Category: Business

Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) hiring team members in Oxnard

We’re building power – and we’re building our team.

CAUSE is excited to announce that we’re hiring two new team members in Oxnard to grow our environmental justice organizing and advocacy work.

Right now, powerful industries are trying to turn our communities into sacrifice zones – polluting our air, threatening our health, and putting profit over people. And with growing attacks from the federal level, we know we need bold, grassroots leadership now more than ever. That’s why we’re expanding our team to meet this moment.

Moorpark College joins forces with Lifetech Resources to supports student well-being

“At Moorpark College, we believe that student success begins with meeting their basic needs,” said Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College. “This generous contribution from Lifetech Resources allows us to further remove barriers to education by ensuring our students have access to essential hygiene products. We are grateful for this partnership and the shared commitment to uplifting our community.”

Guest contribution — Planned Parenthood California Central Coast Workers announce two-day strike over unfair labor practices

CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST – Frontline Healthcare workers at six Planned Parenthood California Central Coast (PPCCC) clinics in Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and San Luis Obispo, have announced they will go on a two-day strike on June 10 and 11 in response to management’s continued unfair labor practices and refusal to address a deepening staffing crisis. The announcement follows nine months of attempted bargaining and a unanimous vote to authorize the strike earlier this month.

“We don’t want to go on strike, but we feel like we have to,” said Emily Medal, a Clinician at Planned Parenthood Santa Barbara. “We need management to stop bargaining in bad faith so that we can finally address short staffing. Our patients wait for weeks for an appointment, rearrange their whole day, often arranging childcare or missing work, and they can’t even get seen, or are rushed through. That’s not care. That’s a crisis.”

Ventura College Foundation distributes a record $940,854 in scholarships

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation distributed a record $940,854 in scholarships to students during its 36th Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony held May 17 at the Ventura College Sportsplex Field.

The foundation presented 435 scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year, marking the highest distribution amount in the organization’s more than 40-year history.

Of the total awarded, $885,800 went toward 413 general scholarships and $55,054 supported 22 paramedic and other career scholarships. The funds benefited 269 student scholarship recipients, many receiving multiple awards.

“The cost of college is a barrier to many who want to receive an education that will lead to well-paying and rewarding careers,” said Nicole Kreutz, chair of the Ventura College Foundation board of directors. “Scholarships can be a huge help. Many of our students face incredible adversity yet still excel and stay focused on their education goals. Everyone can learn and be inspired by them.”

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

Memorial Rose Garden Unveiled at the Government Center Honoring Supervisor Carmen Ramirez …

Recently close friends and family gathered at the Ventura County Government Center to honor the legacy of Supervisor Carmen Ramirez with the unveiling of a new rose garden in her memory.

Located between the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Justice, the garden, constructed by our General Services Agency, features vibrant roses and peaceful benches, offering a space to reflect on Supervisor Ramirez’s lifelong dedication to justice and public service.

May her memory continue to inspire our community.

Ventura County teachers honored for innovation in the classroom

VENTURA COUNTY — Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony last night in Camarillo, the Ventura County Office of Education presented Impact on Education grants totaling in $6,000 to thirteen teachers. Photos from the event are available here. 

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard mourns the passing of former Mayor Tom Holden

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard joins the community in mourning the loss of former Mayor Dr. Thomas E. Holden, who passed away on May 26. 

Dr. Holden served as Mayor from 2004 to 2012, following a decade of service on the City Council beginning in 1993. His leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on the Oxnard  community. 

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

THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) plans to conduct a prescribed burn in Adams Canyon, north of Santa Paula, on June 3rd, 4thor 5th weather permitting. This controlled burn is part of ongoing efforts to improve ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk. A window of 3 days is provided to ensure the safest weather conditions are used, and the burn will be conducted on only one of the 3 days listed. 

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 up to 100 acres. A small test burn will be conducted beforehand to confirm optimal conditions before proceeding with the full burn.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College celebrates graduates at 2025 Commencement Ceremony

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the achievements of 1,287 graduating students at the college’s 104th commencement ceremony.

