Author: Community Contributor

Guest contribution — VCTA Demands Accountability on VCMS

by Community Contributor • February 6, 2025 • Comments Off

How Ventura County Medical System is Draining Taxpayer Dollars

Ensuring efficiency and accountability in government spending is often a slow and complex process. However, the Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) is dedicated to making sure taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly and transparently in our public institutions.

This newsletter aims to inform Ventura County residents and encourage action from the Board of Supervisors and other decision-makers to adopt three steps it must take to restore public trust and ensure responsible financial management at the Ventura County Medical System (VCMS).

The California State University Announces Landmark Public-Private Initiative That Will Make It The Nation’s First and Largest AI-Powered University System

by Community Contributor • February 5, 2025 • Comments Off

LONG BEACH — The California State University (CSU), the largest and most diverse public four-year university in the country, announced (on Feb. 5) a first-of-its-kind public-private initiative with some of the world’s leading tech companies, including Adobe, Alphabet (Google), AWS, IBM, Instructure, Intel, LinkedIn, Microsoft, NVIDIA, OpenAI, and the Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom that will leverage the power of artificial intelligence to create an AI-powered higher education system that could surpass any existing model in both scale and impact.

The CSU’s unprecedented adoption of AI technologies will make trainings, learning, and teaching tools—including ChatGPT—available across all 23 CSU universities, ensuring that the system’s more than 460,000 students and 63,000 faculty and staff have equitable access to cutting-edge tools that will prepare them to meet the rapidly changing education and workforce needs of California. The CSU expects to make these tools available within the next few weeks.

Santa Barbara International Film Festival to present ‘Roads of Fire,’ a migration documentary on Feb 11-12

by Community Contributor • February 5, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Filmmaker Nathaniel Lezra’s Roads of Fire, a poignant and timely documentary exploring the global migration crisis, will have its world premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

The premiere is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11 at the SBIFF Film Center. Additional screenings will take place on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. at Auditorium #4 and Friday, Feb.14 at noon at the Riviera Theater. Gary Rubin will serve as domestic sales agent.

Roads of Fire delves into the harrowing realities of forced migration by intertwining three compelling narratives: a human smuggler navigating refugees through the treacherous Darién Gap, an asylum seeker’s journey in New York City, and the unwavering efforts of volunteers on the frontlines of this humanitarian emergency.

Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula to present ‘Enfoque (In Focus)’ opening reception on Feb. 6

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The Museum of Ventura County’s newest exhibition will celebrate and highlight the pride and resilience of the Mexican Indigenous community living in the region through photographic portraits taken by internationally acclaimed photographer Diego Huerta during his month-long 2024 Artist Residency at the Museum of Ventura County. Sixteen large-format photographs are accompanied by quotes from the individuals portrayed, revealing deep emotional connections to their cultural heritage and expressing pride, hope, and a commitment to preserving their traditions as they make Ventura County their home. For almost two decades, Mr. Huerta has been photographing Pueblos Originarios—Indigenous communities—in Mexico. This is the first time he has photographed these groups outside of Mexico.

Farm Bureau of Ventura County — Updated Resources on Immigration & CBP Activity

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2025 • Comments Off

Confirmed ICE presence in Ventura County

Multiple ICE agents were confirmed to be stopping cars and knocking on doors in Ventura County last week. Farm Bureau of Ventura County reached out to Congresswoman Julia Brownley. January 29th, Congresswoman Julia Brownley sent a letter to Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman and Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Caleb Vitello demanding answers about recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations conducted in Ventura County. These operations, which took place in Oxnard and Santa Paula, have sparked widespread fear and raised serious concerns about the agency’s tactics and respect for due process. Read the full letter here.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County sets record with over $316,000 in donations collected in 2024 with two surprise donations

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces over $316,000 in donations received in 2024 to support the development of additional affordable homes in Ventura County. A donation of $50,000 was made on the final day of the year by PennyMac Financial Services (PennyMac) from the PennyMac Corporate Giving Fund. Another donation of $31,875 was made by the California Foundation for Stronger Communities (CFSC). Together, both end-of-the-year donations pushed the total to the highest amount received in donations by Housing Trust Fund VC in one year since the organization began in 2011. Both donations were unsolicited, a testament to the reputation and goodwill of Housing Trust Fund VC as an affordable housing leader in the region.

