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

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Five Things Ventura County Residents Should Know

by  • 

VENTURA COUNTY — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase awareness about abuse, recognize the barriers survivors often face and remind our community that help is available. The Coalition for Family Harmony operates the only rape crisis center in Ventura County and provides services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout the county.

The Coalition’s services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, housing assistance and prevention services. In addition to operating the county’s only rape crisis center, the Coalition currently operates three domestic violence emergency shelters, including specialized shelter services designed to address the needs of Indigenous-language-speaking survivors and a newer emergency shelter located at the Ventura County Family Justice Center.

Read more →

Local

Humane Society of Ventura County welcomes Dr. Kusay to its veterinary team

by  • 

OJAI — The Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) is thrilled to welcome Dr. Kusay to its veterinary team. A shelter medicine and high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter veterinarian with more than five years of clinical experience and 15 plus years in animal rescue, Dr. Kusay brings both deep expertise and a lifelong dedication to animal welfare to HSVC.

“I became a veterinarian because I lost my first dog to a cancer that could have been caught and treated earlier,” Dr. Kusay said. “That experience is why I’ve dedicated my career to shelter medicine, and I’m excited to continue that work at HSVC — helping give animals and their families the care and the second chances they deserve.”

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

SBCC named among Top 25 Gilman Scholarship Community Colleges in the U.S.

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — The U.S. Department of State recently announced that Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) ranked among the top 25 U.S. community colleges producing Gilman Scholars for the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. This year the Gilman Scholarship Program is celebrating its 25th anniversary of supporting American students to study abroad by providing scholarships up to $5,000 to students with high financial need to study or intern abroad. 

Current students, including those from SBCC, have until Thursday, October 1, to apply for the current scholarship program, which would support Study Abroad programs in Spring, Summer and Fall of 2027. Students may learn more about the scholarship, Study Abroad in general, and upcoming trips, here: https://www.sbcc.edu/studyabroad/programs/.

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI invites community to celebrate Homecoming 2026 (Oct. 5-10)

by  • 

“Homecoming is a celebration of the people and partnerships that make Cal State Channel Islands such a welcoming and vibrant community,” said CSUCI Interim President Susan Andrzejewski. “We look forward to bringing alumni, students, families, friends and neighbors together to share in our Dolphin pride and strengthen the connections that extend well beyond our campus.”

Read more →

Business, Education, Events, Family, Health, Local, News

Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital celebrates National Rehabilitation Awareness Week

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital (CRH) celebrated National Rehabilitation Awareness Week with a special event on September 15 recognizing patients, caregivers, clinicians, volunteers and community supporters who help make rehabilitation possible.

This year’s theme, “Building Futures Through Rehabilitation,” highlighted CRH’s commitment to helping patients regain independence and return to the activities that are most meaningful to them.

Read more →

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

Commununity Environmental Council (CEC) — Help Shape CEC’s Climate Priorities: Take Our Survey

by  • 

Our community is at the heart of CEC’s climate work. As we look ahead, we want our work to reflect what matters most to Central Coast residents and create more accessible ways for everyone to get involved in climate action.

This short survey will help us better understand what our community cares about, needs, and wants to see more of from CEC. Your feedback helps us:

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Family, Local, News

From Ventura County farmworker to business owner: Ochoa family celebrates 25 years of Sunrise Set LLC

by  • 

OXNARD — Sunrise Set LLC, a family-owned trucking and logistics company rooted in Ventura County agriculture, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month, marking a journey that began not behind the wheel of a truck, but in the fields of Oxnard.

Founded in 2001 by Francisco E. Ochoa and his son, Benjamin Ochoa, Sunrise Set grew from two bobtail trucks moving small shipments from local farms to shipping docks into a refrigerated freight company transporting fresh produce and agricultural products throughout California.

The family’s connection to Ventura County agriculture began decades earlier.

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Events, Family, Finance, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Sports

Senior Concerns’ ‘Par and Away’ Golf Tournament on Nov. 17 tees up critical support for local seniors and family caregivers

by  • 

“The need in our community is growing at a pace we haven’t seen before,” said Andrea Gallagher, president and CEO of Senior Concerns. “We used to receive one or two inquiries a week about Meals On Wheels. Now we’re receiving 10 to 12. At the same time, more older adults and family caregivers are reaching out to our case workers for guidance, resources and support. The funds raised through events like Par and Away help us respond when our neighbors need us most.”

