“The Hub provides a space for our community to come together, celebrate, learn, and collaborate,” said Kathi King, CEC Director of Outreach and Education. “We’re thrilled to offer an outdoor option to complement the versatile indoor venue. The patio is a perfect add-on for a happy hour, outdoor lunch, or small private meeting — a great way to enjoy Santa Barbara in the summertime.”
VENTURA COUNTY — Every fire department in Ventura County is united in our commitment to protecting lives—no matter who you are or where you’re from. Everyone in our communities deserves safety, emergency care, and compassion. Our firefighters respond to every emergency without hesitation or judgment. Immigration status is never a factor in the care we provide, and we do not ask, record, or report that information.
CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP), the local Medi-Cal plan for Ventura County, is deeply concerned about the possibility of sensitive Medicaid enrollment data—including names, addresses, and immigration statuses—being shared with the Department of Homeland Security as reported by the Associated Press. According to the article, the data sharing was conducted “despite internal objections from Medicaid officials” and without consent from states, health plans, or members.
The data includes information from individuals in various states, including California, that allow those with “unsatisfactory immigration status” to enroll in Medicaid programs funded by state dollars.
“This breach is not just a policy failure—it is a moral one,” said Dr. Felix Nuñez, GCHP’s chief executive officer. “Trust is the foundation of our health system. Undermining that trust by turning health care into a tool of immigration enforcement jeopardizes the well-being of entire communities. We must protect the right to seek care without fear.”
OXNARD — Brenda Allison, CEO of Coast General Insurance Brokers and a dedicated community advocate has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rotary Club of Ventura.
A Rotarian since 2005, Allison has served in multiple roles at the Ventura club over the past two decades, including as service director, membership director, risk management support and community service director. She is currently the club’s treasurer, a position she’s held since November 2023.
Hard to believe, but another academic year has come to a close. Just a few weeks ago, School of Management undergraduate and graduate students walked the stage at Cal Lutheran’s annual Commencement on our beautiful Thousand Oaks campus.
They worked tirelessly to reach this milestone, and for many, the experience was bittersweet. During their time at Cal Lutheran, the School of Management has become a home — a place where they found their tribe, discovered their calling, built skills that will stay with them for life. Now, they look ahead with excitement: to entry-level opportunities in the corporate or nonprofit worlds, to promotions at their current organizations, or to further study in graduate programs. Whatever comes next, we are proud of them and remain committed to supporting each one of them every step of the way.
Cain currently oversees the Professional Standards & Development Unit, which includes employee relations, recruitment and hiring, background investigations, internal affairs, department training, and the Volunteer Program. He also serves as Executive Officer for the Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.
Two bills pending in California State Senate — including Assembly Bill 880 by Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) and Assembly Bill 1039 by Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) — deserve Governor’s support
VENTURA COUNTY — Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) concluded its 2025 NeighborWorks Week celebrations with two community-focused events that brought critical services and resources directly to residents. Under this year’s theme, “Creating Homes, Building America,” Cabrillo EDC’s resource fairs united neighbors, service providers, and local leaders to facilitate connections and opportunities.
June is Homeownership Month and so I would like to shine a special light on our own Home Ownership department: the oldest team in our organization, the very reason we were founded 55 years ago. If you haven’t yet had a chance to check out some of People’s Self-Help Housing’s amazing early history, you can do that right here!
Of course, it is the incredible owner-builders themselves, the people who learn to dig, saw, hammer, and drill, who have been the stars of the show ever since the self-help program began. The physical and emotional investment made by the over 1,200 families who have completed building with us since 1970 is of a magnitude few of us could commit to. Usually over 40 hours a week (on top of regular day jobs!), 14 months of construction, and the desire to push through whatever the weather, or the date on the calendar.
Our organization has many facets which help those just trying to have a safe, decent, and affordable place to enjoy life. I hope you’ll join me this month in recognizing the efforts and achievements of just one of those – affordable homeownership.
The building, which closed escrow on March 31, will house a Welcome Center open to the public and VLT offices. The Welcome Center will have exhibits and information on VLT preserves and the natural history of the region, as well as meeting and event space. Remodeling and exhibit design for the ground-floor Welcome Center is starting now.
Reminder: pre-applications due Tuesday, June 24 at 5PM
Recordatorio: pre-solicitudes deben entregarse el martes 24 de junio a las 5PM
View this email online The next regular meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2025 County Administration Building Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara The public may participate…
OXNARD — The Collection at RiverPark is turning up the excitement this summer with a fresh lineup of new tenants ready to join the vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment destination. From crave-worthy eats to cutting-edge services, these new arrivals are sure to delight visitors and add even more flavor to the community’s favorite gathering place.
