Don’t miss your chance to see Sonidos de Ausencias! Tickets are still available, but they’re selling fast. You can skip straight to the front of our line and secure your tickets by visiting our website.
VENTURA — Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) is proud to welcome two California-based brands known for challenging the status quo of corporate responsibility to its Ambassador program — Patagonia and Toad&Co.
BWBS encourages and verifies shipping companies’ cooperation with voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) requests along California’s coast to reduce fatal ship strikes to endangered whales, underwater radiated noise, air pollution and regional greenhouse gas emissions. The majority of international shipping traffic transiting to California ports cooperate in the program.
VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department Traffic Unit will conduct a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
DUI checkpoint locations are chosen based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring residents from driving impaired.
During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University’s Fifty and Better (FAB) program is pleased to announce its fall course session, early fall lectures and early fall chair yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi for fall prevention classes.
Amid tensions in the United States and questions about our democracy, FAB has worked to provide educational opportunities that delve into topics related to authoritarianism and our democracy, as well as offer lighter educational fair to provide a chance to escape the daily news cycle.
The fall course series, beginning September 2nd, offers four-week courses on a wide range of topics.
In response to recent burglaries in the Santa Rosa Valley area, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office partnered with Rosemary Allison, the Santa Rosa Valley CERT and Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, to provide residents with key safety information and practical tips to help secure their homes and property.
Representatives from the Moorpark Sheriff’s Station shared crime prevention strategies and encouraged residents to remain vigilant. These tips are an important reminder for all community members in communities throughout the area.
We’re delighted to share “Torch Cafe”, an art award and edition produced by Ry Rocklen for the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara. This ceramic object uses a photograph from the Metropolitan Museum of Art of an ancient “torch holder” that has been glazed to one side. Its back has become a carrier of a form from our modern times, a stack of disposable coffee cups. “Torch Cafe” is a synthesis of ancient and contemporary objects that plays with the tropes of trophies and awards. It’s is a vehicle for remembering, recognition, and celebration.
“It’s relatively short notice, but we are hitting the ground running,” said Michelle Ascencion, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, who oversees county elections.
“We’ve been here before – the Gubernatorial Recall in 2021 was called with only 75 days’ notice, and when I was the elected City Clerk in Oxnard, we had just under 100 days to prepare for the City Council recall election in 2018. Elections are more complicated than people realize, and it takes several months to implement all the logistics for a full Primary or General election. In comparison, this election has a very compressed timeline.”
NEWBURY PARK — Ventura County residents can turn in working gasoline- and diesel-powered lawn and garden equipment and receive vouchers toward new cordless electric replacements at an event in Newbury Park on Saturday, Sept. 13.
The City of Thousand Oaks and the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) are hosting the Lawn & Garden Equipment Trade-In Event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 2010 Conejo Center Drive. (The facility will be closed for regular collection during the event.)
Residents can bring in their old equipment to demonstrate that it starts, turn it in to be destroyed, complete an application for the VCAPCD Lawn & Garden Equipment Exchange Program and receive a voucher toward battery-electric replacement of the same type. In most cases, the vouchers will cover most of the cost of new equipment, one charger and additional batteries.
A sediment surge after the Wenchuan Quake offers clues to mountain-building mechanics and reveals long-term hazards.
The California Central Coast is on the frontlines of climate change — from extreme heat to wildfires to flooding, natural disasters are becoming part of our new reality. We may not be able to control when they strike, but we do hold the power to transform risk into readiness and build more resilient communities that continue to thrive in the wake of climate challenges.
To help residents who are most vulnerable, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) is partnering with the Central Coast Climate Collaborative (4C), County of Santa Barbara, Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN), and several area nonprofits to introduce the Central Coast Community Resilience Hubs Accelerator.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura broke ground this week on the long-anticipated Olivas Park Drive Extension and Levee Project, a transformative $51 million capital improvement that will improve traffic circulation, strengthen flood protection, and expand commercial development opportunities in East Ventura. Construction is expected to continue through summer 2027.
“This isn’t just a road or a levee. It is an investment in Ventura’s future,” said Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios. “This project reduces flood risks, eases congestion, and improves access to the Auto Center while activating over 90 acres of undeveloped land and creating the conditions for new businesses and innovation to thrive.”
“Throughout the year, we’ve focused on bridging the communities we serve through thoughtfully curated events and panel discussions,” says WVCBA President & CEO Andy Conli. “We’re very excited for 2025 to culminate with a fun, heart-warming awards show to celebrate businesses, organizations, and individuals who are having a positive impact in our business community!”
VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County is thrilled to present a series of engaging, educational, and family friendly events throughout September across our Ventura and Agriculture Museum (Santa Paula) locations. From a nostalgic agricultural celebration to deep dives into local history, our lineup fosters community connection and celebrates our region’s cultural heritage.
SCORE: FIVE COMMUNICATION MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN LEADING HIGH-PERFORMANCE GLOBAL TEAMS
August 27 @ 10:00 am
In this engaging, practical 75-minute workshop, you’ll learn the most critical communication mistakes that undermine trust and efficiency in your global teams — and how to avoid them, how to adapt to different communication styles to ensure every team member feels understood and empowered and proven techniques for ensuring you are an effective communicator—both as a speaker and as a listener. In today’s fast-paced, interconnected workplace, successful leaders must communicate clearly and inspire teams to work together toward common goals. Yet even experienced leaders can unintentionally create misunderstandings that slow progress, erode trust and impact performance.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
SANTA BARBARA — Many of us, in our own medical care in Santa Barbara, have come to rely on “MyChart by Epic” to keep track of appointments, view test results, and ask questions of our doctors. However, that is not an option for the thousands of patients who visit Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC). Adopting the MyChart system would benefit the patients and families who come to SBNC, allowing them to take charge of their healthcare information in English and in Spanish. It will also allow the Clinics to seamlessly and easily share vital information with Cottage Hospital, UCLA, and other providers. It’s a critical and overdue improvement.
SANTA BARBARA — From powering tsunami warning systems to supporting 24/7 food pantries, Unite To Light is pleased to announce eight new PowerPole installations which are set to transform how Santa Barbara County communities access reliable, renewable energy. Through a unique partnership with the James S. Bower Foundation and local battery tech startup Dragon Q Energy, the PowerPole is a compact, solar-integrated, off-grid solution providing electricity, battery storage, and internet connectivity, even in the harshest conditions.
The program addresses urgent health and safety needs so that seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities can live independently and safely in their homes. Applications can be submitted online, by mail to Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County, 1850 Eastman Avenue, Oxnard, CA or by email to jamie@habitatventura.org. For details or to learn more, visit www.habitatventura.org.
THOUSAND OAKS — The Oaks is bringing families and community members together this September with a lineup of exciting events. From culinary celebrations and family-friendly entertainment to school support initiatives, The Oaks continues its commitment to creating experiences that enrich the broader Conejo Valley community.
Proposition 1 aims to expand access to behavioral health care (mental health and substance use) and housing support, especially for individuals facing complex challenges such as housing instability and serious behavioral health conditions. As the State of California updates how behavioral health funding is prioritized, community voices will play a vital role in shaping local programs and services.
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has been awarded $34,049,563 from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) through its Disaster Recovery Multifamily Housing Accelerator Program (DR-ACCEL). These funds will be used to bring more housing to the city of Atascadero with PSHH’s Del Rio Ridge project.
DR-ACCEL bridges the gap in financing for projects ready to begin construction, but that are halted during periods of disaster. In this case, the impacts of the severe winter storms in December 2022 through April 2023 resulted in unmet recovery needs from the floods, in areas already suffering from a critical shortage of affordable housing. Del Rio Ridge was one of the developments to have paused during this time.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Kick-off meetings are scheduled for the first week in September for the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s three Youth & Government Model Legislature & Court delegation programs.
Youth & Government is an opportunity for high school students to learn how government works and join over 60 Youth & Government delegations from around California in two statewide conferences culminating in the Model Legislative & Court Conference in the legislative chambers at the State Capitol in Sacramento.
We recently learned of the passing of Jeanette Duncan, who, for nearly four decades, was the very heartbeat of our organization.
Joining not too long after our founding in 1970 by a few volunteer community members and on the heels of the Fair Housing Act, Jeanette began her time as our first Executive Director with People’s Self-Help Housing, supporting individuals and families to build their own houses and achieve their dream of home ownership. Coming alongside those spirited volunteers as their shovels broke ground on those first houses, she subsequently recruited a core of professionals whose dedication would see the work of People’s expanding to serve thousands spread across the tri-counties of the Central Coast.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s Community Education is currently inviting Northern Santa Barbara County residents from all walks of life to register for noncredit classes.
This fall, AHC Community Education is offering noncredit, tuition-free courses in a wide range of subjects, as well as affordable fee-based courses that offer everything from educational enrichment to job skill development and training. The classes are open to everyone, no matter their age, background, or educational level.
On Tuesday, August 26th, 2025, Supervisor Vianey Lopez will ask the Board of Supervisors to establish various programs to assist immigration-related proceedings at a cost of $6.3 million of taxpayer funds. The Supervisor is asking taxpayers to pay for an Immigration Legal Defense Fund for a team of lawyers in the Public Defender’s Immigrant Defense Unit and provide financial support for a “Migrant Education Program”.
