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SANTA YNEZ VALLEY — A sea of women in yellow gathered to the brighten the lives of clients of People Helping People at the inaugural luncheon for the Women’s Legacy of Giving in the Santa Ynez Valley. Guests were encouraged to wear yellow to symbolize warmth, hope, and shared light.
The leadership of philanthropist Linda Johansen helped galvanize 72 women to join PHP’s newly formed Women’s giving circle. “When women come together, we are powerful and we can do amazing things,” Johansen told guests.
“A heartfelt and sincere thank you to Linda Johansen for her unwavering dedication to the Santa Ynez Valley and People Helping People “said Erica Jane Flores, CEO of PHP. “Women’s Legacy of Giving is a reflection of her vision, leadership, and deep care for this community – we are truly grateful.”
You are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Supervisorial Leadership and Excellence Awards on May 7, from 5:30–7:30 PM at the Amgen campus in Thousand Oaks.
Join us as we celebrate the “Great Navigators” of our community—these exceptional honorees representing Education, Public Safety, Community Leadership, Prosperity, and Environmentalism. Each awardee reflects the very best of Ventura County—an educator shaping future leaders, a first responder dedicated to keeping our communities safe, a community leader making an impact on the lives of many, an innovator strengthening our local economy, and a community garden collective advancing sustainability, local food access, and environmental stewardship.
We are saddened to share the news that Ivor Davis, the legendary journalist and host of the Up Close and Personal program at the Museum of Ventura County, passed away on March 29, 2026. We are deeply grateful for the time he spent at the Museum, sharing his stories and interviewing notable guests.
Since 2017, Ivor shared his life in journalism through more than 20 appearances at MVC, becoming a familiar and welcoming presence. Both longtime followers and newcomers were always eager to hear his stories about true crime, music, and history.
Hoy honramos a los hombres y mujeres trabajadores que mantienen a nuestras comunidades alimentadas y prosperando. Tu dedicación, resiliencia y fortaleza no pasan desapercibidas.
On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the Board voted 5-0 to move forward with a massive construction project under a Project Labor Agreement (PLA). This decision was made despite a promised key study that isn’t even finished yet.
The Broken Promise of 2020
Back in 2020, a different group of Supervisors started a $90 million pilot study. The plan was to build four small projects to compare union-only contracts (PLAs) against regular competitive bidding. The Board promised they wouldn’t expand these union-only rules until a full “cost and performance study” was finished.
The organization has elected Shelly Gable, David Morrison, Javier Read de Alaniz and Kelly Caylor to its 2025 class of fellows.
Join the Community Environmental Council (CEC) at our Earth Month events to jump into the local climate movement, connect with your community, and take meaningful action together. From festivals and celebrations to lectures and workshops — there’s something for everyone. Browse the full April events line-up below.
County of Ventura appoints new Director of the Health Care Agency
Dr. John Fankhauser has been appointed Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency. Fankhauser has served as the Interim Director for the Health Care Agency since January 2026. Prior to his role as Interim Director for the Health Care Agency, Fankhauser served as Chief Executive Officer for the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and Santa Paula Hospital since 2019, a role he continued to hold while also serving as the Interim Director.
“Dr. Fankhauser has consistently shown a deep commitment to public service, paired with the depth of expertise needed to lead complex medical systems,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “His leadership in managing large-scale health care operations and his deep commitment to addressing community needs positions Dr. Fankhauser to make a meaningful and continued positive impact on our health care system. His record of strong health care leadership and experience make him exceptionally well-prepared to serve as the Director for the Health Care Agency.”
VENTURA COUNTY — On March 28, thousands of Ventura County neighbors will come together along with millions of Americans across the country in a nationwide day of nonviolent protest at the third No Kings National Day of Action. There are more than 3,000 events nationwide.
Once again, the local coalition of pro-democracy organizers from Indivisible Ventura, Justice For All Ventura County, and 50501 VC are hosting the No Kings Ventura County event March 28, from 10 AM to Noon, at the Ventura County Government Center, on the corner of S. Victoria Ave. and Telegraph Rd. in Ventura.
