Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study & Action Plan, Public Review Draft, is now available. Provide comments by June 22, 2026
El Estudio y Plan de Acción sobre Vivienda para Trabajadores Agrícolas del Condado de Ventura, Revisión Pública Borrador, está disponible. Proporcionar comentarios antes del 22 de junio de 2026.
VENTURA — Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) hosted a special dedication ceremony celebrating the opening of its new Breast Health Center on Friday, May 29, 2026.
This milestone marked a major advancement in expanding access to high-quality breast imaging and diagnostic services for Ventura County residents. The project was made possible through a $2,034,969 RISE grant awarded by Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP), supporting transformative improvements at the region’s critical safety-net hospital.
“Grant opportunities like this from Gold Coast Health Plan are especially important because they allow for a targeted collaboration where our vision to provide enhanced breast health services can be realized for a community that deserves access to high quality health care,” said Matt McGill, VCMC Director of Imaging Services.
CENTRAL COAST — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has released its 2025 Impact Report, celebrating 35 years of helping women build financial independence, launch businesses, strengthen families, and contribute to thriving local economies across the region.
The report highlights a year of growth and innovation as more women turned to WEV’s programs and services to pursue economic opportunity and financial stability. Through business advising, training, and financial empowerment programs, WEV continues to support women at every stage of their economic journey.
Among the programs featured in the report is WEV’s Business of Care program, which helps women establish and grow successful home-based childcare businesses while addressing the region’s ongoing childcare shortage. The report also highlights the launch of WEV’s Credit Builder pilot, designed to help participants strengthen their credit, improve financial health, and expand access to future opportunities.
At the end of each school year, the Ventura County Office of Education takes the opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the remarkable students graduating from local high schools. Every year, we’re amazed by the stories we receive of students who have overcome great odds and achieved incredible things on the road to their high school diploma.
This year is no different, and we’re excited to profile just a few students who demonstrate the resilience, dedication and drive of the Ventura County Class of 2026. Among our featured graduates are a young man who journeyed alone from Mexico in search of a better life and a young woman whose family fled Ukraine to find safety and opportunity in Ventura County.
Dear Friends & Supporters,
June marks one year since Border Patrol carried out a series of immigration enforcement operations across Ventura County, reaching the Central Coast for the first time since the early 1990s.
Between June 10 and June 14, 2025, at least 95 community members were taken from their workplaces, homes, and families. Fear spread quickly throughout the region as workers stayed home, parents worried about their children, and entire communities braced for what might come next.
What many did not know at the time was that these raids were a warning of something far more devastating.
Together, we remember…
Tyburski is an accomplished public works executive, infrastructure leader, and licensed California civil engineer with nearly 30 years of experience managing complex public infrastructure programs, multimillion-dollar capital improvement projects, and large-scale governmental operations. His career spans both the public and private sectors, giving him a well-rounded perspective on infrastructure delivery, operational strategy, and organizational leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from California State University, Fresno and a Master of Public Administration from Arkansas State University.
In partnership with the City of Camarillo, the Economic Development Collaborative has launched the City of Camarillo Business Assistance Loan Fund. This low-interest program is specifically designed to prioritize the vibrant business community in the City of Camarillo. Start-ups can get the necessary capital to launch their ventures and established businesses can secure funds to fuel their growth. With abundant opportunities for collaboration, a diverse customer base and an environment of innovation, Camarillo is a perfect place to start or grow your business.
Launched in response to growing uncertainty surrounding federal and state funding, the campaign was designed to help sustain life-changing programs that provide safety, healing, and prevention throughout San Luis Obispo County. With nearly 50% of Lumina Alliance’s budget historically supported by government funding, the campaign focuses on building long-term community investment to ensure survivors continue to have access to 24/7 crisis support, emergency shelter, transitional housing, therapy, advocacy, and prevention education.
OXNARD — The City of Oxnard celebrated the groundbreaking of the Endless Waves Skatepark at Del Sol Park, marking a major milestone in the City Council’s continued investment in recreational opportunities and infrastructure improvements for the community. Once completed, the nearly 40,000 square-foot, Olympic-quality skatepark will be the largest skatepark in Ventura County.
“We are thrilled to break ground on the incredible new skatepark—a bold project that showcases our commitment to creating vibrant spaces where our youth, families, and entire community can come together to enjoy social and health benefits,” said Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur. “The Endless Waves Skatepark will become a premier amenity for our community members throughout Ventura County and a proud symbol for the neighborhoods of La Colonia, Rose Park, and the City of Oxnard for generations to come.”
