Category: Business

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — February 2025 update

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2025 • Comments Off

On March 11, the Ventura County Office of Education will present our 5th annual Equity Conference. Since we launched the event in 2021, its purpose has been to ensure that all students can use the power of education to build a foundation for a happy and successful life. Opening the door to that opportunity requires acknowledging that students come to our classrooms with a variety of challenges based on their family backgrounds and life experiences. In many cases, they need additional help and support to thrive in school and beyond.

Bilingual report — New Services Announced at Ventura County Clerk and Recorder Office in Thousand Oaks

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — Michelle Ascencion, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, has announced the expansion of services at the Clerk and Recorder East County Office in Thousand Oaks.

Along with the existing services typically provided by the County Clerk – including vital records, marriage licenses and ceremonies, and fictitious business names – County Recorder services are also now available. Customers will now be able to record deeds, mortgage documents, and court decrees at the Thousand Oaks office, as well as file California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents such as environmental impact reports, mitigated negative declarations, notices of determination/exemption, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife receipts.

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Designates Historic Tower Theater as a City Landmark

by Community Contributor • February 21, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula proudly announces the official designation of the Tower Theater, located at 982 E. Main Street, as a City Historic Landmark. The Santa Paula City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1341 following a unanimous vote on February 19, 2025, recognizing the Tower Theater’s rich history and architectural significance.

First opened as the Elektra Theatre in 1911, the Tower Theater has served as a cornerstone of Santa Paula’s cultural and entertainment history. The building, Ventura County’s oldest purpose-built movie theater, has undergone various transformations, including its time as the Mission Theatre, Columbia Theatre, and Lyric Theatre, before being rebranded as the Tower Theater in 1940. Over the years, it played a pivotal role in providing Spanish-language programming for Santa Paula’s Mexican-origin community, making it a symbol of inclusivity and cultural representation.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Black History Month

by Community Contributor • February 21, 2025 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize the month of February as Black History Month. This month is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the contributions of Black Americans throughout history. During this time, and throughout the entire year, the EDC is committed to supporting Black-owned small businesses. The following are a handful of programs* that provide support for Black-owned small businesses:

Ventura County Credit Union Kicks Off 75th Anniversary by Giving Back $750,000 to Local Nonprofits

by Community Contributor • February 20, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) is celebrating 75 years of service to the community by giving back in a big way—donating $750,000 to 10 local nonprofits that make a difference in the lives of Ventura County residents. Kicking off this milestone initiative, VCCU has awarded the first two donations to Food Share of Ventura County and Turning Point Foundation, two organizations dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable members of the community.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors to meet on Feb. 25 to discuss Health Center Board Annual Report; Sable Offshore Corporation’s Change of Owner, Operator, and Guarantor; Compensation for Elected Officials

by Community Contributor • February 20, 2025 • Comments Off

The next meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, February 25, 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.

CLU School of Management Center’s For Economics of Social Issues — One Week Left to Register & Join Community Conversation – 2025 Conference

by Community Contributor • February 20, 2025 • Comments Off

The Center for Economics of Social Issues invites you to register now for its upcoming conference, which will be held on February 28th at California Lutheran University’s campus. We implore you to come and see what is going on around you. The conference will release a comprehensive study that sheds light on the urgent challenges of enjoying a dignified life on the central coast of California.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College buries time capsule at Lompoc Valley Center

by Community Contributor • February 20, 2025 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — Allan Hancock College staff, faculty and students gathered at the college’s Lompoc Valley Center to bury a time capsule in celebration of the LVC on Feb. 18.

The metal time capsule, which was designed and fabricated by Hancock welding professor Gabriel Marquez, contains more than 20 items gathered by college staff and faculty that represent history at the college between 2020 and 2024. The capsule will be unearthed in 2049 when the LVC celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara announces record grants pool of $1,250,000 for 2025

by Community Contributor • February 20, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara is excited to announce a grants pool of $1,250,000. On May 20, at the Celebration of Grants at the Lobero Theatre, the money will be distributed to local nonprofits for programs addressing the critical needs of women, children, and families in south Santa Barbara County.

