SCORE: STARTING A NONPROFIT: A STEP-BY-STEP
November 18 @ 1:00 pm
Ready to turn your vision into reality? Join SCORE for a practical workshop that offers step-by-step guidance on establishing a nonprofit public charity. Ideal for those who have already decided to form a nonprofit, this session covers the essential stages from conception to achieving tax-exempt status and beyond. Price: $10.00.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
With the significant rain we have received and more on the way, the USDA is investigating whether damage has occurred to agricultural operators in our County.
If you have suffered damage to your agricultural crops, structures, land, or equipment due to excessive rain this month please complete the form linked below and return it to the agricultural commissioner’s office:
PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme, California, proudly hosted its annual Drive Out Hunger Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway today, providing 450 frozen turkeys and full holiday meal kits to active-duty military members and veterans from across Ventura County. The drive-thru event reflects the Port’s deep commitment to serving those who serve the nation.
UCSB researchers contribute to an international account of extreme droughts and water temperatures in the Amazon basin.
SAN RAFAEL — On behalf of nonprofit community organization Buen Vecino (in Simi Valley), the First Amendment Coalition, with attorneys Gregory Pleasants and Shaffy Moeel, filed a Public Records Act lawsuit against Ventura County and its sheriff to compel disclosure of video footage showing what deputy sheriffs did at a controversial immigration enforcement operation.
The event will provide seniors from Paso Robles, Liberty and Independence high schools with hands-on support to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act applications before the upcoming priority deadline.
This year’s State of the Region event was an overview of the report by Tony Basotti, and panel with District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, Amgen Executive Director of Global Government Affairs Chad Petit, Port District CEO & Director Kristin Decas, and Oxnard City Manager Alex Nguyen, who gave their perspectives on issues in the report.
This venture is crucial to the dissemination of information to the community and leaders in business, education, and government, who are instrumental in planning the county’s future. We are grateful to our sponsors whose support is integral to this important project.
As always, let us know what you think.?
Stacy Roscoe
VENTURA COUNTY — As we enter the season of giving, there’s a wonderful way to make your generosity go even further: donating appreciated stock to the Ventura County Community Foundation.
Gifting stock is not only a powerful way to support the causes you care about, it may also offer meaningful tax advantages. By donating appreciated securities, you may be able to avoid capital-gains tax and receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of your gift. It’s a true win-win for you and for our Ventura County community.
Dear Neighbors,
The National Weather Service is forecasting a series of storms heading toward Ventura County beginning late Thursday and continuing through Sunday. With significant rainfall expected, I want to ensure you have the latest information to stay prepared and safe. Read a full update about the weather event at VCEmergency.com.
Evacuation Warnings are in effect for the following areas 6:00 pm Thursday, November 13 ? 6:00 pm Sunday, November 16, 2025:
Mountain Fire Burn Area – Upgraded from Advisory to Evacuation Warning
Matilija Canyon / North Fork, Camino Cielo
Storm Update
A series of storms is moving through Santa Barbara County. The first storm has passed, and a second storm is expected late Friday, November 14, into Saturday, November 15.
During the first storm, the South County received about 2–4 inches of rain, with some areas in the Santa Ynez Mountains getting over 5 inches overnight. North County saw about 1–2 inches. The storm caused localized flooding, downed trees, and rocks and debris on roads.
The second storm is expected to bring 2–3 inches of rain to South County and 3–6 inches to the Santa Ynez Mountains. North County will likely receive less rain than other parts of the county. According to the National Weather Service, this storm will produce heavier bursts of rain over short periods, unlike the steady rain from the first storm. A Flood Watch will be in effect for most of Santa Barbara County from 1AM – 10PM on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
On Tuesday, November 18th, the Oxnard City Council faces a defining choice: will they stand with our community or take a bad deal from a polluting corporation that has spent decades deceiving and putting profit before people? Join us at City Council on Tuesday at 6:00 PM to make your voice heard and stand up for environmental justice in Oxnard.
