View this email in your browser January 2026 Taking the Helm in 2026: Jason Hodge Voted Board President of the Oxnard Harbor District Congratulations to Commissioner Jason Hodge on his appointment as President of the Oxnard Harbor District! Hodge brings…
OXNARD — Food Share of Ventura County announces the launch of Feeding Our Future, a capital campaign project to build a new 85,000-square-foot food bank in Oxnard, CA.With a 12-acre parcel already secured, the new facility is designed to meet the growing demand and strengthen the region’s hunger-relief infrastructure for the long term.
Demand for food assistance in Ventura County has tripled since 2019. Food Share currently serves more than 250,000 neighbors each yearthrough a network of 200 nonprofit and community partners operating 335 distribution sites countywide. Today, Food Share operates out of three separate warehouses to distribute 21 million pounds of food annually.
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) on Feb. 5 announced a $500,000 commitment to Food Share of Ventura County to support the construction of Food Share’s new 85,000-square-foot facility. The partnership represents VCCU’s largest investment in the organization and builds upon decades of collaboration through donations and volunteer support.
“This long-term partnership with Food Share aligns with VCCU’s commitment to investing in the community and the organizations that ensure our community has access to essential resources,” said Linda Rossi, President and CEO of VCCU. “We believe in giving back to the organizations that enrich the lives of those we serve, and Food Share’s mission to address food insecurity is critical to the wellbeing of our entire community.”
Ventura County’s entertainment, wellness and retail selection expand through new partnerships
OXNARD — The Collection at Riverpark announces the addition of six new tenants, bringing the premier lifestyle destination to a 95% leased occupancy rate. The new additions reflect The Collection’s continued commitment to blending shopping, dining, entertainment and wellness into an environment that embodies the Southern California lifestyle.
Now Open:
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) hosted the 63rd Annual Meeting on January 24, 2026, in the Chapel at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. SBTHP members voted to elect new members Andrew Le and Qing Xue to the board for a three-year term.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is pleased to announce that Katy Bazylewicz, Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Population Health, has been selected as the 2026 Werft Fellow for Innovative Leadership. Bazylewicz is the inaugural recipient of the fellowship, which is part of the Werft Leadership Institute, established in 2025 to honor the legacy of Cottage Health President Emeritus Ron Werft.
OXNARD — The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the City of Port Hueneme. Through the partnership, WVCBA will help promote Port Hueneme businesses and City initiatives, host networking events and business forums in the community, and provide advocacy on issues that affect local employers.
“Having many of the larger businesses in Port Hueneme already as WVCBA members, we’re excited to introduce ourselves the business community as a whole and be a resource for them, as well as establishing a deeper connection with the City of Port Hueneme,” says WVCBA President & CEO Andy Conli. “Not only does this partnership expand our reach, it reinforces our position as advocates for the business community and regional economy.”
VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation will hold a “Celebration of Success” on February 11 at the outdoor stage on the Ventura College Campus from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to honor the inaugural class of the “Pirates of Distinction” and the official launch of the Foundation’s “Invest in Success” fundraising campaign to support the Basic Needs Centers and VC Promise Program. The public is invited.
Join the City of Moorpark, Accelerate CA and EDC for this workshop series, which has been developed to help advance business formalization, financial resilience and strategic visibility among small businesses in Ventura County. It addresses core areas where entrepreneurs often face barriers—legal compliance, financial planning, and marketing execution—offering hands-on, actionable training that leads to real outcomes: formal registration, funding readiness and customer growth.
“It’s a real honor to serve as president of the Trust, especially following in my dad’s footsteps,” Cody said. “With deep family roots in Santa Barbara, I feel a strong responsibility to help preserve the places and stories that make this community so special, and to ensure they can be shared with future generations.”
The fight for housing justice in Santa Paula is reaching a breaking point – and City Council must decide who they stand with.
For over a year, mobile home residents in Santa Paula have been living under constant threat of displacement, all because a corporate landlord is trying again and again to squeeze more profit out of our working class community.
Here’s what residents have endured over the last year:
Dear Friends,
Bear with me for a moment as I do what I do best (or worst), overshare:
February is wrapped in hearts and flowers and Valentine’s cheer, and while we’re leaning fully into that spirit this month over here, I do need to acknowledge that the ache in my stomach is more than just too much chocolate. This Valentine’s Day, February 14th, marks ten years since my dad died. As someone who has dedicated my education and career to bringing light to end-of-life work, it’s painful to admit that my own dad’s final chapter was quite dimmed.
