Author: Community Contributor

Bilingual report — Public invited to upcoming Board of Supervisors hearing on the Comprehensive Updates to the County’s Initial Study Assessment Guidelines and CEQA Implementation Manual

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura invites the public to attend a Board of Supervisors hearing on Tuesday, September 30, at 1:00 p.m. at 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, in the County Government Center, Hall of Administration, Board Hearing Room. At the hearing, the Board of Supervisors will consider approval of the County’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Implementation Manual and the Initial Study Assessment Guidelines (ISAGs), including the supplemental Noise and Vibration Assessment Guidelines. These key documents guide how the County evaluates environmental impacts of proposed projects in the unincorporated areas of the County. The Board will also consider an amendment to the General Plan, which is needed to accompany the updated ISAGs.

California Lutheran University receives more than $2.9 million in grant funding

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2025 • Comments Off

HOUSAND OAKS — Hundreds of California Lutheran University students will receive additional support for achieving their educational goals, thanks to $2,937,168 in grant funding the university has received in 2025. The grants will increase access to targeted services for students facing financial challenges, provide opportunities for faculty advancement and facilitate building improvement.

“Cal Lutheran is more than a place of working and learning; it is life-giving,” said Cal Lutheran President John Nunes. “To that end, grant funding is an important way for us to strengthen our connection to our community and to provide life-giving academic tools for our students. These grants also enable our faculty to conduct cutting-edge research for the benefit of their field and teaching.”

Bilingual report — City of Ventura seeks applicants for Ventura Council for Seniors

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is now accepting applications for the Ventura Council for Seniors (VCS). This volunteer advisory group advocates for and improves the lives of the city’s older adult residents.

Applicants must:

Be a City of Ventura resident, age 60 or older
Be available to attend monthly meetings, held on the third Tuesday of each month from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center (550 N. Ventura Avenue)

LEAP receives National Diaper Need Awareness Week Proclamation

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — With one in two families struggling with diaper need, many parents are forced to skip meals or delay changing diapers to extend their supply. Fortunately, Santa Barbara County and partner nonprofits are working together to spread awareness and help alleviate the growing need for diapers in our community.

On Tuesday, September 16th, LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner. received a proclamation from the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors officially recognizing National Diaper Need Awareness Week, which takes place from September 15-21, 2025.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Scientists tune in to the surf’s hidden signals’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2025 • Comments Off

Infrasound and seismic waves reveal the unseen forces shaping coastal conditions.

Panteón Fest, a celebration of Día De Los Muertos, will be held at Oxnard’s Heritage Square on Oct. 11

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2025 • Comments Off

At Panteón Fest, Aztec drumbeats honor the departed, and traditional music fills the air. The desfilada procession brings the community together, with themed displays and entertainment, and a theatrical play showcases the traditions of Día De Los Muertos.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2025 • Comments Off

IN-PERSON EVENT: READY • SET • GROW: SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES

September 16, 23 and 30 @ 9:00 am

Join the City of Oxnard and Economic Development Collaborative for a 3-part series to help business owners improve legal compliance, financial planning and marketing. Participants will receive hands-on, practical training to achieve real results, such as official registration, funding readiness, and customer growth. This 3-workshop series will be conducted in English, with the option to answer questions in Spanish. Hands-on materials will be provided in both languages. Address: Oxnard Main Library, 251 S A St., Oxnard, CA, 93030.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department launches community questionnaire to help shape next strategic plan

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department invites residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to participate in its Strategic Plan Community Questionnaire. This short, accessible feedback form, available in English and Spanish, gives the community a direct voice in shaping the department’s priorities and goals.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging to help with Medicare Open Enrollment

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — With the Medicare Open Enrollment period soon to begin, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) – part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency – will again be providing countywide resources and help.

Medicare Open Enrollment begins on Oct. 15 and runs through December. 7. HICAP counselors, who are registered by the California Department of Aging, provide free, unbiased Medicare counseling to the public.

