
Five decades after its founding, the support the center provides — and the community it has cultivated — are as crucial now as they were in 1975.

VENTURA — The Parks & Recreation Summer Activity Guide is now available online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide. Registration begins Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. and will be available online, over the phone, or in person at City Hall, Room 226, 501 Poli Street. Registration information and policies are on page 6.
The Summer Activity Guide offers a diverse range of youth summer camps and programs for all ages from June through August. Exciting special events await, including the highly anticipated 4th of July Street Fair and the captivating Music Under the Stars concert series. Community members can also explore aquatic activities such as sailing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, or swim lessons. There are also various arts and cultural options like tours to museums, productions, and local landmarks.

OXNARD — Helen Reyes’ winning artwork for the 39th Annual California Strawberry Festival was revealed at an April 1 gathering of dignitaries and festival sponsors at Yolanda’s Mexican Café in Oxnard. The luncheon officially kicks off activities for the 2025 festival celebration taking place May 17 and 18 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
Reyes takes home a $2,000 grand prize and VIP tickets to the festival.

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is reminding residents and business owners of several important updates related to Measure R, the local sales tax initiative approved by voters in November 2024. These updates include a change in the City’s sales tax rate, the formation of a community oversight committee, and an invitation for residents to help ensure accountability and transparency in how new revenues are used.

SCORE VENTURA COUNTY: QUICKBOOKS ONLINE & BEST ACCOUNTING PRACTICES – LIVE Q&A & HANDS-ON TRAINING
April 1 @ 10:00 am
Join Accounting Expert & QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor and EDC Small Business Development Center Advisor Juliana Ramirez of JR Bookkeeping for an interactive, hands-on webinar designed to help you master QuickBooks Online and improve your accounting practices. Each session will explore key bookkeeping and financial management topics, but more importantly, this is your opportunity to ask specific questions and get them answered live! Whether you need help with bank reconciliations, financial reports, invoicing, expense tracking or QuickBooks Online setup, Juliana will provide real-time solutions and live demonstrations to ensure you walk away with clarity and confidence.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Coming Soon! New web addresses for County websites
The County of Ventura has officially begun the migration of county websites to the new .gov domain – venturacounty.gov.?
The transition to the new address complies with CA State Assembly Bill 1637, which was passed in 2024 and requires local governments to have a .gov domain by or before 2029. The transition to the new address will provide enhanced cybersecurity and easily identify the County’s online presence for residents, businesses, and visitors.

OXNARD — El Concilio Family Services will celebrate the 35th El Concilio Latino Leadership Awards at the “50 Years of Strengthening America: Bridging Communities, Building Dreams Gala Celebration. The event is slated for September 25th, 2025. More information to follow. Stay tuned for details.
El Concilio Family Services, founded in 1975, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide direct assistance and educational programs to the underserved Latino Community. The Latino Leadership Awards were established in 1990.
They were established by El Concilio to recognize Ventura County individuals, organizations or businesses that have made outstanding contribution above and beyond their realm for the betterment of Ventura County’s Latino Community.

he next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
The public may participate virtually, or in person at the County Board Hearing Room in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.

SANTA BARBARA — Spring is the perfect time to nurture your potential, acquire new skills, and advance in your career and life with SBCC School of Extended Learning. The next wave of essential workshops and engaging classes will start soon, with new offerings launching every week between March 31 and May 24. There are still spots open in over 200 free and fee-based classes designed to advance careers, hone life skills, and inspire creativity and camaraderie.
“We invite the community to embrace the spirit of springtime—the season of growth and renewal – by trying something new or rekindling a lifelong dream,” said Carola Smith, Assistant Superintendent / Vice President, School of Extended Learning. “We’re here to help you cultivate the future you envision.”

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation is delighted to announce its two newest team members, Vice President Gary Byrne and Director of Strategic Initiatives Roshin Mathew.
Before joining VCCF, Byrne served as president and CEO of the Community Foundation for San Benito County. As one of CFSB’s first staff members, he helped develop the foundation to reach the grantmaking capacity of over $100 million. He has dedicated the last 30 years to nonprofit development and management, in addition to working and volunteering in education, social services and the nonprofit sector.

