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Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2026 • Comments Off

County of Ventura News

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Invasive Beetle Detected in Ventura County: Help Protect our Oak Trees

The Golden Spotted Oak Borer (GSOB), an invasive beetle known to damage and kill oak trees, has been detected in Ventura County. While impacts remain limited, early awareness and community support can make a difference in protecting our local oak trees.

This beetle burrows under the bark, cutting off nutrients and causing serious damage, even tree death. Residents can help by only using and burning firewood from local sources, watching for signs of oak tree decline, and reporting anything unusual.

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E.P. Foster Library Temporarily Closed for Major Renovation Project

The E.P. Foster Library in downtown Ventura will temporarily close beginning March 23, 2026, for a $13 million renovation that will modernize the facility, improve accessibility, and install a new HVAC system. Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2027.

During the closure, residents can continue accessing Ventura County Library’s online services and visit nearby branches, including Avenue Library, Hill Road Library, and Saticoy Library.

The renovation is funded through state, federal, and local investments and will create a more comfortable, energy-efficient space designed to better serve the community year-round.

County Offices Closed Cesar Chavez Day

County of Ventura administrative offices will be closed on Tuesday March 31, 2026 in observance of Cesar Chavez Day.

County offices will reopen on Wednesday April 1, 2026.

Vibe Well VC Connects Arts, Culture and Mental Health Across Ventura County

The County of Ventura, in collaboration with Ventura County Behavioral Health, launched Vibe Well VC, an initiative that combines the transformative power of arts and culture with mental health awareness to help build stronger, more connected communities across Ventura County.

Through Vibe Well VC, residents can explore local arts events, creative experiences, and cultural opportunities that support well-being and connection. Explore upcoming events and learn more at the link below.

Events Around the County

Ventura County Public Defender Hosts Fresh Start Clinics

The Ventura County Public Defender’s Office is helping residents clear a path to new opportunities through its Fresh Start Clinics, a series of free legal events designed to support individuals seeking to reduce or clear their criminal records.

These clinics provide one-on-one assistance with:

Expungements & felony reductions
Record sealing
Early probation termination
Return of property petitions
Certificates of rehabilitation

MORE INFO

Housing Rights Workshop Series

The Ventura County Continuum of Care will be hosting a series of Housing Rights Workshops for tenants.. We invite you to attend and share this opportunity with your community!

Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026,

Time: 6pm to 8pm

English/Spanish

Location: (Zoom/in person)

Oxnard Main Library,

251 South A Street

Oxnard, CA 93030

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT – County of Ventura’s Cultural Heritage Board

Did you know that the County of Ventura has a Cultural Heritage Board dedicated to preserving the places that tell our community’s story? Operating under the County’s Resource Management Agency, the Cultural Heritage Board helps identify, evaluate, and protect historic landmarks, buildings, and sites throughout Ventura County.

The Board reviews nominations for local historic designation, provides recommendations on preserving cultural resources, and helps ensure that Ventura County’s rich history is recognized and protected for future generations.

Community members can participate by attending public meetings, learning about historic preservation, or nominating eligible properties for cultural heritage designation.

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