Lumina Alliance and Must! Charities Partner to Expand Support for Survivors

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2025 • Comments Off

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance is honored to announce a vital $963,000 investment from Must! Charities, expanding resources for survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence in San Luis Obispo County. This partnership will enhance Lumina Alliance’s donor and volunteer programs, improve crisis and therapy services, and expand housing options—ensuring more survivors have access to safe, stable support as they rebuild their lives.

“This support from Must! Charities will create meaningful change for survivors in our community,” said Jennifer Adams, CEO of Lumina Alliance. “Must! Charities’ commitment allows us to expand our services, reduce wait times for therapy—especially for Spanish-speaking clients—and create a lasting impact for survivors seeking safety and healing.”

Uplift Central Coast awards $9 million to 36 Central Coast initiatives

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2025 • Comments Off

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Uplift Central Coast is proud to announce the award of $9 million in Catalyst Predevelopment Funding to 36 organizations committed to advancing economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and equitable growth across the Central Coast. These organizations, representing all six counties, span diverse industries and address critical needs in areas such as workforce development, aerospace, education and job training, childcare and community development, and climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Three student-made environmental documentaries to screen this week’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2025 • Comments Off

A trio short films by undergraduates — “Not Just Water,” “quwa’” and “The Kelp We Breathe” — will be featured during the festival’s Santa Barbara Documentary Shorts programming.

VCCCD Installs New Trustee and Elects Board Leadership

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) welcomed newly elected Trustee Joe Piechowski to the Board of Trustees during the Annual Organizational Meeting on December 17. Piechowski was installed with Trustee Stan Mantooth, who was re-elected in November.

At the meeting, Trustee Gabriela Torres, who has served on the board since 2018, was elected board chair. Trustee Lou Lichtl was elected vice chair, and Chancellor Rick MacLennan will serve as secretary.

Bilingual report — Explore Ventura’s public art with new virtual tour

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City recently launched a new geographic information system (GIS) map to showcase Ventura’s expansive public art pieces. Discover over 240 pieces of public art by more than 80 artists across town. Since 1991, the City’s Public Art Program has integrated different art forms into city landscapes, including murals, mosaics, sculptures, and more.

“There’s a story behind each piece, and this tool makes it easier than ever to connect the public to these works of art and the artists who created them,” said Recreation Supervisor Elena Waller. “It’s possible people have walked right past them and didn’t realize what was hidden in plain sight.”

The Garden Court Endowment Fund in Santa Barbara enriches lives of local seniors

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — How do seniors on fixed incomes cover the costs for life-enhancing or medical-related items that they need but can’t afford and that aren’t covered by health insurance? The simple answer is that most of them generally can’t. …

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan among state’s top performers for Outstanding Health Care Quality

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) connected more Medi-Cal members with vital health care screenings and immunizations in 2023, surpassing regulatory health care quality metrics and ranking it as one of only four managed care plans in the state to meet required performance levels.

The state Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), the agency that oversees the Medi-Cal program, requires managed care plans like GCHP to report annually on a set of health care quality performance measures known as the Managed Care Accountability Set (MCAS). Health plans are evaluated in 18 measures in four key health categories: children’s health, reproductive health and cancer prevention, chronic disease management, and behavioral health.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — For the Love of Art

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2025 • Comments Off

Edgar Jahir Trujillo is an architect, researcher, and artist based in Oaxaca, Mexico. Three of his mixed-media paintings are featured in our current exhibition Sangre de Nopal/Blood of the Nopal: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Contemporary Art on view through April 27th at MCASB. His principal medium for his paintings and sculptural artworks is cochineal. He considers his practice as coexisting with the ancient red pigment and dyestuff, and intended to excite visual pleasure, disrupt conventional reflections on nature, while celebrating an equitable global ecology.

Community Environmental Council — Leading a clean energy future on the Central Coast

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2025 • Comments Off

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is working to rapidly move the California Central Coast to 100% efficient, clean, and renewable electricity to power our homes, businesses, and cars.

In 2023, CEC established Electrify Your Life (EYL), a free service offering personalized support and resources in Spanish and English to help make the switch to green tech solutions like electric vehicles, electric vehicle charging, solar, and home energy efficiency improvements affordable. We’ve helped more than 1,000 residents, businesses, and nonprofits stack incentives that they may not otherwise know they qualify for to save big on going electric.