The 2024-2025 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury identified concerns regarding the Ventura County Animal Services Commission’s adherence to its bylaws, inconsistent meeting schedules, and ineffective communication. These and other issues have weakened the Ventura County Animal Commission’s core mission: to advise, guide, support, and collaborate with Ventura County Animal Services.
“The adoption of this balanced budget underscores our strong commitment to using public funds wisely, especially as we navigate an evolving economic landscape,” said 4th District Supervisor, Janice Parvin, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “While we face unknowns at the state and federal levels that could impact future funding, this budget positions us to respond with resilience. This is a budget built on prudence, purpose, and a deep commitment to responsibly utilize taxpayer funds for the well-being of our community.”
SBA: HOW TO DO BUSINESS WITH NASA’S JET PROPULSION LABORATORY (JPL)
June 18 @ 11:00 am
Join SBA for an exclusive session featuring representatives from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), managed by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), to learn how your small business can engage in federally funded space research and technology initiatives. “How to Do Business with Federal Agencies” series is designed to empower small businesses with the knowledge and tools to successfully navigate federal contracting, build strategic relationships and unlock new growth opportunities within government agencies.” This event will take place online using Microsoft Teams; please register to obtain the login information. Please note that if you plan to use a mobile device or tablet to access this webinar, you must first download the Teams app to your device. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Please email lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance for reasonable accommodation requests.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
United Way’s Stuff the Bus campaign aims to increase school readiness of homeless youth and lessen the financial burden of back-to-school expenses on their families. Over 8,000 youth have been identified as homeless in Ventura County. The average cost for back-to-school supplies for one child is almost $600, which can be a challenge for low-income families.
Studies show that barriers to school readiness can lead to increased absenteeism, developmental delays, poor literacy, and decreased emotional well-being. Students who come from low-income families are also seven times more likely to drop out of school than those from families with higher incomes.
New school supplies are essential for a student’s success in school. By providing homeless students with essential school supplies, our campaign helps pave the path to academic success by ensuring that students start the school year with the tools they need to learn. With your support, we can increase school readiness among homeless youth in our community and help them stay in school.
SANTA BARBARA — As layoffs and “return-to-work” mandates increase, more people are forging careers as independent contractors and entrepreneurs. Workzones, a premier coworking community located in downtown Santa Barbara, is playing a pivotal role in this transformation, not just a provider of flexible office spaces, but also as a supportive launchpad for the region’s startups.
For more than a decade, Workzones has served the Santa Barbara independent worker and business community by offering shared co-working facilities, flexible private offices and meeting and event space. More recently, the company has expanded its offerings to meet the growing demand for mentorship and support among startups and fledgling entrepreneurs.
SANTA BARBARA — The A.T. Still University Central Coast Physician Assistant (CCPA) program has two incoming students at Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics. (SBNC). The program seeks students who align with their mission and whose personal goals include serving diverse medically underserved populations and who are professional, culturally humble, and have a desire to serve these communities. Applicants who are first-generation college students will also be given special consideration in the review process.
Gabriel Estrada has gained firsthand medical experience as a medical assistant at Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics for three years. The UCSB graduate earned a degree in Biological Sciences in 2022. He learned that SBNC had become affiliated with the A.T. Still CCPA program and believed that, for him, the PA route was preferable to medical school.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is pleased to announce the commencement of construction on the highly anticipated Physical Education Replacement Building Project, beginning Monday, June 16, 2025. This significant milestone marks the start of the (soft) demolition, abatement, and general construction mobilization efforts on campus.
To ensure safety and visibility, fencing will be installed around the construction zone, showcasing architectural renderings of the new facility along with a QR code directing viewers to the official project website: sbcc.edu/measure-p/physical-education-building-replacement
See what’s up next, join the VMF volunteer party, and get your Summer tickets! OTTMAR LIEBERT Friday, June 27 at 7:00 PM The Majestic Ventura Theater Information & Tickets Prepare for an unforgettable evening as 5-time GRAMMYnominee Ottmar Liebert brings…
want to personally invite you to attend one of the Wildfire and Emergency Preparedness presentations I am offering across District 2. I have worked closely with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the Ventura County Fire Department to make sure these valuable presentations are available to the public — because when it comes to protecting our families and homes, preparedness truly saves lives.
