OXNARD — El Concilio Family Services invites you to join us as we celebrate 36 years of recognizing exceptional Latino leadership. Featuring the inspiring artwork “Healing in Color” as seen through the Eyes of Youth, this special evening brings together community partners, supporters, and leaders committed to creating a brighter future. We hope you’ll join us on Oct. 2, 2026, to honor our award recipients and invest in programs that make a lasting difference in the lives of local families.
The Port of Hueneme was proud to co-host Stars, Stripes & Sounds: America 250 alongside the City of Oxnard and the Oxnard Downtowners Foundation at Plaza Park. The community celebration commemorated the nation’s 250th
anniversary with local bands, classic cars, and family activities.
This fall, we have the power to push back against cuts to essential services, address the skyrocketing cost of living, and respond to the fear our communities have faced at the hands of ICE and the federal government over the past year and a half. To do so, we have to make sure people get out and make their voices heard at the ballot box.
CAUSE is a founding member of Unidos 805, a coalition dedicated to building an intergenerational movement that creates lasting political, social, environmental, and economic change across the Central Coast. Together, we’re growing the collective power of our organizations, our leaders, and our communities to shape a future where everyone can thrive.
With a major election just months away, Unidos 805 is hiring phone bankers and canvassers to help build the people-powered movement needed to advance policies rooted in our communities’ values.
SANTA PAULA — As the beginning of the new school year approaches next 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 12, 2026. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be impacted during drop-off and pickup times. Here are helpful tips for back to school traffic safety:
Three years, woohoo!
On July 17th, I celebrated my third anniversary as Executive Director of Friendship Center. Fittingly, it was spent surrounded by longtime friends, new supporters, our remarkable staff and Board, and so many of you at our second annual Summer Polo Soirée. It was a fabulous afternoon and a wonderful reminder of just how much this community believes in our mission. Thank you for making it such a joyful success!
The three-year mark in my role, and almost ninth year of being as part of the Friendship Center family, has me feeling particularly reflective about how I first showed up here.
Since launching the course, CEC has certified 256 CEC Climate Stewards — a growing, interconnected network of alumni who are putting what they’ve learned into practice. This diverse mix of educators, non-profit leaders, students, retirees, business owners, and climate allies are tackling challenges ranging from local policy change to plastic pollution to wildfire resilience.
VENTURA — Summer is in full swing at Ventura Harbor Village, Southern California’s premier seaside destination where visitors can savor ocean breezes, fresh coastal cuisine, boutique shopping, family-friendly entertainment, and unforgettable adventures on the water. Whether planning a day trip or weekend getaway, Ventura Harbor Village offers the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation along Ventura’s picturesque waterfront. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com
Ventura County, like many other places in California, brings affluence and poverty together across its neighborhoods. Deep, persistent inequalities continue to threaten the future of Ventura County’s children and communities.
The following infographic data from the CESI Database exposes some of these critical gaps. Take a look at the information provided, and do not forget that poverty is a byproduct of our economic system and can be eliminated by investing in ourselves and, most importantly, in our children.
The labor force represents all residents in the jurisdiction who voluntarily seek employment. Not all residents seek employment because they (1) are not of age, (2) are retired, (3) are not capable of working, or (4) simply choose not to participate in the workforce.
Nube Obscura ¡El cortometraje realizado durante el Taller de Cine del Teatro de las Américas 2025 ya está disponible para verse en YouTube! The short film produced during the Teatro de las Américas 2025 Film Workshop is now available to…
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital recently concluded another successful Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp, bringing together youth with physical disabilities for a week of adapted sports and recreation at the UCSB Recreation Center. Held July 13-16, the camp welcomed approximately…
“Kylie brings outstanding technical expertise, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to public safety,” said Fire Chief Dustin Gardner. “Her experience in fire prevention, code enforcement, and community risk reduction, combined with her passion for developing future fire service professionals, makes her an exceptional addition to our leadership team. Fire prevention is one of the most effective ways we protect our communities, and I am confident Kylie will help us continue building a safer, more resilient Ventura County.”
VENTURA — As the Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA) approaches the August 18, 2026, Board of Supervisors meeting, HCA is finalizing its strategic review of continued health care service options for the Santa Clara River Valley (SCRV) and Santa Paula Hospital (SPH). With state-mandated 2030 seismic deadlines approaching, this work provides a timely opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery to be more sustainable, accessible, and responsive to residents.
HCA has engaged the consulting firm Health Management Associates (HMA) to support the health care planning for SCRV. HMA is a national independent research and consulting firm that focuses on publicly-financed health care.