It’s been a little while since our last newsletter, but we’re so happy to reconnect with you! So much has been happening in our beloved Nyeland Acres from new programs to inspiring community moments that continue to remind us why we do what we do.
At Nyeland Promise, our mission remains the same: to build a healthier, stronger, and more united community through compassion, empowerment, and opportunity. Whether it’s through our Cafecito con los Vecinos senior gatherings, Comadres Unidas women’s empowerment group or our continued outreach for families, every effort is made possible because of you — our dedicated neighbors, volunteers, and partners.
OXNARD — This October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Coalition for Family Harmony marks its 50th anniversary — a milestone in its long-standing commitment to serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout Ventura County.
The organization traces its roots back to 1975, when it was founded as a crisis phone hotline by Roz McGrath, a pioneering social justice advocate known for her tireless work defending human rights and supporting underserved communities. What began as a grassroots effort from McGrath’s vision and activism has since grown into a robust, multilingual agency offering comprehensive services including shelter, legal advocacy, trauma counseling, prevention education, and 24/7 crisis intervention.
VENTURA COUNTY — In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) continues its “Year of Giving” with a $75,000 donation to the Moorpark College Foundation, presented during VCCU Employee Development Day at the credit union’s corporate headquarters on Oct. 13, 2025.
Dr. Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College, and Debi Klein, executive director of the Moorpark College Foundation, accepted the donation on behalf of the college. The funds will directly support student success initiatives, scholarships and innovative academic programs that continue to make Moorpark College one of the top community colleges in California.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is inviting new and returning students to register now for winter and spring 2026 classes, which offer hundreds of opportunities to earn a degree, transfer to a university, gain job skills or explore new interests.
Open registration for both terms began Nov. 6, with classes available in a wide range of subjects and flexible formats across Hancock’s Santa Maria campus, Lompoc Valley Center, and online. Winter session classes begin Dec. 15, and spring semester classes start Jan. 20.
“Winter and spring are great times for students to stay on track, get ahead, or start something new,” said Allan Hancock College Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “We want our students to know that Hancock is here to help them earn a degree, train for their career or continue their education by transferring to a university.”
The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building
Board Hearing Room
511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA announced it received a $20,000 contribution from U.S. Bank.
The funding will be used to fund the YMCA’s Find My Genius after-school and summer programs. Find My Genius is free for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level. It aids the young scholars’ academic and social-emotional learning through reading and math instruction, healthy meals, physical exercise and enrichment opportunities.
VENTURA — More than 150 volunteers and community partners gathered to honor Veterans at Bank of America’s Corporate Office for Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County’s Fourth Annual Playhouse Build Blitz, presented by Bank of America. Teams of volunteers worked side by side for 5+ hours painting and decorating children’s playhouses, each tailored to the interests of a local military family. By the afternoon, families arrived to receive their new playhouses, complete with themes ranging from dinosaurs and gardens to princess castles. In all, 18 families and their children experienced the joy of receiving a playhouse built just for them.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura has released a new episode of Ventura Voices titled “All Things Sustainability: Ventura’s Community Programs in Action.” Hosted by Communications Specialist Alejandra Belalcázar, the episode explores how Ventura’s Environmental Sustainability Division has evolved from its early recycling initiatives in the 1990s into a multifaceted team leading communitywide efforts in waste reduction, clean energy, and long-term climate planning.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura has been recognized with a 2025 Information Technology Excellence Award by Info-Tech Research Group, a national organization that highlights advancements in information technology governance, operations and service delivery across the public and private sectors.
Join City Impact for their Thrive Together Fundraising Event to celebrate local entrepreneurs driving change and enjoy a powerful art show created by the young artists within the community. This event is more than a gathering. It’s a commitment to uplifting entrepreneurs, empowering youth and strengthening the community.
Your presence supports opportunities that spark innovation, fuel creativity and build a brighter future.