Ever felt FOMO watching millions take to the streets for change? Now’s your chance to lock in.
We’re building a space to turn local power into real impact – right here in our community. Join us to learn how we can connect national movements like No Kings Day and May Day, and take action for an economy and democracy that work for all of us – not just the wealthy few.
Join our prep meeting on Zoom this Thursday, March 26 at 6PM!
You’ll learn how to support upcoming national actions in ways that fit you – whether that’s creating posters, dropping off flyers at local businesses and community centers, or inviting friends to march alongside you.
No Kings Day | March 28, 2026
A day to stand together and defend our communities against unjust and harmful policies. Our country belongs to the people – not to strongmen, billionaires, or those who aim to rule through fear and division.
About 10 years ago, we were promised a hands-free existence in our interactions with technology. No longer would we have to use our nimble fingers to laboriously type text into keyboards, either digital or physical, they told us. Now, the tech bros assured us, we would be able to use our voices to provide input to the vast network of devices in our homes, at work, or on the road.
The Oxnard Harbor District proudly celebrates the incredible women who help keep cargo moving every day.
From our dedicated Commissioners, Executive Leadership, and Port staff to the hardworking Longshore workers, Stevedores, and many others across our maritime community—your leadership, skill, and dedication make a lasting impact.
Thank you for all that you do!
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY — A sea of women in yellow gathered to the brighten the lives of clients of People Helping People at the inaugural luncheon for the Women’s Legacy of Giving in the Santa Ynez Valley. Guests were encouraged to wear yellow to symbolize warmth, hope, and shared light.
The leadership of philanthropist Linda Johansen helped galvanize 72 women to join PHP’s newly formed Women’s giving circle. “When women come together, we are powerful and we can do amazing things,” Johansen told guests.
Led by UCSB researchers, a pioneering, multi-campus initiative brings natural history collections into the era of AI, big data and networked databases.
Read more about the Big Bee Project
Housing advocates nationally are hoping that 2026 will be the pivotal year for affordable housing.
The U.S. Senate has passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act with an overwhelming 89–10 bipartisan vote. This marks the most significant federal housing reform in decades and brings together the Housing for the 21st Century Act and the ROAD to Housing Act. Combined it has more than 40 provisions aimed at boosting supply, lowering costs, and modernizing how homes get built.
The new legislation directly addresses one of the biggest issues: we simply don’t have enough homes. Our nation needs housing of every kind — for renters, first?time buyers, families, seniors, and people with disabilities. The new bill aims to tackle this shortage by making it easier, faster, and less expensive to build.
CENTRAL COAST — The public comment period has closed on the Bureau of Land Management’s proposal to expand oil and gas leasing across Central California, drawing approximately 175,000 comments in opposition from community members, organizations, and local stakeholders.
The proposal would open up roughly 850,000 acres of public lands and federal mineral estate to potential oil drilling and fracking across Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Kern, and surrounding counties, including areas near neighborhoods, recreation lands, and critical water resources.
Imagine a government that insists that we make America great again by driving updated, fancy versions of 1950s vehicles. By sabotaging the push to convert our transportation to electric-powered vehicles, the current administration in Washington, D.C., has, in effect, handed the keys of a prosperous kingdom to international competitors.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are not just a “green fad” dreamt up by radical liberals. While the U.S. demurs, the rest of the world realizes that the future of the planet, and of industry, rests on its ability to advance in the production of reasonably priced EVs for the masses.
VENTURA — The allegations that have emerged regarding Cesar Chavez are horrifying and heartbreaking. These revelations are painful for our community, and most importantly, for the survivors who have come forward. I want to begin by expressing my unwavering compassion and support for them. It takes extraordinary courage to speak out, and their voices must be heard, believed, and honored.
As a father of a young daughter, this issue is profoundly personal to me. I want my child and every child to grow up in a world where abuse like this no longer occurs, where young people feel safe, respected, and protected. That responsibility rests with all of us, especially those who dedicate our careers to education and public service.
