Author: Community Contributor

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Your electric vehicle tax credit disappears on Sept. 30

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

13th Annual luncheon to honor community award recipients and feature Keynote speaker David Kessler at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

“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.”

People’s Self-Help Housing Celebrates 55th Anniversary

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

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.”

Pete Parker named Ventura College Foundation director of development

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

“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.”

Canine Adoption and Rescue League returns to Ventura Harbor Village for 25th Annual Pooch Parade on Aug. 24

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Back to School Message, Logo Contest, Constitution Day, and more…

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

As the 2025–2026 school year gets underway, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to every student and family in Ventura County. This is an exciting time for students to reunite with friends, meet new teachers, and pursue fresh opportunities for growth and learning. But for many families, this year begins not only with hope, but with anxiety and fear.

Our message to all families is simple: We are ready for you. We welcome you. We stand with you. Our staff are trained to protect your children and connect your family to critical resources.

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara and 2nd Story Associates provided school supplies to low-income youth and their families

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), in partnership with its nonprofit affiliate, 2nd Story Associates, hosted its 13th Annual Tools for School event on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Presidio Springs Community Room (721 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara). At this year’s event, HACSB distributed around 400 backpacks filled with school supplies to approximately 200 families, ensuring local students had the resources they need to start the school year prepared.

Good Samaritan Shelter deploys street outreach teams to combat high heat in Santa Barbara County

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

All Good Samaritan Shelter street outreach teams will be deployed to distribute essential cooling supplies to the homeless population across the county. The outreach teams will provide water, cooling towels, electrolytes, water bottles, ice packs, and informational materials on the signs of heat stroke and exhaustion. This initiative aims to ensure the health and safety of vulnerable individuals who are exposed to extreme heat conditions. “We are committed to protecting our community’s most vulnerable during these high temperatures,” said Kirsten Cahoon, Director of Homeless Services at Good Samaritan Shelter. “Our teams are prepared to offer crucial supplies and information to prevent heat-related illnesses and provide relief.”

People’s Self-Help Housing Releases 2025-2030 Strategic Plan Five-year plan shares commitment to expanding housing access

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

“With over a year and a half in the making, this plan has been thoroughly and carefully crafted to highlight the organizational values of PSHH and more importantly, provide more housing access throughout the Central Coast,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO & President. “We are proud to share and use this plan as our guide for the next five years, and we invite our supporters and partners to join us as we build a more just and compassionate future, one home and one life at a time.”

California Lutheran University students excel with Summer Research Fellowships

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

“The program is all about experiential learning, so our students aren’t just assistants helping faculty with their research; they’re full collaborators in the process,” said Andrea Sell, Ph.D., director of Research Development and Support. “This kind of faculty-student collaboration with close, hands-on mentorship helps students realize they’re not just passive consumers of knowledge, they’re capable of making real contributions to their fields.”

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — There’s still time to join CEC’s next Climate Stewards cohort starting Sept. 9!

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

You’re not the only one ready to take action for our planet’s future — and you don’t have to do it alone. CEC’s Climate Stewards certification course equips everyday people with the knowledge, tools, and network of activists to lead equitable climate solutions right where they live.

This is your chance to find your place in the climate movement. Through the 8-week course, you’ll explore the science and psychology of climate change, participate in hands-on field trips, and design a custom Stewardship Project that’s meaningful to you and supports climate resilience.

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation appoints Lynn Fitzgibbons, MD, as Craig Mally and Louise Stewart, MD, Endowed Chair in Graduate Medical Education

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

“Dr. Fitzgibbons exemplifies the compassionate leadership and clinical excellence that elevate graduate medical education at Cottage Health,” said Scott Wester, President and CEO of Cottage Health. “Her impact as a mentor, physician, and leader is felt across our organization and the broader community. We are proud to recognize her with this endowed chair as she continues to shape the future of medicine.”

Ventura County Animal Services — Clear the Shelters — FREE adoptions this Saturday 8/23!