Location: Sterling Hills Golf Club, 901 Sterling Hills Dr, Camarillo, CA 93010
Date and time: Tuesday, November 18, from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: $85
For more information, CLICK HERE
NYELAND ACRES — Nyeland Promise, a grassroots nonprofit\ dedicated to uplifting the residents of Nyeland Acres through education, health, and community empowerment, has been named a Champion for Social Justice by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties. This recognition celebrates organizations that are breaking barriers, fostering equity, and creating lasting change through community-driven leadership.
OXNARD — A news conference will be held at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 at Plaza Park in Oxnard about the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s new 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) regulation and new data showing large increases in highly hazardous fumigant use near schools and daycares.
(Nov. 11) we honor all who have served our country with courage, dedication, and sacrifice. Thank you to our Veterans.
SAN LUIS OBISPO — More than 70 California Conservation Corpsmembers and San Luis Obispo residents received free eye exams and, if needed, free prescription glasses on Nov. 6-7 thanks to a partnership between VSP Eyes of Hope and the California Conservation Corps. Many of the prescription glasses were made the same day on board the mobile clinic, allowing patients to receive eye care and eyewear in the same visit.
SANTA PAULA — Santa Paula’s cherished holiday tradition returns as the 75th Annual Santa Paula Holiday Parade lights up Main Street on Friday, November 28, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM — one of the only nighttime parades in Ventura County with nearly 50 floats and vehicles lit up with holiday cheer. This year’s parade honors Grand Marshal Rey Frutos, known in the community for his lifelong dedication, mentorship, and positive impact on generations of Santa Paula youth. His leadership and commitment to service embody the true spirit of the holidays — giving back and lifting others.
As a third-generation U.S. Navy Veteran, I’m filled with deep gratitude today for all who have worn the uniform in defense of our nation and the freedoms we hold dear.
My grandfather fought in World War II, my father served in Vietnam, and my own service was during the War on Terror — with two tours in Afghanistan.
Through those experiences, I had the honor of serving alongside remarkable people whose courage, sacrifice, and strength continue to inspire me every day. Their example reminds me that true leadership is rooted in service — in putting others before oneself and standing together for something greater.
Here in Ventura County, our Veteran Services Office carries that same spirit forward, helping veterans, their dependents, and survivors navigate federal, state, and local benefits.
If you are a veteran in need of support, please visit Ventura County Veterans Services.
VENTURA — In recognition of Veterans Day, the County of Ventura is proudly honoring those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces through a series of first-time public tributes, including a Veterans Portrait Exhibition, flag installation, and participation in the nationwide Operation Green Light campaign.
“As a county, we’re proud to recognize the veterans who live and work in our community,” said Fourth District Supervisor Janice Parvin, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “These tributes are a way to show our ongoing gratitude to those who have served our country through military service.”
SCORE: STARTING A CONSULTING/ COACHING/ ADVISORY BUSINESS: PART 1
November 12 @ 10:00 am
So, you want to be a consultant/coach/advisor. You have heard about charging $100, $200 or much more per hour. Do the math. 2000 working hours per year, and that means $200 to $400 thousand per year. There is an old saying: in theory, there is no difference between theory and reality; In reality, there is. This program is all about reality. What is the truth about being a consultant? How much can you really make? What are the pitfalls? What do you have to do to be successful? The seminar leader is Steve Epner. He started and built a consulting practice from a solo shop to over 200 professionals. After he sold the practice, he continued to be asked to help various companies, including Boeing. Learn the reality and what mistakes to avoid so that you can have a successful business and enjoy years of working in a great environment. For the right person with the right personality, there is no better way to live. Price: $10.00.
THOUSAND OAKS — Arson investigators determined the likely cause of the Mountain Fire was extreme wind dislodging a pocket of covered, hot tire debris from an earlier fire, the Ventura County Fire Department announced Nov. 7.
“The Mountain Fire was devastating to our community,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “To everyone affected by the fire, you have our continuing support. Neighbors to all of us here in Ventura County lost homes and possessions, including irreplaceable photos and keepsakes. Others were forced to flee, not knowing whether they would have homes to come back to. It was heartbreaking and the emotional scars of this fire will last long after the homes are rebuilt.”