Beginning on March 31, Walls will lead the Academy’s advancement efforts to support its mission of training the next generation of great musicians and engaging the community through innovative musical experiences.
“We are thrilled to welcome Nicholas to our leadership team,” said Shauna Quill, President & CEO of the Music Academy. “His deep expertise in philanthropy, donor engagement, and strategic fundraising will be invaluable in advancing the Academy’s vision for the future and ensuring the success of our programs and initiatives.”

Irene Gomez, an Oxnard resident and member of the Coalition Advocating for Pesticide Safety – Ventura County or CAPS 805, raised a remaining concern: “When my community in Nyeland Acres had the pilot notification project, our biggest issue was that you couldn’t find out exactly where the pesticides would be applied – which farm? That’s still a problem with Spray Days. You can only know pesticides are being applied within a square mile, but not whether it’s coming from behind your house, across the street, or even a mile away.”

Grow, update and revitalize your business through the City of Ventura Business Assistance Loan Fund. In partnership with the Economic Development Collaborative, the City of
Ventura funds three separate loan options for businesses. This fund is designed to create jobs, support the growth of Ventura’s small business community and revitalize the city’s
older commercial districts.

The draft Fire Hazard Severity Zone map for Ventura provides an updated assessment of local fire hazards and will help guide local fire prevention efforts, inform building regulations, and support emergency response planning. The map updates previous version approved in 2011 to reflect current fire risk conditions and new data. Hazard areas are rated moderate, high, and very high depending on the factors that contribute to fire behavior, like historical fire patterns, vegetation growth, weather, and terrain, among others.

LOMPOC — Spring has is in the air in Lompoc, California, and with it comes welcoming warmer weather and a wide array of activities sure to satisfy the outdoor adventurers, wine lovers, history buffs and thrill seekers. From Insta-worthy flower fields to scenic hiking trails and breathtaking vinewyards, travelers discover that Lompoc is the place to explore.

SCORE: FUND YOUR BUSINESS WITH SPONSORS, EVEN IF YOU’RE JUST STARTING OUT
March 26 @ 10:00 am
Would you like to do what you love and have someone else foot the bill? Have you ever thought about corporate sponsors for your business, show, book, charity, speaking or events? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this webinar is for you! America’s most successful companies partner with sponsors. Why not you? Linda Hollander can help you. She is the author of the #1 best-selling book, Corporate Sponsorship in 3 Easy Steps and the CEO of Sponsor Concierge. Linda has consulted with many entrepreneurs to help them profit from the awesome power of corporate sponsors and has 20 years of experience in business. Her corporate sponsors have included Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Epson, Citibank, Fed Ex, Health Net, Southwest Airlines, Bank of America, Staples, American Airlines, Walmart and IBM.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

VENTURA — The Ventura Fire Department is proud to announce the launch of a new fleet of cardiac monitor defibrillators, marking a significant advancement in emergency medical care for the community.
The department has acquired 20 new LIFEPAK 35 devices, ensuring every fire unit is equipped with a monitor and replacing older models that have served the department for the past 15 years. To support the purchase, City leaders approved an investment of $1.28 million from the General Fund in July 2024. The department began field testing the new units in January 2025 to ensure a smooth transition before full deployment.

SANTA PAULA — One of Santa Paula’s most cherished traditions, Cruise Night, is officially set to return for the 2025 season, bringing classic cars, great food, and community spirit to the heart of downtown. The Santa Paula City Council recently approved a sponsorship to help cover a portion of event costs, ensuring the continuation of this signature event.
Hosted by the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce, Cruise Night will take place on the first Friday of each month from April through October along Main Street between 8th and 10th Streets. This event, which attracts thousands of visitors from across Southern California, has been a staple of the community since 1998 and continues to provide a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
VENTURA COUNTY — Kaiser Permanente began 2025 on a high note by awarding a total of $315,000 in community benefit funding to 15 nonprofit organizations in Ventura County.
These grants recognize the organizations’ commitment to improving local health. The grantees were recently celebrated at a reception held at California Lutheran University where each of the funded programs was highlighted.

