OXNARD — The Annex Food Hall invites friends and family to a morning of storytime and crafts in partnership with First 5 Ventura County and the Oxnard Public Library. Talk, Read, Sign – a program developed by First 5 California,…
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New sidewalks provide safe path for new school year
VENTURA — The Ventura County Public Works Agency has completed two sidewalk projects just in time for the start of the school year. The Public Works Agency finished the installation of 1,300 feet of sidewalks, curbs and gutters, curb drains,…
Jackson’s Emergency Alert Bill Heads to the Governor. See more news here
SB 821 allows counties to automatically enroll residents in emergency alerts SACRAMENTO—Following the devastating fires last year, in which many residents were not signed up for their county emergency alerts, a bill by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to create an…
Channel Islands Harbor Patrol better equipped for large oil spills
OXNARD — Ventura County’s Channel Islands Harbor Patrol is now better equipped to respond to large-scale oil spills thanks to a $35,000 grant awarded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The grant, awarded in May 2018, provided funds…
The Annex Food Hall and First 5 Ventura County Partner to Offer Storytime and Crafts for Monthly Kids Club
OXNARD — The Annex Food Hall invites friends and family to a morning of storytime and crafts in partnership with First 5 Ventura County and the Oxnard Public Library. Talk, Read, Sign – a program developed by First 5 California,…
Jackson Bill To Combat Sexual Harassment Heads to the Governor
Jackson bill closes loopholes in law that allow workplace sexual harassment to persist SACRAMENTO – Introduced in response to the #MeToo movement, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)’s legislation to fight sexual harassment in the workplace passed off the Senate floor today…
‘Tools for School’ Event Brings Class Supplies to 400 Kids in Need
SANTA BARBARA — Thanks to a generous donation from the local branch of Union Bank, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) and its nonprofit affiliate 2nd Story Associates recently presented approximately 400 school-age children with backpacks…
Oak View children and families receive expanded classes and preschool scholarships, thanks to grants received by First 5 Ventura
VENTURA COUNTY — Oak View children and families are benefitting from a pair of grants received by First 5 Ventura County (F5VC). F5VC has been able to expand the number of Parent and Child Together (PACT) classes and preschool scholarships…
More than 1,000 Classes this Fall at SBCC School of Extended Learning
SANTA BARBARA — It all started in 1918 with 81 students enrolled in a citizenship and English as a Second Language Adult Education “evening program.” 100 years later, SBCC School of Extended Learning offers more than 1,000 tuition-free and fee-based…
Santa Barbara Bowl Donates $112K to Local Charities from Benefit Concerts
Jack Johnson, Katy Perry, and Brad Paisley sold-out benefit concerts supported residents’ needs after the Thomas Fire and Montecito Debris Flow. SANTA BARBARA – Santa Barbara Bowl announced today that it has donated all organizational net proceeds from three benefit…
Senator Jackson Bill to Help Montecito and other California Homeowners Recover Mudslide Losses Passes Senate, Heads to Governor
SACRAMENTO — Legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to help Montecito and other California homeowners whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by fire-induced mudslides, passed off the Senate floor today on a 27 to 12 vote and now heads to…
Jackson and Muratsuchi Bills to Block New Offshore Oil Head to the Governor
SACRAMENTO — Legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) andAssemblymember Al Muratsuchi (Torrance) to block the Trump Administration from expanding federal oil drilling off the California coast are headed to the Governor. The identical bills ensure that new pipelines and other new infrastructure needed…
CSUCI’s Hank Lacayo Institute receives three grants to support student internships
CAMARILLO — A program designed to provide real-world work experience to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students has received a total of $104,900 worth of grants from four different organizations. The Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI) received…
Update: Channel Island Harbor Water Quality
OXNARD — The City of Oxnard Channel Islands Response Team is monitoring the dissolved oxygen concentrations (and other parameters) at multiple locations along the Channel Islands Harbor on a weekly basis. Additionally, on August 6, the City deployed an automated remote…
Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Transportation Department Puts SB-1 to Work With County-Wide Projects Improving Safety and Extending Road Life
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is celebrating critical sidewalk safety improvements and road repairs impacting students and pedestrians in Ventura County. Under a new Senate Bill (SB-1), spearheaded by VCPWA’s Transportation Department, both Camarillo Heights and…
Casual Cajun Seafood Establishment Brings Unique Family Dining Concept to The Collection at RiverPark