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

This Saturday is Clear the Shelters, our largest pet adoption event of the year! Last year, 77 animals found loving homes, and were aiming to top that number this Saturday. We’ll be opening extra early at 11:00am, with early-bird adoption sign-ups starting at 7:00am at the Camarillo Shelter.

Adoptions will be FREE, and adopters will go home with lots of free gifts from event sponsors. Animals go home spayed or neutered, vaccinated, flea-treated, and come with a FREE first vet visit!

Browse the DOGS, CATS, and BUNNIES in our care to see who you’d like to take home this Saturday!

Community Colleges of Ventura County ranked among Top 25 in State for Student ROI

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — All three Community Colleges of Ventura County—Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura—ranked among the Top 25 in California for return on investment, according to a new College Futures Foundation report on economic mobility. The Golden Returnsreport, which measures how quickly students recoup educational costs through post-enrollment earnings, placed Moorpark at #7, Oxnard at #9 and Ventura at #19 statewide.

The analysis was conducted in partnership between the College Futures Foundation and the HEA group, a research and consulting agency focused on college access, value and economic mobility. The comparison covered 327 public, private nonprofit and for-profit community and career colleges across 12 California economic regions.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

SBA: MYSBA CERTIFICATION TRAINING: NAVIGATING THE APPLICATION PROCESS

August 21 @ 11:00 am

This webinar will assist small business owners who have successfully submitted a MySBA certification application to navigate the application process. Presenters will discuss how to respond and resubmit an application that has been “Returned to Business”, responses to requests for information (RFI), and other frequently asked questions.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

17 teens graduate from Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s “Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura” (Preparation, Well-being and Culture) Program with a focus on career and college prep

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), in coordination with 2nd Story Associates, has completed its “Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura” (Preparation, Well-being and Culture) free four-week summer initiative focused on “life preparation” with 17 teens graduating from the program.

The program provides focused activities that promote educational opportunities, social-emotional support, and cultural awareness. The program allows students to participate in a variety of field trips, earn community service hours, participate in college tours, as well as receive a free backpack and school supplies.

Bilingual commentary — The German Roots of Oxnard

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

Every city has its stories to tell, and Oxnard certainly has its share. When we think of Oxnard, at least here in this part of California, we might reflexively think of the Mexican, Chinese and Japanese immigrants who built the agricultural backbone of this region. Without their sweat, tears and blood, we would not be the agricultural powerhouse that we are today.

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula clarifies status on ACLU lawsuit participation) challenging the federal government’s immigration enforcement activities)

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

… To clarify, the City of Santa Paula was not invited to participate in the lawsuit. The most recent group of cities to join was added on August 8, 2025, and Santa Paula was not among them. The City is not privy to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s litigation strategy or procedural decisions.

We recognize that this is an important issue for many in our community, and Council has received messages from residents urging the City to join the lawsuit or take other related action. While the City is not a party to this case, Council continues to evaluate issues and opportunities related to protecting the rights and well-being of all Santa Paula residents.

El Concilio Family Services — Early Bird Price going fast!

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

Honoring 50 Years of Impact & Leadership

Taking Flight: Port of Hueneme conducts aerial drone exercise to boost security

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

PORT HUENEME — Geopolitical tensions led to increased maritime security threats in 2024. Attacks, cyberthreats, extreme weather events, and other potential dangers underscore the critical importance of robust security training and strong emergency preparedness programs to safeguard global trade and ensure community safety.

It was against this backdrop that officials from the Port of Hueneme recently conducted the organization’s Coastal Trident Security Exercise.

Bilingual report — New students get a warm welcome at ‘Hancock Hello’

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College invited more than 1,800 new students to attend a “Hancock Hello” orientation event on Aug. 12 at the Santa Maria campus.

During the event, the new Bulldog students and their parents were able to learn more about Hancock and the programs and support services the college offers. Attendees met faculty and staff, learned more about college departments and student clubs, and took campus tours.

“I really like Hancock Hello because you get to see all these new faces and help them feel welcome,” said Jaci Rayas, a Hancock student ambassador who worked the event. “It’s great for students and their parents to see everything that’s here for them and see that they have a support system here.”

