Category: Business

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District — New website improves access to air quality info

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District has launched a new website that makes it much easier for the public to access information and services and connect with district staff.

Rebuilt from the ground up to replace the district’s original 2006 website, the new digital hub at vcacpd.org also streamlines the process for staff to keep it updated.

Among the new features are colorful dials on the homepage that provide real-time air quality data from the district’s monitoring stations in El Rio, Ojai, Piru, Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks.

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula to host State of the City event

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula welcomes all Santa Paula residents, business owners, partners and supporters, to attend the annual State of the City event on June 5th. The event will take place at the Ventura County Agriculture Museum, located at 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula, CA 93060.

This year’s event, themed “Feel the Progress,” offers a chance for residents, community leaders, and stakeholders to hear about the City’s recent accomplishments, ongoing efforts, and what lies ahead. Join us to explore Santa Paula’s current priorities and community focused initiatives shaping our future.

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) announces appointment of five new board members

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2025 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV), a leading local organization dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, is pleased to announce the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors. These individuals bring diverse expertise, leadership experience and a deep commitment to gender, racial and economic equity, further strengthening WEV’s ability to transform lives and build a resilient community, one small business at a time.

Local Medi-Cal health plan earns accreditation from National Committee for Quality Assurance

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — CenCal Health, the Medi-Cal managed care plan for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, announced that it has received accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for its Medi-Cal (Medicaid HMO) program on the Central Coast. By successfully demonstrating its commitment to high-quality healthcare, operational efficiency and member experience, CenCal Health earned accreditation for its quality of managed care operations.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell hiring a full time community field representative

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2025 • Comments Off

Community Field Representative

(Supervisors Administrative Assistant II)

Full-Time | $92,531.22–$129,556.40 annually

Join our team! In this dynamic role, you’ll work directly with the community to help solve problems and support local initiatives.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosts fire and EMS Graduations in Lompoc

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2025 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — Allan Hancock College celebrated a new crop of first responders on May 16 as a combined 68 cadets graduated from the college’s fire and emergency medical services (EMS) academies.?

The graduates were honored during two ceremonies at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC) in Lompoc.??

“This graduating class embodies the future of public safety,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “They’ve undergone rigorous training and are ready to step into their roles as first responders, serving and protecting our communities.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services — Free dog adoptions for dogs in our care for 100+ days

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2025 • Comments Off

Over 50 amazing dogs have been in our care for more than 100 days! To help them find loving homes, we’re offering a fee-waived adoption promotion for these long-stay pets.

Please note: All adoption procedures still apply despite promotions.

Adoption Hours: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Tuesday – Sunday
Locations: Camarillo & Simi Valley Animal Shelters
View Available Animals: www.vcas.us/pets
Learn About the Adoption Process: www.vcas.us/adopt

Bilingual report — Three community champions named at 2025 Hancock Honors recipients

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College announced the recipients of the 2025 Hancock Honors, presented by CoastHills Credit Union. This annual celebration recognizes individuals and organizations making a lasting impact on the college and the communities it serves.

This year’s honorees are the late community banker and philanthropist Jim Glines, retired Hancock faculty member and veteran Dr. Henry Davis, and the Santa Yne Valley Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to enriching lives throughout the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos Valleys.

Bilingual report — Santa Barbara Museum of Contemporary Art’s ‘Arte de Pueblo’ frop off date is May 22. Calling All Artists!

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Contemporary Art has announced the wildly popular and critically acclaimed exhibition “Arte de Pueblo” returns for another year! with an opening Party & Reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 1 at 653 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara.

The Juror-free All-Are-Welcome Group Show is currently seeking artists.

Bilingual commentary — MBA Graduates and the New Workplace

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2025 • Comments Off

Listening to NPR the other day, I heard a young woman lament that she had just received her MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree but could not find work. This is an unfortunate contrast with more prosperous times in our country when MBAs were popular because they were a golden ticket to meaningful, highly remunerative employment.