The Ventura County Taxpayers Association opposes the proposed measures as misguided, fiscally irresponsible, and potentially exposing the County to significant legal and financial risks.
Prior to starting the firm in 1985, Gary had become a seasoned insurance professional with decades of experience and a strong network across Southern California. Glen graduated from USC in 1981 and started his career at Connecticut Mutual. By the time they moved to Ventura County and opened Farr Johnen & Associates, Glen had already earned a reputation as a leader in the life insurance marketplace. A few years later, Brenda Farr joined to launch the firm’s employee benefits practice, providing health insurance solutions for local businesses.
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has awarded four students with the John Fowler Scholarship Award: Alondra Zarate of Isla Vista, Gabbi Rangel and Luna Ramirez Solano of Goleta, and Fatima Orozco of Guadalupe.
The John Fowler Scholarship, named in recognition of former President & CEO of PSHH, was created to support PSHH students in their pursuit of higher education, vocational training, or trade schools. Since 2020, multiple $1,000 scholarships have been awarded each year to high school seniors who demonstrate a commitment to bettering their community, a strong motivation for excellence, and planned enrollment in a degree or certificate program. Each applicant displayed academic excellence in various ways through essay responses, report cards, their involvement in extracurricular activities, and support of their community, to include caring for family members.
Several years ago, I thought I would try my hand at freelancing. I took an online course on proofreading, passed the exam at the end of the course, and plunged into the gig economy.
Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,
There’s a beautiful word from Southern Africa—Ubuntu—that captures the heart of what we are doing together through the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund. Ubuntu means “I am because we are.” It reminds us that our lives are deeply connected, our humanity bound together. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu said:
“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”
Over the past three weeks, that spirit of Ubuntu has come alive in Ventura County. More than 100 households have already contributed over $136,000 (including $20,000 in pledges). Each gift is a powerful reminder that when one family struggles, the whole community feels it—and when one family is lifted up, we all rise.
… We invite you to join us as a sponsor for our 50th Anniversary Gala & The Latino Leadership Awards, a milestone event that will bring together community leaders, advocates, and supporters to celebrate our legacy and raise vital funds to continue our work. The event will be held on September 25th, 2025, at the beautiful Museum of Ventura County.
This is our only annual fundraiser, and its success directly impacts our ability to serve thousands of individuals and families seeking a path to legal residency, citizenship, and a better future. Your sponsorship will not only support this critical mission but will also provide your organization with visibility among influential leaders and community members who share a commitment to social impact.
Sounds of Absences
What drives you to leave everything behind and emigrate?
Lives that cross paths without seeking each other.
Solitudes that brush against each other.
How far does your dream take you? And how much are you willing to lose?
PREMIERE AUGUST 29
You’re going to laugh, you’re going to be moved, and maybe… you’ll be silent for a long time.
This substantial investment will create 88 permanent supportive housing units for individuals experiencing homelessness. In addition, one unit will be reserved for a resident property manager to provide on-site support and security. The development will also include community gathering spaces and offices for case managers and support staff, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for residents.
“This funding marks an important milestone in our efforts to address homelessness in Ventura County by providing safe, stable, and supportive housing for vulnerable residents,” said Supervisor Janice Parvin, Chair of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. “We remain dedicated to working closely with our partners to bring this project to fruition and enhance the quality of life for those in need.”
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Pacific Wildlife Care (PWC) is thrilled to announce that construction has officially begun on the Kim and Derrel Ridenour Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at 385 Buckley Road, San Luis Obispo. This marks the next major milestone following the successful Phase One of the Campaign for Wildlife, which raised more than $11.7 million to establish a permanent home for wildlife care and ensure long-term sustainability for wildlife care.
The start of construction is the culmination of more than five years of planning, collaboration, and community support. Phase I of the project includes:
President Trump and Republicans in Congress are advancing an onslaught of anti-woman, anti-reproductive freedom policies that dismantle women’s health care and strip away women’s rights. These policies that defund Planned Parenthood are effectively nothing less than a backdoor abortion ban and are part of a long-term agenda to shut down health centers, cut off access to birth control and cancer screenings, and ban abortion nationwide. If successful, these efforts will only worsen the abortion access crisis created by the Dobbs decision and state bans, making it harder for women everywhere to get the care they need, when they need it.
The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building
Board Hearing Room
511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.
THOUSAND OAKS — The 2025-2026 school year begins at California Lutheran University on Aug. 25 with over 1,000 incoming undergraduate and graduate students.