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter — Aug. 15, 2025

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

In previous issues we have examined the needs for housing for varied segments of our community and different approaches to solving them. This issue covers an at an often neglected area: the need for housing for at-risk young adults. 20% of those from the foster system experience homelessness the day they age out, and 50% experience homelessness within 18 months. Close to 60% of California’s community college students are housing insecure.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Behavioral Health alerts Board of Supervisors and public to dangers of kratom in the community

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On Tuesday, August 12, Ventura County Behavioral Health briefed the Board of Supervisors on an emerging public health threat: kratom, an unregulated substance increasingly linked to overdoses and deaths in the county. The update was led by Dr. Tipu Khan of the Ventura County Medical Center’s Addiction Medicine program, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Christopher Young, Ventura County Behavioral Health’s Substance Use Services Medical Director Dr. Joseph Vlaskovits, and Public Health Officer Dr. Uldine Castel.

People Helping People announces 2025–2026 Board Leadership & new strategic priorities

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Becky Barieau will continue her dedicated service as Board President, bringing steady leadership and a deep commitment to community well-being. John Kuelbs, a longtime supporter and visionary philanthropist, will assume the role of Vice President. Joyce Talmadge will continue as Board Secretary, offering consistency and strong organizational stewardship, while Francisca Escobar will serve another term as Treasurer, providing thoughtful fiscal oversight during a time of growth and investment.

Santa Paula Art Museum — The Art Auction is Saturday, Aug. 16!

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at the Santa Paula Art Museum’s 15th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16! Dozens of stunning artworks by historic and contemporary California artists will be up for bid, including museum-worthy pieces by Meredith Brooks Abbott, Jessie and Cornelis Botke, Robert Clunie, Paul Grimm, Douglas Shively, and many more. Plus, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Parque 1055 while you browse.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara August 2025 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Gifford Fire Update —
Stay informed about the latest developments in fire containment, current evacuation orders and warnings in Santa Barbara County, and available resources for affected communities.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula’s regional influence grows as Mayor Chavez and city leaders secure key roles on countywide boards

by Community Contributor • August 13, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is proud to highlight the growing regional leadership of its elected officials as they continue to secure influential roles on countywide and regional boards, ensuring Santa Paula’s voice is strongly represented in critical policy decisions.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police join national ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign to prevent drunk driving crashes

by Community Contributor • August 13, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Starting August 13 and running through September 1, the Ventura Police Department will participate in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

This high-visibility campaign focuses on stopping impaired drivers and preventing the types of deadly crashes often seen over Labor Day weekend. Additional officers will be on patrol looking for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Some young suns are aligned with their planet-forming disks, others are born tilted’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • August 13, 2025 • Comments Off

“All young stars have these disks, but we’ve known little about their orientations with respect to the spin axis of the host stars,” said associate physics professor Brendan Bowler, senior author of a study published in Nature.

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary’s New Rector is California Lutheran University Spiritual Leader

by Community Contributor • August 13, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The Rev. Colleen Windham-Hughes, Ph.D., a longtime professor and spiritual leader at California Lutheran University, has been appointed the rector of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS), part of Cal Lutheran. PLTS is the only Lutheran Evangelical Lutheran Church in America seminary in the western half of the United States and a founding member of the Graduate Theological Union.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara announces the Call for Entries Winners 2025-2026!

by Community Contributor • August 13, 2025 • Comments Off

Congratulations to:

Godofredo Astudillo & Dannah Mari Hidalgo

Their exhibition will be on view at our satellite location, The Riviera Beach House. We look forward to share their powerful and evocative work with the public.

Bilingual report — MICOP — Ventura County Residents to Urge Board of Supervisors to Support Immigrant Families Following ICE Raids

by Community Contributor • August 12, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On Tuesday, August 12, immigrant and farmworker rights organizers, advocates, and community members will rally at the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting to call for the county to invest in legal support for the immigrant community following the recent ICE raids at the Glass House facility in Camarillo.