So why are these young, ambitious graduates, likely already saddled with enormous student debt, finding it so challenging to find jobs that match their level of education?

The job market is undergoing a slow but certain seismic shift.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Happy World Trade Month!

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2025 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize World Trade Month. This month celebrates how international trade unlocks new business opportunities, creates jobs and helps strengthen the United States and global economy.

The EDC is proud to support our community by providing professional technical assistance through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

• Start-up guidance
• Marketing and Branding
• International Trade
• E-commerce and Social Media
• Manufacturing Assistance
• Legal Compliance
• Strategic Planning
• QuickBooks and Accounting
• And MORE!

Friendship Center in Santa Barbara — The Friendly Finch: Spring Special!

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2025 • Comments Off

While spring is in full bloom and our days are buzzing with activity at Friendship Center, I’m writing with a sincere request: we need your help.

This week marks the launch of our Spring Appeal, and we’re working toward raising $50,000 to support the rapidly growing needs of our senior members living with dementia—and the family caregivers who rely on us to provide safe, engaging, and expert care.

If you’ve been following our journey, you’ve seen how quickly we’re growing. Since the start of 2025 we have:

County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting of May 20 to discuss Emergency Shelters Zoning Ordinance Amendments, Prohousing Designation, Public Safety Realignment Plan, Grand Jury Epidemic Response

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2025 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors’ meetings are available in Spanish. Watch live on our Spanish YouTube Channel, or Cable TV subscribers can access Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) in language settings.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) — Art Adventures in LA with MCASB on May 24, more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2025 • Comments Off

There are still a few spots left to join us on Saturday, May 24, departing Santa Barbara at 9:00 am.

Our LA adventure begins with a studio visit with artist Luz Carabaño. From there, we will experience an exhibition preview of Tony Cokes at Hannah Hoffman. Then we will end the day at The Brick where we will see Elizabeth Paige Smith Unshade me of You.

We hope you join us on a very full and rewarding day of art and ideas – register here!

Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Save up to $12,000 on an EV—Get Free Help Applying!

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2025 • Comments Off

Through August, CEC is offering FREE in-person and virtual DCAP application assistance sessions. During the sessions, CEC associates will provide one-on-one support to help you complete your application.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Making automation more human through innovative fabrication tools’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2025 • Comments Off

With support from a new NSF CAREER Award, Jennifer Jacobs is developing more intuitive, human-centered digital fabrication tools.

Bilingual report — Community members urged to use shuttles and off-site parking for Strawberry Festival

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — With thousands expected to attend the California Strawberry Festival at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on May 17-18, 2025, the Ventura Police Department advises visitors to expect traffic congestion throughout the weekend. Attendees are encouraged to use off-site parking, the free Strawberry Express Shuttle system, or rail services to avoid delays and enhance pedestrian safety.

“While the City of Ventura is not the host of the Strawberry Festival, the event has a significant impact on our streets and neighborhoods,” said Traffic Unit Supervisor Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “Our role is to help ensure public safety by managing increased traffic, preventing collisions, and providing for pedestrian safety.”

Downtown Community Input Survey

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2025 • Comments Off

The Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association (DOIA) has partnered with Downtown Strategies to develop a Five-Year Action Plan for Downtown Oxnard. Instead of brainstorming everything we could do, their bite-sized plan will identify practical small-scale strategies for what we should do to see immediate impact.

Ventura County Civic Alliance May 15, 2025 Livable Communities Newsletter

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2025 • Comments Off

We are continuing to look at the dire housing crisis in Ventura County and the need for affordability in the real estate market. This quarter’s articles focus on identifying different housing needs and a variety of approaches used to fill them.

The actualized projects presented by the Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation and California State University Channel Islands each address the needs of specific groups in different but effective ways. The third segment discusses a project that has initial approval and is working its way through the system in Ventura.

