Category: Business

CoverlyPro in Ventura adds two strategists as agency marks 16th Year

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VENTURA — Coverly Professional Services (CoverlyPro), a full-service marketing and communications project management firm powered by a team of experienced storytellers, continues its growth in 2026 with the addition of Senior Account Strategist Juliana Finberg and Copywriter & PR Strategist Noah Flack. Finberg brings expertise in strategic marketing, community engagement and event development, while Flack brings a background in agency, corporate, healthcare and nonprofit communications. Together they expand CoverlyPro’s ability to turn compelling stories into strategic marketing that builds connections, drives engagement and delivers measurable impact.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Registrar of Voters announces semifinal official election night results of the Nov. 3, 2026 General Election and the beginning of the post-election canvass period

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VENTURA — Ventura County Semifinal Official Election Night Results for the November 3, 2026 General Election were posted on vote.venturacounty.gov at 4:39 AM on Wednesday, November 4th. Statewide results are available on the Secretary of State’s website, electionresults.sos.ca.gov

The first results posted on Election Night included vote by mail ballots that were received and signature-verified before Election Day along with in-person ballots cast during early voting.  Vote center ballots cast on Election Day were reflected in the updated results postings.

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Southeast Ventura County YMCA launches Holiday Food & Toy Drive

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — This holiday season, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA is inviting the community to make a difference for local families. Now through Dec. 4, the Simi Valley Family YMCA and Yarrow Family YMCA will collect food and toys to support families in the YMCA’s Find My Genius program.

Find My Genius is a no-cost YMCA program providing academic support and enrichment opportunities for children from low- to moderate-income families. The holiday drive extends that support beyond the classroom, helping ease financial pressures during the holiday season.

Donations can be dropped off at the Simi Valley Family YMCA (3200 Cochran Street) and Yarrow Family YMCA (31105 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village) seven days a week during regular branch hours.

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Ventura Fire Foundation pop-up shop open through Nov. 15

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The VFF pop-up shop is open through November 15, which makes it an easy place to finish a few Christmas gifts.

Pick a back design: a Ventura Firefighter or the Ventura Pier. Tees start at $25, hoodies at $40, and youth tees are $24. Every piece has the VFF logo on the left chest.

A hoodie for the firefighter in your family. Matching tees for the kids. A Pier shirt for anyone who calls Ventura home.

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Bilingual report — Decades of dedication help keep County of Ventura services strong

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VENTURA — From the services residents turn to during emergencies to the everyday programs that support families and neighborhoods, the County of Ventura depends on an experienced workforce to meet the ever-evolving needs of the community. On Tuesday, October 20, during their regular meeting, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors recognized 15 employees who reached milestones of 25 years or more of continuous service, honoring careers that collectively represent 415 years of public service. Their decades of experience reflect a lasting commitment to the communities they serve and the important role they play in keeping County services strong.

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Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) Power of Purpose — October 2026

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Last month, I invited you to think about your lollipop moments, what Drew Dudley in his TED Talk “Everyday Leadership” calls seemingly small interactions that make a lasting difference in someone’s life, often without the person responsible ever realizing what they have done.

The many responses we received warmed our hearts. We heard a story from decades ago about a young woman about to leave for college to pursue her dream, who discovered at the last moment that the funding she thought was there did not exist. A neighbor told her, “Just go. It will all work out.” She did. Years later, she passes on the gift of higher education to so many young people by volunteering with your community foundation’s scholarship program.

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Friendship Center Adult Day Services in Santa Barbara announces new board president and three new directors

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SANTA BARBARA — Friendship Center, a nonprofit providing specialized adult day services for older adults living with dementia and their families, announced the appointment of Jeffrey Krutzsch as Board President and welcomed three new directors to its Board of Directors in July 2026.

Krutzsch joined the Board in 2020 and has served in several leadership roles, including Treasurer and committee chair. He brings more than 35 years of executive leadership experience in senior housing, healthcare and hospitality operations. A longtime advocate for older adults, Krutzsch also leads a family caregiver support group at Friendship Center and chairs the organization’s Strategic Research Committee.