OXNARD — Captain’s Cajun Boil, a casual seafood dining establishment that combines home-style boil options with distinctive Cajun flavors, is now open at The Collection at RiverPark. Brought to the California coast by owner and restauranteur Joe Zhou, foodies can…
Carpinteria Youth and GranVida Residents Connect Through Grandparent Buddy Program
GranVida Senior Living and Memory Care is excited to highlight their Grandparent Buddy Program in conjunction with Rincon High School CARPINTERIA — GranVida Senior Living and Memory Care is bridging the gap between the young and older generations through a…
CSUCI’s MVS School of Business & Economics awards scholarships, receives grant for ‘Teams Project’
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) Martin V. Smith (MVS) School of Business & Economics opens the fall semester by celebrating four scholarship recipients and a grant from the Smith Foundation for the School’s “MVS Teams Project.” Freshmen Business majors Noeli…
VCCDC offers disaster recovery grants for Thomas Fire victims
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC), a local non-profit community economic development organization, has created a disaster recovery assistance grant program for Ventura and Santa Barbara County residents who were affected by the Thomas Fire and/or Montecito Mudslides.…
Jackson Bill to Teach Students How to Spot Fake News Heads to the Governor
SACRAMENTO – Legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to ensure students in California’s public schools learn how to assess media sources critically, and act ethically, responsibly, and safely online passed off the Senate Floor today on a 27 to 10 vote…
Bilingual report: Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Services Youth Summer Mural Program 2018 unveils a new community mural titled, ‘Tree of Life,’ in La Colonia area of Oxnard!
OXNARD — Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Services Department from La Colonia area is proud to announce the second installment of the Youth Summer Mural Program. The “Tree of Life” mural dedication ceremony took place at the parking lot behind the…
VCCF Awards $500,000 to Partnership Providing Help to Undocumented Immigrants Recovering from Thomas Fire and Mudslides
Grassroots partnership provides aid for those who don’t qualify for other programs CAMARILLO — With the full effects of the Thomas Fire’s devastation still emerging, the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) has awarded a $500,000 grant to a community-based partnership…
Bilingual report: Ventura County achieves a Top 10 Digital County ranking for the fourth consecutive year
VENTURA — For the fourth consecutive year, the County of Ventura has been named as a Top Digital County by the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties. The Digital Counties Survey identifies the best technology practices…
El Lustrador Foundation update for Aug. 15
Click here for the entire update Help us help/Ayudenos a ayudar The most recent help from El Lustrador Foundation was a wheelchair in Guatemala.La donacion mas reciente de la Fundación el Lustrador fue una silla de ruedas en Guatemala.We will…
Ventura County Civic Alliance update for Aug. 15
Click here for more information Livable Communities Newsletter Vol. 12, No. 47 August 2018 Quick Links – See the Current State of the Region Report – Last Quarter’s Newsletter Join us at the Ventura County Civic Alliance! Welcome to Our…
Nominations Open for 2018 Annual WDB Awards
VENTURA COUNTY — The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDB) is seeking nominations for its 2018 Annual WDB Awards. Selected winners will have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to advancing workforce development in the Ventura County region. The nomination deadline…
Northrop Grumman Opens New Facility Bringing Innovation and Jobs to Oxnard
OXNARD — Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) joined Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), executives and local officials today for the formal opening of Astro Aerospace’s new facility in Oxnard. The 140,000 square foot manufacturing center will increase efficiency and help…
Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics celebrations National Health Center Week 2018 through Aug. 18
National Campaign Celebrates HealthCare Heroes SANTA BARBARA — As part of a national campaign, Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) will be celebrating National Health Center Week 2018, from August 12th – 18th, with events to raise awareness about the mission…
Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics receives coveted 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) is proud to announce our fourth consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. Less than 15% of charities four consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics continues…
Bilingual report: Natalie Hernández named to bilingual public information position for County of Ventura
VENTURA — Natalie Hernández has been named as the County’s Assistant Public Information Officer, a bilingual position intended to extend the County’s outreach into Spanish-speaking communities and support the overall public information program. Hernández graduated summa cum laude from Azuza…
SBCC Grad Moriah Contreras on the Road to a Bright Future in Space Exploration
