I am beyond excited to announce a big win for our climate and the Central Coast. Yesterday, Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) cut the ribbon on the Victory Pass and Arica Solar and Storage projects.
This project delivers 100 megawatts of solar and 25 megawatts of battery storage. That adds up to 5% of the total Central Coast electricity load. And on top of that, this project was completed ahead of schedule and created over 1,000 union jobs.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura has selected Esteban Rodriguez as Director for Ventura County Animal Services. The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process, which included both internal and external candidates. Rodriguez succeeds former director, Jackie Rose, who retired from the agency in May.
LOMPOC — As another spectacular summer fades into a crisp, cool fall, there’s no better time to explore the adventurous side of Lompoc! Get your adrenaline pumping with an exciting array of activities in and around the city. Start planning a trip packed with excitement, including skydiving, horse safaris, kitesurfing, and more!
VENTURA COUNTY — Founder of The Greater Contribution, Karon Wright, has been selected as an Honoree for the 2024 National Philanthropy Day Awards as Volunteer of the Year, Ventura County.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter NPD nomination committee will be presenting her with the honor at an awards ceremony Tuesday, October 29 at 5:00pm at the Santa Barbara Zoo (500 Ninos Drive, SB, CA 93103).
Over the past few years, the siren call of the gig economy has captivated the imagination and creativity of young adults. The lure of “being your own boss,” “setting your own hours,” and the promise of having the freedom to travel the world while you pursue your “dream job” is too much for many of them to resist.
For many dreamers coming of age, the enticement of immediate income and flexible work hours, along with the chance to skip college with all its debt obligation, is seductively appealing.
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Approximately 400 frontline healthcare workers at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo and Twin Cities Community Hospital in Templeton have ratified a new contract this week. The agreement includes a 14% wage increase over the next three years, a $23 minimum wage, and fully-paid family healthcare. Caregivers at these two hospitals are the only ones to have fully-paid family healthcare at Adventist-owned hospitals nationwide.
In a time when healthcare workers are leaving the industry for better pay and less stress, this contract at these Adventist hospitals marks a strong commitment to attracting and retaining caregivers in the San Luis Obispo communities that Adventist serves.
SOMIS — We are excited to announce the availability of farm worker apartments in Somis! Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by visiting www.somisranchapts.com and clicking on “Join the Interest List.” A member of our team will reach out to applicants in the order of their interest to conduct pre-eligibility screenings, schedule interviews, and provide a list of required items for the applicant interviews.
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Women’s Small Business Month. In the most recent program year (October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024), EDC supported over 1,700 women-owned small businesses and female/male-owned businesses. The EDC is dedicated to helping women achieve 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:
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) has received two Awards of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) during the 2024 NAHRO National Conference. These distinguished awards recognize HACSB’s dedication to the local community, showcasing its innovative approaches to affordable housing and its impactful programs aimed at supporting youth.
While working at reefs in Moorea, French Polynesia, Kai Kopecky found that the network of coral skeletons left in place by bleaching events caused critical processes to break down, ultimately preventing reefs from recovering.
“The need is greater than ever to serve these at-risk populations,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO & President. “To provide a stable and supportive place to live is the first step in moving the needle on homelessness and this project does just that. We are grateful that the City reached out to us to pursue a Homekey project with the intent of delivering permanent supportive housing and we look forward to the continued collaboration to bring these individuals home.”
VENTURA COUNTY — Over 15 farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public for the 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who attend will experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours and learn about the origins of their food.
“We often don’t think about what it takes to grow, harvest and deliver produce to the market,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) executive director. SEEAG is the nonprofit that hosts Ventura County Farm Day each year. “Hundreds of dedicated farm workers are behind every piece of fruit or vegetable we buy at the store.”
VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is seeking three county residents to serve as alternate members of its Hearing Board:
A medical professional with specialized skills, training or interest in environmental, community or occupational/toxicological medicine
A professional engineer licensed in California
A member of the public
An alternate serves when the regular member with the same expertise is not available. The alternate’s term aligns with that of the regular member. Regular members are appointed to three-year terms.
DOD, CMTC AND CASCADE: CMTC & CASCADE CYBERSECURITY TRAINING SERIES: NETWORK SECURITY REFERENCE ARCHITECTURE
October 8 @ 10:00 am
With support from the DoD, CMTC and CASCADE offer a series of no-cost Cybersecurity Trainings for executives, operations and IT. Starting September 19th and ending November 5th, the trainings will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT. Each of the 14 trainings will focus on a specific cybersecurity topic.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s 60th Anniversary Gala raised $402,055 to support YMCA youth programs. The event was held outdoors on September 21 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. It attracted over 300 guests and featured a reception, gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions and after-party. Actor Neal McDonough hosted the evening.