… One Step A La Vez is passionate about serving the needs of our community, particularly those of underserved teens and families who may lack the necessary resources to excel in their education. With the new school year fast approaching, we are gearing up to provide backpacks filled with essential school supplies to teens in need. Our goal is not only to equip these children with the tools they need to succeed academically but also to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by their families.
Experience the magic of a live performance! Reserve your tickets for Patty Soria En Concierto. Don’t miss out on the excitement—book now and treat yourself to an unforgettable event.
THOUSAND OAKS — For over 20 years, Rachel Guettler, Ed.D., has built her career in philanthropy, student enrollment and leadership coaching. She will bring this expertise to her new position as the vice president for growth and advancement at California Lutheran University. Guettler will start Aug. 17 as the senior leader responsible for advancing the university’s enrollment strategies and leading institutional growth through fundraising, partnerships and external engagement.
“A leader in development and growth in higher education, Rachel has a strong mission-driven approach and background in relationship-building that aligns with Cal Lutheran’s vision and values,” said Laureen Hill, M.D., MBA, chief strategy and growth officer.
GOLETA — Tiny hands covered in paint. A sculpture made of sticks, feathers, and toilet paper rolls. A masterpiece that looks nothing like anyone else’s. At LEAP’s Children’s Centers, this isn’t a random art activity—it’s a strategic approach to early childhood development.
On July 28, LEAP’s Process Art Show at its Phelps Children’s Center showcased artwork created by children ranging from two years old through Pre-K. Students experimented with materials, made their own choices, solved problems, and expressed their ideas freely—creating one-of-a-kind works of art.
At LEAP, children engage in both product art and process art, each offering unique opportunities for learning and development.
Thank you for making Friendship Center’s 50th Anniversary Summer Polo Soirée an incredible success!
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Together, our Summer Polo Soirée and Summer Campaign raised over $75,000, exceeding our fundraising goal and helping provide compassionate daytime care for older adults living with dementia in South Santa Barbara County.
SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is proud to welcome Mindy Denson as the newest member of its Board of Directors. Denson joins the leadership team with a long history of local engagement and a deep commitment to supporting the organization’s compassionate mission.
Mindy has spent more than 30 years in Santa Barbara working in substance abuse counseling and retail management. Moving from Cleveland, Ohio, Mindy attended UCSB and after completing graduate school, she worked for Santa Barbara and San Mateo Counties counseling individuals and groups with alcohol/drug problems.
Discover how CEC is reducing waste at the source, and how you can help create a circular future.
For nearly half a century, Proposition 13 has served as California’s bedrock defense against unsustainable taxation and fiscal overreach. By capping property tax rates and establishing clear supermajority vote requirements for special taxes, voters created a stable framework designed to keep homeowners in their homes and ensure local governments live within their means.
However, over the past decade, judicial rulings have eroded these core taxpayer protections.
VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation announced it surpassed the $7 million goal of its “Invest in Success” fundraising campaign by $117,289.
The Invest in Success campaign was launched when the Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors approved a plan to sustain the long-term future of the VC Promise Program and Basic Needs Centers.
“Ventura College exists because our community believes that education has the power to transform lives. The outstanding success of the Invest in Success campaign is a powerful reflection of that shared commitment in action. Together, Ventura College, the Ventura College Foundation, and our generous donors are ensuring that financial hardship doesn’t stand between a student and the opportunity to access education and pursue their educational goals,” says Dr. Luca E. Lewis, Ventura College president.
More than 200 local artists, three powerful solo exhibitions, and a community that keeps showing up.
Proposed rollback comes as BLM considers leasing 36,000 acres in California, including lands bordering Carrizo Plain National Monument. (Public comment due Aug. 24).
CENTRAL COAST — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing changes to federal oil and gas leasing regulations that would sharply reduce the financial assurances, or bonding, requirements for drilling companies and expand opportunities to lease public lands for development.
VENTURA — The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency, is starting its annual distribution of discount cards to be used at participating Farmers’ Markets. Adults over the age of 60 who are on a limited income and meet the eligibility guidelines may receive this free benefit.
Cards are only available while supplies last at each distribution point. They can be used to purchase up to $50 in fresh, nutritious, unprocessed, locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs.
OXNARD — City Impact, Inc., a Ventura County-based nonprofit dedicated to serving at-promise youth and families since 1995, today announced that exhibitor tables are now available for local small businesses and vendors at the Thrive Together Awards 2026, the organization’s signature annual celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation and community impact.
The Thrive Together Awards will take place on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5:00–9:00 PM at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura.
The overwhelmingly bipartisan supported and much awaited 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is now law and with it comes a raft of improved regulations and access to financing fit, as the name implies, for this century. Those provisions include:
Billions of dollars of unlocked bank equity allowed to invest in low-income housing tax credit funded projects
Reauthorization and reforms of housing production programs.