Ventura Music Festival — Blues TOMORROW, more music next month!

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2025 • Comments Off

From our friends at Ojai Underground, and sponsored by Ventura Music Festival, join us for THE CHRIS O’LEARY BAND. A devastatingly soulful vocalist, dynamic harmonica master, and superlative songwriter, Chris O’Leary is among the blues and roots world’s most talented unsung heroes.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. celebrates completion of Dolores Huerta Gardens Apartments: A new chapter for affordable housing in Oxnard

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Community leaders, elected officials, and labor rights icon Dolores Huerta gathered on Sept. 5, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of Dolores Huerta Gardens Apartments. This new affordable housing development from Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) brings 58 units specifically for farmworkers, veterans, and low-income families to Ventura County.

Named in honor of legendary civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, the new development reflects her lifelong fight for justice, equity, and the empowerment of working families. This property not only expands access to safe, affordable housing, but also stands as a symbol of resilience, dignity, and community transformation.

“Dolores Huerta Gardens is a foundation for families to build brighter futures,” said Victoria Brady, CEO of Cabrillo EDC. “This community reflects our deep commitment to providing safe, affordable housing for those who need it most, and to creating spaces where residents can truly thrive.”

Bilingual commentary — Why Read a Challenging Book?

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

Let’s try to imagine an exploratory mission deep in the heart of the local library.

That is exactly what I conducted last week among the ghosts of the paper card catalogs that now haunt the modern library visitor. I felt like a hunter, seeking out a book that would mysteriously reach out to me and demand that I read it—or at least consider it.

Anonymous Heroes / Héroes Anónimos exhibit opening reception to be held at the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard on Sept. 12

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

OXNARD — … Anonymous Heroes / Héroes Anónimos highlights 29 selections from the Santa Paula Art Museum’s permanent collection, paying tribute to the resilience, creativity, and essential contributions of our farm workers. These “everyday heroes,” often unrecognized in historybooks, have shaped the cultural and economic fabric of Ventura County and beyond. Artists featured include: Carlos Almaraz, Judy Baca, Cornelis Botke, Sergio Hernandez, TonyJankowski, Xavier Montes, John Nichols, Gail Pidduck, Wihimina Puisifer, Kay B. Snodgrass, Eloy Torres, and Robert von Sternberg.

“Each image and artwork in this exhibition reminds us that behind every cultivated field and harvest lies a story of sacrifice, perseverance, and love for family,” reflects Ricardo Santana Velázquez, Consul of Mexico in Oxnard. “These are the stories of women and men who,even amid the challenges of the migratory context, continue to sow the future with their hands and unwavering spirit.”

Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) to present ‘Raising Justice’ community celebration and fundraiser in Ventura on Sept. 18

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

Just one week away is Raising Justice – our 19th annual community celebration and fundraiser! We want you there to celebrate our movement and support tenants, environmental justice, and immigrant workers.

Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara Presents Grupo Bella: A unique experience of blending the old Musica De Raiz with new and fresh sounds Sept. 18 through 21

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

FOUR FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES

Thursday, September 18 | 7 PM | Carpinteria Vets Memorial Building

Friday, September 19 | 7 PM Isla Vista Elementary

Saturday, September 20 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall

Sunday, September 21 | 6 PM | Marjorie Luke Theatre

LULAC — Targeted by appearance: Immigration, race and the Constitution

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

Click here to register and join us in this important (virtual conversation on Sept. 16).

This session will bring together leading voices in law, democracy, and civil rights to:

Examine the ruling’s implications for constitutional protections, civil liberties, and immigrant communities.
Discuss what Congress and state governments can do to protect residents, strengthen oversight, and counter discriminatory enforcement.
Explore strategies for building broad coalitions capable of defending both democracy and civil rights in the face of aggressive enforcement.