Read more →

Local

Bilingual report — Santa Paula residents invited to National Night Out on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Veterans Memorial Park

by  • 

SANTA PAULA — Residents from neighborhoods throughout Santa Paula are invited to join in the National Night Out Event Thursday, September 24, 2026, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Veterans Memorial Park located at 114 S. 10th St. in Santa Paula. The event is sponsored by the Santa Paula Police K9 Foundation and the Santa Paula Police Officers Association. The event is free and residents from the City of Santa Paula are welcome to attend.

There will be information booths from our community partners & social services, jolly jump & wagon train for the kids, along with food and refreshments. There will be vehicle displays from area public safety partners as well as several raffle prizes from local sponsors.

Read more →

Business, Local, News

Cottage Medical Group expands urology care with new Cottage Urology Clinic

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Medical Group (CMG) has expanded access to comprehensive urologic care with the addition of Cottage Urology Clinic, located at 5333 Hollister Avenue, Suite 275, in Goleta.

Cottage Urology Clinic provides evaluation and treatment for conditions affecting the urinary tract, male reproductive system, and female urologic and pelvic health, including kidney stones, urinary incontinence, enlarged prostate, erectile dysfunction and pelvic organ prolapse. The clinic also provides screening and treatment for prostate, bladder, kidney and other urologic cancers.

Read more →

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

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Ventura County Supervisors vote to pursue statewide legislation promoting dangerous dog transfers to rescues, and reducing animal euthanasia

by  • 

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a measure from Supervisors Jeff Gorell and Matt LaVere to pursue state legislation establishing a conditional safe harbor for public agencies following the lawful transfer of potentially dangerous or vicious dogs to qualified nonprofit rescue organizations. 

The action allows Ventura County to pursue sponsorship of legislation during the 2027 state legislative session or actively support a substantially equivalent measure introduced by another sponsor. 

Read more →

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

Fall/Winter 2026 & 2027 Exhibitions coming to Santa Barbara Museum of Art

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) has something for everyone over the next twelve months — from prints and pastel by American artist Mary Cassatt and her European contemporaries, and dramatic Pictorialist photography, to the joyful art installation and mid-career survey of FriendsWithYou and the cool and surreal paintings and drawings of the American dream by artist and actor Martin Mull.

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — SBA offers relief to California small businesses and private nonprofits affected by the 2026 Plains Oil Spill

by  • 

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in California to offset economic losses caused by the 2026 Plains Oil Spill occurring May 22 – 28. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs on behalf of Governor Gavin Newsom on Sept. 17.

The disaster declaration covers the California counties of Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Ventura.

Read more →

Business, Health, Local, News

Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital receives Five-Star CMS Rating for cleanliness

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (GVCH) has received a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for hospital environment cleanliness, the highest rating available for this patient experience measure.

GVCH was among 381 hospitals nationwide receiving the five-star cleanliness rating and one of 19 hospitals in California included on the list.

The rating is based on patient responses to the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey, which measures patients’ experiences with different aspects of their hospital care. The results included in the latest CMS data reflect surveys completed between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025.

Read more →

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

Ventura College Foundation accepting scholarship applications for 2027-28 School Year

by  • 

The scholarship application deadline for the Paramedic and Career Education programs is November 23. Students will be notified of their scholarship status by mid-December. The application deadline for all other scholarships is January 22, 2027. Students will be notified of their scholarship submission results by mid-April 2027. Scholarship award distributions will begin August 1.

Students currently enrolled at Ventura College in the 2026-2027 academic year and who have completed or are on track to complete at least six units in the semester are eligible to apply. Units earned in previous semesters at Ventura College count towards the unit requirement.

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan goes to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on 9-22-2026

by  • 

The County of Ventura’s Planning Division is presenting the following item to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 8:30 am (Item #51, on the Regular Agenda).

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Events, Finance, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Women

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by  • 

EN ESPAÑOL: PRODUCTIVIDAD, ADMINISTRACIÓN Y HERRAMIENTAS DE GOOGLE CON INTELIGENCIA ARTIFICIAL

21 de septiembre a las 6:00 pm

Las tareas administrativas suelen consumir tiempo valioso que podría dedicarse al crecimiento del negocio. Este taller explora cómo la Inteligencia Artificial y las herramientas de Google pueden mejorar la productividad mediante la gestión de correos electrónicos, creación de documentos, resúmenes de reuniones, organización de tareas y administración de información. Los participantes aprenderán formas prácticas de reducir trabajo repetitivo y mejorar la eficiencia. Precio: GRATIS.