The Ventura County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, unfolded in a highly charged atmosphere. Faced with a packed room of over 100 disgruntled citizens and a profound break in institutional trust by Superintendent Dr. César Morales, the Board of Trustees responded to a political crisis with a unanimous 5-0 vote to launch an ad hoc committee. Chaired by Trustees Michael Teasdale and Richard Lucas III, this committee is tasked with hiring experts to conduct an independent investigation and full forensic audit into the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE).
SANTA MARIA — For the past 20 years, Nick and Deborah Carpenter have shared a tradition that has become an important part of their lives: taking Community Education art classes together at Allan Hancock College.
Over two decades, the couple has explored a variety of creative pursuits through the college’s tuition-free art offerings, developing new skills while building lasting memories. Among their most meaningful projects were creating the rings they later exchanged on their wedding day.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is holding a school supply donation drive through July 10.
The goal is to fill 230 backpacks with donated items for young scholars participating in the Y’s “Find My Genius” summer learning program. The program serves low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level in the Conejo Valley and Simi Valley school districts.
Needed are newly purchased pencils, pencil boxes, 24-pack crayons, wide-ruled composition notebooks, spiral notebooks, colored pencils, erasers, pocket folders, glue sticks and hand sanitizers.
MOORPARK — John Forbes, vice president of academic affairs at Moorpark College, has been named one of 40 fellows in the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, selected from a competitive pool of more than 125 candidates for the 2026-27 cohort.
The Aspen Institute’s research has shown that exceptional presidential leadership directly contributes to student success, prompting Aspen to offer the fellowship for senior community college leaders on track for the presidency. The year-long program includes training, mentoring, coaching and workshops to prepare participants for the role.
“Excellent colleges share a common trait: they are led by presidents who focus on a few transformative initiatives that extend beyond enrollment and even completion numbers…” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “I cannot wait to begin working with this impressive set of leaders.”
VENTURA — McCarthy Companies has been selected to provide Preconstruction and General Contracting services for The Village at Fairview, a 100% affordable multifamily development in Burbank. Developed in partnership with Burbank Housing Corporation (BHC) and Homes and Hope, The Village at Fairview will deliver 60 affordable homes at 2321-2335 North Fairview Street, with all units reserved for income-qualified families.
Design development commenced in April of 2026 and construction groundbreaking is anticipated for Q1 of 2027.
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation (Foundation) raised over $234,000 at its annual Voices of Hope Gala on Wednesday, May 27, at Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark. The evening drew 240 community leaders, elected officials, and supporters who gathered to raise critical funds for the Foundation’s free programs serving individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking, and other violent crimes.
Proceeds from the gala will support Camp HOPE, Voices of Ventura County, and the Pathways to Hope program, as well as the Foundation’s continued expansion. Two new Family Justice Centers are on track to open in 2027: the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center in Oxnard and the East County Family Justice Center, both of which will extend critical, trauma-informed services to communities across the county.
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (HTFVC), in collaboration with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), announced the launch of a new Residual Receipts Loan Fund, a long-term financing program designed to accelerate the production of high-quality affordable housing while supporting developments that advance equity, financial sustainability, and long-term community benefit. Applications are currently being accepted until 5:00 PM on July 2, 2026. Learn more at https://www.housingtrustfundvc.org/residual-receipts-loan-program/
“You like me, you really like me!”
-Sally Field, 1985
-and Friendship Center, 2026
I know Friendship Center is beloved by so many in our community; it would be impossible for us to have existed for 50 years otherwise. But May was one of those months where we really felt the love.
We were honored to receive our first-ever grant from the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara, supporting the operation of our dementia-friendly transportation service. If you’re unfamiliar with the incredible research, diligence, and care that the Women’s Fund invests in every grant decision, let me assure you, this recognition is no small thing. Their team spent months getting to know Friendship Center, understanding our work, evaluating our impact, and determining whether we could deliver on the promises we make to our community.
VENTURA — The nomination period for the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s LEGACY Awards is now open. These awards recognize the contributions of Ventura County residents and businesses dedicated to helping older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers to live optimally.
The deadline for submitting nominations is Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The winners will be announced in November. The nomination packet is attached.
VENTURA — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is proud to announce the recognition of its 2026 Employees of the Year. These exceptional individuals have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, dedication, and innovation in their roles, contributing to the Agency’s ongoing success. The awards were presented on Tuesday, May 19th, during the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Ivan Gonzales, honored with the Operations & Maintenance Employee of the Year award, has been with VCPWA for 19 years, playing a key role in the Roads and Transportation Department. His major duties include coordinating emergency response efforts during storms, floods, fires, and landslides; supervising road maintenance crews and field operations; managing budgets and projects; overseeing personnel, training, and development; and responding to resident and roadway concerns to help keep the community safe.