SANTA BARBARA — Moriah Contreras is a self-confessed “Star Wars fan and space junkie” with hopes of having a career working for NASA one day. So when she was selected as one of 280 students from across the U.S. to be…
Federal Court orders national ban on brain-harming chlorpyrifos within 60 days
Decision confirms that California must also take action to protect communities now. Ventura County Coalition Advocating for Pesticide Safety (VC CAPS) is a local coalition in the CPR network. SACRAMENTO — Slamming the Trump administration’s repudiation of science, today the 9th Circuit Court of…
Amazing Lash Studio franchise launches first Ventura County location at The Collection at RiverPark
OXNARD — Amazing Lash Studio of Oxnard offers convenient, affordable and luxurious lash extensions from a variety of different lash styles in the comfortability of a contemporary salon environment. Beauty enthusiasts can create a look uniquely their own with several…
Bilingual report: Public Invited to Learn More About Oxnard’s Plan to Bring High-Speed Fiber Optic Network to the City
OXNARD – Want to learn more about Oxnard’s master plan to leverage its fiber optic network to bring high-speed Internet and “smart city” services to the city? Now’s your chance. Oxnard’s Information Technology department is inviting the public to attend…
Oxnard Seeks Participation from Businesses on Broadband Internet Survey
Is your broadband Internet access and speed keeping up with your growing business? The City of Oxnard wants to hear from you. The City of Oxnard invites businesses, institutions and other commercial organizations in Oxnard, Port Hueneme and the surrounding…
Housing Authority Breaks Ground on 89 Units of Affordable Housing for Seniors
SANTA BARBARA — With nearly 40 percent of the County’s senior population being economically insecure, Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) broke ground July 30 on The Gardens on Hope, a 90-unit development for frail, low-income seniors. Project partners…
Acclaimed Entrepreneurship Program Introduces Fully Globalized Curriculum to Prepare Students and Ventures for Success
SANTA BARBARA — Businesses and entrepreneurs determined to succeed in today’s rapidly changing competitive landscape must be prepared to take advantage of every opportunity to acquire new skills and resources. Educational opportunities for businesses are available at Santa Barbara City…
CSUCI Alumni & Friends Board gets new co-presidents (Leah Lacayo, Melissa Mirkovich-Scholes) and four new members
CAMARILLO — Two longtime friends of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will serve as co-presidents of the CSUCI Alumni & Friends Association Board. Longtime board member and well-known community activist Leah Lacayo and CSUCI alumnus Melissa Mirkovich-Scholes will serve together, both sharing a…
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Welcomes New Board President, Three New Members
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is pleased to announce the election of a new board president, Theresa Huerta, and three newest members to its Board of Trustees: Dawn Howards, Chris Jacobs and Diana Rigby. Theresa Huerta is a seasoned,…
Ojai’s Azu Restaurant Owner Receives Small Business Award for District 37
OJAI — The co-owner of popular Ojai eatery, Azu Restaurant & Bar, located in downtown Ojai, has been awarded the California State Legislature’s Small Business Award for District 37 at an awards ceremony held in Sacramento. Nominated by Assemblymember Monique…
Community Environmental Council Welcomes New Council Members and Interns in Support of Work for a Healthy and Green Community
Click here for the entire media release CEC invites in strong environmental advocates to support in local climate resilience work SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to announce new additions to its President’s Council, Partnership Council, and…
SBCC Program Selected for Dr. John W. Rice Diversity and Equity Award
SBCC Staff pictured with Chancellor Oakley and Board of Governors President Estolano at awards ceremony.* During a ceremony at the Crocker Art Center in Sacramento on July 17, 2018, Santa Barbara City College was once again presented with the prestigious…
Guest commentary: State finds widespread risk from brain-harming pesticide
Nerve agent chlorpyrifos is a Toxic Air Contaminant that threatens agricultural communities and harms children’s developing brains, state scientists agree SACRAMENTO — California took a step closer Monday to curbing the use of a pesticide linked to permanent brain harm, including…
Solvang 50 Home Challenge initiative wraps up but home improvement savings remain
SOLVANG — Since launching in fall 2017, the Solvang 50 Home Challenge provided residents with education and opportunities to reduce wasted resources and make home energy efficiency updates more affordable. The community outreach activities have ended, however a selection of…
Gold Coast Transit District Service Changes Take Effect on July 29
OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) will make schedule changes to its weekend schedules effective Sunday, July 29, 2018. GCTD typically makes bi-annual schedule changes each year in July and January, based on analysis of ridership as well as community feedback.…
Bilingual report: Input Needed. Oxnard Seeks Participation from Businesses, Institutions in Broadband Internet Survey