The record-breaking grants pool makes the Women’s Fund one of the largest collective giving circles in the country. Since its founding by 12 local women in 2004, the organization has grown to over 1,400 members and has awarded nearly $13 million to nonprofits in the community over the past 20 years.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Topological quantum processor marks breakthrough in computing’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • February 20, 2025 • Comments Off

Microsoft team led by UC Santa Barbara physicists unveils first-of-its-kind topological qubit, paving the way for a more fault-tolerant quantum computer.

CSUCI receives prestigious Carnegie designation

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2025 • Comments Off

CSUCI joins 11 of the 23 campuses in the California State University system that have received the new Carnegie designation and is among 216 RCU universities across the country.

The RCU designation is a new classification intended to recognize institutions of higher education that have conducted a significant amount of valuable research but have previously been overlooked. Awardees spend at least $2.5 million on research on average in a single year, and this designation aims to acknowledge the growing research efforts in institutions that may not fit the criteria for a traditional “Research 1” (R1) status.

Rodeo donates to local charities in San Luis Obispo County

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2025 • Comments Off

“Creston Classic Rodeo is pleased to present these funds to support local efforts to fill the needs of the Creston Community,” said CCR President Tom Bordonaro. “These funds will go a long way to building a facility for all Crestonians to enjoy as well as continue the over 60 year tradition of providing a pool for Creston kids.”

Ventura County Fire Dept. — Division Chief Barry Parker promoted to assistant fire chief of the Support Services Bureau

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2025 • Comments Off

Parker’s promotion marks a significant milestone in his distinguished 30-year career. Recognizing his dedication and leadership, Fire Chief Gardner stated, “Barry has consistently risen above expectations and stands in a league of his own. With this well-earned promotion, we are thrilled to recognize his unwavering commitment and professionalism.”

Join us at our next Community Environmental Council (CEC) Youth Climate Workshop: Sustainable Fashion on March 1

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2025 • Comments Off

In this workshop, we’ll focus on the impacts of the fashion industry and what we can do to lighten our footprint. Come meet local experts and enjoy fun activities!

UCSB — The Current — ‘Predicting seasonal changes in river networks’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • February 18, 2025 • Comments Off

A team led by research associate Jeff Prancevic provides the first ever predictions for the dynamic flooding and emptying of stream networks.

Guest contribution — Take To The Great Outdoors For Island Packers Winter Whale Watching And Excursions To The Channel Islands National Park And National Marine Sanctuary!

by Community Contributor • February 18, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — A winter whale watch excursion is the perfect way to gather with family and friends to witness the inspiring migration of Pacific Gray whales as they travel through the Santa Barbara Channel near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island.

“This mammoth migration of more than 20,000 whales and 6,000 miles continues to remain a major attraction in Southern California,” said President Cherryl Connally of Island Packers. “Located in scenic Ventura Harbor Village, we invite visitors to plan on booking this “must-see” experience soon as part of their fun for the entire family Spring Break activities. “

Ventura County Civic Alliance February Livable Communities Newsletter

by Community Contributor • February 18, 2025 • Comments Off

Volume 20 / Number 73 / February 2025 Your Livable Communities Newsletter VISIT OUR WEBSITE For almost 20 years, the Ventura County Civic Alliance Livable Communities working group has been publishing its quarterly newsletter. These newsletters were grounded by the American…

Ventura County Community Foundation — From the Heart — The New Look of VCCF

by Community Contributor • February 18, 2025 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Community Foundation, your community foundation, has been in awe of this county’s love and generosity since we first opened our doors in 1987, and when we come together and bring our passions and talents to support our neighbors, anything is possible. From community leadership to philanthropic consulting, we work hand-in-hand with our neighbors to envision an engaged and thriving community inspired by growing generosity.

We invite you to visit our brand-new website and get to know your community foundation below. You may learn something new about the good work happening in your community! Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey into the future of philanthropy in Ventura County.

Nicholas ‘Scott’ Vincent joins the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Cottage Rehabilitation & Goleta Valley Cottage Hospitals

by Community Contributor • February 18, 2025 • Comments Off

Vincent holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Bucknell University and earned a J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law. He served as legal counsel for numerous departments at the City of Santa Barbara from 2004 until his retirement in 2018.