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) marked a major milestone with the commencement of its latest affordable housing development — an adaptive reuse project that will transform the former Quality Inn at 3055 De La Vina Street into permanent supportive housing.
The redevelopment exemplified HACSB’s creative approach to addressing Santa Barbara’s critical housing shortage by repurposing existing properties into high-quality, service-enriched affordable housing. Neighbors, local officials, community partners, and housing advocates gathered to celebrate this milestone achievement.
Cervantes recognized for innovative, effective healthy relationship strategies among justice-impacted youth in San Luis Obispo
GARDEN GROVE — The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (the Partnership), a coalition representing over 1,000 survivors, advocates, organizations, and allied individuals, today honored Lumina Alliance’s Bilingual Client & Justice Systems Relations Advocate Fatima Cervantes with the Planting the Seeds Award. The award celebrates people who have engaged in intergenerational domestic violence prevention education, contributing to healthy relationships and communities. The Partnership recognized Cervantes for building strong relationships with justice-impacted youth in San Luis Obispo County, as well as providing innovative lessons for discussing healthy communication and setting boundaries.
On Monday, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) co-hosted an urgent listening session with Congressman Salud Carbajal, bringing together more than 20 environmental non-profit leaders from across the Central Coast.
The discussion — “The Impact of Federal Disinvestment and Anti-Climate Policies” — explored the real impacts of federal rollbacks, anti-climate policies, and abrupt funding losses that have put millions of dollars in regional climate projects at risk, threatening years of progress across the Central Coast.
Concerns were also raised over new offshore drilling threats, weakened environmental safeguards, and a growing erosion of public trust and morale as communities struggle to plan amid shifting federal priorities.
Dr. Duncan was inducted as Member of this highly coveted Academy. He is the current Trauma Medical Director of Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and Medical Co-Director of Anacapa Surgical Associates. He is a surgeon educator with experience in contributing to the development of the trauma system in Ventura County and has received several awards for his work in surgeon education, community outreach injury prevention, as well as multiple peer reviewed publications on trauma and general surgery.
If you need food assistance, the County has partnered with the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County to target food distribution efforts throughout the county. These events provide free fresh groceries and produce. Everyone is welcome, and no registration is required.
As I reflect on one year since the November 6, 2024 Mountain Fire, my heart is with the many residents who lost so much. Time has passed, but the weight of the fire still impacts many. The pain and loss remain real and are a heavy burden each day for those still rebuilding their lives.
Over the past year, I have witnessed incredible resilience. Neighbors have lifted each other up, volunteers have given their time and hearts, and local organizations continue to help families recover. The strength, kindness, and determination shown across this community are what make Ventura County such a special place to call home.
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Semifinal Official Election Night Results for the November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election were posted on Vote.VenturaCounty.gov at 1:15 a.m. the morning of November 5. Statewide results are available on the Secretary of State’s website, sos.ca.gov/elections.
SANTA MARIA — Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is now accepting applications for two bachelor’s degree programs offered on Allan Hancock College’s Santa Maria campus. Applications for both programs — Business Administration and Sociology — are open through Dec. 1, with classes beginning in fall 2026.
The degree pathways are part of a broader Cal Poly at Hancock initiative, announced earlier this year, which allows Central Coast students to earn a Cal Poly degree without commuting to San Luis Obispo. The programs bring Cal Poly faculty and coursework directly to Hancock’s Santa Maria campus, providing students with a flexible, affordable, and high-quality educational experience close to home.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites residents to help spread holiday cheer by participating in the annual Santa to a Senior program. Beginning Thursday, November 13, through Wednesday, December 10, 2025, community members can donate gifts to help brighten the season for local seniors aged 60 and above who are connected to the Ventura Avenue Adult Center’s Senior Nutrition Program.
“We know it’s a financially difficult time for many families,” said Caitlin Paulus Case, SEEAG executive director. “While the costs of Christmas trees are going up everywhere, we wanted to offer trees at a lower price, so they are more affordable.”