We are heartbroken feeling the profound grief in our communities from the emerging allegations of sexual abuse by Cesar Chavez. We stand with all of the survivors, from Dolores Huerta herself to those whose names we may never know. Far too many women are harmed by powerful men while giving their blood, sweat, and tears to social movements, and choose silence in order to protect the work they have dedicated their lives to. These revelations are even more hurtful as they run contrary to the very spirit of worker organizations which exist to harness the collective power of workers against those who use their power to cause harm. We must all recommit ourselves to the work of making our movements safe places to call home and condemn leaders abusing their power in all forms.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) unequivocally condemns any form of sexual violence against women and minors and strongly denounces the actions alleged involving the late Cesar Chavez. No individual, regardless of stature or legacy, is above accountability when it comes to protecting and upholding the dignity of others. LULAC stands with all victims of sexual abuse and affirms that no one has the right to exploit or harm children or women under any circumstances. We extend our deepest concern and solidarity to those who have suffered.
Our tenant organizing in Ventura County has led to exciting wins to protect renters in our communities.
Many tenants are forced to live with unsafe or poor conditions as if it’s normal. Small issues – like a broken stove or a leaking faucet – often go unrepaired, even after being reported multiple times. Over time, these problems get worse and can make a home unsafe, putting families’ health at risk.
SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Oxnard) announces (March 16) that he has selected Barbara Macri-Ortiz as his 2026 Woman of the Year. In observation of Women’s History Month, the California Legislative Women’s Caucus allows state legislators to select a Woman of the Year. Accompanied by her son, Macri-Ortiz joins Asm. Bennett today in Sacramento for the Woman of the Year floor ceremony.
An attorney in private practice in Oxnard, Macri-Ortiz specializes in all aspects of affordable housing development, land use, and landlord-tenant law. Throughout her 39-year legal career she has focused on issues of importance to farm workers and other low wage workers.
Join us at Repair Cafe Santa Barbara to give your broken items a second life. This is a simple, but impactful way to take meaningful climate action that benefits you and the planet. By making small, conscious choices, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.
I used to enjoy most of my classes in college. But I also found myself sitting through some agonizingly dull 50-minute lectures on obscure topics. John von Neumann, a Hungarian and American mathematician of prodigious talent and insight, coined a name for that measure of time. He stated that the average college lecture lasted 52.6 minutes, which is a millionth of a century—that is, a “microcentury.”
No boring minutes and seconds for us (except for math and physics homework)! This comical chronometry allowed my nerdy engineering classmates and I to go around saying things such as, “I saw a movie that lasted four and a half microcenturies.” After all, we were used to doing time conversions in our head. But students in other majors who overheard us would just shake their heads and roll their eyes.
Seventy years ago, my father invited me to sit down with him to assemble a simple jigsaw puzzle of maybe about 50 pieces. It was the first of many. He eventually graduated me up to the 500- and then 1000-piece puzzles. The images on the boxes for these puzzles consisted of things like people, houses, skies, forests, farms, waterfalls, plants, and animals.
He was very logical when it came to puzzles. He taught me that the first thing we had to do when starting a puzzle was to spread out the pieces and ensure that they were all face-up. Once that was accomplished, our mission was to establish the frame—that is, fit all the pieces that make up the perimeter of the puzzle. This was serious business. We finished the frame together with the gravity of two men diffusing a bomb.
(The political comedy satire) is an event you absolutely can’t miss! Secure your seat today by grabbing your tickets online. Join us for an unforgettable experience!
OJAI — Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County (Habitat Ventura) is preparing for an exciting new chapter in its mission to expand affordable housing opportunities in Ventura County, with a small-scale residential development planned for Ojai and anticipated to break ground in summer 2026. The Montgomery Street Tiny Homes project will deliver five new homes designed to meet the needs of the Ojai community while preserving the character of the neighborhood. The development will include two thoughtfully designed tiny home duplexes and one single-family home, creating a total of five affordable homeownership opportunities for local families.