His previous board experience includes serving on various committees with the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College for ten years, including a four-year term as Board President. He is also active in volunteering and fundraising for several local charities such as Calm, the Alzheimer’s Association and Transition House.

Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Dr. César Morales honored with CALSA M.A.S. Award

by Community Contributor • February 14, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, was recognized last week by the California Association of Latino Superintendents & Administrators (CALSA) for his outstanding contributions to educational leadership. Dr. Morales received the prestigious M.A.S. Award—representing Mentorship, Advocacy, and Sponsorship—during the CALSA aPODERar Symposium in San Francisco.

The award was presented by Dr. Terry Walker, Director of the CALSA Women’s Leadership Network, who commended Dr. Morales for his commitment to creating opportunities for advancement in educational leadership.

CLU — Two weeks left to register ‘Affording a Dignified Life on the Central Coast of California: Challenges & Opportunities’ conference

by Community Contributor • February 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Week in Immigration

by Community Contributor • February 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Trump Is Sending Migrants to Guantánamo Bay to Look Tough Your weekly summary from the Council. LATEST ANALYSIS Sending Migrants to Guantánamo Bay Is a Costly, Optics-Driven Shift in Immigration DetentionPresident Trump ordered the Secretary of Homeland Security to expand…

Ventura Music Festival — Do you have your Ticket to Ride?

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2025 • Comments Off

Ventura Music Festival Proudly Presents our Annual Gala Fundraiser

Bob Eubanks’ — BACKSTAGE WITH THE BEATLES

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Concert Experience and (optional) Intimate Award Dinner with Bob Eubanks & Ivor Davis

Saturday, March 22, 2025

5:00 PM Concert ? 7:30 PM Gala & Award Show

Top of the Harbor Room, Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell Community Update

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2025 • Comments Off

I hope this message finds you well. I want to take a moment to provide important safety information regarding the upcoming storm impacting our community.

The Ventura County Sheriff Office – Emergency Services and the National Weather Service are closely monitoring a moderate storm expected to impact Ventura County from Wednesday through Friday. Rainfall is anticipated to begin Wednesday morning, peak Thursday afternoon, and taper off by Friday morning.

Storm Details:

Rainfall Projections: 1”-3” along the coast and valleys, 3”-6” in the hills and mountains.
Rainfall Rates: .10”-.33”/hr, with the remote possibility of .50”-1”/hr during thunderstorms.
Wind: Gusty Westerly winds of 20-40 MPH throughout the region.
Residents are urged to stay updated with weather forecasts and monitor their homes for any changing conditions.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard hosts groundbreaking ceremony for $134.5 million Rice Ave. and Fifth St./State Route 34 Grade Separation Project

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2025 • Comments Off

“The importance of this project to our City cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in enhancing public safety. We sincerely appreciate the continued efforts of our state legislature and agency partners, who are committed to collaborating on these important improvements in Oxnard,” said Mayor Luis Mc Arthur.

Attorney Charley Stoll joins employment law firm LightGabler LLP

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2025 • Comments Off

Stoll, who previously had his own legal practice in Camarillo, advises companies in all areas of employment disputes. He has extensive experience in labor relations, with special focus on agriculture, wage and hour litigation, collective bargaining, employment risk analysis, personnel management employment contracts, union issues, sexual harassment/workplace violence prevention and management and supervisor training. He also represents clients at trial and in arbitrations.

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara holds Bella Vista groundbreaking

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — On Friday, February 7, 2025, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) celebrated the official groundbreaking of the Bella Vista affordable housing project. The Bella Vista development is located at 200 N. La Cumbre Rd in Santa Barbara.

The 48-unit development will provide much-needed affordable housing for families with low and very low incomes. The project will feature a two and three-story building, with 48 apartments constructed on top of a podium. The development will also include a semi-subterranean garage with 58 parking spaces for the tenants and a 10 space surface parking lot for the guests accessed off Via Lucero.

SEEAG’s ‘Bus Bucks’ Fundraiser supports student farm field trips

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2025 • Comments Off

“We want to ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate in our hands-on Farm-to-Food Lab programs. Covering transportation costs helps remove a major financial barrier,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, SEEAG executive director. “We often hear from students that their trip to Farm Lab is their very first field trip. It leaves a lasting understanding of the connection between agriculture and the food we eat.”

Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: Joanne Julian’s ‘Nature’s Spirits’

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2025 • Comments Off

On view now through March 9, 2025

Joanne Julian decided early on to be an artist. Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Julian inherited a strong immigrant work ethic and sense of discipline from her first-generation Armenian American parents. From her father, Joanne also acquired a fondness for gardening; from her mother, a love of art, dancing, and music. Julian’s first art lessons at age 12 included formative exercises in line and inspired her love of draw

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College offers help with financial aid applications at ‘Cash for College’ workshops on Feb. 22

by Community Contributor • February 11, 2025 • Comments Off

?During the workshop, Hancock staff will be available to help participating students and their parents fill out a FAFSA (Free Application?for?Federal Student Aid) or a California Dream Act application. Students will also be able to apply?for?state and federal grants, including a Cal Grant, which offers?cash?for?college?and does not have to be repaid.?The application process takes about one hour to complete. Spanish-speaking staff will also be available.

Guest contribution — Telecommunications company Bludog Telecom expands reach with purchase of Northwest Telecoms Systems

by Community Contributor • February 11, 2025 • Comments Off

Bludog Telecom provides Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP phone systems to businesses. These systems are a modern and reliable way for companies to communicate with customers while saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars compared to traditional business phone services. Additional communications tools such as text messaging, voicemail and video conferencing can be integrated into the system and presented using a single, streamlined interface. Known as Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), these integrated communications systems allow businesses to manage a variety of customer interactions all in one place.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County strengthens leadership with five new board members

by Community Contributor • February 11, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) proudly welcomes five distinguished community leaders to its Board of Directors in 2025. The new class of directors includes Elsa Brown, Maruja Clensay, Garry Collett, Angel Garcia and Sean Morreale. These new additions bring a wealth of expertise in finance, government affairs, housing development, and real estate investment, helping to further position Housing Trust Fund VC as a leader in addressing the area’s affordable housing crisis. Their expertise and dedication will support Housing Trust Fund VC as the organization continues to drive forward its mission to increase affordable housing options throughout Ventura County. Housing Trust Fund VC extends its utmost appreciation to outgoing Board members—Marni Brook, Jennie Buckingham, Carrick DeHart, and Emilio Ramirez—for their dedicated service and unwavering commitment to advancing housing affordability. Their leadership and contributions have made a lasting impact.

Cottage Ob/Gyn Clinic Welcomes New Providers to Team

by Community Contributor • February 11, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Cottage Obstetrics & Gynecology (Ob/Gyn) Clinic is pleased to announce the addition of two obstetrician-gynecologists, Dr. Britta Gray and Dr. Helen Matthews, along with certified nurse midwife Maribeth Claassen. This expansion of the care team furthers the clinic’s mission to enhance access to comprehensive Ob/Gyn services for women.

Joining Medical Director Dr. Lisa Lepine, the expanded team will continue caring for patients at the Cottage Ob/Gyn Clinic, located at 2416 Castillo Street, Unit A, in Santa Barbara.

The Cottage Ob/Gyn Clinic is a practice led by women specialists offering comprehensive medical services—from routine wellness examinations to diagnosis and treatment of gynecological conditions, and complete obstetric care from pre-conception to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum visits.

Assemblymember Steve Bennett authors protecting pets from predatory practices act

by Community Contributor • February 11, 2025 • Comments Off

SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) introduced AB 506 to increase transparency from online pet brokers on the original source of a pet. This bill is part of a legislative package aimed at stopping the puppy mill pipeline, including AB 519 (Berman) and SB 312 (Umberg).

California has made concerted efforts to disrupt the lucrative puppy mill industry, the operations of which have been underpinned by online brokers. These anonymous sellers leverage steep nonrefundable deposits against consumers as a paywall to withhold where they’ve acquired the animal and the conditions in which it was raised.

Operating Agreement Extension for the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center & Meeting Rooms to Go Before City Council on Feb. 18

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2025 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) announces that a critical agenda item concerning the future of the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center (PACC) will be presented before the Oxnard City Council on February 18, 2025. This meeting will serve as a pivotal moment for the community, stakeholders, and supporters of OPAC as the City deliberates the future management of the venue.