These community presentations will cover key topics like wildfire risks in our area, how to create defensible space around your home, evacuation planning, emergency alerts, and other practical steps you can take now to be ready.
I am thankful to have Fire and Sheriff Emergency Service experts available to offer four opportunities for you to attend this same presentation, held at Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) meetings throughout District 2 on the following dates:
While Deysi’s official title is Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (DEIA) & Wellness Coordinator, the work she does and love she shares with our programs impacts every aspect of Friendship Center! Born and raised in Colombia and trained as a professional educator and dancer (fun fact: she came to the US to study at the prestigious Julliard), Deysi shares her culture and multitude of talents with our members, caregivers, staff and the greater community. She recently celebrated the one year anniversary of her one of a kind program, Herencia Latina, that celebrates the heritage and experiences of Spanish-speaking Latino older adults while catering the activities to accommodate all cognitive and physical abilities in a dignified and respectful manner.
(Amigos805.com Editor’s Note: Also see national new stories about immigration raids in the 805 region courtesy of ABC7 News, KTLA 5, NBC LA and MSNBC.
VENTURA — In response to escalating federal immigration raids, the deployment of National Guard troops at peaceful protests in Los Angeles, and the confirmed presence of ICE activity across Ventura County the “ICE Out of Ventura County and 805 Immigrant Coalition,” with community partners held a press conference on June 12 in front of the County of Ventura Government Center.
“ICE Out of Ventura County” is a call to action against the ongoing criminalization and militarization targeting our immigrant and Indigenous neighbors.
(MICOP also announced that a press conference was also on June 12 at the Joseph Centeno Betteravia Administration Building in Santa Maria featuring a variety of migrant community support organizations.)
“These past few days have been incredibly painful for our community, beginning with the unjust raids targeting our hardworking brothers and sisters across various industries in Los Angeles. But nothing prepared us for the devastation of what happened here at home,” stated MICOP’s Community Organizing Director Juvenal Solano, “On Tuesday, June 10, our city of Oxnard was the target of mass raids—families ripped apart in an instant, children left waiting for parents who never came home. The heartbreak is unbearable. The rage is deep.”
VENTURA — Supervisor Kelly Long’s Office and the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA), in collaboration with community partners and local leaders, celebrated the completion of the El Rio Pedestrian Improvements Project with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of El Rio.
The event brought together members of the Rio School District, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP), Nyeland Promise Advisory Board, Gold Coast Transit District, construction teams, residents, and other key stakeholders who contributed to the project’s success. The celebration featured performances from children of the Mariachi Academy and folklórico dancers from the Rio School District, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the El Rio community.
OXNARD — Let El Concilio help you stay protected and prepared! *** Nuestro equipo acreditado a nivel federal está listo para ayudarlo. Ofreciendo renovaciones gratuitas de tarjetas de residencia permanente. Renovaciones Solo para Tarjetas que han vencido o vencerán dentro de los próximos 6 meses.
Atentamente,
El Concilio Family Services
Join the Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety on Friday, June 13th at 9 am to learn how leaders in the agricultural workplace can prepare and respond to immigration enforcement. The primary audience is crew leaders and frontline supervisors. The webinar will be in Spanish with simultaneous English interpretation. This webinar will not be recorded.
Today has been deeply troubling. The recent surge in ICE activity, now reaching into our own neighborhoods, brings fear and pain to many. These actions do more than disrupt lives — they strike at the heart of our communities and the values we hold dear.
What impacts one of us ultimately impacts us all. Immigrants are the backbone of Southern California — their contributions, resilience, and leadership are part of our collective identity.
United Way of Ventura County’s 2025 Stuff the Bus campaign has officially launched! Help us reach our goal of providing 1,000 backpacks stuffed with essential school supplies for local homeless middle schoolers. Currently, over 8,000 youth have been identified as homeless in Ventura County and over 30% of homeless youth are of middle school age. Listed below are ways you can help this year’s campaign.
VENTURA COUNTY — The Farm Bureau of Ventura County, representing hundreds of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses across the region, strongly condemns the actions taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Oxnard this morning. Reports indicate that ICE agents attempted to enter a local packing facility without a judicial warrant, conducted operations in agricultural fields, and initiated vehicle stops on roads frequently used by agricultural workers commuting to job sites.