VENTURA — City Impact, Inc. celebrated a landmark morning on the Ventura Promenade on Saturday, May 30, as the 16th Annual Beachfront Run drew its largest field in event history. With 1,267 registered runners — a new record — participants of all ages and abilities took to the scenic coastal course in support of City Impact’s mental health, youth outreach and family services programs serving over 500 Ventura County residents annually.
This year’s event not only attracted regional runners in Ventura County from Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Fillmore, Simi Valley, Santa Paula, Camarillo and Ventura, but also runners from San Diego, Carpinteria, Long Beach, Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, Santa Maria, Whittier, Santa Barbara, Bakersfield, Sylmar and Reno, Nevada. Following are finalist winner results for first and second place runners.
To all who joined us for last week’s Cleaver & Clark Commons Grand Opening, thank you! Located in central Grover Beach, this new property is providing 53 affordable apartments to low-income households, farmworker families, and those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) on May 29 announced it has successfully completed a rigorous process to maintain national accreditation status through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). This announcement follows PHAB’s national release, recognizing 14 health departments across the country for achieving accreditation or reaccreditation. As the first local health department in California to earn PHAB accreditation in 2014, VCPH continues to lead ahead among the other local health departments by meeting national standards and demonstrating excellence in protecting community wellness and delivering high?quality public health services. In California, 29 out of 61 local health departments are accredited by PHAB. By maintaining its accreditation for another five years, VCPH has demonstrated that it meets or exceeds PHAB’s quality standards and continues to improve in its efforts to protect the health of all Ventura County residents.
VENTURA — Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County (Habitat Ventura) marked a milestone on Saturday, May 16 at its annual Hearts & Hammers Dinner and Auction, held at the Museum of Ventura County in Ventura. The evening brought together more than 140 supporters, sponsors, and community members to celebrate the organization’s 40th anniversary and raise funds for its homeownership and home repair programs throughout Ventura County.
This year’s event carried a here’s No Place Like Home theme, inviting guests to follow the yellow brick road through an evening of dinner, drinks, live music, and an auction. The heart of the evening was a short film tracing 40 years of Habitat Ventura’s history through the people who built it.
SANTA PAULA — In advance of the Fourth of July Holiday and Fireworks event, the City of Santa Paula and the Santa Paula Police Department are announcing schedule and guidelines for those making plans to attend the fireworks show at Santa Paula Creek Sports Park at Harvest.
Please be aware, as with any community fireworks show, there will be extended traffic delays upon exiting the event for those who choose to drive a vehicle and park it in spaces available at Santa Paula Creek Sports Park.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated a new group of graduates from its emergency medical services and paramedicine academies May 29.
The college hosted two separate ceremonies for both programs at its Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.
“Today marks the culmination of their dedication, sacrifice and hard work,” Hancock EMS and Paramedicine Coordinator Sean Newton said. “They are ready to serve their communities with skill and compassion.”
MONTECITO — Peter Buehler is stepping into his late wife’s shoes as the new president of the Rotary Club of Montecito beginning July 1.
Buehler is the widower of Kati Zeller Buehler, who served as the club’s president in 2020. Zeller, who was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, loved Rotary’s international aspects, and that’s a part of the group Buehler also appreciates.
“From Field to Fork” brings together farmers who produce Ventura County’s agricultural bounty, chefs who celebrate that bounty on their menus, and the farm workers whose labor makes it all possible.
Enjoy a multi-course gourmet dinner while helping promote affordable, safe, and stable housing for Ventura County farm workers and their familie
SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is pleased to formally recognize Jill Bell as a member of its Board of Directors. A seasoned executive who joined the board in August 2025, Bell offers t hree decades of strategic expertise to help HSB deliver its vital, free-of-charge services to Santa Barbara County.
Jill Bell has more than 30 years’ experience as an engineer, consultant, senior executive, and executive coach within Fortune 100 and Inc. 500 companies. Jill has provided strategic and organizational advice and coaching to senior and C-suite leaders across a wide array of industries, including oil and gas, aerospace and defense, healthcare, education, banking, insurance, and information technology. She is passionate about helping leaders and executive teams create positive, purpose-driven, and wisdom-based cultures to meet their strategic objectives, deliver tangible results, and enhance the lives of their employees, communities, and the world.