It is clear that creativity in design, amenities, location and financing, along with process flexibility, are key

Community Environmental Council (CEC)— Santa Barbara County votes to phase out oil drilling

by Community Contributor • May 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Thanks to your support, on Tuesday, May 13, the County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors voted to direct county staff to develop an oil phaseout ordinance. More than two dozen community members attended in-person or virtually to provide public comment, mostly in support of ending oil drilling and phasing out existing wells. The Community Environmental Council (CEC) partnered with the Sierra Club Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, the Environmental Defense Center, Climate First: Replacing Oil & Gas (CFROG) and more than 50 other organizations on this call to action.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Dept. — “Click It or Ticket” campaign reminds Californians to always buckle up

by Community Contributor • May 14, 2025 • Comments Off

“Buckling up takes seconds, but it can save your life,” said Corporal David Curtis. “Every person in every vehicle — no matter their age or where they’re sitting — deserves that protection. Wearing a seat belt should be second nature, every trip, every time.”

California Lutheran University Commencement celebrates 1,018 graduates

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The California Lutheran University Class of 2025 chose perseverance as its theme, reflecting its success in navigating post-COVID-19 pandemic changes and national and global uncertainties. This tenacious cohort of 1,018 graduates will celebrate achieving its academic goals at the 2025 commencement ceremonies on May 16 in William Rolland Stadium on the Thousand Oaks campus.

The 62nd annual Undergraduate Commencement at 8:30 a.m. will honor 552 traditional undergraduates and 52 in the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program. Graduate Commencement at 2:30 p.m. will honor 414 students, including 388 earning master’s degrees and 31 receiving doctorates.

“The Class of 2025 embodies the power of perseverance,” Interim President John Nunes said. “Their accomplishments are rare, courageous and sacred. I believe God is up to great things in each of their lives to carry forward the Cal Lutheran legacy of learning that transforms lives.”

People’s Self-Help Housing Fundraiser brings together over 150 donors & sponsors in Support of Resident Programs community event highlights the impact of giving back

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2025 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has tallied the final numbers for their annual fundraiser, the Builder Games, presented by Mechanics Bank, which they hosted at the end of April. Meeting a new record, they brought in over $125,000 net through the support of over 150 community donors and sponsors. Proceeds from the event directly benefit PSHH residents through its programs and services.

Significant gifts from the event include a $10,000 Presenting Sponsorship from Mechanics Bank. Also giving an additional $10,000 during the paddle raise was individual donor Marcelle Kardush, matched by another $10,000 thanks to event attendees and a generous donation from Mission Bank.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura awarded over $93M to support expansion of Behavioral Health infrastructure

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2025 • Comments Off

The competitive grant will support the development of three major behavioral health projects that will expand access to care throughout the region: the Lewis Road Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC), the East County Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), and the East County Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF).

Ventura County Fire Secures $1 Million Grant to Strengthen Wildfire Resilience in High-Risk Communities

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department, in partnership with District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell, has secured a $1 million grant from the Santa Monica Mountain Conservancy to enhance wildfire prevention and preparedness across the Santa Monica Mountains region of Ventura County.

The grant, unanimously approved by the conservancy board Monday night, will fund comprehensive wildfire resilience efforts, including recruiting and support for new Firewise Communities, strategic fuel reduction across more than 150 acres, enhanced public education efforts and the acquisition of a water tender to improve firefighting capabilities.

Southeast Ventura County YMCA branches taking Summer Camp sign-ups

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2025 • Comments Off

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Signups for summer camp at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA branches are underway. Camp runs from June 9 to August 7 through the Simi Valley Family YMCA and from June 16 to August 15 through the Yarrow Family YMCA.

Campers in TK to 5th grade can attend day camp full-time (four to five days a week) or part-time (two to three days a week) for the entire camp session or selected weeks.

Activities include sports, swimming (under the supervision of Red Cross-certified YMCA lifeguards), arts and crafts, dance, cooking and weekly themed activities based on the campers’ age group. The child-to-counselor ratio is 14 to 1.