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5th Annual Holidays In The Village, A European Marketplace expands to two days (Dec. 5-6)

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THOUSAND OAKS — The 5th Annual Holidays in the Village is expanding from one day to two this year, Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6 at The Oaks (W. Wilbur Rd. and W. Thousand Oaks Blvd. parking lot) in Thousand Oaks. Admission and parking are free. Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Last year, the festival drew more than 14,000 people. Visitors can experience a traditional European winter festival, browsing 60 artisan shops for handcrafted holiday gifts, sampling Bavarian and French foods and drinks, and enjoying live holiday entertainment all in a family atmosphere.

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Friendship Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — The Friendly Finch: November 2026

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View as Webpage November 2026 A Letter from the Director Hi there, everyone! I hope you had a wonderful Halloween. Dr Gray and I were vampires! This whole year, we’ve been celebrating Friendship Center’s 50th birthday and highlighting what a…

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura earns 2026 Beacon Gold Vanguard Award for sustainability achievements

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VENTURA — The County of Ventura has been selected to receive the 2026 Beacon Gold Vanguard Award from the Institute for Local Government in recognition of its work to save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support a more sustainable community. The award recognizes years of progress in County government operations and across the wider community. One of the County’s most notable achievements is a 29% drop in communitywide greenhouse gas emissions since 2015.

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Guest contribution — A Ventura County paramedic asked why EMS was following decades-old assessment models. His answer: Build a modern one

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VENTURA — When someone calls 911, the first few minutes can determine everything.

Yet veteran AMR paramedic, Mark Rock, noticed something surprising while teaching future EMS professionals: many of the patient assessment models being taught relied on processes developed decades ago, most of which no longer reflected sound medicine and/or didn’t consider the realities of emergency medical practice in the field setting.

While teaching paramedic students at a local college, Rock observed students taking as long as 10 to 12 minutes to complete patient assessments, often with inconsistent accuracy in diagnosing patients at the scene of an emergency. He also noticed that many assessment practices had not kept pace with evidence-based developments that were already standard in clinical medicine but had not found their way into field protocols.

Rock believed there had to be a better way. 

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Smooth Sailing: Port of Hueneme highlights record growth, infrastructure investment and economic Impact at 2026 State of the Port

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PORT OF HUENEME — Business leaders, elected officials, port customers, labor representatives, and community partners gathered Thursday at the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club for the 2026 “State of the Port,” a special meeting hosted by the West Ventura County Business Alliance highlighting the Port of Hueneme’s economic impact, operational progress, infrastructure investments, and vision for the future.

In opening the event, Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners President Jason Hodge reflected on the yearly meeting. “The State of the Port is an important opportunity to bring together the people and organizations that help us live out our mission. It gives us a chance to recognize our progress and share our vision for how we’ll continue to impact our community and shape the region going forward,” he said.

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Port of Hueneme — Port of Hueneme Newsletter – November, 2026

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Every day, the Port of Hueneme unites people, businesses, and neighborhoods around the world. From the longshore workers and employees who make cargo move, to the partners who help us thrive, to the community we proudly serve, our success is built on working together. This month, we’re recognizing the people, partnerships, and shared purpose that move our Port forward.

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Bilingual report — Become a Santa to a senior at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura’s annual Santa to a Senior program kicks off Thursday, November 12, 2026, to collect gifts for seniors at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center. Gift donations will be accepted through Wednesday, December 9, 2026.

“Each year, this program brings the warmth of the holidays to more than 200 seniors in our community,” said Recreation Supervisor Janine Cobian. “For many participants, these gifts are the only ones they receive, and they serve as a touching reminder that the community has not forgotten them this holiday season.”

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People Self-Help Housing — College Community Courts, Ventura: Pre-Applications Available Monday, Dec. 14

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VENTURA — Pre-applications will soon be available for College Community Courts: new affordable housing from People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH). At 9AM on Monday, December 14, the pre-application will be available online at pshhc.org/COL in English and Spanish.

Located at 80 Baylor Drive in the City of Ventura, College Community Courts will provide 57 new one, two, and three-bedroom homes for low-income households earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The development will designate 29 apartments for agricultural worker households, 2 apartments for survivors of domestic violence (via the Ventura County Coordinated Entry System), and 2 apartments for those experiencing homelessness (via the Ventura County Coordinated Entry System).