“Whether your journey here was fast and focused or winding and full of unexpected turns, today is the moment where it all comes together,” said Hancock Board of Trustees President Hilda Zacarías. “It is a joy to celebrate with you.” 

Bilingual report — City of Ventura and ForeFront Power complete citywide solar portfolio

New solar canopies support Ventura’s Climate Action Plan and will save $2.3 million in energy costs   

VENTURA — The City of Ventura held a ribbon-cutting ceremony (May 29) celebrating the completion of a new 900 kilowatt-DC solar portfolio, marking a major milestone in the City’s commitment to sustainability and long-term cost savings. Developed in partnership with ForeFront Power, the project features solar parking canopies at two high-usage facilities: the Ventura Police and Fire Headquarters and Ventura Community Park.

Ventura County Public Works Agency completes El Rio Pedestrian Improvements Project. Ribbon cutting on June 2

VENTURA — Supervisor Kelly Long’s Office and the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the El Rio Pedestrian Improvements Project on Monday, June 2 at 12:00 p.m. The event will take place in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church of El Rio, 2857 Cortez St., Oxnard.

The pedestrian improvements – which began in July 2024 — closes sidewalk gaps within the El Rio community, providing accessible pedestrian walkways along three residential roadways: Stroube Street, Walnut Drive and a portion of Cortez Street.

Bilingual report — June 3 County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting. Topics include: Fire hazard severity zones, cannabis business licensing, operations, & tax revenue

The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 
9 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara,CA
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. 

Invest in the Friendship Center Family

Friendship Center serves a diverse background of seniors. No matter their age, or the stage of their condition, we provide dignified, compassionate care catered specifically to each individual’s needs. This quality and compassion enables us to not only be a helpful service, but a family in which every senior, caregiver, and loved one is seen and heard. 

Just like anything worthwhile, this dignified care comes at a cost. It costs us roughly $220 per member, per day to provide support for our seniors living with dementia.

Guest contribution — Urge Newsom: Stop Sable Oil Pipeline, protect May 29 at Gaviota State Park

SANTA BARBARA — Amid growing outrage over Governor Gavin Newsom’s silence regarding Sable Offshore’s oil operations, community members and student activists will gather for a peaceful demonstration on Thursday, May 29 at 7:00 AM at Gaviota State Park.

Sable Offshore has begun pumping oil from offshore platforms that were abandoned for more than a decade, and pipeline work at Gaviota State Park is expected to finish this week. Environmental advocates say the silence from the Governor’s office—and the waivers granted by State Parks and Fire Marshal agencies—suggest tacit approval from the highest levels of state government.

Santa Barbara Education Foundation Executive Director Pedro Paz announces departure

The Board of Directors supports Pedro in his decision and extends its deep gratitude for his leadership and service over the past three years. During his tenure, Pedro helped advance SBEF’s mission to support programs that enrich the academic, artistic, and personal development of all students in the Santa Barbara Unified School District. Under his leadership, SBEF developed a comprehensive Strategic Plan and strengthened its operational effectiveness to lay a strong foundation for the future.

People’s Self-Help Housing CEO & President celebrates 20 year anniversary

“We are so grateful for his passion and steadfast guidance over the past two decades,” said Shelly Higginbotham, PSHH Board Chair. “For his dedication and leadership, we congratulate Ken on reaching this significant milestone.” 

Since joining PSHH in 2005, Ken has served in many roles, including Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Vice President of Real Estate Finance. With extensive experience accumulated through a 30+ year distinguished career in banking and affordable housing, Ken brings an innovative combination of executive skills to his role as CEO & President. He earned his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Business Management from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and his MBA in Finance & Banking from Golden Gate University, San Francisco. 

Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons joins Cottage Health Board of Directors

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health has elected Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons to its Board of Directors. A respected physician leader with nearly two decades of clinical and administrative experience, Dr. Fitzgibbons brings deep expertise in infectious diseases, public health and medical education.

