Category: Business

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula clarifies status on ACLU lawsuit participation) challenging the federal government’s immigration enforcement activities)

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

… To clarify, the City of Santa Paula was not invited to participate in the lawsuit. The most recent group of cities to join was added on August 8, 2025, and Santa Paula was not among them. The City is not privy to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s litigation strategy or procedural decisions.

We recognize that this is an important issue for many in our community, and Council has received messages from residents urging the City to join the lawsuit or take other related action. While the City is not a party to this case, Council continues to evaluate issues and opportunities related to protecting the rights and well-being of all Santa Paula residents.

El Concilio Family Services — Early Bird Price going fast!

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

Honoring 50 Years of Impact & Leadership

Taking Flight: Port of Hueneme conducts aerial drone exercise to boost security

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

PORT HUENEME — Geopolitical tensions led to increased maritime security threats in 2024. Attacks, cyberthreats, extreme weather events, and other potential dangers underscore the critical importance of robust security training and strong emergency preparedness programs to safeguard global trade and ensure community safety.

It was against this backdrop that officials from the Port of Hueneme recently conducted the organization’s Coastal Trident Security Exercise.

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter — Aug. 15, 2025

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

In previous issues we have examined the needs for housing for varied segments of our community and different approaches to solving them. This issue covers an at an often neglected area: the need for housing for at-risk young adults. 20% of those from the foster system experience homelessness the day they age out, and 50% experience homelessness within 18 months. Close to 60% of California’s community college students are housing insecure.

People Helping People announces 2025–2026 Board Leadership & new strategic priorities

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Becky Barieau will continue her dedicated service as Board President, bringing steady leadership and a deep commitment to community well-being. John Kuelbs, a longtime supporter and visionary philanthropist, will assume the role of Vice President. Joyce Talmadge will continue as Board Secretary, offering consistency and strong organizational stewardship, while Francisca Escobar will serve another term as Treasurer, providing thoughtful fiscal oversight during a time of growth and investment.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara August 2025 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Gifford Fire Update —
Stay informed about the latest developments in fire containment, current evacuation orders and warnings in Santa Barbara County, and available resources for affected communities.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula’s regional influence grows as Mayor Chavez and city leaders secure key roles on countywide boards

by Community Contributor • August 13, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is proud to highlight the growing regional leadership of its elected officials as they continue to secure influential roles on countywide and regional boards, ensuring Santa Paula’s voice is strongly represented in critical policy decisions.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police join national ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign to prevent drunk driving crashes

by Community Contributor • August 13, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Starting August 13 and running through September 1, the Ventura Police Department will participate in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

This high-visibility campaign focuses on stopping impaired drivers and preventing the types of deadly crashes often seen over Labor Day weekend. Additional officers will be on patrol looking for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary’s New Rector is California Lutheran University Spiritual Leader

by Community Contributor • August 13, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The Rev. Colleen Windham-Hughes, Ph.D., a longtime professor and spiritual leader at California Lutheran University, has been appointed the rector of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS), part of Cal Lutheran. PLTS is the only Lutheran Evangelical Lutheran Church in America seminary in the western half of the United States and a founding member of the Graduate Theological Union.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara announces the Call for Entries Winners 2025-2026!

by Community Contributor • August 13, 2025 • Comments Off

Congratulations to:

Godofredo Astudillo & Dannah Mari Hidalgo

Their exhibition will be on view at our satellite location, The Riviera Beach House. We look forward to share their powerful and evocative work with the public.

Bilingual report — MICOP — Ventura County Residents to Urge Board of Supervisors to Support Immigrant Families Following ICE Raids

by Community Contributor • August 12, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On Tuesday, August 12, immigrant and farmworker rights organizers, advocates, and community members will rally at the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting to call for the county to invest in legal support for the immigrant community following the recent ICE raids at the Glass House facility in Camarillo.

Residents are urging the Board to adopt two key proposals backed by 805 Immigrant:

$1 million for Ventura County residents facing deportation to keep families together
$1 million in legal support for eligible immigrant families seeking to adjust their status

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

IN-PERSON EVENT: INSURANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

August 13 @ 8:30 am

Join SCORE Ventura County, City of Thousand Oaks and Economic Development Collaborative to learn about insurance from somebody who is not trying to sell you something! Insurance contracts are written by attorneys, but not all insurance agents can explain them in simple terms. In layman’s terms, this workshop will briefly overview the types of coverages available and what most businesses need. Address: Thousand Oaks City Hall, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Air Quality Alert issued for Ventura County on Aug. 8

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is issuing an Air Quality Alert because of unhealthy air quality conditions caused by the Canyon Fire. Impacted areas may include, but are not limited to, Piru, Fillmore and Santa Paula.

Smoke from the Canyon Fire has caused air quality to fall into the unhealthy range for the general population, as measured by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Air Quality Index (AQI). Smoke and ash from wildfires contain very small particles — particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less — that can harm the lungs and heart.

