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| County of Ventura appoints new Director of the Health Care Agency
Dr. John Fankhauser has been appointed Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency. Fankhauser has served as the Interim Director for the Health Care Agency since January 2026. Prior to his role as Interim Director for the Health Care Agency, Fankhauser served as Chief Executive Officer for the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and Santa Paula Hospital since 2019, a role he continued to hold while also serving as the Interim Director.
“Dr. Fankhauser has consistently shown a deep commitment to public service, paired with the depth of expertise needed to lead complex medical systems,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “His leadership in managing large-scale health care operations and his deep commitment to addressing community needs positions Dr. Fankhauser to make a meaningful and continued positive impact on our health care system. His record of strong health care leadership and experience make him exceptionally well-prepared to serve as the Director for the Health Care Agency.”
Over the course of his career, Fankhauser has served as a physician executive in a number of positions. His previous roles include Chief Medical Officer for VCMC and the Ventura County Health Care Agency, as well as the Chief Medical Officer for the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, California. |
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| Ventura County Continuum of Care Announces 11.8% Reduction in 2026 Homeless Point in Time Count
The Ventura County Continuum of Care (VC CoC) has reported preliminary results for the 2026 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count. Conducted on January 28, 2026, the count identified 1,755 individuals experiencing homelessness – a decrease of 235 people or 11.8% from 2024. Since 2023, homelessness in Ventura County has decreased by 28%.
The results reflect positive outcomes based on investments in permanent supportive housing, homelessness prevention programs, and encampment response efforts.
The Ventura County Homelessness Plan (Plan) presented to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in December 2023 provides detailed action areas, goals, and objectives that support this continued progress in reducing homelessness. |
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| Help Your Community: Become an Election Worker!
The Elections Division of the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office is gearing up for the June 2, 2026, Primary Election and is seeking to fill multiple positions to support elections that service every voter in Ventura County across all 10 cities.
Whether you’re assisting voters at a Vote Center, supporting critical operations in an office setting, or keeping elections running smoothly behind the scenes in a warehouse environment, you’ll play a direct role in ensuring fair, accurate, and secure elections. |
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| County Closeup: 5 Questions with Chief Probation Officer Ronald L. Miller II
From expanding youth opportunities to strengthening education and community partnerships, Chief Miller shares how the Ventura County Probation Agency is evolving to better support individuals and families. He also offers perspective on the agency’s role, new initiatives underway, and his vision for the future.
Read the full interview on County Close-Up to learn more about the programs, partnerships, and priorities shaping the Ventura County Probation Agency. |
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| Moon Ditch Mural Project: Save the Date & Get Involved!
Want to be part of a unique and historic public art project in Ventura County? Now’s your chance to roll up your sleeves and help bring the Moon Ditch Mural to life.
Save the Date:
Community Paint Days
Join the County of Ventura, community artists, and volunteers as we paint inside the Moon Ditch channel and help transform the space into a vibrant, large-scale mural.
In the meantime, the artist team, with support from CSU Channel Islands and Ventura College art students, is already making great progress. Primer is complete, and the first coats of paint are now up in the channel.
A big thank you to our artists Elisa Torres, Josh Burns, Kyle Navarro, Jen Swain, Monika Petrosky, Dameon Pearson, MB Hanrahan, and Andrew Rodriguez, for guiding this exciting work.
Interested in learning more before paint days? Join artist-led workshops where you can explore the design and create your own “mini-Moon Ditch” murals:
- Bell Arts Factory on April 18
Learn more and register at studiochannelislands.org/moon-ditch |
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| Celebrate Earth Day with the County of Ventura
Join us for two Earth Week events open to the public:!
Sustainability Tour of the Government Center. Learn about sustainable practices across the campus.
Date: April 22, 2026
Time: 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at: HOA Fountain
RSVP by April 15: brianna.bertrand@venturacounty.gov
E-Waste Collection, Mulch Giveaway & Textile Collection
Date: April 24, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Location: Lot “I” near the Service Building (GSA building across from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office)
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| Second Chance Resource Fair
In recognition of Second Chance Month, the Ventura County Public Defender’s Office is hosting a Second Chance Resource Fair in partnership with more than 40 community organizations, county agencies, and service providers.
Attendees can access Fresh Start expungement assistance, employment resources, housing support, mental health and substance use services, public benefits, and more, all designed to help individuals move forward and rebuild.
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Ventura County Courthouse Outdoor Courtyard Pavilion, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura |
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| Plein Air celebrates 100 Ventura County historical landmarks
Plein Air Ventura County, a local group of artist, is on a mission to paint 100 historic landmarks across Ventura County. The full collection will debut during Historic Preservation Month in May 2026 at the Government Center’s Hall of Administration, with a public exhibit and light reception. The show will display close to 200 paintings created over the past year.
Event: Treasures of Ventura County
Date: May 28th, 2026
Time: 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Location: Hall of Administration,
Main Plaza Atrium, Ventura County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009
This project is made possible through Ventura County Planning, the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board, the County’s Arts and Culture Division, and the Ventura County Arts Council. |
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| Free Lead-Safe Renovation Training Available
Healthy Homes Ventura County is offering free EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certification training for individuals who work in homes built before 1978.
This one-day, in-person course teaches lead-safe practices and provides participants with an EPA certification valid for five years.
Multiple English and Spanish sessions are available in April and May 2026, with space limited to 20 participants per class.
Location: Ventura County Public Health, 2240 E. Gonzales Rd., Suite 200, Oxnard
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Reserve your spot:
Visit: https://bit.ly/RRPRegister
Call: (805) 981-5228 |
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| SERVICE SPOTLIGHT – Career Online High School Program
Did you know the Ventura County Library offers adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and career certificate online? Through a collaboration with the Ventura County Library Foundation and the California State Library, the Career Online High School program helps adults take the next step toward new career opportunities.
This self-paced program allows participants to complete coursework online while preparing for workforce entry, career advancement, or further education. Students can also earn a career certificate while working toward their diploma.
A limited number of scholarships are available for qualifying adults, helping remove financial barriers and making this program more accessible to our community.
This program is one of the many ways Ventura County Library supports lifelong learning and helps residents achieve their goals at any stage of life. |
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