Increases to FHA multifamily statutory loan limits.
SANTA BARBARA — Reicker, Pfau, Pyle & McRoy is pleased to announce that attorney Hillary Leffue has joined the firm, bringing extensive experience in litigation, internal investigations, and alternative dispute resolution.
Leffue has built her practice helping businesses navigate high-stakes moments, including shareholder disputes, sensitive internal investigations, and government enforcement actions. She advises clients on a wide range of commercial disputes, including breach of contract, intellectual property, fraud, and consumer protection matters. She has litigated cases in state and federal courts and arbitration proceedings throughout the United States.
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Department of Child Support Services (VCDCSS) invites the community to celebrate Child Support Awareness Month throughout August with this year’s theme, “Strong Families Start with Support.” As part of the celebration, VCDCSS will host Family Connections Day on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the VCDCSS parking lot.
Hosted by the Ventura County Department of Child Support, this free event will bring together families for educational workshops, community resources, and family-friendly activities that promote financial well-being, child safety, and strong family connections. The event reflects VCDCSS’s ongoing commitment to supporting parents, strengthening families, and helping children thrive.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College Community Education is opening the door to a new career with the launch of its tuition-free barbering program this fall. The new program will provide aspiring barbers with an accessible, affordable pathway into one of California’s most sought-after skilled professions. An interest list for the program is currently open for potential students.
The City of Simi Valley Loan Fund is a low-interest loan program that’s designed to help businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Available through the Economic Development Collaborative and funded by the City of Simi Valley, small business owners who have had difficulty obtaining pandemic resources and traditional bank lending can now access local, professional assistance and capital.
SANTA BARBARA — This summer, Santa Barbara City College’s (SBCC) Dual Enrollment Summer Bridge Program welcomed more than 100 rising ninth-grade students from the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) and Carpinteria Unified School District (CUSD) for an immersive week-long college experience designed to inspire confidence, build a sense of belonging, and encourage students to pursue higher education.
Presented through SBCC’s Dual Enrollment Program, in partnership with SBUSD PEAC Program (see below) and supported by the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College, the Dual Enrollment Summer Bridge provides first-generation and historically underrepresented students with an early introduction to college life before they begin high school. Throughout the week of June 22-26, students earned one unit of transferable college credit while developing the academic, personal, and social skills needed for future success inside and outside of the classroom.
SANTA BARBARA — Students for Eco-Education andAgriculture (SEEAG) and the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) entered into an agreement in which SEEAG will educate elementary and junior high school students about the origins of food, sustainable farming practices, and potential careers in agriculture at La Colina Junior High School in Santa Barbara.
The programs will begin at the start of the 2026-27 school year.
La Colina will host a regional SEEAG Farm Lab Hub, bringing togetherstudents of multiple age groups for hands-on agricultural and environmental education. Third graders from nearby schools in the district will explorewater, plant, and soil science through SEEAG’s Farm Lab field trips in theexisting garden space, while seventh- and eighth-grade students will engage in advanced STEM investigations within two new learningenvironments: an Agricultural Innovation & STEM Discovery Lab and aCalifornia Climate Resilience & Conservation Learning Lab.
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced (on June 20) it has received a $1 million Equity Equivalent Investment from City National Bank. The organization also received $50,000 from U.S. Bank, with an additional $50,000 awarded to its sister organization, Housing Land Trust Ventura County (Housing Land Trust VC), a combined $100,000 investment in affordable housing across Ventura County made through U.S. Bank’s Community Possible Home program. These investments arrive as the cost of building and preserving affordable housing in the region continues to climb and will strengthen both organizations’ work to bring that cost down.
“U.S. Bank’s investment strengthens both sides of our work: the loans that help get affordable homes built and the land that keeps them affordable for generations,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund Ventura County and Housing Land Trust Ventura County. “The challenges facing working families in Ventura County are real, but so is the impact we can make when partners like U.S. Bank and City National Bank invest in this community.”
SANTA MARIA — Valerie Rachelle has been announced as the new Artistic Director and Dean of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA). We’re pleased to welcome back a familiar face to the nationally recognized conservatory after her years of leading professional theatre organizations across the country.
Rachelle’s appointment, which was approved by the AHC Board of Trustees at its July 21 meeting, marks a homecoming for the accomplished theatre professional, who previously served PCPA as an actor, casting director, resident director and choreographer, and movement instructor in the conservatory’s professional actor training program.
SANTA MARIA — For a second consecutive year, Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy will receive $50,000 through the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) to provide protective equipment and scholarships, helping reduce financial barriers for students pursuing careers in firefighting.
“Programs like the Metallica Scholars Initiative continue to create meaningful opportunities for our students while helping address California’s workforce needs,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “This continued investment helps ensure more students can complete their training and begin careers serving their communities.”