CSUCI will offer a new Master of Healthcare Administration

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Registration is now open for CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s new Master of Health Care Administration (MHA), which will be offered through its Extended University (EU). Classes begin in Fall of 2025.

The program is entirely online, which will make it convenient for working professionals interested in a career in the administrative side of a hospital or patient care facility. What sets CSUCI’s program apart from others is that students will have the opportunity to also earn a certificate in gerontology by completing additional coursework.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosts ‘Week of Welcome’ events for Spring students

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is celebrating new and returning students this spring semester with several Week of Welcome (WOW) activities in early February. WOW provides Hancock students with a chance to meet their peers and instructors, connect with clubs and resources, and receive free food and prizes.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Join our Financial Empowerment Series today

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2025 • Comments Off

Ready to take control of your financial future? Join our Financial Freedom Series and discover simple, effective tools to help you build wealth, reduce stress, and make your money work for you. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to level up, this series is designed to empower YOU. Don’t miss out — let’s make your financial dreams a reality!

You can attend one or all workshops by clicking any of the RSVP buttons.

Island Packers announces winter whale watching excursions to the Channel Islands National Park, National Marine Sanctuary!

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2025 • Comments Off

“This mammoth migration of more than 20,000 whales and 6,000 miles continues to remain a major attraction in Southern California,” said President Cherryl Connally of Island Packers. “Located in scenic Ventura Harbor Village, we invite visitors to plan on booking this “must-see” experience soon as part of their fun for the entire family Spring Break activities. “

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Explorers Achieve 1st Place Award in National Tactical Competition

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — On January 18 and 19, 2025, Law Enforcement Explorers from Santa Paula Police Department Post 2350 participated in the “Chandler Tactical Competition” in Chandler, Arizona. There were 12 Santa Paula Police Department Explorers who participated and competed with other explorer posts from across the Country. The young men and women from Santa Paula were successful with a 1st place and a 3rd place award. The national competition, hosted by the Chandler Police Department, included 47 explorer posts from California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, and Florida.

Bilingual commentary — Exhausted by Outrage

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2025 • Comments Off

Particularly since election day last November (for some reason), I have become aware of an expanding phenomenon in this country: outrage exhaustion. What this term means is that we are, in a word (or two), “worn-out” from being angry all the time.

Outrage exhaustion means that we no longer have the capacity for escalating outrage after a long and boisterous presidential campaign that tested our limits of indignation and cyclical anger. We know for certain that we have saturated our outrage circuits when we don’t even get upset with the barista for using steamed milk instead of oat milk in our latte.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sánchez-Palacios addresses recent federal immigration enforcement actions

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2025 • Comments Off

Dear City of Ventura Residents and Community Stakeholders,

In light of the recent federal immigration enforcement actions taking place across the nation, including in California, I want to address our community to provide clarity, support, and reassurance. Ventura is a community built on inclusion and mutual respect. Local organizations are available to provide assistance, legal guidance, and resources to those in need.

• Know your rights. You have constitutional protections. Review resources and
information from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
• Seek guidance from trusted organizations. Groups like the El Concilio Family Services, and the Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) offer legal resources and support.
• Create a family safety plan. Have a plan in place, including childcare arrangements
and emergency contacts. If you are at risk of losing housing, the City also offers rental assistance for transitional age youth (ages 18-24) through our Homelessness Prevention Program.
• Report and document. If you or someone you know is impacted by an enforcement
action, take note of key details and reach out to local support organizations.

Ventura’s 4th of July Street Fair seeking artisan vendors

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Vendor applications for the City of Ventura’s 4th of July Street Fair are now open. This annual event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the 4th of July in Ventura’s Downtown District and brings tens of thousands of participants.

Vendor applications will be accepted until Monday, March 31, 2025, before 5:00 p.m. PST. Applications must be submitted online via the City’s website. Eligible vendor groups include arts and crafts, nonprofits, and food vendors. Sponsorship opportunities are also available and listed online.

Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC) announces it will no longer serve as city shelter for Santa Paula

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2025 • Comments Off

Due to the City of Santa Paula’s stalled contract negotiations, unfulfilled commitments, and lack of financial support, starting Feb. 1, 2025, SPARC will no longer serve as the City shelter for Santa Paula. The City’s commitment in 2012 to construct a custom animal shelter, funded through a promised bond issue, has not been fulfilled. When SPARC was initiated, the City had agreed to issue a bond for a dedicated shelter; however, this commitment has not appeared on any election ballots for the past 13 years. In addition, the City provides less than 8% of SPARC’s operating expenses; and SPARC has not received a raise in monthly fees since 2018, creating a financially unsustainable situation for the shelter.

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula statement on SPARC’s decision to end Its role as City Shelter

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula remains deeply committed to the welfare of animals in our community and ensuring that residents continue to have access to responsible animal care services. We recognize and appreciate the work that the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC) has done over the years, finding homes for countless animals and providing vital services such as spay/neuter programs and vaccinations. We want to clarify the City’s position regarding SPARC’s recent public statement and assure the community that we are actively working on a transition plan to continue providing essential animal services.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — After Day One: Trump Wants to Redefine America

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2025 • Comments Off

On the first day of his second term, President Trump issued a series of immigration-related executive orders and proclamations that will quickly re-shape the U.S. immigration system. These executive orders affect nearly every facet of a complex and demanding system. Most of the policy changes introduced through these actions are framed as directives to federal departments and agencies. However, their language also aims to stoke fear as a means of testing the boundaries of executive authority.

Ventura Charter School third graders help restore endangered rainbow trout in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — This winter, Ventura Charter School’s third-grade class released 75 endangered rainbow trout into the lake at Rancho Simi Valley Park, concluding their investigation into California’s watersheds. The classroom expedition was part of “Trout in the Classroom,” a program in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Students worked on the watershed expedition beginning in August, with a holistic curriculum spanning independent research and activism related to California’s water and wildlife led by teachers Emily Noel and Lindsay Murray and culminating in the release of the fish on Dec. 20.

County of Santa Barbara Update, Board of Supervisors Meeting on Feb. 4 — Coastal Resources Mitigation Fund Grants, Amendment to the Local Coastal Program, Telecommunication Ordinance Amendments

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2025 • Comments Off

View this email online The next meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, February 4, 2025 County Administration Building Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara The public may participate virtually,…

UCSB Gevirtz Graduate School celebrates 2025 Fellowship recipients

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The UC Santa Barbara Gevirtz Graduate School of Education held its 2025 Fellowship Breakfast on January 24 to celebrate the school’s most promising graduate students who have received fellowships and the community supporting them.

Fellowships are made possible through generous private foundations and individual donors who have contributed to 26 funds that provide annual support to Gevirtz School students. Fellowships were awarded to 52 students, with funds totaling over $255,000.

Bilingual report — CenCal Health — Multimillion-Dollar Programs at work to develop, expand healthcare capacity on Central Coast

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2025 • Comments Off

The Medi-Cal Capacity, Access and Workforce Development Grant Program was recently developed to expand healthcare capacity through strategic funding aimed at provider recruitment, and workforce training and education. Launched this month, CenCal Health will soon award its first round of grants up to $3 million, with a planned total distribution of $6 million over three years.

February at the Santa Paula Art Museum

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2025 • Comments Off

Happy almost February! February is our anniversary month at the Santa Paula Art Museum (we’ll celebrate 15 years on Valentine’s Day). We think you’ll love our program offerings in the month ahead. Bring the whole family to make Valentine’s Day keepsakes on February 2. Register you and your Valentine or Galentine for a wheel-throwing ceramics course starting February 14. Hear more about currently featured artist Joanne Julian and her love of art on February 22. Find the details for all of our February programs below.

People’s Self-Help Housing celebrates 10 owner-builder families in Nipomo Construction complete on new neighborhood, Summer Holly Lane

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2025 • Comments Off

Since beginning the project in August 2023, each family committed over 40 hours a week to constructing their homes. Under the supervision and instruction of People’s Self-Help Housing, the builders learned all the skills necessary to complete the majority of the labor themselves. After more than a year of hard work, owner-builders finally received the keys to their new homes and celebrated their tremendous accomplishments with a barbeque block party over the weekend.

“It’s amazing to see the fruit from their labor and watch them achieve this dream of home ownership,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO & President. “This is an excellent opportunity for these families and one that is hard to come by these days. This is why we keep doing what we’re doing after 55 years and we’re so grateful to be part of their stories.”