Preserving History with a New Vision: SBTHP Reveals Updated Brand

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) is pleased to announce some exciting news. We’ve embarked on a journey to refresh our brand identity, and we’re excited to unveil a new look that better reflects our evolving mission and celebrates the rich history and cultures of Santa Barbara County.

This rebrand isn’t just about a new logo; it’s about breathing new life into our visual presence to create a timeless, enduring, and inclusive brand. Our goal is to inspire a new generation of preservation advocates and connect with a wider audience, from lifelong history enthusiasts to those just discovering Santa Barbara’s past and ongoing cultural heritage.

CLU — ‘Ask Gumby’ Earns Future Campus Award for Innovative Student Guidance

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University has been recognized with the Tambellini Future Campus Award for its groundbreaking AI initiative, “Ask Gumby.” Developed by the university’s Information Technology team, the AI-powered chatbot was created through a strategic, campuswide effort and significant in-house software development to enhance student support and success.

The award was presented at the Future Campus™ Summit, held August 5–6 in New York City, honoring institutions that are reimagining the role of technology in higher education.

Farm Bureau of Ventura County — Have you registered to attend 2025 Agri-Tech Fair on Sept. 23

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

Have You Registered To Attend? Our 2025 Ventura County Agri-Tech Fair is just over a month away. It will take place on September 23, 2025, at The Holiday Inn North Oxnard (formerly the Marriott). The VC Agri-Tech Fair is the…

Community Environmental Council recruits Fall Class of Climate Stewards

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

“We need local climate leaders — now more than ever,” said Kathi King, Course Instructor and CEC’s Director of Outreach and Education. “The Climate Stewards Course provides the perfect avenue for impassioned individuals to start making change in their community, workplace, or school. The course truly has something for everyone because anyone can propel the climate movement — students, non-profit staff, entrepreneurs, retirees, teachers, community members, and many others. Our community holds immense power to create a groundswell of change, and our Climate Stewards program fosters the connection, confidence, and inspiration needed to unleash it.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Community Foundation — Exciting Update on Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2025 • Comments Off

This simple truth is at the heart of the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund. It reflects our core belief that every person matters, and that even the smallest act of kindness can spark hope and make a meaningful difference in the life of another.

Since launching this collaborative effort with our partners just one week ago, we have seen an outpouring of love and support. Because of you, more than $105,000 has already been donated (including pledges) to help our neighbors. We have also received heartfelt messages filled with encouragement, personal stories of resilience, and moving affirmations that this fund is both timely and deeply needed. Your generosity is not only financial, but also a powerful reminder that we are not alone, and that our community stands together.

El Concilio Family Services — 50th Anniversary Early Bird Ticket Price ~10 days left

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2025 • Comments Off

Don’t miss your chance to secure the early bird price for a seat at our upcoming Fundraiser, celebrating our 50th Anniversary and the 35th Latino Leadership Awards! Reserve your spot today and join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, recognition, and community. Act now—early bird pricing ends soon!

Single tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures 2025-2026 season go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m.

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

UCSB Arts & Lectures presents its 66th season of world-class cultural and artistic events, from stimulating lectures and animated conversations with today’s thought leaders to brilliant performances by the world’s most accomplished dancers, singers, musicians and performers. Single (non-subscription) tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2025-2026 season go on sale Tuesday, August 19 at 10 a.m.

United Way of Ventura County — Spirit Awards early bird ticket Price

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

Join us in celebrating United Way of Ventura County’s Spirit Award recipients and our 80th Anniversary!

Only one more day to take advantage of the early bird ticket price! After Friday, August 8 the ticket price is $250.

How to revitalize your soil and landscape after a fire

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

Homeowners and businesses whose landscapes were damaged or destroyed by the recent wildfires should begin taking steps to prevent erosion before fall and winter rains by repairing the soil and adding nutrients to promote plant growth, says Rick Wilson, Ph.D., chief science officer at Agromin, the largest organic waste recycler and compost and mulch producer in California.

Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) — Power of Purpose – August 2025

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

Summer Greetings from the VCCF Scholarship Program!

We’re thrilled to share that 2025 has been another record-breaking year for the VCCF Scholarship Program. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we awarded 569 scholarships to 412 students, totaling $1,838,986.60 — the highest amount ever granted. More than 30 awardees received the maximum scholarship of $10,000, paving the way for them to fully pursue their dreams.

Ventura County Arts Council announces grant opportunity for Arts Orgs: VibeWell Ventura County Arts & Mental Health

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

The VibeWell VC grant program supports Ventura County-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in delivering programs that increase mental health awareness through creative experiences. Priority funding goes to arts organizations with explicit arts missions, though other nonprofits may apply if partnering with local arts organizations or artists.

Cottage Children’s Medical Center and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles announce collaboration to expand access to pediatric care for Central Coast families

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

“Our focus at CCMC is high quality care for our pediatric patients locally. This affiliation is a huge leap forward in reducing the burden placed on families to travel multiple times a year for a chronic condition that requires a large academic center like CHLA,” says Miriam Parsa, MD, MPH, Chief Pediatric Medical Officer of Cottage Children’s Medical Center.