Category: Commentary

Community Alert: Escalating ICE raids across the Central Coast 805. UndocuFund issues urgent call for Community and Financial Support

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CENTRAL COAST —  805UndocuFund is urgently alerting the community to a devastating escalation in immigration enforcement activity across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties over the past several days. These actions are causing profound harm to immigrant families, workers, and entire communities, with lasting consequences for public health, safety, and the regional economy.

Over the weekend alone, 805UndocuFund’s 805 Rapid Response Network alongside autonomous community patrol and defense groups SBResiste, and Carpinteria Sin Fronteras, documented 58 ICE kidnappings across the Central Coast:

• Saturday, December 27, 2025:

35 total — 33 in Santa Maria and 2 in San Luis Obispo

• Sunday, December 28, 2025:

23 total — 13 in Lompoc, 8 in Santa Maria, and 2 in Santa Barbara

• Monday, December 29, 2025, ICE continues operations in Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo, terrorizing residents, destabilizing workplaces, and leaving families in crisis.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) reminder applications deadlines for California Competes Tax Credit Program

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The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment and strategic importance to the state or region.

Application Period Timeline: For fiscal year 2025-2026, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during:

January 5, 2026 – January 26, 2026
March 2, 2026 – March 16, 2026

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Bilingual report — 2025: A Year in Review from People’s Self-Help Housing

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As we reflect on the past year, we’ve compiled some of the top stories that highlight what we were able to accomplish together. These stories were made possible by strong partnerships and visionary investments from people like you. Thank you for your advocacy, goodwill, and generous support every step of the way! 

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January at the Santa Paula Art Museum

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In 2025, the Santa Paula Art Museum welcomed 5,600 visitors to its exhibitions and events. The Cole Creativity Center delivered more than 100 classes in fine arts, fiber arts, and ceramics to 892 students of all ages. In addition, the Museum provided 1,677 hours of free arts education programming to more than 6,400 K-12 students throughout Ventura County. And 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger!

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District 216 — WEEK OFF: Happy New Year from District216! (A perfect time to setup your Circle Account for Online Membership

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As 2025 comes to a close, we’ve been taking a moment to zoom out, not just to look at the numbers, but to reflect on what those numbers actually represent. Because behind every event, every ticket, every late-night teardown and lingering conversation… there are people, this community.

This year wasn’t built by algorithms or hype. It was built by humans choosing to show up with curiosity, vulnerability, courage, and care.

And for that, we want to say thank you.

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United Way of Ventura County — United we are changing lives

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United we are changing Ventura County ?
?one step at a time to a community where everyone can thrive! Your gift today means services, shelter, and hope for a homeless senior, a child needing dental care, a low-income family needing tax preparation in 2026. Make a difference today.
Your generosity will change lives!
Happy New Year!

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VCCF Power of Purpose – December 2025 Newsletter

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Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,

I spent yesterday morning enjoying a delightful coffee and croissant with one of your community foundation board members, Catherine Sepulveda. As always, time with Catherine is just so good for the soul!

For those who have not yet met her, Catherine is a bright light, kind, generous, deeply thoughtful, endlessly curious, creative, optimistic, and rooted in her values. It was only a few moments into our conversation when we found ourselves marveling at the kindness and generosity we have witnessed across Ventura County this past year and sharing our hopes and dreams for our community’s future.

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Port of Hueneme Dock Talk — Thank you to all of our customers who help make our cargo move!

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As I reflect on this past year serving as your President of the Oxnard Harbor District, I am filled with deep pride and sincere gratitude. The progress we have made together is a direct result of the dedication, collaboration, and shared commitment of so many individuals who believe in the strength of this port and the community it serves. Truly, none of this work happens alone.

This year, our connection with the community continued to grow stronger. Our team was proud to support, sponsor, and volunteer at numerous community events, conferences, and initiatives throughout the year- creating meaningful opportunities to engage with residents, partners, and stakeholders across Ventura County. These moments of connection help guide our work and reinforce the importance of listening, learning, and leading with purpose.