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Hiatus Craft House owners entrust $15 million to the Ventura County Community Foundation

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CAMARILLO — Dawn and Dave Gross, Newbury Park High School graduates of 1987, have spent years helping young people in Ventura County do what they love most: build something from the ground up. Now they are making that commitment permanent. NewCo Foundation, the philanthropic endeavor the couple built, is entrusting its assets to the Ventura County Community Foundation and its NextGen Ventures operation to Intentional Schools LLC.

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Bilingual report — City of Ventura appoints Maruja Clensay as Community Development Director

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VENTURA — Following an extensive recruitment process, the City of Ventura is pleased to announce the appointment of Maruja Clensay as its new Community Development Director. Clensay, who has served as Assistant Community Development Director since August 2024, brings extensive experience in land use planning, development, and public administration across both the public and private sectors.

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Port of Hueneme and ForeFront Power energize solar carport, as Port charges forward to zero Emissions by 2030

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PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme partnered with ForeFront Power, a leading developer and asset manager of commercial and industrial-scale solar energy and storage projects, to build a 913-kilowatt solar energy carport system over an automobile staging area near the Port of Hueneme/Oxnard Harbor District Administration building. Built at no upfront cost to the Port, the completed project will help stabilize electricity costs and reduce carbon emissions, contributing to the Port’s goal of eliminating emissions from its on-Port operations by 2030.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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MICROBUSINESSES & QUANTUM: HOW TO START PREPARING

November 4 @ 9:00 am

Quantum computing sounds like science fiction, but its impact on everyday security is coming fast—and you don’t need an IT department or a big budget to get ahead of it. In this plain-English session, we’ll demystify what quantum computing actually is, why its ability to break traditional encryption matters for small teams, and how you can prepare using a lean, cloud-based setup. You’ll walk away with actionable steps you can take today—from leveraging your cloud providers’ built-in security updates to auditing your software vendors, cleaning up old accounts, and tightening basic access controls—ensuring your small business and client data stay fully protected for the future. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Ventura County Animal Services — 22 Dogs from Oxnard encampment need homes!

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CAMARILLO — Ventura County Animal Services and Dog Days Search & Rescue assisted Oxnard Animal Control in helped bring 22 dogs, including eight puppies, to safety after they were reported running loose near 5th Street and Harbor Boulevard in Oxnard.

The dogs appear to be in good overall condition and all are available for adoption through the Camarillo Animal Shelter.

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Cottage Health brings Santa Barbara Primary Care practices together at new, expanded Location

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health has brought two existing Santa Barbara primary care practices together at a larger, centralized location as of November 3, 2026.

Cottage Primary Care – Santa Barbara and Cottage Primary Care – Santa Barbara – Bath St. will combine at 2400 Bath St., Suite 200, operating as Cottage Primary Care – Santa Barbara.

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Two Moorpark College programs named national Bellwether Award finalists

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MOORPARK — A bellwether signals what’s coming next, and Moorpark College is leading the way. Two of the college’s programs, one helping students succeed in transfer-level math and one building Ventura County’s biotech workforce, have been named finalists for the 2027 Bellwether Awards.

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Aspire Counseling Services recognized for Excellence and Continued Impact in Simi Valley

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SIMI VALLEY — Aspire Counseling Services is proud to announce recent recognition highlighting the organization’s continued commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality addiction treatment and recovery support to individuals and families in the Simi Valley community.

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Downtown Oxnard Autumn Edition

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Community Altar at the Carnegie Art Museum.The City of Oxnard Cultural Arts & Recreation Divisions invites you to join us November 1–3 on the steps of the Carnegie Art Museum for our Community Altar.

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Southeast Ventura County YMCA receives $1 million grant from state budget for Simi Valley Family YMCA expansion project

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SIMI VALLEY — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA announced it has been awarded a $1 million state budget grant through the governor’s signing of State Budget AB113 last week to help fund the upcoming expansion of its Simi Valley Family YMCA branch.

This financial investment from the state will bring the YMCA closer to fully funding the $7.5 million project and achieve YMCA leadership’s objectives of funding the project through a partnership of local philanthropy, business investments and public/government funding.

