual report — Extreme heat warning within Ventura County

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VENTURA COUNTY — The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a widespread extreme heat warning for … through Thursday, July 16, 2026. Temperatures in the interior valleys and mountain areas are expected to exceed the 100-degree mark for a prolonged period, with relatively poor overnight recovery in the mountains and foothills. A heat advisory has been issued for the coastal plains, where temperatures are expected to reach between 90 and 100 degrees.

High temperatures may create a dangerous situation in which heat-related illness is possible. Residents are encouraged to: drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, check on relatives and neighbors, take extra precautions if working or spending time outside, and wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

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

Ventura County Fire Department awarded Fire Risk Reduction Community recognition

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THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) has been awarded a renewed Fire Risk Reduction Community recognition from the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.

This designation recognizes best practices in fire risk planning and mitigation, and VCFD was one of more than 50 agencies, counties, and cities across California to receive this status. VCFD was previously recognized as a Fire Risk Reduction Community in 2024, and the designation will last another 2 years.

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Business, Commentary, Education, Family, Government, Home, Local, News

My Way Home — Join us in Simi Valley this Saturday!

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With rising home prices and changing interest rates, buying a home can feel challenging, but there are programs and strategies that may help.

Join My Way Home this Saturday for our free HUD-approved Homebuyer Workshop in Simi Valley to learn about the homebuying process, financing options, and resources that can help you prepare for homeownership.

During the workshop, you’ll learn about:

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Business, Education, Family, Local, News, Public Safety

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) — New webpage adds meaning to black carbon data

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VENTURA — A new interactive webpage gives residents an easy-to-understand view of real-time and historical black carbon levels in the air in Oxnard and Port Hueneme along with information that helps explain the source of the soot.

Black carbon is formed from the incomplete burning of organic materials such as oil, diesel, coal and biomass, such as plant material. It is a component of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, which can enter the lungs and bloodstream and lead to respiratory issues, heart attacks, strokes and other serious health problems.

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