Join us on Tuesday, March 10 to urge Santa Barbara County Supervisors to consider resident feedback and fully address all environmental challenges facing the communities most affected.
Low-income communities and communities of color often bear the brunt of the climate crisis, facing more severe environmental hazards with fewer resources. Santa Barbara County is required by state law to adopt an Environmental Justice (EJ) Element that addresses environmental inequities.
GOLETA — LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner. celebrated its 55th anniversary as a nonprofit — and 50 years of providing high-quality childcare — at the 2026 LEAP Awards Brunch on Saturday, February 28, at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The event raised $81,715 to support LEAP’s programs and services for children and families across Santa Barbara County.
If you are — or know — a student in grades 6–12 who cares about the future of our coastlines, wildlife, and communities, this is the moment to spring into climate action. Join the Community Environmental Council (CEC), Santa Barbara High School’s Environmental Advocacy Club, and the Sierra Club Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter for a free, interactive Youth Climate Workshop designed to turn passion into tangible impact.
As we step into March and the first hints of spring begin to emerge, I find myself reflecting on all the beauty surrounding us, especially you, our community foundation family, who make Ventura County so very special to me.
There is truly so much to love about our community. Yes, the natural beauty is breathtaking. But even more powerful is the way our community shows up for one another. Time and again, we have demonstrated a deep and steady care for our neighbors, a willingness to collaborate, and a shared commitment to strengthening the place we call home. That spirit—resilient, generous, and hopeful—is what makes this region extraordinary, and is something I see reflected every day in my colleagues at your community foundation.
We’re feeling lucky at the Museum in March!
We’re channeling Santa Paula artists Jessie and Cornelis Botke in the photo above as we dance into a brand-new month at the Santa Paula Art Museum. Join us for a green-themed Free Family Day on Sunday, March 1, and mark your calendars for the premiere of Cornelis Botke: Painter of the Western Scene on Saturday, March 14!
Scroll down to see all of our March events and classes.
We’re excited to present you the culmination of five years of collective labor – published in the fall – we’re now celebrating and excited to share our publication with events in Mexico City, Los Angeles, Oaxaca City, Santa Maria, and Santa Barbara!
Join us on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 7-10 pm at The Culver Hotel, Culver City for a conversation with the curators, artists, and contributors that made this publication possible!
In less than 30 days, our community has witnessed yet another violent physical attack against individuals bearing witness to ICE activity in Santa Barbara County.
Created and directed by acclaimed choreographer and artistic leader Karen Parks, CEO and Artistic Director of Stagebound, Inc., Decolonized: The Matriarchs is a multidisciplinary performance that reclaims and elevates the Black female narrative through expressive movement, voice, and storytelling. Parks is widely recognized for her work exploring themes of identity, culture, and healing through the performing arts. Her work has been featured throughout California and beyond, engaging audiences in meaningful dialogue around history, resilience, and empowerment.
I am infuriated that ICE is using taxpayer dollars to brutalize and kill Americans. No one should have to live in fear.
I voted NO to granting ICE billions of taxpayer dollars without proper oversight, and now I am demanding that DHS implement common sense guardrails to protect the constitutional rights of all of us.
Registered nurse members of National Nurses United, the nation’s largest union and professional association of RNs, are naming federal immigration enforcement agencies as among the country’s top public health threats, and demanding through national coordinated protests on Thursday, Feb. 19 that Congress stop funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and move to abolish ICE for the health and safety of patients and communities. Nurses also blame hospital executives for failing to clearly side with nurses and immigrant patients by acting to keep ICE out of hospitals.
Argentine beef has been in the news a lot lately. President Trump recently issued an executive order allowing more Argentine beef to enter our country tariff-free. Presumably, this is a “win” for U.S. consumers who are agitated about affordability.
However, economists are skeptical. They are saying that the impact on consumer prices will be minimal, given that the tariff-free beef represents not even 1% of the total beef supply. So much for the “win.”