“This partnership represents a meaningful investment in our local community and the future of healthcare,” said Scott Wester, President and CEO of Cottage Health. “By expanding access to educational pathways and engaging students early, we’re helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthening care across Santa Barbara.”
FREE ADMISSION IN FEBRUARY
Thanks to the generous support of Ventura County Credit Union, admission to the Museum of Ventura County is FREE for all visitors in February. This support helps the Museum welcome more visitors to experience Ventura County’s history, art, and cultural heritage.
IN-PERSON EVENT: CITY OF MOORPARK: READY • SET • GROW: SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES
February 5, 12 and 19 @ 8:00 am
Join the City of Moorpark and Economic Development Collaborative for a 3-part series to help business owners improve legal compliance, financial planning and marketing. Participants will receive hands-on, practical training to achieve real results, such as official registration, funding readiness, and customer growth. This 3-workshop series will be conducted in English, with the option to answer questions in Spanish. Hands-on materials will be provided in both languages. Address: Moorpark City Council Chamber 323 Science Drive, Moorpark, CA 93021
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Pre-applications due this Tuesday, February 3 at 5PM
La fecha límite para entregar las presolicitudes es este martes 3 de febrero a las 5:00 pm.
SANTA BARBARA — Trusted Legal is proud to announce that Natasha Bhushan is joining the firm as a senior attorney.
Bhushan, an experienced corporate and transactional law attorney, has guided many clients and businesses through complex legal matters, transitions, real estate transactions and other issues like governance and compliance. She loves walking with her clients during their journeys from just starting out to seasoned entrepreneur.
Last night’s Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council monthly meeting saw strong community engagement. Thank you to all those who attended or tuned in. I am pleased to announce the new leadership roles for 2026: Michelle Santucci will serve as Chair of the MAC and Brianna Adams will serve as Vice Chair.
“The project includes upgrades to underground water lines along Foothill and Kimball roads and represents the second phase of constructing new transmission pipelines that improve efficiency throughout the City,” said Ventura Water Gina Dorrington. “This project reflects how local water rate dollars are used to maintain critical infrastructure and ensure reliable service for our customers.”
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Board of Trustees is concerned by the unauthorized use of the 2021 MacKenzie Scott gift funds disclosed by the SBCC Foundation.
While we were disappointed to learn that the MacKenzie Scott funds were used without explicit authorization by either the SBCC Foundation board or the College, SBCC is nevertheless grateful to the SBCC Foundation’s current leadership and staff for identifying the past unauthorized activity and initiating a comprehensive review of the SBCC Foundation’s past accounting practices and swiftly improving internal controls. SBCC works closely with the SBCC Foundation, which is a separate legal entity, to support student success and further the institution’s educational mission.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is seeking artisan vendor applications for the annual 4th of July Street Fair. This annual event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the 4th of July in Ventura’s Downtown District and attracts more than 15,000 attendees. This year will feature additional events and activities celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence.
SANTA BARBARA — Community power and organized tenants delivered a major victory for Santa Barbara renters.
On Tuesday, the Santa Barbara City Council passed a temporary rent freeze while the city implements a strong, permanent rent stabilization ordinance.
Who is covered:
Generally speaking, if your building was built in 1995 or earlier, is multi-family, and is not low-income or government-subsidized housing, these protections apply to you.
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has been notified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) that it has been awarded $4,406,179 from the final round of the Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) Matching Grant Program. This brings the organization’s total LHTF funding to $18,425,566 out of $25 million available since 2020. Housing Trust Fund VC was also awarded a $125,396.82 grant from the California Investment & Innovation Program (Cal IIP).
… If you are a concerned community member wondering how best to help during this time, please know this: we are here to walk alongside you. The greatest gift you can give right now is your attention. When we are at the supermarket, waiting in line at a gas station, or passing one another in our neighborhoods, let us choose to truly see one another. These small moments of connection matter more than we often realize.
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) is proud to announce the commencement of a critical roof replacement project at the historic Cañedo Adobe, located within El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. This essential preservation work is made possible by a specialized sub -grant administered by California State Parks. The funding originates from Proposition 68, the California Drought, Water, Parks, Public Access, and Environmental Resilience Act of 2018. $4,875,000 in funding was made available under Prop 68 for State Parks operated by nonprofit partners. Specifically, these funds were designated for nonprofit park operators , like SBTHP, to ensure the continued stewardship of California’s most cherished historical landmarks.