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, a leading supporter of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA, advocated and secured this award to bring expanded programs, services and facilities that are accessible to all members of the Simi Valley community.

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Celebrate Día de los Muertos: Visit the 2026 Community Altar at The Collection at Riverpark through Nov. 2

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OXNARD — Join us in honoring the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos with a heartfelt community altar, created in partnership with the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit (OPAC). This meaningful installation offers a space to celebrate, remember, and connect with loved ones who have passed.

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City of Santa Paula accepting applications for Harding Park volunteer caretaker

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SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department is now accepting applications for a volunteer caretaker at Harding Park. The opportunity includes use of a City-owned, two-bedroom residence located on the park property in exchange for assisting with routine park upkeep, maintenance, and oversight.

The City is seeking a responsible, dependable, and community-minded individual or household to help maintain Harding Park as a clean, safe, and welcoming community space. Responsibilities may include assisting with park and sports field maintenance, reporting facility concerns, and providing a regular on-site presence.

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Guest commentary — AMR Ventura County urges drivers, riders and trick-or-treaters to stay alert this Halloween

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VENTURA COUNTY  — Halloween brings more children, pedestrians and riders onto streets after dark. To understand the risks, AMR Ventura County and Gold Coast Ambulance reviewed its call response data from previous years. Alongside routine medical calls, crews responded most frequently to traffic collisions, fall injuries, behavioral emergencies and suspected intoxication-related calls during this time of year.

“This year, Halloween falls on a Saturday, which typically means more people are expected to be out celebrating throughout the day and into the evening,” said Mike Sanders, AMR’s regional director for Ventura and Santa Barbara. “Halloween is always a busy night for first responders, but weekends can bring additional traffic, larger gatherings, and increased alcohol and substance use, making it important for residents to plan ahead and celebrate responsibly.”

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$3 Million federal grant brings applied AI training to Moorpark College students

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MOORPARK — Moorpark College has been awarded a five-year, $3 million federal Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant to launch the Applied AI Initiative for Workforce Readiness, Faculty Capacity, and Economic Mobility. The initiative will help students and faculty prepare for a workforce where artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday work.

The grant will fund a new interdisciplinary Applied Artificial Intelligence certificate that students can pair with their main field of study, from business and communication to cybersecurity and film and television. Rather than training AI specialists, the program will help students become professionals who can use AI effectively, responsibly and critically in their chosen careers.

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805title Inc. expands to three-state footprint with statewide California licensing and new Arizona approval

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SANTA BARBARA — 805title, a Latino-founded and owned independent title and escrow company in Santa Barbara, is announcing that the California Department of Insurance has granted it licensing in every county in the state. The company also recently received its Arizona license for title and escrow, and it confirmed that 805title of Nevada has been operating since June 2025. With these approvals, 805title now serves clients across three of the West’s most active real estate markets.

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People’s Self-Help Housing Named ‘Developer of the Year’

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CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has been selected by the Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing (SCANPH) as the recipient of the 2026 Developer of the Year Award, presented as part of the Homes Within Reach Awards program. The award recognizes SCANPH member organizations that consistently demonstrate creativity, innovation, and perseverance in overcoming challenges to expand affordable housing opportunities. 

Presented annually at the SCANPH Conference, the Developer of the Year Award honors a nonprofit housing developer whose work exemplifies excellence in affordable housing production, community impact, and long-term commitment to residents. 

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CSUCI Nursing students gain hands-on experience while helping protect the campus from the flu

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CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) Nursing students are putting their clinical skills into practice this Fall while helping to protect the campus community during a series of flu vaccination clinics offered in partnership with the campus’ Student Health Services.

Second-year Nursing students who are members of CSUCI’s Student Nurses Association (SNA) will be administering the flu vaccines to CSUCI students, faculty and staff. The campus clinics provide Nursing students with valuable hands-on experience while offering CSUCI students and employees convenient access to an important preventive health service.

“This partnership gives our nursing students an opportunity to apply what they are learning in a real-world setting while making a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of the campus community,” said Neomie Congello, chair of CSUCI’s Nursing program. “It reflects the compassion, professionalism and commitment to service that are at the heart of nursing.”