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The 805 Marker Project – Our Community Disappeared — A community-led act of remembrance, resistance, and protection. Please see related Central Coast stories

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Please see related Central Coast stories:

• Bilingual report — 805 UNCOCUFund — Help Sustain Life-Saving Community Alerts/Ayúdenos a Sostener Alertas Comunitarias que Salvan Vidas
• Escalating enforcement violence across the Central Coast underscores the critical role of community-based alert systems and rapid response networks
• SBCC’s Statement on recent (ICE) law enforcement activities on campus

CENTRAL COAST — 805UndocuFund announces the continuation of The 805 Marker Project – Our Community Disappeared, a series of public art installations across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties that bear witness to a painful truth: our neighbors are being taken, and our communities are being torn apart.

The 805 Marker Project was born from the urgency and grief felt by 805UndocuFund volunteers and community members who refused to allow ICE kidnappings to happen in silence. Each marker is placed at the exact location where a community member was taken—transforming ordinary streets, sidewalks, and public spaces into sites of memory, truth, and collective accountability.

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Happy Holidays from Das and Spencer

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After many years of collective public service, you may be wondering what we are up to. You guessed it—we could not stop serving the public! We are fighting for clean and affordable energy in a new way.

We are working for the local, five-county Community Choice Aggregator, Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), and we are loving it. In a darkening age, living our values through our energy, fuel, and travel choices is crucial to avoid the worst effects of climate change. Ya’Ash has also gotten in on the act, creating hand-drawn posters and chalk paintings of steps you can take to save the environment.

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Bilingual report — EVACUATION WARNING Issued for Identified Properties in Santa Barbara County Associated with the Lake Fire

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EVACUATION WARNING Issued for Identified Properties in Santa Barbara County Associated with the Lake Fire  

***

ADVERTENCIA DE EVACUACIÓN emitida para propiedades identificadas en el Condado de Santa Barbara asociadas con el Incendio Lake

Read More | Lea Más

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Bilingual report — 805 UNCOCUFund — Help Sustain Life-Saving Community Alerts/Ayúdenos a Sostener Alertas Comunitarias que Salvan Vidas

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As immigration enforcement continues to escalate across the Central Coast, our community alerts have become one of the most critical tools we have to protect undocumented families. These alerts provide real-time information about ICE activity so families can take precautions, avoid harm, and connect to rapid response support when it matters most.

Since the beginning of this year, 805UndocuFund has spent $45,910.34 solely on sending alerts. On average, each alert costs approximately $600—and this amount reflects only what we pay our texting provider. It does not include staff time, verification of reports, coordination with volunteers, or follow-up support for impacted families. In December alone, we have already spent $5,779.00, underscoring how frequently these alerts are now needed.

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Escalating enforcement violence across the Central Coast underscores the critical role of community-based alert systems and rapid response networks

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CENTRAL COAST  — As immigration enforcement activity intensifies across the Central Coast, 805UndocuFund is raising urgent concerns about the growing normalization of aggressive enforcement tactics, the visible presence of ICE in public and private spaces, and the extraordinary courage demonstrated by community members, staff, and volunteers who continue to show up—often at personal risk—to protect immigrant families. Across the region, these individuals have stepped forward with clarity, discipline, and resolve to ensure families are not left isolated or uninformed.

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Physician incentive program delivers $16M in quality health Care to Central Coast in 2025

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SANTA BARBARA — In 2025, CenCal Health, the Medi-Cal managed care plan, distributed over $16 million to 95 local primary care providers through its Quality Care Incentive Program (QCIP), driving significant improvements in patient care across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. QCIP rewards CenCal Health providers for excellence in key clinical areas, including diabetes and asthma management, breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings, and pediatric well-care.

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Holiday heart dangers: stress, cold, and overindulgence drive spike in cardiac incidents

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VENTURA COUNTY  — Stress, cold weather, and festive indulgence make the holiday season the most dangerous time of year for heart emergencies. American Medical Response (AMR), which is the largest emergency medical service provider in the U.S. and part of Global Medical Response (GMR), has found cardiac emergencies rise by more than 30% on Christmas Eve. This makes it their busiest day of the year for heart-related incidents. This trend aligns with national data from the American Heart Associationshowing the majority of cardiac deaths in the U.S. occur during the last week of December.

