Category: Business

Bilingual report — VCCF — Introducing the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF), in partnership with the County of Ventura, Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE), Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), Ventura County P-20 Council, Weingart Foundation, Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA), Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU), League of Women Voters of Ventura County, Museum of Ventura County, Isabella Project, Social Justice Fund for Ventura County, Montecito Bank & Trust, Premier America Credit Union, County Schools Federal Credit Union, McCune Foundation and many others announced on June 28 the launch of the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund—a united, community-wide effort to support local families and small businesses experiencing sudden hardship and disruption.

Bilingual report — Get involved, get informed: Applications open for Future Leaders Academy Cohort II

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — Building on the success of its inaugural cohort last spring, the City of Santa Paula is now accepting applications for the second cohort of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy, a 9-week program designed to give residents and business owners a behind-the-scenes look into city management and operations.

Cohort II will run from September 11, 2025 through November 6, 2025, with sessions held on Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at various city facilities. This unique program provides residents with in-depth knowledge about our streets and roads, city finances, homeless issues, youth and senior programs, police and fire, and other key city services.

Movie Nights return to Ventura Harbor Village with a blockbuster lineup by the waterfront

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Lights. Camera. Coastline! Evenings on California’s Central Coast at Ventura Harbor Village just got a lot more fun, as the waterfront destination unveils its highly anticipated 2025 Seaside Movie Nights – a

cinematic experience that fuses beloved throwback films with coastal charm. This free movie series spans from Summer to Fall 2025 at Ventura Harbor Village. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Bilingual report — Ventura Police prepare for increased traffic during Ventura County Fair

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — With thousands expected to attend the Ventura County Fair from July 30 through August 10, the Ventura Police Department advises the public to expect traffic congestion near the Ventura County Fairgrounds and throughout the surrounding area. Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead, utilize public transportation, or take advantage of off-site parking options to minimize delays and support pedestrian safety.

Ventura County Leadership Academy announces the members of their 31st Cohort

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) is pleased to announce the forty members of their upcoming cohort year. They are: Adri Howe, Deputy Director, Mystic Ocean Adventures/Central Coast Ocean Adventures Alfredo Martinez, Financial Inclusion & Education Officer, Premier America Credit…

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College fire academy selected for Metallica Scholars Initiative

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

“This is an exciting opportunity to support our students and respond to critical workforce needs in California,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “With the support of the Metallica Scholars Initiative, we can help more students—many from historically underserved communities—overcome financial barriers and launch meaningful, life-saving careers.”

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit Program

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment and strategic importance to the state or region.

Application Period Timeline: For fiscal year 2025-2026, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during:

July 21, 2025 – August 11, 2025
January 5, 2026 – January 26, 2026
March 2, 2026 – March 16, 2026

Bilingual report — City of Ventura begins new fiscal year with balanced $637.3 million budget

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura kicked off its new fiscal year this month with a balanced operating and capital budget of $637.3 million for Fiscal Year 2025-26 (FY26). Spanning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, the adopted budget reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility, long-term planning, and delivery of high-quality public services.

The General Fund, the City’s largest operating fund, is balanced at $157.3 million and is primarily supported by local property and sales taxes. It funds daily operations for most departments, including police, fire, parks and recreation, public works, and administrative services.

The City continues to prioritize environmental stewardship through major infrastructure projects, including the Olivas Park Drive Extension and key water and wastewater initiatives such as the State Water Project Interconnection, the Advanced Water Purification Facility, and the Membrane Bioreactor and UV Disinfection system. Public safety also remains a central focus, with ongoing funding for Fire Station 7.

Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Save thousands to go electric while incentives last!

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

It’s never been easier or more affordable to get an electric vehicle. Federal EV tax credits are still up for grabs (but not for long) and state incentives are full steam ahead. In other words, now is the time to claim your savings on an EV.

Explore available programs designed to help you make the switch to electric for less:

Ventura College Foundation launches awareness campaign for student Basic Needs Center Program

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura College Foundation is launching an awareness and philanthropic giving campaign to support Ventura College’s Basic Needs Center. The foundation provides support to the on-campus centers in Ventura and at East Campus in Santa Paula, which help alleviate food and housing insecurity and assist with overall student wellness.

The need for the center among students is growing. Ventura College data indicate that in 2024-25, two out of three students report experiencing at least one form of basic needs insecurity. Specifically, 47 percent of students are food insecure, 58 percent face housing insecurity, and 24 percent have experienced homelessness.