CENTRAL COAST — The 805 Immigrant Coalition strongly condemns the hate crime that took place (March 17, 2025), around lunchtime in Newbury Park, where an individual was seen wearing a jacket labeled “ICE” at El Sancho Loco. Concerned community members reported this incident to the 805UndocuFund social media page, expressing deep concern over this act of intimidation.
This type of intimidation is not only cruel and harmful — it is illegal. Impersonating a federal officer is a crime under 18 USC § 912, and impersonating a police officer is a misdemeanor under California Penal Code § 538d. These actions spread fear, confusion, and unnecessary distress among families already vulnerable to unjust enforcement threats. The 805 Immigrant Coalition stands firmly against hate-fueled scare tactics and urges community members to report these hate crimes to law enforcement.

VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is seeking sponsors for its First Annual Spring Celebration. The event will honor the farms and people of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties who create the food we eat. The celebration is Saturday, May 10 at the Stow House in Goleta from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Those attending will enjoy a curated farm-to-table brunch prepared by Seasons Catering featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients from SEEAG’s Ventura and Santa Barbara farm partners.

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation announced the appointment of six accomplished community leaders to its Board of Directors.
The new members bring a wealth of experience in healthcare, business, finance, real estate and community engagement, further strengthening the Foundation’s ability to support Allan Hancock College and its students.?
The newly appointed directors include: Dr. Carolyn Baldiviez, Michael Boyer, Mike Brady, Michael Carroll, Katie Gorndt and Candice Monge.

… Please be assured that in partnership with our esteemed colleagues in the housing community across the nation, we are staying informed and engaged, and making our voice heard to both our federal and state elected officials. We encourage you to voice your support too wherever and however you can. Our newsletter The Blueprint is a great resource to learn more about what is happening to housing, and we continue to thank you for your advocacy.

THOUSAND OAKS — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA seeks sponsors for its 26th Annual National Day of Prayer Breakfast. The breakfast is on Thursday, May 1 at CLU’s Gilbert Sports Center in Thousand Oaks. The breakfast brings the spiritual communities of all faiths together to celebrate fellowship and prayer. The theme this year is “Hope.”
The prayer breakfast is from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and will include speakers, and spiritual and community leaders providing invocations and prayers. Former Rams All-Pro tackle Andrew Whitworth is the keynote speaker.

Join us inside the Museum for an afternoon of art, live music, a petite live auction, and the presentation of the 2025 Mary Alice Orcutt Henderson Visionary Award to David Schwabauer.
?
Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets are $125 per person and include two complimentary drink tickets. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. All proceeds from the event benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum and its community arts programs.

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) on March 17 celebrated the 24 graduates who have completed the organization’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program with a dinner at the Presidio Springs property, located at 721 Laguna St. Among the 24 graduates, seven have transitioned out of the Housing Authority program, and one graduate is a homeowner.
The FSS Program is a voluntary five year program in which a plan is developed with each participant to design a clear path of specific goals and objectives in order to achieve living wage employment and gain economic self-sufficiency.

The cuts and changes directed by the current administration and the journey of the federal budget affects us all, whether as individuals or as in our case a nonprofit organization. The bumpy uncertainty has left many with feelings ranging from discouragement to dismissal.
Though our financing for development and operating is widely varied and highly diversified, People’s Self-Help Housing relies on numerous sources of federal funding, and decisions being made today will affect our work. The federal sources most affecting our work include funding from Congress through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and US Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD). It remains to be seen how extensively the current directives may negatively impact new affordable housing production.

VENTURA — On Tuesday, March 18, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the acceptance of a grant provided in partnership from the Humane Society of the United States and the Ventura County Community Foundation to support and expand the Pets for Life program, an initiative through Ventura County Animals Services (VCAS). This funding will allow VCAS to continue providing essential services that help families in need keep their beloved pets at home, rather than surrender them due to financial hardship or housing instability.