The gala looked back on the YMCA’s 60 years beginning when Western movie star Joel McCrea and his wife, Frances, donated part of their ranch between Thousand Oaks and Moorpark that would later become the Conejo Valley Family YMCA.
Uplift Central Coast — the six-county coalition led by REACH, the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership and Economic Development Collaborative — is pleased to announce the release of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Catalyst Predevelopment Phase of work.
This funding opportunity marks a significant step in supporting projects that will drive economic resilience, environmental sustainability and equitable growth in the region, in line with the California Jobs First initiative and the strategies developed as part of Uplift’s Regional Plan Part II Report.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura is excited to announce the upcoming paving project for the Ojai Valley Trail, set to commence this month. This essential project aims to enhance safety, accessibility, and overall enjoyment for the community and visitors alike.
To the City of San Luis Obispo for being an inspirational leader on this project, to the many partners who have helped make Calle Joaquin a reality, and to those who celebrated with us at yesterday’s groundbreaking, we thank you for moving the needle on affordable housing in our community.
Learn more about Calle Joaquin
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Uplift Central Coast is excited to announce the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Catalyst Predevelopment Phase is available for download on Uplift’s website (UpliftCentralCoast.org). This funding opportunity marks a significant step in supporting projects that will drive economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and equitable growth in the region, in line with the California Jobs First initiative and Uplift’s Regional Plan Part II Report. Submission deadline for the Letter of Intent is October 18, 2024, and the Application is due December 13, 2024.
The Catalyst Predevelopment Funding is designed to assist sector-specific, exploratory projects that align with regional strategies. “Our primary goals are to foster economic development, promote sustainability, and ensure that disinvested communities are among the primary beneficiaries of these efforts,” MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya said.
“This event is an invaluable opportunity for students to see firsthand how higher education can open doors to rewarding career pathways and transform their futures,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D.
“We are thrilled to welcome Paul to the VCCU family,” said Ed Sahakian, Chief Lending Officer of Ventura County Credit Union. “Paul’s extensive experience in lending, combined with his proven ability to design and implement performance-driven strategies, will enhance our services and benefit our members across the county.”
NEWBURY PARK — Financial Advisor Sarah Reznick has earned her financial advisor credentials through many years of professional experience and formal study, and through the “hard knocks” school of life.
A working mother who navigated a career change while raising young children, Reznick understands what it’s like to deal with life’s upheavals, and the challenges many people face when trying to build a strong financial foundation.
Now, after a twelve-year career as a financial advisor at a prestigious Los Angeles-area firm, Reznick has launched her own practice in Newbury Park called Sherfina Advisors. The practice, a subsidiary of U.S. financial services company Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, offers personalized financial advice and strategies to individuals, families and businesses. Reznick delights in helping her clients identify and make progress toward their goals, building their financial confidence along the way.
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) was ranked #22 overall out of 118 universities on the newly-released U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Colleges report, which features annual college rankings for the coming year. That’s up eight places from the 2024 report.
U.S. News & World Report ranks its colleges and universities according to region, so CSUCI’s high marks were in the report’s Regional Universities (West) category. The overall high ranking was the result of multiple high scores across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
One indicator was the Social Mobility category, where CSUCI was ranked 5th, up from the 2024 ranking of 7th. Social mobility is how well a university retains and graduates students with high financial need. CSUCI also came in 12th in the Top Public Schools category, up from 14th in the 2024 rankings.
Check your mailbox, Vote-by-Mail ballots and voting materials will be reaching Santa Barbara County community members in the next few weeks.
PORT HUENEME — Founded in 1906, The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) represents public finance officials all throughout the United States and Canada who aim to advance excellence in public finance. For the fourteenth consecutive year, the Port of Hueneme…
Dear Friends, Once again, we find ourselves in a Kennel Capacity Crisis. We are at 121% dog kennel capacity with 20-30 more animals arriving daily. To free much-needed kennel space we are holding a FEE-WAIVED* dog adoption promotion until…
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture Commission has voted unanimously to recognize Celesta M. Billeci, the Miller McCune Executive Director of UCSB Arts & Lectures, with the 2024 County of Santa Barbara Leadership in Arts Award.
VENTURA — Responding proactively to the aftermath of the estimated 2,000 gallons of gasoline that leaked from the Sinclair gas station located at 2121 E. Harbor Boulevard, the City of Ventura declared a local state of emergency on Friday, September 27, 2024.