As working producers and stewards of Ventura County’s $2 billion agricultural economy, we know firsthand that our industry cannot function without the contributions of our workforce. These are people we rely on, respect, and work alongside every day. They are skilled professionals who bring deep experience and an extraordinary work ethic to Ventura County’s fields and ranches. Their labor is the reason our region is recognized as one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura’s beloved 4th of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem Parade returns on Friday, July 4, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the heart of Downtown Ventura.
Courtesy photo.
The Pushem-Pullem Parade, presented by the Rotary Club of East Ventura, kicks off the celebration at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street in front of Cemetery Memorial Park and flows into the Street Fair. The parade is free and open to all; no registration is required. Families are encouraged to decorate bikes, scooters, strollers, or wagons and join the fun. Please note motorized vehicles are not permitted.
THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department, in partnership with local officials and community members, celebrated the official dedication of the new Fire Station 34 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 11. Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to tour the state-of-the-art facility.
Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner was joined by Supervisor Jeff Gorell, Board Chair Janice Parvin, County CEO Dr. Sevet Johnson, Thousand Oaks Mayor David Newman, Pastor Eric Goehner of Trinity Lutheran Church, Congresswoman Julia Brownley, representatives from RRM Design Group, and local firefighters and dignitaries to commemorate the event.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites residents aged 50 and older to participate in a free monthly Ventura Council for Seniors (VCS) Speaker Series, running from June through November 2025. Each session is designed to empower seniors and caregivers with valuable information on health, safety, and well-being.
“This series is all about supporting our older adult community with tools to live independently, safely, and confidently,” said Janine Cobian, Recreation Supervisor. “Whether you’re navigating Medicare, making your home safer, or just looking to stay informed, there’s something for everyone.”
Meetings are held in-person on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from
Mehrabian, who served as the fourth engineering dean at UCSB from 1983-1990, was responsible for major growth and advancement of the relatively young college during his tenure.
CAMARILLO — Representatives from 37 charities across Ventura County gathered to celebrate community along with the hard-working ladies of the Meadowlark Service League on Thursday, June 6th at the Las Posas Country Club.
The charities that are supported by the Meadowlark Service League impact the elderly, youth/children, the arts, the homeless, the disabled, veterans, hospice, health, feeding the needy, community services, and education. In addition, $15,000 in scholarships will be given to new and continuing college students.
Dear dog and cat parents, REMINDER: $10 Rabies Vaccination Clinic is TOMORROW, Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 from 5:00pm – 6:00pm in Fillmore: Fire Station 27 133 C. Street Fillmore, CA 93015 See flyer for additional details! Ventura County Animal…
VENTURA COUNTY — Streets are a vital part of a city’s infrastructure, enabling commerce, emergency services, and recreation. They often make up the bulk of a city’s assets and are costly to maintain. Streets not kept in a best practice condition are costlier to maintain. Neglected streets also cause extra wear on the vehicles that use them.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites community members to help shape the future of downtown by participating in the Main Street Moves Questionnaire, available online through June 30, 2025. The questionnaire offers a valuable opportunity for residents, property owners, business owners, and visitors to share input on the future design and use of Main Street.
The questionnaire follows the overwhelmingly positive turnout at the Main Street Moves Visioning Session hosted on May 31, 2025. More than 100 residents participated in the event, offering thoughtful ideas and feedback on potential streetscape design improvements, accessibility upgrades, landscaping, public art, and downtown programming.
SANTA MARIA — The nonprofit Cloverlane Foundation announced the launch of the Nurses Project, a new program to provide textbooks and other educational resources for nursing students with the initial savings for students of $35,000. Allan Hancock College is the first school selected to participate in what is intended to become a multi-college program.
The reception celebrates the 2025 recipients of Grace Housing Inc.’s charitable grants, which empower local organizations to meet the community’s most urgent needs. Since its inception in 2015, GHI has distributed over $1.25 million in charitable grants, continuing the legacy of service established by Grace Lutheran Church, which donated the land that made this mission possible.
Grace Housing Inc. operates with a commitment to sustaining and expanding the impact of Grace Lutheran’s charitable work. Beyond managing affordable housing properties, GHI actively seeks to fund initiatives that address Santa Barbara’s community needs. Its charitable grant program supports organizations focused on essential services, including food security, healthcare access, and housing solutions for vulnerable populations. By reinvesting rental income from its properties, Grace Housing Inc. maintains a steady source of funding that ensures long-term support for Santa Barbara’s most pressing social challenges.