She serves as Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and holds multiple medical directorships within Cottage Health, including for Infection Prevention and Control and the Cottage Center for Population Health. Dr. Fitzgibbons is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. A proud alumnus of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), she is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at UCSB. Throughout her career, Dr. Fitzgibbons has led local pandemic responses, directed quality initiatives and championed equitable, community-based care.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON: MARKETING IN A DIGITAL WORLD

June 3 @ 8:30 am

Join SCORE Ventura County, City of Moorpark and EDC for this insight-packed workshop. It aims to educate business owners on the essential digital marketing skills, including social media dos and don’ts, tips for both digital and print marketing, creating engaging and effective content, avoiding common mistakes and so much more! Location: Moorpark City Hall, 323 Science Dr., Moorpark.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Supervisorial Leadership & Excellence Awards

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 1st Annual District 2 Supervisorial Leadership and Excellence Awards—a special evening celebrating the “Great Navigators” of our community. From public safety and education to environmental stewardship and economic development, our honorees represent the best of Ventura County.

A heartfelt thank you to Amgen for graciously hosting us on their Thousand Oaks campus, and to the New West Symphony for providing beautiful music that elevated the evening.

To our recipients, sponsors, guests, and supporters—thank you for making this inaugural event such a success. If you missed it, I encourage you to watch the inspiring tribute videos linked below.

Valentine Foundation Pledges $500,000 To Simi Valley Family YMCA Expansion/Renovation

This donation marks the foundation’s second major contribution to the YMCA this year. Earlier in 2025, the Valentine Foundation contributed $250,000 to the YMCA’s Find My Genius program, a free five-week program for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level to support their academic and social-emotional learning.

Bilingual report – Ventura County Public Works Agency recognizes 2025 Employees of The Year

VENTURA — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is proud to announce the recognition of its 2025 Employees of the Year. These exceptional individuals have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, dedication, and innovation in their roles, contributing to the Agency’s ongoing success. The awards were presented on Tuesday, May 20th, during the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Evan Martinez, honored with the Operations & Maintenance Employee of the Year award, has been with VCPWA for just over five years, playing a key role in maintaining and operating the water systems across the Agency’s four service districts. His major duties consist of helping the Operations and

Productions team deliver safe drinking water to residents and keeping the water system in excellent working condition.

Friendship Center Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — ‘Match’ Their Day

Many of the seniors served through Friendship Center’s programs are at the intersection of aging, poverty, and dementia, with few additional resources for support.

Every day costs Friendship Center more than $200 per person, and most of the program’s members pay less than $100. Will you help us fill that gap?!

Below is a real-time snapshot of how many members we serve at each contribution level.

You can pick a tier and match what they can’t cover, day by day.

Transforming Lives: The Women’s Fund in Santa Barbara awards? a record $1.25 million to local nonprofits

SANTA BARBARA —The power of collective giving was on display on May 20th when the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara awarded an unprecedented $1.25 million in grants to 11 local nonprofits —showcasing the power of collective giving in the Santa Barbara community. This accomplishment was made possible through the generosity of 1,426 local women members who have combined their charitable contributions into a substantial grants pool.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) presents free event, webinar schedule

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here EDC MAY AND JUNE EVENT AND WEBINAR SCHEDULE The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost events and webinars. Space is limited. Register today! Plan ahead! Our full EDC and partner event schedule is updated…

AirWorks Solutions celebrates 15 years of family, integrity and growth

CAMARILLO — When Kevin and Stephanie Allen launched AirWorks Solutions from their hometown of Camarillo in 2010, they didn’t set out to build an empire. Then in their twenties, the high school sweethearts — he a hands-on technician, she a business-savvy law graduate — set out to build trust, one honest service call at a time. What they’ve built since has exceeded anything they imagined.

District 216 provides news updates, upcoming events

Topic: “Surviving Chronic Pain Through Psychedelic Therapy”

Description: A long and beautiful life opened by psychedelics led Paul to gurus, God, volunteering in India and Guatemala and so many other amazing planes. But NOTHING has opened him like being in chronic pain, and he swore when he got out that he would share his experience and help others. We will start the evening with an interactive element before the interview.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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!

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

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

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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.