OXNARD – How is broadband internet access working for you? The City of Oxnard wants to know. It is inviting businesses, institutions and other commercial organizations in Oxnard, Port Hueneme and the surrounding area to complete a broadband survey in order…
Ventura Residents Rally in Camarillo on July 26 for Safe Alternatives to Brain-Harming Pesticide Chlorpyrifos. See related news here
Diverse coalition calls for county protections and statewide ban CAMARILLO — There’s a better way to grow food in Ventura County that doesn’t risk damaging the brains and health of local children. That’s the message brought by a diverse group…
Local PODS® Lends Support to 26th Annual Ventura County Stand Down
VENTURA COUNTY — For many veterans, daily amenities and other services can be hard to come by, but combining that with trying to assimilate back into a regular routine can be the biggest hardship of all. On July 27-29, local…
Channel Islands Harbor Earns TripAdvisor’s 2018 Certificate of Excellence
OXNARD — Channel Islands Harbor has been awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, the Ventura County Harbor Department announced. The achievement celebrates businesses and destinations that have earned great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. This marks the…
CSUCI Community liaison credits being ‘a child of the village’ for her PCBT award
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Celina Zacarias believes growing up in Oxnard’s La Colonia gave her the sense of community that helped earn her the 2018 Latino Leadership Award from the Pacific Coast Business Times. Zacarias, who serves as the Senior…
CSUCI Nursing Program receives award to expand participation in Los Angeles’ ‘Care Harbor’
CAMARILLO — When asked about her experience “Care Harbor,” a massive free clinic held annually in downtown Los Angeles, 2018 CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Nursing graduate Alysha Payne is at a loss for words. “It was absolutely phenomenal,” she said. “They have dentistry,…
SoCalGas to Begin $41 Million Natural Gas Pipeline Improvement Project in City of Ventura on July 23
Multi-million-dollar investment to support safe, reliable and affordable natural gas service for homes and businesses. Project is part of a multi-billion-dollar safety enhancement program LOS ANGELES — Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) announced it will replace a 4.5-mile section of a natural…
VCMC accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer
VENTURA ? The Ventura County Medical Center has been accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer as a Community Cancer Program. Accreditation by the Commission on Cancer, a quality program of the American College of Surgeons, demonstrates…
Bill to Address Repeat Sexual Harassers in the Workplace Signed by the Governor
SACRAMENTO – An important piece of legislation authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) was signed into law by Governor Brown. This bill (AB 2770) helps protect victims and employers from frivolous lawsuits and will address the issue of repeat sexual…
Gold Coast Transit District Offers Free Summer Saturdays
OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) will be offering free rides on its fixed route service every Saturday beginning on July 21, 2018 and ending on August 25, 2018. This will be an opportunity for more people to experience the…
Area high school students learn engineering basics at CSUCI Summer Bridge program
CAMARILLO — Twenty-eight students from five Ventura County high schools are learning to program robots and other engineering basics during CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s four-week Mechatronics Engineering Summer Bridge Program. The students will wrap up the program from 11 a.m. to 12…
Ed Williams appointed as Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner
VENTURA — By a unanimous vote on July 17, the Board of Supervisors concurred with the recommendation of County Executive Officer Mike Powers and appointed Edmund (Ed) Williams to a four-year term as Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner. The appointment follows…
CSUCI’s Institute for Global Economic Research gets a new director and a new direction
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Institute for Global Economic Research (IGER) will be examining economic issues closer to home under its new director, Assistant Professor of Economics Miguel Delgado Helleseter, Ph.D. “The main direction we’re taking is to give IGER more…
Pacific Coast Business Times to present 7th annual Latino Business Awards on July 19
VENTURA — Pacific Coast Business Times is having its 7th annual Latino Business Awards and for its second year, presenting the Pacific Coast Business Times Scholarship. The scholarship is a partnership between the Business Times and Ventura County Community Foundation. We…
Honorees announced for Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation’s (VCMRF) 25th Annual Fainer/Tauber, MD Awards
VENTURA — Honorees have been announced for Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation’s (VCMRF) 25th Annual Fainer/Tauber, MD Awards. The 2018 honorees include: Physician, Beverly Valles Torres, MD; Nurse, Rashidah Khan, RN; Community Service Award, Michael Boyko; Oral Health Specialist, Catherine Chien,…