“These numbers demonstrate a critical and ongoing need for support services on campus,” says Maria Crisosto Calderon, Basic Needs Center Specialist. “Philanthropic support is essential to the work we do. Even with financial aid and part-time jobs, many students struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living. When students are unsure where their next meal will come from or how they’ll pay rent, their education often takes a back seat. Charitable giving enables the centers to provide immediate, life-stabilizing support, allowing students to focus on their academics and long-term goals.”

Alternative Action Programs Wellness Centers in Oxnard offering Relational Therapy Special ending Aug. 15

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Alternative Action Programs Wellness Centers in Oxnard offering Relational Therapy Special ending Aug. 15.

Click on images for more information.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • July 28, 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

Announcing our 2025 El Concilio Awardees! Event sponsorship available

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2025 • Comments Off

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate El Concilio Family Services’ 50th Anniversary—a legacy of empowering families, bridging communities, and building brighter futures through citizenship, immigration services, and youth leadership development. This special night will also honor the outstanding 2025 Latino Leadership Awardees who exemplify the spirit of service and leadership in our community. Good news! We’ve extended the Promotional Individual Ticket Price through August 18th—don’t miss this opportunity to be part of this milestone celebration.

United Way of Ventura County — An inspirational evening celebrating the caring power of our community

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2025 • Comments Off

United Way of Ventura County is pleased to announce the 20th Annual Spirit Award Recipients. These awards honor our Founding members. Since 2005, individuals and organizations who embody the qualities of Milton M. Teague, Douglas Shively, and Roy Pinkerton are selected for this prestigious honor. This year we will also present our President’s Award. The awards and awardees are listed below:

Bilingual report — Visit local farms during 7th annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day on Sept. 6

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — City folks will get a taste of how the food they eat is grown during the 7th Annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day, Saturday, September 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hosted by Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), this free event consists of over 20 farms, ranches, wineries and agricultural organizations across Santa Barbara County. All will open their doors so the public can learn how food is grown, meet the hands that feed them, and enjoy a fun-filled day of agricultural activities for the entire family.

California Lutheran University — California Latino GDP surges past $1 trillion

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — If California Latinos were an independent state, their GDP would be the nation’s sixth-largest state GDP, larger than the economy of Pennsylvania or Ohio, according to the 2025 California Latino GDP Report by researchers at California Lutheran University and UCLA.

“Latinos’ participation in the California economy is more active, more intense than that of Non-Latinos,” said Matthew Fienup, Ph.D., executive director of the Center for Economic Research and Forecasting at Cal Lutheran and coauthor of the report with David Hayes-Bautista, Ph.D., distinguished professor of medicine at UCLA. “The importance of rapid Latino growth rates, and the intensity of economic activity they represent, cannot be overstated. The vitality of the overall California economy depends on the intensity of the economic activity of Latinos.”

Bilingual report — WEV selected for Natonal Childcare Accelerator Program to support homebased childcare providers in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is proud to announce its selection as one of only seven Women’s Business Centers nationwide to participate in the newly launched AWBC x Stearns Childcare Accelerator Program. This honor highlights WEV’s role as a regional leader in addressing the childcare crisis and advancing economic equity for underserved entrepreneurs.

Port of Hueneme — Save the Date — ‘Sustaining the Seas Summit’ to be held on Aug. 19

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The Port of Hueneme announces the”‘Sustaining the Seas Summit” to be held on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard.

More details to come.

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan appoints acting Chief Medical Officer to permanent role

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

“Dr. Cruz has devoted his career to caring for low-income and vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Felix Nuñez, GCHP’s chief executive officer. “He is a mission-driven leader with extensive experience in health education, health care administration, and care systems transformation who is committed to improving the health outcomes and reducing the health care inequities experienced by our most vulnerable members. I am confident that he will help lead us into the next phase of our work as we continue to find new ways to connect our members with care.”

Cottage Health welcomes Ganesh Persad as new Chief Information Officer

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

Cottage Health appoints Ganesh Persad, MSBI, CHCIO, as Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO). His first day will be Sept. 8, 2025.

Ganesh brings more than 20 years of experience in healthcare information management, with expertise in digital transformation, clinical systems, enterprise technology rollouts and initiatives aimed at improving patient and workforce experience.

Public meetings hosted in Council Chambers temporarily relocated for renovations

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura will temporarily relocate all City Council meetings to Ventura College’s Wright Event Center, located at 57 Day Road, beginning with the first meeting following the summer recess on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Allan Hancock College invites new students to ‘Hancock Hello’ orientation events on Aug. 5, 12

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is inviting new students and their families to kick off the academic year with fun and informative Hancock Hello orientation events held this August at the college’s Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center.