This move allows the City to expedite disaster response and seek emergency funding from the state to aid recovery efforts. The City Council ratified the local state of emergency on October 1, 2024, and it will remain in effect for the next 60 days.
We’re back after a well-deserved summer break
for our undergraduate faculty members, and a successful start into the new academic year.
At the beginning of the semester, the School of Management welcomed 164 new undergraduate freshmen and transfer students and 91 new graduate students who enthusiastically look forward to their educational journey. We have a
lot in store for them and, of course, our wider community – including YOU! On October 2nd, we will kick off this year’s ForwardTogether webinar series with School of Management Executive MBA alumnus John Maier, CEO of Bose Professional, followed by our 9th Annual Executive Talent Management Forum on October 10 and Startup Weekend Conejo Valley from October 11-13 at our own startup community space Hub101. I hope to see many of at one of these events where you can explore interesting topics, and meet and mingle with our faculty, staff, and students!
In recent months, Friendship Center has begun to significantly expand our programs as a result of the generous support from our community. This support has empowered us to begin developing a comprehensive Dementia Caregiver Resource Hub, offering the Herencia Latina program for Spanish-speaking adults, and continue enhancing our diverse array of life enrichment activities—all tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of our members.
VENTURA COUNTY DIGITAL UPSKILLING TRAINING PROGRAM
The Ventura County Digital Upskilling Training program is a NO-COST short-term training program that will increase the digital skills of job seekers, current workers and small business operators. The initiative seeks to expand the opportunities and earning power of Ventura County participants by providing them with much-needed digital skills training to help individuals and employers grow.
NO-COST Classes for New to Tech Learners
This 6-week course teaches adults essential computer skills needed to get a better-paying job.
We invite local businesses, schools, sports teams, community organizations, and residents to get involved. The parade offers a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and experience the joy of wholesome, hometown fun. With festive floats, lively musical performances, dynamic dance groups, and cheerful participants, this event promises to be a highlight of the year for both residents and visitors. As the anticipation grows, we invite you to join us in creating a magical experience for all!
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) hosted its biennial Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) reunion at the Santa Barbara Zoo on Sunday, Sept. 29. Nearly 800 NICU graduates and their families gathered to reconnect with the care team that supported them throughout their NICU journey.
The NICU reunion allows families to reunite with the nurses, doctors, therapists, and hospital staff who were part of their NICU journey. For Cottage staff, it’s an opportunity to see the growth and development of the children they once cared for and reconnect with the families they came to know well.
Free Family Day
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Sunday, October 6, 2024 • 12 PM to 3 PM
Free for all ages
Join us for Free Family Day inside SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center on Sunday, October 6, 2024! Drop in anytime between 12 PM and 3 PM to make fun, fall crafts with your whole family, including skeleton scarecrow “paper dolls,” watercolor spray leaf art, painted mini-pumpkins, and more. Admission is free, all are welcome, and all materials are provided.
And don’t forget, admission to our current exhibitions is also free on the first Sunday of every month!
VENTURA — The Ventura County Probation Agency (VCPA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Candice Modica as the Assistant Chief Officer, a newly established position for the agency. This position was made as an effort to work closely with Chief Probation Officer Gina Johnson and to further the goals of the agency. This appointment was made by the VCPA Chief Gina Johnson after a comprehensive interview process and national recruitment efforts.
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will begin accepting applications for its Fall 2025 semester beginning Oct. 1, 2024. The priority application period closes on Dec. 2 and Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Toni DeBoni recommends students submit applications early.…
OXNARD — A significant study commissioned by the Oxnard City Council and conducted by the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center (CSRC) that highlights the challenges and barriers facing young adults in Oxnard will be presented to the City Council during a special meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, from 6 – 8 p.m.
Utilizing federal funding from the American Rescue Plan, the City Council commissioned the UCLA CSRC to study the widening gap that was exacerbated by the pandemic between high- and low-income families, and the impacts to young people from lower-income and working-class backgrounds. Led by the UCLA CSRC Director, Professor Veronica Terriquez, the research draws on extensive data from the 2023–24 Thriving Youth Study (TYS), a youth-led initiative involving over 3,000 local residents aged 18 to 34.