Every Bottle, Every visit, every order: Folded Hills donates 100% of Friday sales in September to Hospice of Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Every Friday in September, Folded Hills Winery will match 100% of every purchase – whether it’s bottles of wine, visits to the tasting rooms, or orders from the online store—with a donation to Hospice of Santa Barbara. Through its Philanthropy Fridays initiative, made possible by the Kim and Andy Bush Family Foundation, Folded Hills shines a spotlight on local nonprofits and their amazing work. This month, wine lovers have the unique opportunity to raise a glass while supporting Hospice of Santa Barbara’s mission of providing compassionate care to those in need.

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan achieves nationally recognized health equity accreditation

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

NCQA’s Health Equity Accreditation evaluates how well an organization complies with standards in the following areas: organizational readiness; race / ethnicity, language, gender identity and sexual orientation; access and availability of language services; practitioner network cultural responsiveness; culturally and linguistically appropriate services programs; and reducing health care disparities.

Ventura College launches County’s first speech-language pathology assistant program

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Ventura College is proud to announce the launch of Ventura County’s first Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) program, located at the Ventura College East Campus in Santa Paula. The program, which began this fall, exceeded expectations with full enrollment in all first-semester courses within 48 hours, a rare milestone for a brand-new academic offering.

Museum of Contemporary Arts Santa Barbara — British Textile Biennial presents Sangre de Nopal/Blood of the Nopal: Learning from the Land at The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery, Lancashire, England

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

British Textile Biennial (BTB) is a free festival of contemporary art, commissioning artists and designers from all over the world to make work inspired by the context and legacy of the textile industry in East Lancashire and its global impact, often in the places that were created by it. This Autumn, British Textile Biennial (BTB) explores invention and innovation in textile production; through indigenous knowledge to space-age technology, from the earliest form of shelter, the tent, to space suits, and from plant-based dyes to the first polymers.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting to be held Sept. 16

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

Reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores en español
(Board of Supervisors’ Meetings in Spanish)
El Condado de Santa Bárbara está ofreciendo interpretación en español de las reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores. Véalo en vivo en nuestro canal de YouTube en español, o las personas suscritas a la televisión por cable pueden acceder a la programación secundaria de audio (SAP) en los ajustes de idioma.

Ventura County Fire Dept. to commemorate 9/11 anniversary

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — This year marks the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. To honor the lives lost and the courage of those who responded, the Ventura County Fire Department invites the community to join firefighters in remembrance ceremonies across the county.

Commemorations will take place at every fire station, department headquarters, and at Fire Dispatch.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Eureka! members travel to Washington D.C. for week of advocacy and exploration

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2025 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is proud to celebrate a powerful milestone for its Eureka! program participants, who recently returned from an inspiring week-long trip to Washington D.C. filled with learning, exploration, and advocacy.

The trip offered girls the opportunity to explore the nation’s capital, visit world-class museums, tour college campuses, and meet directly with local representatives to discuss the issues that matter most to them.

Oxnard Film Society — Four virtuosos and four Stradivarius bring Music, Drama and Laughter on Sept. 15 with LES MUSICIENS

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2025 • Comments Off

Our Fall season begins on Monday, September 15 with a film from France, LES MUSICIENS – “The premise of the film is incredibly fascinating. It’s very rare to see classical music on the big screens… – music, comedy, drama.”

Just a reminder to our patrons that I personally preview each film to insure a great viewing experience each and every Monday screening.

Heroes of Hospice of SB luncheon to Sshowcase unique and valuable artwork for auction

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara’s 13th annual Heroes of Hospice luncheon will include a silent art auction, thanks to the generous donation by Suzanne Grimmesey and Edwin Feliciano of three giclée prints by Armenian artist Gevorg Yeghiazaryan. While bids are only available online at https://paybee.io/@hospiceofsb@23, the prints will be on display at this year’s event. Each is valued at as much as $2,000 or higher.