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Ventura Housing unveils future developments and celebrates resident success at Second Annual State of Ventura Housing Breakfast

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VENTURA — On Wednesday, Oct. 21, Ventura Housing welcomed 160 residents, community leaders, elected officials and partners to The Livery at Rumfish y Vino for its Second Annual State of Ventura Housing Breakfast, raising about $42,000 for ATLAS, the agency’s philanthropic arm. Centered around the theme “Investing in Families. Strengthening Futures.,” the morning highlighted how funders, developers, government and community partners, and residents each play a role in making affordable housing possible. Ventura Housing also shared updates on five developments in its pipeline, led by Santa Clara Apartments and Pasteur Court Apartments, which are set to begin construction in April 2027.

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Massive Los Padres National Forest vegetation-clearing proposal reduced by 200,000 acres due to environmental concerns, public input

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“The Forest Service made real changes in response to environmental concerns and public input, and the project is far more focused than when this process began,” said Los Padres ForestWatch Director of Advocacy and Field Operations Benjamin Pitterle. “While we appreciate those improvements, this remains a large and complex project, and there are still important areas where further refinement is needed.”

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CSUCI’s Extended University recognized among Nation’s Leaders in Student Satisfaction

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CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) Extended University has been recognized as one of the nation’s highest-performing colleges and universities for student satisfaction, earning a place on the inaugural 2026 Student Voice Score® (SVS®) Honors List, released by higher education technology company EdSights. CSUCI’s Extended University ranked No. 8 in the nation.

The Student Voice Score Honors List recognizes the top-performing 20% of participating colleges and universities within each higher education sector, celebrating institutions that are setting the national standard for student experience and success.

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Gold Coast Transit District seeks development partner to create housing near transit in downtown Oxnard to help sustain public transportation

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OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified developers to transform its approximately 2.93-acre Third Street property in central Oxnard into a transit-oriented residential or mixed-use development. The project represents an opportunity to address local housing needs, make better use of publicly owned land, and create a long-term revenue source to help support public transportation services.

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November at the Santa Paula Art Museum

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The year is swiftly coming to a close, but we’ve saved some of our best events for last! In November, don’t miss the premiere of Jim Wilson’s solo exhibition, our Día de los Muertos Free Family Day, downtown Santa Paula’s Holiday Sip & Shop, and more. (It’s also a great time to make a tax-deductible year-end donation to support the Museum!)

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Prepare for the Storm: EDC’s Flood Preparedness Checklist

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As California approaches the winter storm season, Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) encourages businesses and community partners to take proactive steps to prepare for potential flooding and severe weather. With the possibility of heavy rainfall, atmospheric river storms, and flooding this winter, preparing now can make a meaningful difference in protecting your employees, property and operations.

To help businesses plan ahead, EDC has developed a Flood Preparedness Checklist featuring 20 practical steps, including:

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Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) — VCTA – Unchecked Power, Sticky Notes, and a $1 Million Merchandise Bill

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Under Ventura County’s current structure, voting for the Ventura County Superintendent of Education hands virtually unchecked power to the winner. Because the position is independently elected rather than appointed, the Ventura County Board of Education lacks direct oversight over the Superintendent’s day-to-day administrative and financial decisions. This structural loophole leaves taxpayers vulnerable to unchecked administrative spending—with no real institutional watchdog inside the office to rein it in.

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Ventura Fire Department — Today is National First Responders Day

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October 28 is National First Responders Day. We’re setting it aside for the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, 911 dispatchers, and correctional officers who show up when everyone else is at their worst.

Ventura firefighters run roughly 100,000 calls a year. Car crashes. Medical emergencies. The worst day of someone’s life, over and over, night after night. That weight doesn’t stay at the station. It follows them home, and their families carry it too.

We’re building the knowledge and tools to help local firefighters and the people who love them get through it.

You can help. Grab a limited edition t-shirt or hoodie, and every dollar goes to our mission of helping local firefighter families thrive.