IN-PERSON EVENT: FEDERAL FUNDING – SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) & TECH TRANSFER (STTR)
October 1 @ 9:00 am
Join the Golden State APEX Accelerator and the Economic Development Collaborative for an exclusive in-person event focused on securing federal funding through the SBIR and STTR programs. Learn a clear overview of the programs available to you, how to identify potential topics/ funding sources and what to know about the application process. This interactive workshop equips new and experienced participants with the tools they need to succeed in SBIR/STTR programs. Location: 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd, Board Room, Camarillo, CA 93015.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
PORT HUENEME — In a powerful display of community solidarity, the Port of Hueneme, alongside SeaCube Containers and several key partners, has come together to support the Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) USDA Fleet Reserve Program, which provides access to critical food resources for military families and veterans for over 40 years. Originally founded in the back of a pickup truck behind the Naval Base Chapel, the program has grown significantly since 1984, providing essential food supplies to active-duty service members, their families, and veterans throughout Ventura County.
Although we are sometimes wisely counselled that it’s the journey that matters, not the destination, the start of football season gives those of us in the real estate development world a seasonal reminder that it’s getting it across the line that actually counts.
Some might argue that the metaphoric line is when the final piece of funding needed for the purchase of the land is secured, for others it might be the end of a protracted approvals and entitlements process. Our events team might say its when we together snap the classic “We did it!” ribbon cutting photo at the grand opening.
But there is a quieter, though no less celebrated moment, especially for the fortunate people involved, and that’s when we can take the next name off the wait list.
For me, that’s when it feels our team really got it across the line. I hope you’ll join us as we celebrate more coming wins!
PORT HUENEME — Over 10,000 attendees went Banana’s at the Port’s 11th Annual Banana Festival celebrated a diverse working waterfront. The Festival offered attendees a unique opportunity to experience one of the most efficient and effective working waterfronts on the West Coast.
The countdown to Clean Air day is on! Clean Air Day is a call to action—a chance for each of us to protect our environment and ensure that future generations can enjoy the same clean air and thriving nature we do. Every small change you make, whether it’s choosing to walk, bike, or use public transit, helps to preserve our planet.
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County chapter of SCORE is proud to celebrate 60 years of SCORE helping America’s small businesses launch, grow and thrive. Since 1964, more than 17 million entrepreneurs have received support from SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Today, SCORE has a nationwide network of more than 10,000 volunteers serving all 50 U.S. states and territories, guiding entrepreneurs on their path to success.
This year’s spooky special Wine Down is sure to be a great time, but we host this event for a reason that goes beyond fun and celebration—it’s about the people we care for and the families who count on us. You never know when someone you love — a spouse, parent, a grandparent, a friend — might need the warmth and support that Friendship Center uniquely offers. …
By supporting Wine Down, you’re helping us continue answering our WHY with professionalism, compassion, and respect. You’re helping families breathe a little easier, and giving older adults the chance to feel seen, heard, and cherished.
OXNARD — OPAC (Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation) is excited to announce its annual Día de los Muertos Celebration, a two-part event that will culminate on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, from 4-9 pm at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center. Admission is free and open to the public.
This year, the celebration extends with a month-long Día de los Muertos Community Altar at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard, running from October 1 – November 2, 2024. This vibrant display titled “Recuérdame” (Remember Me) is hosted in partnership with The Collection and will be located between Lazy Dog and the Cheesecake Factory. The community is invited to honor their loved ones by participating in a heartfelt tribute to those who have passed.
“We’re so thankful to our community for stepping up for local educators,” said Brianna Johnson, a realtor for Village Properties and supplies drive committee co-chair. “These funds will help us continue our mission of supporting Santa Barbara teachers with much needed educational items to help students thrive.”
“As retailers continue to pivot away from selling physical media, the need for consumer protections on the purchase of digital media has become increasingly more important,” said Assemblymember Irwin. “I thank the Governor for signing AB 2426, ensuring the false and deceptive advertising from sellers of digital media incorrectly telling consumers they own their purchases becomes a thing of the past.”
Medicare Open Enrollment begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. HICAP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to the public.
In October, November, and December, HICAP counselors — who are registered with the California Department of Aging — will be all around the county, hosting 35 One-Stops to provide individual counseling sessions, as well as 13 “2025 Medicare Changes” presentations.
“This event is open to all, and we welcome volunteers of all ages to join us for Santa Paula Beautiful Day,” says Renee Bell, Parks & Recreation Coordinator. “We’re excited to bring the community together once again for a day of service and camaraderie. Your efforts will help ensure that Fagan Barranca Park remains a safe and beautiful space for future generations.”
The program, supported locally by the Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department and the Santa Paula Police Activities League, is funded by the California Police Activities League (PAL) and bolstered by $100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated by the Santa Paula City Council. YARA offers hands-on training that directly positions participants for apprenticeships and job opportunities in traditional and emerging workforce sectors.