Bilingual report — Phase 2 of debris removal now underway for the Mountain Fire; clean up of properties set to begin

by Community Contributor • January 29, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — As the recovery and rebuilding process continues following the Mountain Fire, the Environmental Health Division and Incident Management Team are pleased to announce that Phase 2 of debris removal is now underway. Site assessments and asbestos assessments are in progress, and debris removal operations are set to begin as early as this week.

Residents can expect to see multiple crews and trucks in affected neighborhoods, working to remove structural fire debris and clean up properties. Debris removal crews will be in place to start operations at 7:00 am and will end operations by 4:30 pm. To minimize dust and ash pollution, all debris will be misted continuously and securely wrapped in trucks during removal. Air quality will be monitored throughout the process, and operations will be paused if weather conditions are deemed to result in safety issues.

Community Environmental Council — Community Voices Wanted! New CEC Initiative in North Santa Barbara County

by Community Contributor • January 29, 2025 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara County Regional Climate Collaborative is looking for three community members to join the Guadalupe-Lompoc Climate Action Initiative (GLI) Coordinating Committee. If you don’t live in North County but know someone who does, share this opportunity with them!

Bilingual report — Board of Supervisors approves over $1 Million in funding to The ARCH to address homelessness

by Community Contributor • January 29, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — In an ongoing effort to combat homelessness and support vulnerable populations, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors has approved a second amendment to the agreement with the City of Ventura, allocating $1,013,063 in financial support for the operation of The ARCH year-round emergency shelter. The agreement emphasizes both financial responsibility and measurable outcomes to ensure effective use of public funds.

The ARCH, located in the city of Ventura and operated by Mercy House, is a vital resource for individuals experiencing homelessness. This funding, provided on a 50/50 cost-sharing basis with the City of Ventura, supports the shelter’s operations under a newly established performance-based model.

37 Ventura County Animal Services Dogs Find Fresh Start in Wisconsin

by Community Contributor • January 29, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — In a heartwarming effort to give shelter dogs a second chance, 37 pups from Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) are on their way to Wisconsin to find loving homes—many of whom had been long-stay residents, patiently waiting for their forever families.

This lifesaving transport, made possible by the Humane Society of the United States, comes at a crucial time as VCAS faces a critical overcapacity crisis, recently reaching 142%. “With shelter space stretched beyond its limits, collaborative efforts like these are essential to ensuring every pet has a future filled with love and care.” Says Randy Friedman, Public Information Officer for VCAS.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura honors employees for 645 years of public service

by Community Contributor • January 29, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura celebrated the dedication of 24 employees who have served the community for decades and have a collective 645 years of public service. The recognition took place during the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, January 28.

This special event is part of the County’s Employee Continuous Service Recognition Program, which highlights the contributions of employees who have worked for agencies across the County of Ventura for 25 years or more. Their hard work and commitment invest in County agencies and help improve the lives of residents throughout Ventura County.

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District elects new board chair

by Community Contributor • January 29, 2025 • Comments Off

“TWSD has positioned itself well to meet the water needs of our customers,” says Shapiro. “In 2025, we will continue to make progress on the Las Virgenes-Triunfo Joint Powers Authority’s Pure Water Project. There have been significant steps forward in advancing the project, which aims to enhance water sustainability in the region and reduce our dependence on imported potable water.”

Ventura Music Festival — The 2025 Lineup is Here!

by Community Contributor • January 29, 2025 • Comments Off

Our 30th Season kicks off with Bob Eubanks’ Backstage with The Beatles in March, with more special events coming in May. Then join us for a full weekend of music in both July and October. Read on to hear about the latest news, community collaborations, and our full 2025 lineup!

CSUCI Conference for Social Justice in Education on March 1 to feature Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist/author Sonia Nazario

by Community Contributor • January 28, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — In order to fully experience the perils of a young migrant’s journey from Honduras to the U.S., Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Sonia Nazario rode 1,600 miles clinging to the top of seven trains – twice. Her experience turned into a series in the Los Angeles Times, followed by a 2006 book entitled “Enrique’s Journey.”

Nazario will draw from her experience retracing the steps of the young Honduran refugee when she speaks at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s 2025 Conference for Social Justice in Education, scheduled for Saturday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CSUCI’s Grand Salon.

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