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — From the Birthplace of Earth Day: A Warning and a Way Forward

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Last month, CEC convened environmental leaders from across the Central Coast with Congressman Salud Carbajal to discuss how federal climate rollbacks are affecting our region.

The resulting op-ed, “From the Birthplace of Earth Day: A Warning and a Way Forward,” co-authored by Congressman Carbajal and Sigrid Wright, CEC’s CEO, outlines what we heard and offers a blueprint for resilient, community-centered climate action.

Key takeaways from the op-ed:
• Abrupt federal funding losses are disrupting local climate projects
• Policy instability creates barriers to progress and planning
• Local partnerships are stepping up to fill gaps and protect communities
• The Central Coast offers a model for innovative, durable climate leadership

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Bilingual commentary — Is It Worth Studying the Humanities?

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We are in the midst of an era of rapid technological advancement. As high school students and their parents sweat over the correct choice for a major, they may feel that they are engaged in a sort of life-or-death economic decision rather than the opportunity to pursue a passion. There are currently a whole slew of podcasters, influencers and politicians who disparage the humanities as “impractical” or outmoded, as if they were a musty remnant of the Renaissance.  

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Bilingual report — 805UndocuFund conducting $50,000 year-end fundraising campaign

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CENTRAL COAST — The 805UndocuFund is conducting a $50,000 year-end fundraising campaign.

This is an ambitious goal, but the need far exceeds any fundraising goals. Your year-end gift will continue to fuel our grassroots efforts and strengthen our movement to protect the humanity of our undocumented neighbors. We understand that times are tough, yet together we have shown the ability to make the impossible possible.

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Museum of Ventura County — Season of Gratitude

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As we approach the end of the year, we are deeply grateful for a community that believes in the power of history, art, and shared stories.

Each day, the Museum of Ventura County preserves the history of our region by collecting and caring for its stories through oral histories, objects, photographs, and archival materials. We serve as the steward of Ventura County’s collective memory, ensuring that the people, places, and moments that shaped our community are protected for generations to come.

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Bilingual commentary — What Do They Mean “Accounting Is Not Professional”?

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In its nefarious dedication to destroying the foundations of American education, the U.S. Department of Education, in its definitely finite wisdom, is proposing that graduate accounting degrees are no longer to be recognized as “professional” for student loan purposes. This is certain to have repercussions that will significantly impact higher education in the field of finance.

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Climate Stewards Winter 2026 Enrollment: Turn climate anxiety into community power

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As federal policy and funding rollbacks threaten decades of environmental progress, it’s never been more important for all of us to step up, care for our neighborhoods, restore our ecosystems, and protect the places we love.

CEC’s Climate Stewards Certification Program empowers individuals from all backgrounds to advance bold climate solutions right at home. High school and college students, recent grads, teachers, community members, non-profit staff, business owners, retirees, and more are all invited to join us as we take collective action to move forward meaningful climate progress.

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Guest contribution — McCarthy Companies marks milestone with continued commitment to quality, community

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“Forty-five years of growth have reinforced a core belief: we don’t just build homes—we create opportunity, stability, and long-term value for the communities we serve,” said Sarah McCarthy-Garcia, Partner. “As we look ahead, our focus remains on thoughtful expansion, innovation, and advancing housing options that will endure for generations.”

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Habitat Families receive keys to homes they helped build at Vista Campanario

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VENTURA — On the morning of Saturday, December 6th, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County (Habitat Ventura) presented families with keys to their very own homes at Vista Campanario in Camarillo. The families, all first-time homeowners, helped build their homes alongside Habitat Ventura volunteers, with each family contributing 250-500 hours of sweat equity.The eight new townhomes are located at Vista Campanario, a new Camarillo development that includes rental units along with the eight for-sale Habitat town homes.

“We are always trying to be better at what we do. This build is the first time we’ve collaborated with multiple partners to build these units,” said Darcy Taylor, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County. “To continue to build low-income housing, it’s going to take more than just Habitat to do that. We’re grateful for the partners that have allowed us to put these wonderful homes together.”