Museum of Ventura County — Pardon our dust – A fresh exhibit (and fun events!) are on the way

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2025 • Comments Off

BEHIND-THE-SCENES – Stories of Hearst Castle

Tuesday, June 3
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street., Ventura

Join MClub & Museum of Ventura County for an informative Lunch & Learn with Architectural historian Victoria Kastner. Kastner will share many behind-the-scenes stories about Hearst Castle at San Simeon— examining its buildings, gardens, swimming pools, and glamorous guests. She will also reveal new information about Julia Morgan—its talented architect—and Julia’s unique collaboration with her influential client, William Randolph Hearst.

Victoria Kastner was the official historian at Hearst Castle for nearly three decades. In addition to her new biography about its talented architect (Julia Morgan: An Intimate Biography of the Trailblazing Architect), she has also written three volumes chronicling its fascinating history: Hearst Castle: The Biography of a Country House; Hearst’s San Simeon: The Gardens and the Land; and Hearst Ranch: Family, Land, and Legacy. Ms. Kastner has a Master’s Degree in Public History with a specialty in architectural history from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and a Master’s Degree in Museum Management from George Washington University. She has also published works on the Beverly Hills Hotel, Bernard Maybeck’s Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, and the novels of Charles Dickens. Purchase your tickets HERE.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2025 • Comments Off

HYBRID WORKSHOP: MARKETING IN A DIGITAL WORLD

May 20 @ 5:00 pm

Join SCORE Ventura County and EDC for this insight-packed workshop which aims to educate business owners on the importance of marketing in a changing world where social media runs things. Participants will learn about the benefits of digital marketing and how these benefits will help grow your client base. This is a Hybrid Workshop: You can attend in person with the presenter at Chase Bank, 2181 N Rose Ave, Oxnard, CA 93036, or online via Zoom.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ventura County celebrates record-breaking graduation from Skilled Trades Program

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) celebrates the graduation of its latest and largest cohort from the High Road Construction Careers (HRCC) pre-apprenticeship program. The comprehensive, no-cost initiative equips residents of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties with the necessary skills and connections before embarking on apprenticeship training, and ultimately a career in the building and construction trades.

“This was an amazing career opportunity for me,” said Lois Person-Effinger, a recent HRCC graduate. “There are so many variations of construction [within the program] … electrical, plumbing, carpentry, so I feel like it has something for everyone.”

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department honors officers during National Police Week

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — During National Police Week, happening May 11–17, the City of Ventura recognizes the people behind the badge and the vital roles they play in making our community safer and stronger. Behind every call for help, traffic stop, or community event is a Ventura Police Department employee working with purpose, compassion, and resolve.

“National Police Week is a powerful reminder of the commitment our officers make every day and of the very real risks they face to protect our community,” said Interim Police Chief Tony Lee. “Our employees are our most valuable asset, and the work they do is the backbone of public safety in Ventura. We are deeply grateful for their service, sacrifice, and resilience.”

Speak Out on May 13 to Support Climate Action and Ensure Oil Drilling Has an End Date

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2025 • Comments Off

On Tuesday, May 13, the County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors will hear a staff presentation on the potential to prohibit new oil drilling and phase out oil operations in Santa Barbara County. This is a critical opportunity to advocate for a cleaner future for the California Central Coast.

By pledging to phase out oil drilling, Santa Barbara has the chance to be a climate leader and demonstrate a clear commitment to a healthier, cleaner county for all. Help us ensure oil drilling in our county has an end date.

To learn more about the hearing, explore the agenda here and the staff report here. Our agenda item, Address Emissions from Oil and Gas Operations, is the eighth and final item on the agenda. See the Learn More section below for additional background information and resources.