Residents are urging the Board to adopt two key proposals backed by 805 Immigrant:

$1 million for Ventura County residents facing deportation to keep families together
$1 million in legal support for eligible immigrant families seeking to adjust their status

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

IN-PERSON EVENT: INSURANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

August 13 @ 8:30 am

Join SCORE Ventura County, City of Thousand Oaks and Economic Development Collaborative to learn about insurance from somebody who is not trying to sell you something! Insurance contracts are written by attorneys, but not all insurance agents can explain them in simple terms. In layman’s terms, this workshop will briefly overview the types of coverages available and what most businesses need. Address: Thousand Oaks City Hall, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Air Quality Alert issued for Ventura County on Aug. 8

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is issuing an Air Quality Alert because of unhealthy air quality conditions caused by the Canyon Fire. Impacted areas may include, but are not limited to, Piru, Fillmore and Santa Paula.

Smoke from the Canyon Fire has caused air quality to fall into the unhealthy range for the general population, as measured by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Air Quality Index (AQI). Smoke and ash from wildfires contain very small particles — particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less — that can harm the lungs and heart.

Preserving History with a New Vision: SBTHP Reveals Updated Brand

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) is pleased to announce some exciting news. We’ve embarked on a journey to refresh our brand identity, and we’re excited to unveil a new look that better reflects our evolving mission and celebrates the rich history and cultures of Santa Barbara County.

This rebrand isn’t just about a new logo; it’s about breathing new life into our visual presence to create a timeless, enduring, and inclusive brand. Our goal is to inspire a new generation of preservation advocates and connect with a wider audience, from lifelong history enthusiasts to those just discovering Santa Barbara’s past and ongoing cultural heritage.

CLU — ‘Ask Gumby’ Earns Future Campus Award for Innovative Student Guidance

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University has been recognized with the Tambellini Future Campus Award for its groundbreaking AI initiative, “Ask Gumby.” Developed by the university’s Information Technology team, the AI-powered chatbot was created through a strategic, campuswide effort and significant in-house software development to enhance student support and success.

The award was presented at the Future Campus™ Summit, held August 5–6 in New York City, honoring institutions that are reimagining the role of technology in higher education.

Bilingual report — Back to School Traffic Safety Awareness

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — As the beginning of the new school year approaches this week, the Santa Paula Police Department reminds residents, parents, students, and school staff to practice caution and safety in observance of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and school buses.

The first day of school is August 11, 2025. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be impacted during drop-off and pickup times. Here are helpful tips for back to school traffic safety:

Farm Bureau of Ventura County — Have you registered to attend 2025 Agri-Tech Fair on Sept. 23

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

Have You Registered To Attend? Our 2025 Ventura County Agri-Tech Fair is just over a month away. It will take place on September 23, 2025, at The Holiday Inn North Oxnard (formerly the Marriott). The VC Agri-Tech Fair is the…

Community Environmental Council recruits Fall Class of Climate Stewards

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

“We need local climate leaders — now more than ever,” said Kathi King, Course Instructor and CEC’s Director of Outreach and Education. “The Climate Stewards Course provides the perfect avenue for impassioned individuals to start making change in their community, workplace, or school. The course truly has something for everyone because anyone can propel the climate movement — students, non-profit staff, entrepreneurs, retirees, teachers, community members, and many others. Our community holds immense power to create a groundswell of change, and our Climate Stewards program fosters the connection, confidence, and inspiration needed to unleash it.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Community Foundation — Exciting Update on Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2025 • Comments Off

This simple truth is at the heart of the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund. It reflects our core belief that every person matters, and that even the smallest act of kindness can spark hope and make a meaningful difference in the life of another.

Since launching this collaborative effort with our partners just one week ago, we have seen an outpouring of love and support. Because of you, more than $105,000 has already been donated (including pledges) to help our neighbors. We have also received heartfelt messages filled with encouragement, personal stories of resilience, and moving affirmations that this fund is both timely and deeply needed. Your generosity is not only financial, but also a powerful reminder that we are not alone, and that our community stands together.