The Board will consider placing a ballot measure before voters in the unincorporated areas of the County to impose a one percent transactions (sales) and use tax to generate ongoing General Fund revenue.
“Arlington Financial is immensely proud of our success. We are honored to have served our community and our clients all these years by providing trusted advice to help them achieve financial peace of mind,” said Dianne Duva, managing partner. “We look forward to continued growth as we help our clients achieve their financial goals.”
The iconic looks for the 1995 classic comedy, created by costume designer Mona May, helped define a generation and solidified fashion as a key character in the story.
“As wildfire risks continue to grow, planning and prevention are more important than ever,” said Interim Fire Chief Kris McDonald. “This draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan reflects both data and local experience, but it is strongest when the community helps guide it. We encourage residents to review the plan, attend a workshop, and share their perspectives so we can truly meet Ventura’s needs.”
“It is my great honor to confer the 2026 Wang Family Excellence Awards, recognizing exemplary contributions of the CSU’s world-class faculty and staff,” said CSU Chancellor Mildred García. “The CSU’s extraordinary and far-reaching impact is possible only because of the people who bring our mission and core values brilliantly to life. The work of the five extraordinary individuals we honor this year is as inspiring as it is consequential—and it demonstrates why the CSU leads the future of inclusive excellence and social mobility.
THOUSAND OAKS — Homelessness in California has reached record levels as housing continues to become even more exorbitant: Nearly one-third of renters spend over 50% of their income on rent and utilities. The Feb. 19 conference, “California’s Housing Crisis: Roots of the Problem and What Lies Ahead,” will highlight the economic and social dimensions of the state’s housing challenges. California Lutheran University School of Management’s Center for Economics of Social Issues (CESI) will host the conference from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Lundring Events Center on the Cal Lutheran campus.
“The truth behind CESI’s research numbers is that working families are struggling for stability, dignity and the fundamental right to a decent life,” said Jamshid Damooei, Ph.D., CESI executive director.”
Recorder Ascencion. “When Valentine’s Day is during the week, we’ll have up to 40 couples come in to tie the knot at our office, many times more than our usual schedule of about 10 ceremonies on a regular day.
VENTURA — CalEITC Awareness Week is a statewide effort to ensure that eligible working families and individuals are aware of and able to claim, the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC), the federal EITC, the Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) and other impactful state and federal tax credits.
“This program stands out for the profound, positive change it has brought to this community,” said SBCC Superintendent/President Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D., noting the program’s long-standing impact on local healthcare systems and patient care.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s Fine Arts faculty are showcasing a wide range of creative work during the Fine Arts Faculty Show, on view February 9 through March 12 at the Ann Foxworthy Gallery on the college’s Santa Maria campus.
The exhibition features work by Hancock’s Fine Arts instructors across multiple disciplines and media, highlighting the depth and diversity of creative practices shaping contemporary art today. An opening reception will be held February 11 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.
“Our Fine Arts faculty are accomplished artists and dedicated educators who model what it means to engage with art as a lifelong practice,” said Elizabeth Russell, Foxworthy Gallery co-director. “This exhibition gives our community the opportunity to experience the breadth of ideas, materials, and approaches our faculty bring to both their studios and their classrooms.”
The County of Ventura Celebrates Black History Month
February is Black History Month. Throughout the month the County of Ventura will observe this important time by recognizing the history, culture, and lasting contributions of Black individuals and communities.
Black History Month provides an opportunity to acknowledge the experiences and achievements that have helped shape our shared history and continue to influence our communities today.
VENTURA — The 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival is seeking corporate sponsors. The festival is set for May 16 and 17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
The family-friendly nonprofit festival draws more than 40,000 visitors from across Southern California, including attendees from Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Kern, Santa Barbara and Orange counties.
The English professor discusses how AI judgement, good or bad, can reflect knowledge and social values when implemented in our personal, work and public life.
“Public service is more than a job – it is a calling,” stated 2nd District Supervisor Jeff Gorell, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Employees who have dedicated 25 years or more to Ventura County reflect the heart of that calling through their steady service, care for others, and deep commitment to our communities. Their work has strengthened Ventura County, and the impact of their service will continue to shape and support our communities for years to come. I am thankful to each member of the County team celebrating this milestone and for their continued commitment to excellence in public service.”