Guest contribution — Planned Parenthood California Central Coast Workers vote to authorize a strike over unfair labor practices

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2025 • Comments Off

CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST – Frontline healthcare workers at Planned Parenthood California Central Coast (PPCCC) have voted to authorize a strike over management’s unfair labor practices and refusal to address the urgent short-staffing crisis. The workers overwhelmingly approved the strike with a 100% vote following months of failed negotiations and continued bad-faith bargaining by Planned Parenthood management.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Councilmember Jenny Crosswhite appointed SCAG Second Vice President

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula proudly announces the appointment of Councilmember and former two-time Mayor Jenny Crosswhite as Second Vice President of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the largest metropolitan planning organization in the United States. Crosswhite’s appointment was formally confirmed at SCAG’s General Assembly on May 1, 2025.

39th Annual California Strawberry Festival (May 17-18) — Strawberry Treats And Family Fun

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2025 • Comments Off

… Every year, strawberry lovers look forward to the festival’s tasty strawberry-themed food and beverages while enjoying a fun, family-friendly atmosphere filled with live entertainment, carnival rides, arts and crafts and other activities. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., both days.

Over 50 food and beverage vendors will serve a variety of treats, including strawberry-themed nachos, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry funnel cakes, strawberry kabobs, strawberry popcorn, and strawberry margaritas and beer. Festivalgoers can visit the Strawberry Shortcake Experience where they can build their own berry dessert for $7.

Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) — Estate Planning, Down Payment Assistance and More

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2025 • Comments Off

13th Annual Homeownership Conference – Saturday, June 28th

We’re proud to present the 13th Annual A New Way Home Homeownership Conference, our premier event dedicated to empowering individuals and families on their path to homeownership, now back in person! This year, we bring together industry experts, community leaders, and local resources to provide invaluable insights, workshops, and tools that can help you achieve the dream of owning a home. If you want to ditch rent and become a homeowner this conference is for you!

Port of Hueneme Community Newsletter

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2025 • Comments Off

The Port of Hueneme proudly acknowledges April as Autism Acceptance Month. The Board of Harbor Commissioners passed a resolution recognizing this important month, which was received by the Autism Society Ventura County (ASVC).

We were also honored to sponsor the 13th Annual Aut2Run on April 27th — a meaningful event hosted by ASVC and attended by over 3,000 people. Aut2Run promotes awareness and acceptance for autistic individuals and their families.

CSUCI Announces Jessica Lavariega Monforti as New Provost

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2025 • Comments Off

A first-generation college graduate and former community college transfer student, Lavariega Monforti exemplifies the mission and values of CSUCI. Her extensive leadership experience includes previous roles as Vice Provost and Accreditation Liaison Officer at CSUCI, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at California Lutheran University, Chair of Political Science at Pace University, and Associate Dean for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas–Pan American.

SEEAG’s Gill’s Onions’ ‘Double Your Impact Challenge’

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Gill’s Onions will match all donations up to $15,000 for every dollar donated to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) through the end of May as part of SEEAG’s 6th Annual Double Your Impact Challenge.

All proceeds benefit SEEAG’s Farm-to-Food Lab program in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The program builds awareness and appreciation among grade schoolers for agriculture and the importance of eating healthy. It combines classroom learning with farm field trips and hands-on learning that includes water, plant, and soil science activities—all at no cost to students, teachers or schools.

“The Double Your Impact Challenge helps keep our program free,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, SEEAG’s executive director. “Gill’s Onions’ generosity and all those who donate during May will help ensure our ability to provide the no-cost program during this coming school year.”

From free film screenings and public talks to advocacy meetups, Community Environmental Council’s Environmental Hub is a space where community members can gather, learn, and lead

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2025 • Comments Off

Immerse yourself in an evening of Wild Hope.

Through captivating storytelling, the PBS series Wild Hope

explores bold climate solutions, showcases nature’s resilience, and sparks renewed hope for the future of our planet. We invite you to join us for special screenings and an evening of inspiration, emceed by local author and Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Humes.

Thursday, May 15, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

CEC’s Environmental Hub

1219 State St., Santa Barbara

County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting of May 13 to discuss environmental health service fees, options to address emissions from oil & gas operations

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2025 • Comments Off

The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, 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.

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