SANTA BARBARA — “I’ve been waiting 25 years for women’s health to get the attention it deserves. Now is the time,” says Dr. Jane Varner, newly appointed Medical Director for the growing Cottage Center for Women’s Health.
Dr. Varner is a Family Physician with 25 years of experience in both patient care and health care leadership. She joined Cottage in 2024 as the Medical Director for Cottage Primary Care and has overseen the expansion of the department to 20 providers across 4 clinical locations. She will continue to care for her patients in the Santa Barbara location in conjunction with her leadership work of partnering with community and colleagues to build a new Cottage Center for Women’s Health
VENTURA — Ventura Housing, in partnership with the City of Ventura and the County of Ventura, is pleased to announce the grand opening and 100% occupancy of Valentine Road Apartments. The development transformed a former La Quinta Inn into 134 units of permanent supportive housing through a $32 million Homekey grant from the State of California. The Valentine Road Apartments represent the largest Homekey Project completed in both the City and County of Ventura and is a cornerstone of the regional and statewide effort to address homelessness through permanent supportive housing.
According to the Ventura County Continuum of Care’s 2026 Point-in-Time Count, homelessness in Ventura County declined 11.8% from 2025 and 28% since 2023. The report attributes part of that decline to the expansion of permanent supportive housing countywide, including the 134 units at Valentine Road Apartments.
OXNARD — We’re putting our heart and soul into making this year’s Panteón Fest one to remember.
Thank you for always supporting what we do. Please help us spread the word and we’ll see you October 17 at Panteón
SANTA BARBARA — bioProtonics, an innovator in advanced medical imaging platforms and proprietary Magnetic Resonance Histology (MRH) technology, today announced the appointment of A. Burton Tripathi, PhD as Chief Executive Officer. Alongside this key leadership addition, the company has completed an initial closing of bridge financing, positioning it for accelerated clinical development.
SANTA BARBARA — N. Nicole Moayeri, MD, Medical Director of Cottage Health’s Santa Barbara Neuroscience Institute, brings a bold vision to one of medicine’s most complex and rapidly evolving fields: world-class neurological care delivered to patients right here in our community.
Dr. Moayeri had a keen sense of her path early in her education when she was fascinated by the brain and its functions. Over the years she turned that childhood dream into reality.
Today, Dr. Moayeri is a widely recognized expert, a board-certified neurosurgeon (Fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, FAANS) with more than 25 years of experience in treating complex brain, spine and nervous system conditions. She earned her medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine and completed her neurosurgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School.
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost events and webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
Plan ahead! Our full EDC and partner event schedule is updated at the start of each month.
“This donation reflects our commitment to being responsible stewards of public resources while creating new opportunities for students and researchers,” said Board Chair Jeff Gorell. “We’re pleased that this equipment will continue serving the community through education, training, and scientific discovery at CSU Channel Islands”.
“Ray’s positive impact on ensuring that current and future water needs of our customers are met cannot be overstated,” says TWSD General Manager Mark Norris. “His leadership was instrumental in pushing forward the start of construction of the Pure Water Project’s Advanced Water Purification Facility under the Las Virgenes-Triunfo Joint Powers Authority. The facility will serve customers for decades to come.”
Over the past several weeks, our community invested in a healthier, more resilient future.
From the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival to our Spring Appeal, we saw hundreds of people step forward to support climate action and community resilience across the Central Coast.
Thank you.
Because of supporters like you, this campaign outperformed recent years and raised meaningful support for the work ahead.
At a moment when so much progress feels uncertain, that kind of community investment matters deeply.
THOUSAND OAKS — The Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival launched in 1997 with the professional production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and the goal of presenting the magical comedy every decade with a different theme. Now, as the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company celebrates its milestone 30th year, it will again honor the tradition. This summer’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is set in the 1920s jazz and gangster world of Chicago and will run June 19 to July 5. “Hamlet” is the second production, July 10 to 26, and will be set in the late 19th century. All performances are at 8 p.m., Friday through Sunday, in Kingsmen Park on the California Lutheran University campus.
From farmworker fields in California to war in Vietnam to a doctoral degree in history, Fabros is UCSB’s oldest Ph.D. recipient.
Read more about his story
VENTURA — As the Fourth of July approaches, people in sensitive groups should be cautious about elevated levels of air pollution caused by fireworks.
Fireworks emit fine particles including soot and ash that can cause serious health effects. Children, older adults and people who are pregnant or have respiratory or heart conditions are the most at risk.