As of March 1, 2020 the current operator for both the Auditorium and the Community Center is Sterling Venue Ventures (SVV), more widely known as The Canyon. Their two agreements – one for each side of the complex – are set to expire or be rolled over on March 1, 2025. OPAC has formally requested – and will request again on February 18, 2025 – its own agreement with the City to operate the Community Rooms / Center, which includes two ballrooms, five classrooms and several outdoor courtyards.

VC Taxpayers Association January Recap!

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2025 • Comments Off

We’re kicking off 2025 with great momentum, and we’re excited to share January’s highlights with you! Here’s a look at what’s happening at the VC Taxpayers Association.

Advocacy in Action: Our Executive Director, Ryan Grau, joined the Pacific Coast Business Times podcast Civil Dialogues, this week for an interview with Henry Dubroff. Ryan highlighted our collective efforts in advocating for transparency over the past year in the medical industry, school boards, local city budgets, bond measures, and more. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and will continue working hard to ensure taxpayers’ voices are heard.

To watch the podcast, please visit: Spotify, Apple or Amazon.

Danielle Brinkman, CPA, opens new office in Oxnard

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2025 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Brinkman and Company, AAC, an accountancy firm focused on providing expert tax planning, preparation and other accounting services for individuals, families, professionals and businesses, has opened a new office in Oxnard.

Located at 300 E Esplanade Drive, Suite #1680, Oxnard, the office is the firms’ second location in Ventura County. Another office is located at 302 N. Montgomery Street in Ojai.

Gibbs Diesel Mechanics Center opens at Ventura College

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2025 • Comments Off

In the last 10 years, Oxnard-based Gibbs International Truck Centers has donated $1.3 million in financial and equipment to support the two-year program. Since the program began in 2015, the company has donated commercial diesel trucks, engine blocks, tools and lab space, and helped write the curriculum and hire instructors. It provides paid internships and scholarships to students in the program and has hired graduates.

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan distributes $225,000 for fire relief and preparedness efforts

by Community Contributor • February 7, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) (Feb. 5) announced the distribution of $225,000 in sponsorships to community-based and national organizations to support Ventura County and neighboring communities to provide relief to victims of the recent fires and strengthen preparedness efforts for future emergencies.

In response to the growing needs arising from the devastation of the recent fires in Camarillo and the Greater Los Angeles area, GCHP distributed $225,000 in total funding to support the following organizations:

ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance workshop to be held Feb. 13 in Simi Valley

by Community Contributor • February 7, 2025 • Comments Off

At the workshop, participants will learn about financial assistance, up to $350,000 per household, to help them purchase a home in safer, lower-fire-risk areas of California. The assistance, which is forgiven after five years, is designed to help bridge the affordability gap between what applicants can afford with a First Mortgage Loan and the purchase price of an eligible property.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — What happens to U.S. citizen children when an undocumented parent must leave?

by Community Contributor • February 7, 2025 • Comments Off

Across the country, deportation is often discussed as an absolute end. What seems to be missing in the conversation is that for the deported people and their families, it’s the beginning of a new set of legal obstacles that often require advocates on both sides of the border to resolve. It is also the beginning of a new and often hard life chapter.

UC Santa Barbara Gevirtz Graduate School of Education Professor Tania Israel receives award for Distinguished Career Contributions to Psychology in the Public Interest

by Community Contributor • February 7, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Professor Tania Israel at the UC Santa Barbara Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, has received the 2025 Award for Distinguished Senior Career Contributions to Psychology in the Public Interest from the American Psychological Association (APA). Israel is in the Counseling, Clinical, & School Psychology Department at the Gevirtz School and is also the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

The APA award recognizes an individual whose single extraordinary achievement or a lifetime of outstanding contributions meet one or more of the following criteria: (a) courageous and distinctive contribution in the science or practice of psychology that significantly supports efforts toward a solution to one of the world’s intransigent social problems, (b) distinctive and innovative contribution that makes the science and/or practice of psychology more accessible to a broad and diverse population, and (c) an integration of the science and practice of psychology that serves the public interest and advances social justice and human welfare.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) — Art and Community Healing Open House (Feb. 9) and more events

by Community Contributor • February 7, 2025 • Comments Off

As we recover as a community from the major fires in LA, and as we remember the Thomas Fire and the Montecito Debris Flow, MCASB in partnership with Paseo Nuevo, and many organizations and individuals, will host a free intergenerational and family-friendly event on the Arts Terrace and throughout Paseo Nuevo on Sunday, February 9th from 11 am-2 pm. There will be opportunities to come together as a community around the healing power of art, art making, and learning about how we can all participate in building our future together.