In addition, Midwest farmers are not at all thrilled with this gift to Trump’s friend, Javier Milei, president of Argentina, a flamboyant right-wing populist and libertarian. They see Trump’s directive as a slap in the face and a lack of support for the American beef cattle industry.
We’re thrilled to share that the Community Song Circle is officially SOLD OUT!
Thank you to everyone who RSVP’d — we’re so inspired by the enthusiasm for this gathering of music, connection, and shared expression.The Community Song Circle, part of our Embodied Arts Workshop Series, brings people together to raise their voices in celebration of community, nature, and our shared humanity. Santa Barbara–based community song leader Heather Stevenson has been leading song circles since 2019, creating inclusive spaces where participants feel uplifted, inspired, and soothed. In this workshop, you’ll learn short, meaningful songs taught by ear. No experience or ability to read music is required. Each song highlights our connection to the Earth and the natural world, fostering community, peace, joy, and healing.
Coming from an artistic family, I knew in my youth that one day I’d want to see some of the world-renowned art in Paris. In 2004, I set out to do just that.
After taking several semesters of French at Ventura College, I felt confident enough, though with some trepidation, to face the well-known linguistic judgment (if not the disdain) of the French people.
As we begin 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we have come — and where we are headed.
If the past few years have taught us anything, it is this: we cannot rely on systems that were never designed to protect undocumented and mixed-status families. And yet, through collective leadership, love, and courage, our community continues to build what did not exist before.
At 805UndocuFund, we did not just respond to crisis in 2025 — we built power.
SANTA BARBARA — Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love and a time to rededicate our affection for a spouse or partner with flowers, cards, chocolate, and a romantic dinner. But for those who are coping with the loss of a partner or loved one, Valentine’s Day can trigger overwhelming feelings of loneliness, grief, and isolation, with seasonal décor serving as a constant reminder of the loss.
Much like the great religions of the world, the institution of classical music is rooted in centuries of tradition and culture. For me, attending a classical music event in some ways feels the same as attending a Catholic Mass.
The “priest” during a classical musical event is the conductor. We may not applaud during a Mass, or kneel during an orchestra’s performance, but we do rise, sit, and applaud at prescribed times throughout a classical music performance that conceivably dates back several centuries.
View this email in your browser January 2026 Taking the Helm in 2026: Jason Hodge Voted Board President of the Oxnard Harbor District Congratulations to Commissioner Jason Hodge on his appointment as President of the Oxnard Harbor District! Hodge brings…
Last night’s Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council monthly meeting saw strong community engagement. Thank you to all those who attended or tuned in. I am pleased to announce the new leadership roles for 2026: Michelle Santucci will serve as Chair of the MAC and Brianna Adams will serve as Vice Chair.
More In Common US, a nonpartisan nonprofit that studies the roots of division in our society, recently interviewed 10,000 Trump voters over 10 months. The result was an eye-opening “Beyond MAGA” report that shed light on Americans’ attitudes regarding patriarchy and women.
Almost 50% of members of Gen Z who took the survey want Trump to serve a third term. That the Constitution prohibits this authoritarian maneuver doesn’t appear to dissuade them.
Furthermore, a disheartening 26% of young Trump voters believe that “men should lead, and women should follow,” an outlook that appears to be fueled by the “trad wife” movement, which encourages women to marry into a “traditional” lifestyle that diminishes their autonomy and relinquishes them to subservient roles in service to their husbands.
… If you are a concerned community member wondering how best to help during this time, please know this: we are here to walk alongside you. The greatest gift you can give right now is your attention. When we are at the supermarket, waiting in line at a gas station, or passing one another in our neighborhoods, let us choose to truly see one another. These small moments of connection matter more than we often realize.
READ THE FULL 2025 REPORT TICKETS Join the Club and get involved! MEMBERSHIP Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email About the Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) Formed in 1954, The Ventura County Taxpayers Association is a 501(c)4 nonprofit…