Hancock Hello is designed to help first-time students and their families get connected, feel confident and prepare for a successful college experience. The Lompoc Valley Center will host its Hancock Hello event on Aug. 5, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., and the Santa Maria campus event will be held on Aug. 12 from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

“Hancock Hello is a great opportunity for incoming students and their families to get familiar with campus life,” said Hancock Outreach Coordinator Patricia Prado-Rios. “It’s a fun and informative way to feel prepared and excited for the year ahead.”

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2025 • Comments Off

Mark your calendars for the Career & Resource Expo!

You’re invited to the County of Ventura’s Annual Career & Resource Expo on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Ventura County Government Center (Main Courtyard between the Hall of Administration and Hall of Justice).

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s 6th Annual Compassion Campaign invites guests to RAISE THE ROOF for affordable housing

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced that its 6th Annual Compassion Campaign will feature two guest speakers Dr. John Nunes, President of California Lutheran University and Giorgio Angelini, Director of OWNED: A Tale of Two Americas. Angelini is currently developing a documentary adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book Evicted, produced by actor Chris Pine. The event will be held at Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark on September 4th, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities please visit, www.housingtrustfundvc.org

Bilingual report — Find fall favorites in the Ventura Activity Guide

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is excited to announce the release of its Fall Parks and Recreation Activity Guide! Registration begins Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. and will be available online, over the phone, or in person at City Hall, located at 501 Poli Street in Room 226. Registration information and policies are on page 43. Discover hundreds of upcoming classes, programs, and events scheduled from September through January at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide

Ventura County Fire Dept. to conduct prescribed burn in Adams Canyon on July 24

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) plans to conduct a prescribed burn in Adams Canyon, north of Santa Paula, on Thursday, July 24, weather permitting. This controlled burn is part of ongoing efforts to improve ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk.

Adams Canyon is located north of Santa Paula, south of Thomas Aquinas College, and west of Steckel Park. Firefighters will utilize hand-ignition techniques to carefully burn 20-50 acres. A small test burn will be conducted beforehand to confirm optimal conditions before proceeding with the burn.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Dr. Dennis Assanis appointed as UC Santa Barbara’s next chancellor,’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2025 • Comments Off

Assanis comes to UC from the University of Delaware, where he has served as president since 2016. He will assume his role at UCSB on Sept. 1, 2025.

Partnership brings relief to families in crisis through diaper distribution in North County

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Caring for a critically ill child is every parent’s worst nightmare, and for too many families, navigating this unimaginable crisis is made even harder by financial strain. No parent should have to choose between paying medical bills and buying diapers. That’s why LEAP: Learn • Engage • Advocate • Partner and Hearts Aligned are strengthening their partnership to make life a little less stressful for such families in the Santa Maria area.

Bilingual report — July News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2025 • Comments Off

Our Camino Scholars summer program is in full swing! From touring the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and feeding animals at Ostrichland to dolphin watching on a Santa Barbara Harbor boat and a visit to the Maritime Museum, our students have been busy having fun in the sun! Learn more about this impactful program below.

AirWorks Solutions in Camarillo expands to offer full-service plumbing

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — AirWorks Solutions, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning company headquartered in Camarillo, has added plumbing services for residential and commercial customers throughout Ventura County, Santa Barbara County and the San Fernando Valley. With the same dedication to integrity…

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2025 • Comments Off

IN-PERSON EVENT: DOUBLE YOUR SALES WITH “THE LAUNCH PYRAMID”

July 24 @ 8:00 am

Did you ever wonder why some people seem to make money hand over fist while everyone else is struggling? If yes, this is a “Must Attend” for business owners, no matter what size or type of business you have. Join SCORE and EDC for this info-packed, NO-COST In-Person workshop that will give you the answers you need! Regardless of the size and type of business you have, this might be one of the most important workshops you’ll attend all year. In it, one of our resident business experts, James I. Bond, will share the 5 tactics businesses are using RIGHT NOW that are helping them accelerate how fast they are able to bring on new customers and clients for their business. Address: Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St., Ventura, CA 93001.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Health Care Foundation for Ventura County invests over $1.2 million in critical medical equipment to strengthen public health care system

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Health Care Foundation for Ventura County (HCFVC) proudly announces a significant philanthropic investment of $1,258,949 in essential medical equipment for Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC). This contribution reflects HCFVC’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the public safety-net healthcare system and delivering high-quality, compassionate care for all residents of Ventura County. To date, HCFVC has secured and directed more than $14.5 million in charitable support to advance the work of the Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA).