Event-goers will have the opportunity to take part in many different activities, highlights include a guided painting workshop, art kit making stations, and Collecting Art to Change Lives: Art Collecting 101 – a conversation with arts industry leaders with insights and encouragement for collecting art now to support our LA arts community as it heals and rebuilds.

Assemblymember Steve Bennett authors legislation on water supply for wildfire response

by Community Contributor • February 7, 2025 • Comments Off

SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) introduced AB 367 to increase the performance of fire hydrants supplying water to Ventura County firefighters in their battles against wildfires. The legislation raises baseline standards of emergency preparedness for water districts servicing homes…

Bilingual report — Ventura Voices podcast tees up new golf projects

by Community Contributor • February 7, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — A new episode of the Ventura Voices podcast is now available, featuring an in-depth conversation with Deputy City Manager Brad “Brick” Conners on the latest updates to Ventura’s golf services. The episode explores ongoing recovery efforts, facility improvements, and plans to enhance the golfing experience at Buenaventura Golf Course and Olivas Links.

Closed since January 2023 due to severe flood damage, Buenaventura Golf Course has undergone extensive remediation efforts. In this episode, Conners details the progress made, the challenges faced, and the City’s commitment to rebuilding the course stronger than before. While the permanent course design is still in development, the City, in partnership with Kemper Sports Management, has identified a temporary solution that will allow golfers to return to Buenaventura in spring 2025.

County of Santa Barbara February 2025 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • February 6, 2025 • Comments Off

Contribute to the County’s Recreation Master Plan

The Recreation Master Plan sets out a roadmap for public parks, trails, and facilities to meet countywide needs. Chime in by mail and via email or join a virtual meeting on February 6th!

Complete VC Arts & Culture Survey by Friday and Win Tickets!

by Community Contributor • February 6, 2025 • Comments Off

As a Ventura County resident, we are asking for your input to help shape the future of arts and culture in our community – and win tickets to our signature events and venues!

Take just 10 minutes to tell the County how you experience arts and culture, and you could win free tickets* to:

Guest contribution — VCTA Demands Accountability on VCMS

by Community Contributor • February 6, 2025 • Comments Off

How Ventura County Medical System is Draining Taxpayer Dollars

Ensuring efficiency and accountability in government spending is often a slow and complex process. However, the Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) is dedicated to making sure taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly and transparently in our public institutions.

This newsletter aims to inform Ventura County residents and encourage action from the Board of Supervisors and other decision-makers to adopt three steps it must take to restore public trust and ensure responsible financial management at the Ventura County Medical System (VCMS).

The California State University Announces Landmark Public-Private Initiative That Will Make It The Nation’s First and Largest AI-Powered University System

by Community Contributor • February 5, 2025 • Comments Off

LONG BEACH — The California State University (CSU), the largest and most diverse public four-year university in the country, announced (on Feb. 5) a first-of-its-kind public-private initiative with some of the world’s leading tech companies, including Adobe, Alphabet (Google), AWS, IBM, Instructure, Intel, LinkedIn, Microsoft, NVIDIA, OpenAI, and the Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom that will leverage the power of artificial intelligence to create an AI-powered higher education system that could surpass any existing model in both scale and impact.

The CSU’s unprecedented adoption of AI technologies will make trainings, learning, and teaching tools—including ChatGPT—available across all 23 CSU universities, ensuring that the system’s more than 460,000 students and 63,000 faculty and staff have equitable access to cutting-edge tools that will prepare them to meet the rapidly changing education and workforce needs of California. The CSU expects to make these tools available within the next few weeks.