To better serve students and their families by connecting some of the most critical campus offices that support student enrollment and graduation needs, the university has established a new Student Central.This convenient location brings together Academic and Registrar Services, Student Accounts and Financial Aid, all under one roof where students can register for classes and check financial aid and account balances.
Dear Neighbors,
As a new school year begins, I want to wish our local students and families a wonderful start and remind everyone to stay safe on the roadways. In this newsletter, you’ll find important updates, resources, and details about upcoming community events—I hope you’ll join me.
Warm regards,
Jeff
Jeff Gorell, Ventura County Supervisor, District 2
SupevisorGorell@ventura.org
From blissful beach days to boba breaks, here’s everything you’ll want on your late summer list at Ventura Harbor Village. See what’s waiting by the water before the season slips away…
“Our Family Medicine Residency stands out nationally because we train residents in the full scope of family medicine, including primary care, women’s health, emergency medicine, hospital care, surgery, trauma, and community outreach,” said Dr. Jacob David, Program Director. “We’ve launched innovative programs like palliative care and addiction medicine to fill critical gaps in local services, attracting mission-driven physicians committed to serving underserved communities.”
SANTA BARBARA — McCarthy Companies has been selected by the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) to provide preconstruction services for the development of Monteria Village in Santa Barbara. The recently signed contract will lay the groundwork for a transformative affordable housing project that will replace a 28-unit HUD-assisted public housing development built in 1973 and add 52 new affordable apartments on Santa Barbara’s Westside for a total of 80 affordable multifamily units. The development leverages HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, which enabled HACSB to successfully reposition its entire HUD-assisted public housing inventory to access equity funding for rehabilitation and improvements.
Join us for the Agriculture Museum’s 10th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair on September 1st, immediately following the Santa Paula Parade. This beloved community event celebrates Santa Paula’s rich agricultural heritage with family-friendly activities, live music by the Van Allen Twins, captivating presentations and tours, and a deep appreciation for our local farming culture.
The fair offers a fresh perspective on bridging farming’s past, present, and future through engaging exhibits and interactive activities. It aims to unite our community, promote sustainable farming practices, and inspire the next generation to explore rewarding careers in agriculture.
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, October 11, 2025; 11am – 2pm
Thanking 2024 Fellows! | Welcoming 2025 Fellows!
Studio Channel Islands – Camarillo
Details to follow.
Santa Paula Creek is a tributary to the Santa Clara River located along the east side of the City of Santa Paula. The project aims to reduce flood risk and enhance community safety. Following two early public scoping meetings held in July, the public is encouraged to provide feedback to help guide the study’s scope, shape possible measures and alternatives, and assess potential environmental impacts.
Tickets are already selling fast, and many concerts are expected to sell out! Don’t miss the last concerts of Ventura Music Festival’s 30 for 30 – a celebration of the music and community we’ve shared with Ventura since our debut festival in 1995! Take a look at the October lineup below and order your tickets today.
You have less than 50 days to lock in major savings on an electric vehicle before federal incentives disappear. Right now, you can get up to $7,500 off a new EV or plug-in hybrid, or up to $4,000 off a used one through IRS Clean Vehicle Tax Credits.
When Congress passed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” they slashed the program’s timeline, moving its expiration date up to September 30, 2025 instead of 2032. That means buyers only have a short window left to take advantage of these savings before they’re gone for good.
“CenCal Health is an incredible partner to Hospice of Santa Barbara and provides access to high-quality health services, along with education and outreach, for thousands of low-income and marginalized families in Santa Barbara County,” said David Selberg, CEO of HSB. “They know that our entire community thrives when we all achieve optimal health together.”
CENTRAL COAST — This month, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) celebrated 55 years as an organization. To commemorate this historic milestone, staff gathered to reminisce on past achievements and to look forward to the next half century.
“What a privilege for an organization to celebrate 55 years,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO & President. “From our origins on the heels of the seminal Fair Housing Act of 1968 to today, we have been proud to participate in the numerous partnerships that have brought tens of thousands of units of affordable housing to the Central Coast.”
“While the Ventura College Foundation has created a significant impact, needs continue to grow,” says Parker. “Students seek financial support at a high rate, and campus programs are continually expanded. The foundation must regularly generate new support to help fund current initiatives and pave the way toward future special campaigns. Every person, company, community group, and foundation is a potential donor. My job is to connect as many as possible to Ventura College.”
VENTURA — Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) says “howdy” to dog lovers from across Ventura County and beyond and invites them to the 2025 C.A.R.L. Pooch Parade. This year’s theme is “Rescue Roundup,” so attendees and their four-legged friends can wear western-themed costumes, including bandanas and cowboy hats. The 2025 Pooch Parade takes place at Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura (grassy area) on Sunday, August 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