SANTA PAULA — More than 3,000 attendees packed Historic Main Street for the June edition of Cruise Night 2026 on Friday, June 5 — one of the strongest turnouts in the event’s 25-year history.
Hundreds of classic cars filled the street as families, car enthusiasts, and visitors from across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles counties came together for a free evening of community, culture, and live music by Ventura County-based bandRed Rock Road. Downtown shops and restaurants stayed open late, bringing the city’s historic core to life well into the evening.
“We are absolutely thrilled by the incredible community response to the Cruise Night on June 5. More than 3,000 attendees came out to celebrate on Main Street, and the energy was electric from start to finish. Seeing so many families, car enthusiasts and visitors from across the region come together in historic downtown Santa Paula reminds us exactly why this 25-year tradition matters. We can’t wait to see everyone again on August 7.”
VENTURA COUNTY — Michelle Ascencion, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, announced the schedule for the One Percent Manual Tally audit of the June 2, 2026, Gubernatorial Primary Election. A mandated process under the California Elections Code (§15360), the One Percent Manual Tally audit is conducted during the Official Canvass period and involves a meticulous hand count of ballots from randomly selected batches of ballots tabulated through the end of Election Night. The manual tally counts are compared to the electronically compiled results to confirm the equipment’s correct tabulation of the ballots.
The audit process officially begins on June 11 at 9:00 AM and is expected to be completed no later than June 23, 2026. Members of the public and media are welcome to observe.
SANTA MARIA — This summer, PCPA invites audiences to enjoy a season of inspiring true stories, family-friendly adventures, and memorable music. Performances run from June 11 through August 23 at the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria and the Solvang Festival Theater. Experience the true-life triumph of Come From Away, the magic of Frozen, the excitement of Luchadora!, and the energy of Beehive. This season promises theatrical experiences that will move, delight, and inspire, both under the stars and on stage.
SANTA MARIA — Thirty-two recruits graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Basic?Law?Enforcement?Academy June 10 at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.
The graduating recruits of Class #26-131 gathered with their friends and families to celebrate the completion of more than 872 training hours required to graduate from the academy and enter careers as peace officers. All?of the recruits have already been hired by Central Coast?law?enforcement?agencies.?
“This is the end of your academic training here at the academy, but your career and your training are far from over,” Arroyo Grande Police Chief David Culver told the graduates. “The real work is just beginning.”
SANTA BARBARA — Live music, health screenings, and hundreds of smiling faces: it’s almost time for the 35th Annual Senior Expo of Santa Barbara! The largest active aging fair in Santa Barbara County returns on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. The deadline to register as a sponsor or exhibitor is August 1, 2026.
Exhibitor registration opens Monday, June 15, and space is expected to fill quickly! Organizations that serve older adults and caregivers are encouraged to register early to secure their booth. With over 110 exhibitors, the Expo offers a valuable opportunity to connect directly with community members and network with local aging service providers.
VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County (UWVC) has been awarded two grants totaling $2.1 million from the Ventura County Continuum of Care Alliance. Both grants are from the State of California’s Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP) Round 6 for Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing. This funding will bolster key programs, including Home Safe which aims to place homeless and keep them housed as well as the county-wide Landlord Engagement Program (LEP), which aims to increase housing stock and utilize existing housing vouchers and subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners.
LOMPOC — If your ideal summer getaway includes scenic beaches, local wine, outdoor adventure, and a slower pace, Lompoc deserves a spot on your Central
Coast itinerary. Located along California’s scenic Highway 1 corridor, Lompoc offers a refreshing mix of laid-back charm and unforgettable experiences.
One day you can hike through California history, the next you can sip Pinot Noir, watch a rocket launch, or relax at the beach with a famous burger in hand.
Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a full summer road trip, here are seven great ways to experience Lompoc this season.
Friday Nights Under the Stars at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden
July 10 – August 28 | 8:30 PM
(No screening on Friday, August 7 due to Fiesta)
UCSB Arts & Lectures and the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture present the 2026 FREE Summer Cinema lineup: “Mixtapes & Misfits,” seven films powered by iconic music, big emotions and unforgettable characters who refuse to fit the mold. Screenings take place Friday evenings at 8:30 p.m. from July 10 through August 28, under the stars at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden (no film on Friday, August 7 due to Fiesta).
This year’s lineup includes: Pretty in Pink, Say Anything…, La Bamba, Rushmore, Love & Basketball, Napoleon Dynamite and Hairspray. Begun in 2010, this collaboration between Arts & Lectures and the County Office of Arts & Culture has become a cherished Santa Barbara summertime tradition.