NOW OPEN – Picturing the Past: How Photography Tells Our Stories
How do we truly know what happened in the past? History is a collection of stories—interwoven, evolving, and shaped by the evidence left behind. Photographs are one of the many tools that help us understand the past, capturing faces, places, and moments frozen in time. But do they always tell the full story?
This engaging exhibition explores the power of photography to record our history. Through images, artifacts, and interactive displays, visitors will discover how historians use photographs to uncover hidden narratives, challenge assumptions, and bring history to life. Join us in exploring the early history of photography in Ventura County, how photos shape our understanding of the past, and how the photos we take today tell tomorrow’s story. More information HERE!
s director of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Entrepreneurship & Small Business Institute (ESBI), Associate Professor of Management Maria Ballesteros-Sola helps students discover their inner entrepreneur.
“Our mission is to nurture entrepreneurship in our students – many who don’t see themselves as entrepreneurs, but they are running these successful side hustles,” Ballesteros-Sola said. “They’ll say ‘I’m helping my parents with the family business,’ and I will tell them ‘You are being very entrepreneurial.’”
The ESBI marked several successes during the spring semester, not the least of which was winning an award at the New Venture Fair held at Cal Lutheran University in May. CSUCI Environmental Science & Resource Management (ESRM) major Austin Dent won a $1,000 award in the “Startup for Good” category for a nonprofit he launched called CalThrive Community Agriculture. CSUCI was among 65 competing teams from local high schools and colleges.
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) continues its milestone “Year of Giving” with its 4th $75,000 donation in celebration of its 75th anniversary. The latest organization supported through this momentous giving campaign is the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation (VCFJCF) — the charitable arm of the Ventura County Family Justice Center (VCJFC) — who was presented with the check at the foundation’s annual Voices of Hope gala, held on May 29, 2025, at The Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark.
The COSMOS project, with data collected by the James Webb Space Telescope, consists of all the imaging and a catalog of nearly 800,000 galaxies spanning nearly all of cosmic time.
MONTECITO — The Rotary Club of Montecito has awarded scholarships to 11 high-achieving students at Santa Barbara City College studying for vocational and technical careers.
Rotary club members presented the Career Technical and Vocational Scholarships during a ceremony on April 15 that included remarks from club President Kim Stone, Rotary Club of Montecito Foundation President Tony Morris, several SBCC faculty and students, and SBCC Foundation CEO Bobbi Abram. The scholarships honored students for their accomplishments and aspirations in diverse technical and vocational fields, including nursing, early childhood education, journalism and construction technology.
VENTURA — The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s (VCAAA) Advisory Council has several openings for new members. The Advisory Council is a volunteer-based body of advocates who share a mission to create and sustain programs that positively impact the lives of older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers in Ventura County.
Applications are currently being accepted for two positions:
Veterans’ representative
Service provider
Community events return with family fun, live music and special guests OXNARD — Long days, warm nights and community vibes are back at The Collection at RiverPark! The summer event lineup is packed with exciting experiences for all ages, from…
Courtney DeSoto, a professional fiduciary and the founder of Channel Islands Fiduciary Group, has earned the sought-after Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) credential, certifying her as an internationally recognized expert in her field.
DeSoto, who holds several other professional credentials including a law degree, received the TEP designation from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), a global professional body that works to ensure fiduciaries and other practitioners who offer inheritance and succession planning meet the highest standards. The organization has more than 22,000 members globally, including lawyers, accountants and financial advisors.
VENTURA — The Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program (VCSQMP) is pleased to announce the availability of the Ventura County Technical Guidance Manual for Stormwater Quality Control Measures 2025 Reissuance (2025 TGM). The 2025 TGM is a comprehensive resource that provides sizing and design guidance for post-construction stormwater quality control measures that comply with requirements in the Regional Phase I Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit for stormwater and non-stormwater discharges within the coastal watersheds of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties (CAS004004, Order No. R4-2021-0105, 2021 Regional MS4 Permit).
This milestone will be marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Paso Robles. The event is hosted in partnership with the Paso Robles & Templeton Chamber of Commerce and will include a brief program, a tour of the site, and recognition of key community partners.
The property was originally donated to Lumina Alliance in 2000 by Noreen Martin, her late husband Tom Martin, of Martin Resorts, and their family. Their generous gift laid the foundation for what has now become a vital resource for survivors in the North County. Ms. Martin will be attending the ceremony and offering a short speech in honor of this transformational milestone.