Bilingual commentary — Coffee with Friends and Family

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2025 • Comments Off

In the following paragraphs, feel free to substitute “tea” (or any other caffeinated drink) for “coffee.”

One of my favorite pastimes in retirement is partaking of coffee with friends or family. That magical, “brew-tiful” time might be spent with my daughter to catch up on her world and that of my grandsons. Or it might mean swapping war stories with a fellow retiree who had spent time in the trenches with me, day after day and year after year.

El Concilio Family Services — 50th Anniversary Early Bird Ticket Price ~10 days left

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2025 • Comments Off

Don’t miss your chance to secure the early bird price for a seat at our upcoming Fundraiser, celebrating our 50th Anniversary and the 35th Latino Leadership Awards! Reserve your spot today and join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, recognition, and community. Act now—early bird pricing ends soon!

Single tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures 2025-2026 season go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m.

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

UCSB Arts & Lectures presents its 66th season of world-class cultural and artistic events, from stimulating lectures and animated conversations with today’s thought leaders to brilliant performances by the world’s most accomplished dancers, singers, musicians and performers. Single (non-subscription) tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2025-2026 season go on sale Tuesday, August 19 at 10 a.m.

United Way of Ventura County — Spirit Awards early bird ticket Price

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

Join us in celebrating United Way of Ventura County’s Spirit Award recipients and our 80th Anniversary!

Only one more day to take advantage of the early bird ticket price! After Friday, August 8 the ticket price is $250.

How to revitalize your soil and landscape after a fire

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

Homeowners and businesses whose landscapes were damaged or destroyed by the recent wildfires should begin taking steps to prevent erosion before fall and winter rains by repairing the soil and adding nutrients to promote plant growth, says Rick Wilson, Ph.D., chief science officer at Agromin, the largest organic waste recycler and compost and mulch producer in California.

Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) — Power of Purpose – August 2025

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

Summer Greetings from the VCCF Scholarship Program!

We’re thrilled to share that 2025 has been another record-breaking year for the VCCF Scholarship Program. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we awarded 569 scholarships to 412 students, totaling $1,838,986.60 — the highest amount ever granted. More than 30 awardees received the maximum scholarship of $10,000, paving the way for them to fully pursue their dreams.

Ventura County Arts Council announces grant opportunity for Arts Orgs: VibeWell Ventura County Arts & Mental Health

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

The VibeWell VC grant program supports Ventura County-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in delivering programs that increase mental health awareness through creative experiences. Priority funding goes to arts organizations with explicit arts missions, though other nonprofits may apply if partnering with local arts organizations or artists.

Cottage Children’s Medical Center and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles announce collaboration to expand access to pediatric care for Central Coast families

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

“Our focus at CCMC is high quality care for our pediatric patients locally. This affiliation is a huge leap forward in reducing the burden placed on families to travel multiple times a year for a chronic condition that requires a large academic center like CHLA,” says Miriam Parsa, MD, MPH, Chief Pediatric Medical Officer of Cottage Children’s Medical Center.

The Friendship Center Adult Day Services – The Friendly Finch August newsletter

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

Dear Families & Friends,

Friendship Center has felt especially home-y lately. Spending more time with the family members who bring their loved ones to the Center has only deepened our “family feel” in the most meaningful way. Even after just hitting my two-year mark as Executive Director, I’m still pinching myself that this is where I get to spend my days and pour my energy.

Guest commentary — When love meets the law: Why premarital and postmarital agreements matter more than ever

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — In an era where personal relationships and financial lives are increasingly complex, attorney Richard F. Sperling urges couples to think ahead when it comes to protecting their assets and intentions through thoughtfully crafted premarital and post-marital agreements.

Sperling, a seasoned family law attorney and mediator based in Westlake Village, has seen first-hand how misunderstandings, lack of adequate legal counsel and even a simple failure to double-check a document can have lasting consequences. A high-profile case he wrote about for the San Fernando Valley Bar Association,?Estate of Eskra, highlights the stakes.