Museum of Ventura County expands office space in Camarillo to advance long-term vision for sustainable growth

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County is beginning a new chapter in its long-term vision for sustainable growth. With donor support, the Museum is expanding into Camarillo while advancing its broader goals of amplifying the Museum’s countywide presence and strengthening its service to the community.

The Camarillo location extends the Museum’s reach closer to East Ventura County, complementing its main campus in downtown Ventura and its Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula. The new office will initially serve the Museum’s administrative staff, but the move will also lay the groundwork to increase capacity for its collections, archives, and research library in both Ventura and Camarillo.

UCSB Arts & Lectures names Heather Silva Managing Director of Development and Elise Erb Senior Director of Development

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures is building the next generation of cultural leadership with two key appointments in its Development team: Heather Silva has been named Managing Director of Developmentand Elise Erb has been promoted to Senior Director of Development.

Community unites to ‘Raise the Roof’ for affordable housing at Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s 6th Annual Compassion Campaign

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced that its 6th Annual Compassion Campaign raised record breaking funds for the fourth consecutive year. Held on Thursday, September 4th at Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark and supported in part by Keystone Sponsor HOPE (Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere), the evening brought together more than 200 community leaders, advocates and supporters to “RAISE THE ROOF” for affordable housing in Ventura County.

Holidays In The Village, A European Marketplace seeks sponsors & vendors

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The 4th Annual Holidays in the Village, A European Marketplace, is seeking sponsors as well as food, artisan and craft vendors. The Marketplace is presented by the Rotary Club of Westlake Village and hosted at The Oaks (W. Wilbur Rd. and W. Thousand Oaks Blvd. parking lot) in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, December 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Santa Barbara attorneys Ron S. Bamieh and Danielle De Smeth achieve ‘Super Lawyer’ status

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Ron S. Bamieh and Danielle De Smeth, partners at the law firm Bamieh & De Smeth, have made the ‘Super Lawyers’ list for 2026, a prestigious recognition that places them among the top five percent of attorneys in the country.

Super Lawyers is a rating service that evaluates lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Candidates are selected by independent researchers and professional peers and cannot nominate themselves.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Town hall highlights impact of federal budget cuts on research’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • September 10, 2025 • Comments Off

Budget cuts for science research were the topic of discussion at a meeting sponsored by the United Academic Workers local 4811 along with the campus, and featuring a visit by Rep. Salud Carbajal and comments from Vice Chancellor for Research Rachel Segalman.

My Way Home (formerly VCCDC) — We’ve Changed Our Name!

by Community Contributor • September 10, 2025 • Comments Off

I am delighted to share that Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) is now My Way Home. While our name and look have changed, our mission has not. We remain firmly committed to empowering families and individuals on their journey to homeownership, financial stability, and brighter futures.

For more than 20 years, we’ve been honored to walk alongside thousands of families in Ventura County — and more recently, in Santa Barbara, Kern, and Los Angeles counties. This new name reflects both our growth and the deeply personal journeys of those we serve. My Way Home speaks to the opportunities, possibilities, and hope that come with creating a pathway to home.

Bilingual report — Thomas Hunt appointed director of the General Services Agency

by Community Contributor • September 10, 2025 • Comments Off

“Thomas brings decades of hands-on experience and strategic leadership in facilities and engineering, which makes him uniquely qualified for this role,” stated Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “His deep understanding of both operational needs and long-term planning will strengthen our ability to maintain and improve critical County infrastructure. Ventura County will benefit greatly from his expertise as we continue to deliver reliable, high-quality services to our residents.”

Santa Paula Art Museum — Two Exhibits, One Weekend!

by Community Contributor • September 10, 2025 • Comments Off

Harvey Cusworth’s “Visions of Conejo Valley and the Malibu Coast”

Opens at the Santa Paula Art Museum
Saturday, September 13, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members

Bilingual report — Local Bird tests positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On September 5, 2025 the Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that a bird collected during the fourth week of August (8/25) from the Simi Valley area tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected. This is the first detection of WNV activity this year in Ventura County.