Looking for your next career opportunity? Join us for the 2026 County of Ventura Career & Resource Expo + Candidate Connect on Wednesday, August 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Government Center Courtyard between the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Justice.
This free event is open to everyone and offers the chance to explore careers in technology, public safety, healthcare, engineering, environmental services and many other fields.
Meet representatives from County departments and agencies, learn about current job opportunities and, new this year, visit the Candidate Connect booth to speak directly with County recruiters and get your questions answered.
Whether you’re considering a career change, entering the workforce or looking for your next opportunity in public service, this event is a great place to start.
I am reminded every day just how much we are all part of the fabric of our Ventura County community, and how much good happens when we support one another and do it together.
In May, I attended the League of California Community Foundations’ Spring Convening along with VCCF President & CEO Vanessa Bechtel. There, we met with legislators on topics like access to highest-quality early childhood education through the Isabella Project, disaster resilience and support for our neighbors through the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund and more. I also got to exchange ideas with other community foundation board chairs, learn from their experiences and see what is applicable here in Ventura County.
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is thrilled to welcome Das Williams, Ashley Smith Fraser, and Danielle Bordenave to its Board of Directors, effective July 2026. …
“We are so pleased to welcome Das, Ashley, and Danielle to our board,” said Executive Director Jamie Collins. “Each brings with them a unique perspective that deepens our leadership’s understanding of how to best serve youth in our community and strengthen our mission of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.”
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — At its July 15 meeting, the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD) board of directors appointed Marc Rashba to fill a board vacancy which resulted from Director Ray Tjulander’s resignation. Rashba will serve through December 4. A new board member will be elected via the November 3 general election.
Rashba, a 34-year Oak Park resident who has volunteered in the community, was one of seven applicants for the board position. Interviews were conducted during the July 15 special board meeting. Rashba was interviewed and, following his selection, sworn in.
When state lawmakers pass complex environmental mandates in Sacramento, they rarely frame them as tax hikes. Instead, they use promises of “producer responsibility” and “sustainability.” But when the bill comes due, it is always California taxpayers and everyday consumers who end up footing the tab.
LOMPOC — Lompoc doesn’t just display art. It lives it.
Around every corner of Old Town, color spills across walls, galleries welcome local talent, and hands-on experiences invite visitors to create something of their own.
It’s a city where creativity is part of everyday life, and the best way to experience it is to see it in person.
Spend a day exploring, and you’ll quickly discover the artists who shape its identity.
LOMPOC — It’s peak summer in California, and the heat is not being subtle about it.
Visitors experience heat waves, hot pavement, crowded coastlines, and a constant search for indoor, air-conditioned activities.
Then there’s Lompoc.
Just a few miles from the Pacific, the temperature takes a deep breath. Ocean breezes drift in, mornings often start with a light coastal mist, and summer days settle into something far more comfortable than you’d expect from peak season in California.
VENTURA — The Ventura County Assessor’s Office has begun mailing approximately 250,000 Annual Value Notices to property owners. These notices inform recipients of their property’s assessed value as of the lien date, January 1, 2026.
Of the total notices being sent, approximately 206,000 property owners will receive postcards that reflect the standard 2% increase in assessed value in accordance with Proposition 13. In addition, more than 6,500 owners will receive letter notices informing them that their property’s market value is lower than its Proposition 13 factored base year value, indicating a temporary reduction in assessed value.
OXNARD — Don’t miss your chance to see Twelfth Night! Tickets are still available, but they’re selling fast. You can skip straight to the front of our line and secure your tickets by visiting our website.
VENTURA COUNTY — The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a widespread extreme heat warning for … through Thursday, July 16, 2026. Temperatures in the interior valleys and mountain areas are expected to exceed the 100-degree mark for a prolonged period, with relatively poor overnight recovery in the mountains and foothills. A heat advisory has been issued for the coastal plains, where temperatures are expected to reach between 90 and 100 degrees.
High temperatures may create a dangerous situation in which heat-related illness is possible. Residents are encouraged to: drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, check on relatives and neighbors, take extra precautions if working or spending time outside, and wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
The Museum of Contemporary Art congratulates the 2026 Roots and Branches Fellowship recipients, each will be honored in person at the Art Awards this Sunday. Each fellow will receive a $1,000 unrestricted award, thanks to our 2026 program donors.
THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) has been awarded a renewed Fire Risk Reduction Community recognition from the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.
This designation recognizes best practices in fire risk planning and mitigation, and VCFD was one of more than 50 agencies, counties, and cities across California to receive this status. VCFD was previously recognized as a Fire Risk Reduction Community in 2024, and the designation will last another 2 years.