Bilingual report — City of Ventura shares clarification on Main Street Moves closure

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — In response to a high volume of recent questions and public interest, the City of Ventura is providing clarification on the current status and next steps for the Main Street Moves street closure and parklet program.

Main Street, between Fir Street and Mission Park, and portions of California Street, between Poli Street and Santa Clara Street, remain closed to vehicles under the California Vehicle Code. The Ventura City Council has not yet made a final decision regarding the future of the closure.

Allan Hancock College encourages students to register for Fall classes

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is still accepting registrations for the upcoming fall semester, which begins Aug. 18.

“Fall is a great time for students to take that next step,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Whether they are pursuing a degree, a certificate, or just exploring something new, our faculty and staff are here to support their success.”

With hundreds of classes available in-person and online, there’s never been a better time for students to pursue their educational goals.

Ventura Music Festival — Friends, are you ready?

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2025 • Comments Off

The Ventura Music Festival is officially only ONE WEEK away! Now is the time to secure last-minute tickets as many of the concerts are filling up fast. Learn more about the upcoming shows below.

Can’t wait until next week? Join The Schwab Summer Orchestra this Saturday the 19th for Mahler Symphony No. 1: “The Titan” to get ready for our weekend of music.

The VMF July series will take you from the swing-revival rock of Ventura legends to smooth jazz shores, then around the world with piano, guitar, violin, and vocal artistry. There’s music for everyone, so don’t miss out!

Gold Coast Transit District honors bus operator Guadalupe ‘Lupe’ Juarez for 45 years of dedicated service

by Community Contributor • July 17, 2025 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Since joining GCTD in 1980, Lupe has served as a model of dedication, reliability, and care. Over the course of her career, she has driven an estimated 2 million miles, safely transporting thousands of passengers and embodying GCTD’s commitment to quality public service.

“Lupe has truly been the heart of this agency for nearly half a century—almost as long as GCTD itself has served this community,” said Vanessa Rauschenberger, General Manager of GCTD. “Her dedication to her passengers and her colleagues is truly inspiring. She represents everything we value in public transit: safety, reliability, and a deep connection to the community we serve.”

Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — When they raid, we rise

by Community Contributor • July 17, 2025 • Comments Off

It’s been one week since our communities in Camarillo and Carpinteria were turned into war zones.

As I’m sure you know by now, heavily armed agents from ICE, CBP, DHS, and the National Guard raided workplaces and stormed through fields and neighborhoods, tearing farmworkers away from their families. They came in armored vehicles, masked and armed just like soldiers prepared for battle. They used tear gas, flash grenades, and rubber bullets on our neighbors – including pregnant women and children.

A City Councilmember was injured. A member of Congress was denied entry. A child was hit by shrapnel. A local veteran was detained for days without due process. A CSU professor was arrested. One worker was hospitalized and tragically died. 361 workers were disappeared by the armed and masked federal agents.

Charging Forward to Zero Emissions: Port of Hueneme unveils second STAX Emissions Capture & Control Barge

by Community Contributor • July 17, 2025 • Comments Off

PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme celebrated another milestone in maritime sustainability this week with the unveiling of its second STAX Engineering emissions capture and control barge at a press conference held on-port Wednesday, July 16. Just eight barges operate in all of California, with the Port of Hueneme operating two–one at each terminal.

The arrival of the second barge, known as STAX 6, underscores the Port’s commitment to sustainability and further positions the Port as a national leader in clean air operations and zero emissions infrastructure.

“We have always been a community-serving port. The port that farmers built. We take that responsibility very seriously,” explained Jess Ramirez, President, Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners. “That’s why we continue to lead with innovation as we invest in solutions like these that bring real and tangible benefits.”

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard appoints Brenda Lopez as Housing Director

by Community Contributor • July 17, 2025 • Comments Off

Oxnard City Manager Alexander Nguyen stated, “We’re excited for Brenda to lead the Housing Department. Her housing policy knowledge and years of service to the Oxnard community will be an asset in addressing two of the State’s most pressing issues—housing and homelessness, which remain increasingly vital as we face both federal and state budget cuts.”

Bilingual report — El Concilio Family Services to hold Mobile Immigration Clinic in Santa Paula on July 24

by Community Contributor • July 17, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — El Concilio Family Services will hold mobil clinic from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 24 at Puente de Vida Church, 203 S. 8th St., Santa Paula

“Let El Concilio help you stay protected and prepared! Our Mobile Immigration Clinic offers on-site assistance with:

Resident Card Renewal Applications (Form I-90
Application submission support
Bilingual staff ready to help (English/Spanish)

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