HAGA CLIC PARA REGISTRARSE

Read more →

Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Government, Local, News

Announcing VC’s Individual Artist Fellows | Ojai Arts Grants | Student Logo Competition | Poet Laureate Nominations

by  • 

Three local artists have been selected to receive funding from the California Arts Council’s Individual Artists Fellowship in recognition of their artistic practice, professional accomplishments, and community contributions. VCAC collaborated with five regional partners, led by Arts Council Santa Cruz County, to connect Central Coast artists with this opportunity as part of California’s ongoing investment in its creative workforce. Read more

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Elections, Finance, Government, Local, News, Opinion

Guest contribution — Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) — School Bonds Are Back on the November Ballot? Both of Them Get a NO VOTE from VCTA!

by  • 

Two school general-obligation bonds will appear on local November 3rd ballots. Rio Elementary Measure B and Santa Paula Unified Measure C asks K–12 taxpayers to take on decades of new property-tax debt for projects that look a lot like the last ask.

Santa Paula Measure C — $48.6 million. Voters already said NO.

Measure C would issue $48.6 million at about $27.98 per $100,000 of assessed value to rebuild a gymnasium, build community swimming-pool facilities, and modernize vocational and performing-arts space. It needs 55 percent.

Read more →

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

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria plans expansion into Ventura County, welcomes new Director of Partnerships & Expansion

by  • 

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is thrilled to unveil plans to bring their proven model for intentional, girl-centered programming back to Ventura County. We are pleased to welcome a new Director of Partnerships and Expansion to our administrative team to aid with the growth initiative and building partnerships throughout the region.

The expansion back into Ventura County marks a momentous leap towards Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s three-year goal to significantly expand its reach and double its impact along the central coast. Their holistic, researched-informed programming will bring mentorship, leadership development, college and career readiness, and STEM-based curriculum to Ventura County, with programs serving girls and young women ages 4-24.

Read more →

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

13th Annual Banana Festival returns to the Port of Hueneme Sept. 26

by  • 

… The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is expected to attract thousands of visitors for a full day of live entertainment, food, family activities, local vendors, and opportunities to experience the working Port up close through bus and boat tours. Admission and event parking are free. Guests are encouraged to park at Hueneme Beach.

The Banana Festival was created as a way to celebrate the Port’s role as a major gateway for imported bananas and other refrigerated agricultural products. The banana trade came to Hueneme in 1993 as the Port developed the largest cold storage capacity on the West Coast. Today, the Port of Hueneme ranks 5th in the nation for both automobiles and refrigerated cargo.While it imports 5 billion bananas per year, it also brings in Peruvian blueberries, avocados, mangos, and much more.

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Cultural, familia, Family, Local, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — Swinging Through Life

by  • 

When I came up with the title for this article, I was immediately concerned that adult minds might very well go where I did not want them to go. But I’m going to talk here about entirely different kinds of “swing.” 

I’ve had different kinds of “swing” in my life. Each cycle of “swing” taught me something about balance, momentum, and joy. 

In the more vibrant phase of my life as a young man, “swinging” meant high-energy balance and precision on the dance floor.

Read more →

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

Museum of Ventura County — Taste of History Photos + Free admission through September + October Events

by  • 

I want to personally thank you for your incredible support of our third annual Taste of History Gala. It was truly a magical evening, and its success would not have been possible without all of you.

Whether you supported Taste of History as an event sponsor, through an in-kind or live auction donation, by purchasing tickets, raising a paddle, or simply joining us for the evening—thank you. Your generosity brought us incredibly close to our fundraising goal and, most importantly, directly supports the Museum of Ventura County and the work we do to preserve and share the history, art, and culture of our community.

To our wonderful sponsors, an additional thank you for your partnership and generosity. And stay tuned—a little treat is in store!

Read more →

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

Teatro de las Américas — Last Weekend- Obras de Un Acto | Herbert Siguenza-One Night Only: Diego Rivera: His Story

by  • 

Sept. 18 & 19 7:00 P.M.

Sept. 20 2:00 P.M.

Last Weekend for Our One Acts, Featuring Brand New Directors!

Teatro de las Américas celebrates the final weekend of our One Acts Festival, showcasing three original pieces directed by emerging artists from our community. Each work offers a fresh, bold, and deeply human perspective, highlighting the talent growing within our Teatro.

Read more →

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

Ventura Land Trust — A small gift. A lasting impact

by  • 

Every day, people enjoy the lands that Ventura Land Trust has worked so hard to protect—hiking the trails, exploring with their families, watching wildlife, or simply taking a few quiet moments outside.

When you give monthly to Ventura Land Trust, you become part of the community that makes this work possible, all year long. Your steady support helps us care for the places we’ve already protected, restore native habitat, maintain trails, and seize new opportunities to protect Ventura County’s wild and beautiful places.

Read more →