Bilingual report — Step up for safer streets: Ventura recognizes September as Pedestrian Safety Month

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California, and the City of Ventura reminds drivers and walkers alike to take extra care when sharing streets. Whether you’re heading to school, work, or enjoying Ventura’s neighborhoods, walking should always be a safe and easy option.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,148 pedestrians were killed in traffic collisions across the United States in 2024. In California alone, pedestrian deaths account for over 24% of all traffic-related fatalities.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2025 • Comments Off

IN-PERSON EVENT: READY • SET • GROW: SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES

September 16, 23 and 30 @ 9:00 am

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Dr. Chris Lambert leads Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics Board of Directors

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2025 • Comments Off

“I first learned about SBNC when I volunteered for the Isla Vista Free Clinic in the late 1970s,” said Dr. Lambert. “The actual formation of SBNC occurred in the 1990s, by which time there were three ‘free clinics’ which joined forces to become SBNC.”

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — Interested in attending a U.S. Service Academy? Join me on Wednesday to learn more!

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2025 • Comments Off

Attending a U.S. Service Academy is a great honor and an excellent way for young Americans to serve their country. Every year, I have the honor of nominating students from Ventura County and the Conejo Valley to represent our district at one of the five prestigious service academies in the nation.

This fall, my office is hosting a series of information nights for students and their families throughout California’s 26th Congressional District to learn about the service academies and the opportunities these institutions of higher learning afford their students.

United Way of Ventura County — Consider joining our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) team

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2025 • Comments Off

Help low-income families and individuals improve their financial security. Consider joining our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) team of tax preparers and interviewers for the 2025 Tax Year. Volunteers prepare federal and state tax returns at no cost, assisting clients to access the tax credits for which they are eligible. Services will be provided at multiple sites across Ventura County offering the opportunity to volunteer during the day, in the evening, or on Saturday.

Bilingual commentary — The AI Arms Race in the Job Market

by Community Contributor • September 5, 2025 • Comments Off

In the 1970s, in a more prosperous country, company “headhunters” were pursuing us even before we graduated from college. Sometimes we ended up with several job offers. Our “dilemma” was having to choose from among them.

I sympathize with today’s college graduates. Today, untold numbers of graduates are experiencing a superabundance of frustration as they submit, sometimes literally, hundreds of their résumés online to a wide range of companies.

Rebozo Festival announces 2026 Grant Application now open

by Community Contributor • September 5, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Rebozo Festival, Inc., is pleased to announce that awards of up to $30,000 will be granted to qualified non-profit organizations that focus on the cultural, social and/or educational needs of the Ventura County community. The application process will open September 4th and will close September 30th, 2025, at 5:00 pm.

Bilingual report from City of Ventura — Step back in time at the Olivas Adobe’s Rancho Days on Sept. 14

by Community Contributor • September 5, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites the community to travel back to the 1800s during Rancho Days at Olivas Adobe Historical Park on Sunday, September 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly celebration brings to life the rich history and heritage of Ventura’s early pioneers and indigenous peoples.

Guests can enjoy an afternoon of live music, dancing, storytelling, games, and hands-on activities that capture the spirit of Rancho San Miguel, the historic property that is now Olivas Adobe Historical Park.

Marking Labor Day, farmworkers and community members march in Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country to demand a living wage for Santa Barbara County’s agriculture industry

by Community Contributor • September 5, 2025 • Comments Off

LOS OLIVOS — As the nation celebrated Labor Day, farmworkers in Santa Barbara County remindED the public that the fight for workers’ rights and dignity is far from over. On Saturday, August 30, 2025, just ahead of Labor Day, farmworkers and community supporters marched through Los Olivos to demand living wages and safe working conditions in the region’s world-famous wine industry. On a busy weekend for tasting rooms in Santa Ynez Valley wine country, community members marched to remind the public of the labor behind the expensive bottles of wine they enjoy on their days off.