BA: DOING BUSINESS WITH LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND POWER (LADWP)
March 18 @ 10:00 am
In this webinar you will learn about Subcontracting opportunities with LADWP Primes: learn how to connect with LADWP’s prime contractors and explore subcontracting opportunities, understand LADWP’s procurement process, requirements, how to become prime contractors, get step-by-step guidance on how to find, bid and win contracts with LADWP and get your questions answered by LADWP experts during the Q&A session. This event will take place online using Microsoft Teams, please register to obtain for the login information. Please note that if you are planning 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. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College and California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo are partnering to significantly expand access to in-person baccalaureate degrees in northern Santa Barbara County.
Beginning in fall 2026, Cal Poly will offer a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Allan Hancock College’s Santa Maria campus, providing local students with access to a high-quality and affordable bachelor’s degree. Cal Poly is also committing to launching two additional yet-to-be-named bachelor’s degrees in 2028 and 2030.

“We’re incredibly honored to celebrate these community champions today,” said Lori Goodman, Executive Director of LEAP. “Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons has been instrumental in advancing healthcare and medical education in our community. Ernesto Paredes has devoted his career to advocating for families and improving accessibility. Amir Abo-Shaeer, our first Distinguished Alumnus, continues to transform education through innovation. Each of these remarkable individuals embodies LEAP’s mission of supporting families and children across Santa Barbara County.”

VENTURA — The Ventura CARE Policy, a proposed ordinance to strengthen protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, reproductive rights, and immigrant communities, is facing mounting opposition ahead of a critical City Council vote on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Supporters are urged to attend the meeting and make their voices heard.
At a recent Rules Committee meeting, opponents mobilized to challenge the policy, and a larger presence is expected at the upcoming vote. To ensure Ventura upholds its values of inclusion, safety, and human rights, community members must show up in force.

“This grant will provide much-needed support for individuals living in encampments,” said Ventura Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios. “Addressing homelessness remains a top priority for our City Council, and we are committed to investing in programs that tackle root causes while offering both immediate and long-term solutions.”

Along with some of the keenest minds in economics, I find myself shaking my head in disbelief at the economic gyrations that Donald Trump is concocting. As he announces punishing tariffs on our trading partners and allies, under the pretext of “fentanyl imports and illegal immigration,” we watch incredulously as the stock market jumps off a cliff.
American industry and businesses find themselves feeling their way in the dark as they attempt to plan for the future. Hiring and investing are likely going to stall as the uncertainty deepens. Economic policy seems to shift on a daily—and sometimes hourly—basis.
Much of the electorate “trusts in Trump” because he is, after all, “a businessman.”
But businessmen are not economists. …

Mountain Fire: SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s authorized representative, Director Nancy Ward, of the California Office of Emergency Services on November 25. The disaster declaration makes low-interest federal disaster loans available to residents and businesses the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Kern who were affected by the Mountain Fire that began November 6.
Wildfires and Straight-line Winds: SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced that low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Southern California businesses, homeowners, renters and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations following President Joe Biden’s major disaster declaration. The declaration covers Los Angeles and the contiguous counties of Kern, Orange, San Bernardino, and Ventura due to wildfires and straight-line winds that began on January 7.

The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
The public may participate virtually, or in person at the County Board Hearing Room in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.

VENTURA — Tax season is upon us and low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents are encouraged to take advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).
Throughout March to April 30, 2024, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers will help working families and individuals file their state and federal tax return and access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Households earning up to $67,000 are eligible to use the free services.
To have your return prepared and e-filed VIRTUALLY by a tax preparation volunteer visit GetYourRefund.org/vcunitedway to upload tax documents using either computer or cell phone.

“This event is about more than just celebration; it’s about action,” said Nicki Parr, WEV’s CEO. “Economic independence is not just a personal achievement—it’s a pathway to social change. When women build businesses, they change communities: generating revenue, creating jobs and contributing significantly to the local economy.”