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UCSB — The Current — ‘UCSB physicists accept Nobel Prizes in Sweden’ and more news, events

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In a ceremony full of splendor, music and admiration, professors Michel Devoret and John Martinis, alongside their mentor, UC Berkeley physicist John Clarke, on Dec. 10 officially received their Nobel Prizes from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.

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Downtown Oxnard — A Storybook Christmas season …

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OXNARD — Celebrate the season on Sat., Dec. 6th, at the Oxnard Christmas Parade. This year’s theme “A Storybook Christmas” will showcase creative floats, colorful marching bands, equestrian units, local school groups, and the man of the hour – Santa! This year’s Grand Marshal is Anderson .Paak. It all begins at 10:00 a.m. on Sat., Dec. 6th. Stake out your viewing spot on the route on A Street from 9th to 5th and north on C Streets in Downtown Oxnard.

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Bilingual commentary — The Power of the Sun in Our Lives and in Our Music

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As a boy, I found myself drawn to the magnificence of the sun. However, having grown up in Los Angeles, we often lived under a smoggy sun. But we and our plants and animals soaked in whatever sunlight we could get to nourish and animate our souls. 

In my high school years, I often went to the beach with friends. It felt wonderful to be out body-surfing the waves that were themselves powered by the light of the sun. On the other hand, there was scant awareness back then about the dangers of excessive exposure to sunlight. I’ve been lucky. Only one surgery, so far at least, to remove a spot of basal cell carcinoma on my nose. 

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Library launches ‘Reimagine Your VC Library’ strategic planning initiative; Invites community feedback to shape the future

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Through the initiative, VCL is inviting residents across Ventura County to share their ideas and feedback to help ensure that the library continues to meet the evolving needs of its diverse communities.

The planning effort will gather public input to:

• Identify community needs and opportunities
• Provide optimum access to resources and technology
• Design innovative programs that inspire and empower
• Create inclusive and welcoming library spaces
• Ensure alignment with the County of Ventura Strategic Plan

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Join Hospice of Santa Barbara in celebrating 42nd Annual Light Up a Life ceremonies, honoring loved ones this holiday season (Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14)

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SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is honored to invite the community to its 42nd Annual Light Up a Life ceremonies. This cherished holiday tradition returns to offer a warm, uniting space for the communities of Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Carpinteria to remember and honor the loved ones whose absence is felt during the holiday season. The ceremonies are free and open to the public.

While the holiday season is often associated with joy, it frequently stirs a complex mix of feelings. For individuals navigating this time while grieving a loss, the emotions can be especially raw. HSB understands that this period requires both remembrance and support, which is why we proudly host Light Up a Life annually to honor those who are deeply missed.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County certifies Nov. 4, 2025 statewide special election

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“As we close out this Special Election, I want to thank our voters and our dedicated election workers,” said Registrar Michelle Ascencion. “Even with a compressed timeline, the community showed its commitment to participating in and supporting the election process. I’m grateful for everyone who took the time to vote, and of course for our election workers and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure every legal ballot was validated and counted with care.”

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Bilingual report — City of Ventura reflects on eight years since the Thomas Fire with rebuild progress and safety improvements

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VENTURA — This week marks the eighth anniversary of the Thomas Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in California history. Since 2017, the City of Ventura has remained focused on supporting impacted homeowners, strengthening wildfire preparedness, and improving the transparency of the rebuilding process.

As of November 2025, 404 homes have been completely rebuilt and approved for occupancy, 31 permits are under active construction, and another 18 more are under plan review. The City’s Thomas Fire Rebuild Overlay Zone, established in 2018 to support recovery by reducing fees, simplifying development standards, and providing greater design flexibility, will expire on December 31, 2025. Property owners who wish to rebuild under these provisions must submit a complete and substantial building permit application, including all required plans, before the expiration date.

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Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors to meet on Dec. 9

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View this email online The next regular meeting of the  County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for  10 a.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2025 County Administration Building Board Hearing Room, 4th Floor 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara The public may participate…

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