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Ventura Charter School moves 21st annual Campout to Campus amid October heat, keeping a tradition rooted in 1969 on track

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VENTURA — When high temperatures made Steckel Park unsafe for this year’s campout, Ventura Charter School’s campout committee moved the 21st Annual Campout to the school’s own campus. That kept one of the school’s longest-running traditions going for students in grades K-8, their families and staff. The three- day event ran October 7 through 9 as originally planned, with outdoor programming, shared meals and student-led campfires. Campout is one of several annual traditions through which the school pursues its mission to engage every student in meaningful and supportive learning experiences.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Powerhouse UCSB team awarded big grant to investigate mathematical foundations of AI’ and more news, events

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Researchers Nina Miolane, Haewon Jeong, Sanjuka Krishnagopal and Yao Qin win $1 million from NSF for their collaborative investigation.

Read more about the group project

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Bilingual report — Ventura County residents urged to eliminate standing water following recent rainfall to prevent mosquito breeding

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VENTURA — Following last week’s rainfall and with warmer temperatures expected this week, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) is urging residents to eliminate standing water around their homes and properties to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus (WNV). The reminder comes as the California Department of Public Health reports West Nile virus activity at a five-year high statewide.

Standing water left in outdoor containers can quickly become a breeding source for mosquitoes. In as little as seven days, mosquito eggs can hatch, larvae can develop, and adult mosquitoes can emerge. With mosquito activity continuing into the fall, recent rainfall, and warmer temperatures may contribute to increased mosquito populations throughout Ventura County.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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CLAUDE 102: PROJECTS, ARTIFACTS, SOPS & WORKFLOWS

October 29 @ 10:00 am

If you’ve mastered the basics of AI prompting, it’s time to take the next step. In this interactive 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn how to transform Claude from a simple chatbot into a reliable business partner that helps you organize projects, create reusable business assets, document processes, and automate everyday tasks. You’ll discover practical strategies to reduce repetitive work while maintaining consistency across your business. This course is designed specifically for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Facilitated by: Deborah Deras, EDC SBDC Marketing Advisor, International Speaker, Author, AI Educator, Professor & Doctoral Scholar researching the impact of AI on Small Businesses. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Date announced for the 14th annual Ventura County Farm Day (May 8, 2027)

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VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) announced that the 14th annual Ventura County Farm Day will take place Saturday, May 8, 2027.

Farm Day is a free, interactive experience where the public visits farms and other agricultural venues throughout the county. It offers behind-the-scenes tours, tractor rides, produce tastings and giveaways, and kid-friendly activities while visitors learn first-hand how food is grown, harvested and delivered to stores locally and around the world.

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Bilingual report — Women’s Economic Ventures to celebrate 35 years of impact with 35 for 35 Business Showcase 

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VENTURA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) will celebrate 35 years of empowering women and strengthening local economies with its 35 for 35 Business Showcase on Tuesday, December 8, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County. Open to the public, the event will spotlight 35 WEV-supported businesses and bring together entrepreneurs, supporters, and community members to celebrate the people and partnerships that have shaped WEV’s legacy since 1991. 

For 35 years, WEV has helped women build the knowledge, confidence, and connections to pursue entrepreneurship and greater financial independence. Behind that work are generations of business owners who have turned ideas into livelihoods, created jobs, supported their families, and contributed to the vitality of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. The showcase will bring that legacy to life through the businesses and people at its heart. 

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People’s Self-Help Housing now accepting applications for Skylight Homes: New for-sale homes in Santa Maria

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CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has begun construction on Skylight Homes: a new, for-sale, single-family subdivision in Santa Maria. Interested buyers are encouraged to sign up for the interest list and attend a mandatory Agricultural Worker Project Presentation to begin the application process.  

Located at 3170 Santa Maria Way, Skylight Homes will consist of 49 new homes, built over two phases of construction. The subdivision is surrounded by existing single-family neighborhoods, shopping centers, schools, and community parks. Each home will come with: 

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Ventura Music Festival — That’s a wrap on the Fall series. We’d love your feedback!

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The Board and Staff of the Festival value your feedback! If you attended any of the Fall Series concerts as a patron or a volunteer, please fill out our short survey. You’ll automatically be entered to win a pair of tickets to Chanticleer or a 2027 standard concert of your choice!