Tiara Ball recognizes healthcare professionals and celebrates donors for their commitment to healthcare in the region. The event’s program featured remarks from Heather Hambleton and Lisa Iscovich, Tiara Ball event co-chairs; Eric Seale, Chair of the Cottage Health Board of Directors; Dr. Anne Rodriguez, Chief of Medical Staff; and Ron Werft, President and CEO of Cottage Health. The special honorees for the evening were Ron and Mary Werft, who were celebrated for their leadership and service to Cottage Health and the Tiara Ball event for over two decades.

Assemblymember Bennett, who represents Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, and Ventura, selected Ascencion and highlighted her exceptional leadership and dedication to the Ventura County community. The annual award is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions by women leaders as part of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus’ Women’s History Month commemorations.

THOUSAND OAKS — Dianne McKay, president of Mustang Marketing — a full-service strategic marketing agency in Ventura County — was honored as District 42 Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin’s Woman of the Year on March 11 at a ceremony in Sacramento.
A thrice-elected trustee for the Ventura County Community College District, McKay is a highly regarded leader in Ventura County — often called upon to consult on crisis communications; build, strengthen or repair community and government relations on behalf of clients; and to provide her expertise on panels ranging from business to marketing to leadership.

The Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap, setting clear goals and guiding decisions that impact everyday life in Santa Paula. It ensures City resources are allocated effectively while fostering transparency and accountability. Building on the progress made through the 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, which addressed key areas such as infrastructure improvements, public safety, and economic development, the new plan will reflect evolving community needs and opportunities.
“Santa Paula is growing, evolving, and planning for the future—and your voice is essential in helping us shape community priorities,” said Mayor Pedro A. Chavez. “The 2025-2027 Strategic Plan is more than just a blueprint: it’s a shared vision built by the community, for the community. I invite you to join the conversation, share your ideas, and help set the course for a stronger, more economically prosperous Santa Paula. The future starts with us—so let’s plan it together!”

“We are pleased to make this move to a .gov domain, which signals to our community that the County of Ventura is committed to cybersecurity and generating public trust,” said Terry Theobald, Chief Information Officer. “Our new domain will provide an easily identifiable and reliable resource for anyone looking to interact with county government online.”

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces the approval of two loans for a combined $6,726,038 to create 118 new affordable housing units in Ventura County with two new developments, the Casa Aliento Apartments and Camino De Salud. Community Development Partners will be the recipient of a $1,726,038 bridge loan for 69 affordable units located in Central Oxnard called Casa Aliento Apartments.

VENTURA — Research results show that the 10th annual season of the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) Program in 2024 reduced the risk of deadly ship strikes to whales by 50%, underwater noise by 38%, smog-forming pollution by 1,400 tons and greenhouse gases by nearly 50,000 metric tons along the California coast.

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce honored Celesta M. Billeci with their Visionary Arts Leadership Award on Friday, February 21, as part of the Regional Business Awards Gala. Hundreds of local leaders gathered at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort for the annual event, which honors the outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses that continue to make a significant impact in the local community. The Chamber recognized nine honorees for their outstanding contributions to the region’s business community, including seven organizations and two individuals.

SCORE: DISTRIBUTION & FULFILLMENT WITH AMAZON
March 11 @ 12:00 pm
Learn how to enhance your product distribution and fulfillment using Amazon’s extensive logistics network, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction for your business. This presentation will discuss Amazon’s comprehensive supply chain, including Fulfillment by Amazon, Amazon Shipping and other programs. We’ll discuss key topics, such as managing your inventory effectively and how to turn returned products into sales opportunities. Finally, discover tips and tricks for leveraging Amazon’s comprehensive suite of resources and programs tailored to support small businesses, ensuring you have the tools to help enable your success. Sponsored by Amazon.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize Women’s History Month. This month is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the contributions of women throughout history. During this time and throughout the entire year, the EDC is committed to supporting women in achieving their business goals.
The EDC is proud to support the community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

“Tommy was part of our fire family for nearly 10 years, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us in response to our community’s public safety needs,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “We now stand with Tommy’s mother, Diana Minadeo; fiancé, Vanessa Gubbels; brother, Anthony; and his sister, in grieving his passing and supporting each other.”