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is proud to announce the adoption of its Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP), approved by the City Council on October 21, 2025. The plan outlines the City’s strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for climate-related hazards, and strengthen community resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Developed by the City’s Community Development and Public Works Environmental Sustainability staff, the CARP was prepared in conjunction with the General Plan Update to ensure that climate action is integrated into all aspects of City planning and decision-making.
“Ventura is a community that looks out for one another,” said Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios. “This action reflects our shared commitment to compassion, service, and ensuring that no one goes without essential water service during a time of hardship.”
Sitting down to write about what I’m most grateful for during this month of gratitude, I can’t help but feel unbelievably lucky that my “daily place of being” is Friendship Center, a beautiful space filled with laughter, compassion, and purpose. Every day, I get to be around the people you love and care about most, which fills me and my team with so much honor and pride.
This past month has been one for the books and, yes, I know I say that a lot…. Earlier in October I had the honor of speaking on a national panel as one of seven organizations in the country recognized for innovative dementia care. This experience was great to learn even more about the dementia care landscape and solidified how truly unique we are. Did you know there are fewer than a thousand day programs in the U.S. that offer dementia care, let alone specialize in it?!
VENTURA COUNTY — The Foundation of Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) hosted its 3rd Annual Celebrating Our Community event on Thursday, Oct. 9, at VCCU’s corporate headquarters in Ventura, recognizing the remarkable efforts of local nonprofits and distributing a total of $100,000 in community grants.
This year’s celebration brought together community leaders, nonprofit representatives and credit union members to honor 14 grant recipients, selected from a competitive pool of 94 applications. Each recipient exemplifies The Foundation’s mission to support programs that strengthen health, education and financial well-being across Ventura County.
SAN LUIS OBISPO — It is my pleasure to present the 2025-26 Assessor’s Office Annual Report. This report contains information based upon the assessment roll produced by my office each year in accordance with state law and regulations. All properties identified and valued as part of the assessment roll serve as the basis for local property taxes.
The annual assessment roll captures the changes in value for all properties during the prior year. For 2025-26, San Luis Obispo County experienced a moderate increase in values of 4.74%.
This increase is fairly consistent with the average increase of 4.62% across the 58 California counties.
“We’re bringing together the Camarillo Top 10 Community Awards and the Oxnard Community & Business Awards into one celebratory evening,” says WVCBA President and CEO Andy Conli. “We are so excited to celebrate the phenomenal businesses, organizations, and individuals who contribute to our community’s economic strength and success!”
IN-PERSON EVENT: AI UNLOCKED: SHAPING THE FUTURE
November 7 @ 12:30 pm
Join the Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Economic Development Collaborative to learn about how Santa Barbara County businesses are expanding the AI frontier, creating both challenges and opportunities for the workforce.
Since becoming an emergency first responder in 1994 and joining Ventura Fire in 1996 as an Emergency Paramedic, Endaya has advanced through every rank in the department before being selected as Fire Chief in 2014.
“Serving the City of Ventura as Fire Chief has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Chief Endaya. “I am proud of what we have accomplished and deeply grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and heart of the men and women of the Ventura Fire Department.”
VENTURA — The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that the annual quarantine on mussels gathered by sport harvesters from California’s coastal waters ended on midnight on Friday, October 31, 2025, for the California coast, including Ventura County. Shellfish advisories remain in place for sport-harvested razor clams from Humboldt County and for sport-harvested mussels, clams, scallops, and oysters from the Northern Channel Islands.
success! With nearly 120 guests, Halloween Disco was a night to remember, filled with incredible dance moves, tasty treats, fun company, and the best costumes around. Because of your generosity we were SO close to reaching our goal, in the end raising $56,239 to directly support our programs.
Know that it is not to late to donate during our Fall Fundraising campaign! It could be YOU who closes our gap to goal, ensuring our compassionate and engaging care for seniors living with dementia continues strong! If you did not get a chance to donate yet this season, or had a blast booging the night away at Halloween Disco DONATE HERE.