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Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing October 2026 e-newsletter

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Our newest owner-builders are beginning their homeownership journey at Mission Gardens II in San Miguel! This new development is bringing 14 new single-story homes for first-time homebuyers to the community, with each household contributing over 1,600 hours of construction labor in lieu of a down payment. Learn more about Mission Gardens II and our build your own home program at pshhc.org!

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Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara celebrates Grand Opening of Bella Vista Affordable Housing Development

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SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) celebrated the grand opening of Bella Vista, its new affordable housing development at 200 North La Cumbre Road, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday.

The 48-unit development provides affordable rental housing for families with low and very low incomes, offering a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. All units are subsidized through Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers, allowing residents to pay 30% of their income toward rent.

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Moving California communities from climate vulnerability to resilience

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California communities become climate resilient?

CEC’s Senior Director of Climate Programs Em Johnson explored this question at the California Economic Summit and continued the conversation at last week’s Resilient California Summit.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Financing available for Child Care Providers

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Supporting our county’s future and the next generation’s education and career success starts with quality preschool programs. Historically, Ventura County has had too few licensed commercial child care and preschool spaces to meet demand. The Economic Development Collaborative and First 5 Ventura County are committed to building more child care and early childhood education capacity in our community through the Child Care Investment Loan Fund.

The Ventura County Office of Education and Child Care Planning Council has documented that Ventura County is as many as 50,000 childcare slots short. Only 36 percent of children ages 0-14 whose parents are in the workforce have access to a licensed child care space. Further, studies find that children who are most likely to benefit from a high-quality preschool program are least likely to attend.

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Ventura County Public Works Agency announces Matthew Ehret as Director of Watershed Protection

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Ehret brings more than 24 years of public works experience, with an extensive background in engineering, construction management, flood control, and infrastructure development. Most recently, he served as Deputy Director of Watershed Protection’s Design & Construction Division, where he oversaw major capital improvement projects, emergency projects, and environmental services.

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CSUCI Expands Academic Offerings with New Degree Programs

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CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) is expanding its academic offerings with new degree programs designed to connect students with emerging fields, community needs, and evolving career opportunities.

The University’s new programs include bachelor degrees in Sustainable Agriculture, Black Studies, Spanish-English Translation and Interpretation, and Statistics, and a master’s in Psychology degree. Together, the offerings emphasize interdisciplinary study, applied learning, and preparation for careers in fields ranging from agriculture and data science to research, public policy and language services.

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Explore Lompoc — News from Lompoc: Explore Space Country at Vandenberg’s Space And Missile Technology Center

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LOMPOC — The countdown ends.  Engines ignite. A rocket climbs into the sky, leaving a bright trail above the California coast.

For a few unforgettable moments, all eyes are on the sky.  In Lompoc, this kind of space-age excitement is part of the destination.

Welcome to Space Country, where you can watch a launch, explore the technology behind the missions, and get an up-close look at space history at the Space and Missile Technology Center (SAMTEC).

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Central Coast Alliance United for A Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Years of organizing. A historic victory for Santa Barbara tenants

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The fight for rent stabilization in Santa Barbara has been years in the making, built by our community that keeps showing up, organizing, and building power together.Through long meetings, countless conversations, public comments, and years of organizing, we kept showing up and building power together. And last week, that persistence paid off: Santa Barbara City Council adopted the rent stabilization ordinance!

Make a one-time or monthly donation to help us keep building on this historic victory!

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Catherine Brozowski, Chuck Flacks, and Dr. Jesus Fandino to be honored at the 2027 LEAP Awards

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GOLETA — Catherine Brozowski, Executive Director of the Audacious Foundation, and Chuck Flacks, Homelessness Services Coordinator for the City of Goleta and former president of LEAP’s Board of Directors, will be honored at the 2027 LEAP Awards, alongside Dr. Jesus Fandino, who will be recognized as Distinguished Alumnus.

The 2027 LEAP Awards Luncheon will be held at the stunning Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort on Friday, February 26, 2027. The lunch will bring together community leaders, philanthropists, and partners who believe in creating thriving futures for children and families.

Tickets and tables are on sale now and may be purchased online at: https://leapcentralcoast.org/event/2027-leap-awards/

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