PORT HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme hosted a food drive at Southwinds Park alongside community partners Lujan Transportation Services, Lucha Inc., Southwinds Neighborhood Council, and others. For the fifth year in a row, the Port joined local community efforts to provide residents of the Southwinds neighborhood, and surrounding communities, with food for the holidays. With Thanksgiving Day fast approaching, families were given a variety of food items for their holiday celebrations. The event occurred in “rain or shine” fashion and many folks brought their umbrellas and rain covers. With musical performances by the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center, community volunteers organized by the Port of Hueneme provided 300 local families with turkeys and bundles of food. Residents took home food items, cooking oil, and lettuce. The bundles of food also included items such as rice, beans, the Port’s signature bananas, and more.
Category: Cultural
Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Thanksgiving Week, Let’s Honor Immigrant Farmworkers
Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. — Holiday Safety Tips to Prevent Being a Crime Victim
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Department is reaching out with helpful tips to make our community safer during the upcoming holidays especially for shoppers, retailers, and travelers.
SHOPPERS
• Shoppers beware in crowded stores and shops for pickpockets that work in teams. In a common method, one suspect distracts the victim while the other suspect intentionally bumps the victim and removes a wallet from a back pants pocket simultaneously. Keep wallets in a bag snug close to your body or in a front pants pocket to avoid this.
First District Supervisor Das Williams — Giving Thanks
Happy Thanksgiving, from my family to yours!
This year, I hope we can all reflect on why we celebrate this holiday. It’s the celebration of the first harvest in the New World by the Pilgrims. The Pilgrims settled in America to escape religious persecution and seek opportunity. The story of Native Americans welcoming them with open arms is a vital part of our history that we should not forget. Understandably, given the Navajo half of my family, what happened next also leaves us with many mixed feelings. But the symbol of Thanksgiving nevertheless defines who we strive to be.
Just as America has been the destination of people all over the world who seek refuge from danger and to build a better life, intolerance towards those people has also always been a part of American history. We have to remember that no American unless you are purely Native, belongs here more than any other one. At our best, we are the country where people go to escape persecution, not the country that persecutes people for originating somewhere else. May our arms stay open, as the Pilgrims encountered some 400 years ago.
Lumina Alliance Receives Generous $75,000 Donation from Dignity Health Central Coast to Support Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering those impacted by sexual assault and intimate partner violence, is thrilled to announce a generous unrestricted donation of $75,000 from Dignity Health Central Coast. This gift will help further the organization’s mission to provide prevention education programs and critical services, including advocacy , therapy , emergency shelter , and legal support for survivors in San Luis Obispo County.
Bilingual report — Ventura Police Chief Darin Schindler to retire after decades of service
“Reflecting on my years with the Ventura Police Department, I feel immensely grateful for the privilege to serve this community and work alongside such dedicated and talented individuals—both our sworn officers and professional staff,” shared Chief Schindler. “Ventura has been more than just a place to work; it’s been home. I am thankful for the many relationships I’ve built with our residents, business owners, and local leaders, and for the opportunities to work together to make our city a safer, stronger community. It has truly been an honor to serve Ventura.”
UCSB — The Current — ‘Prof. Meghan Morrissey honored by the American Cancer Society for her work on cancer immunotherapy’ and more news, events
Museum of Ventura County — Help inspire hope and foster connection
Small Business Saturday
at the Ag Museum
Saturday, November 30
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
Join us at the Ag this Small Business Saturday to discover unique gifts, jewelry, specialty food items, and more. Shoppers will also enjoy a 15% discount on purchases!
City of Santa Paula Welcomes Dale Goodman as New Public Works Director
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is pleased to announce the appointment of Dale Goodman as its new Public Works Director. Goodman brings over 23 years of extensive experience in public works leadership across California, Oregon, and Utah, making him an invaluable asset to the City as it embarks on several critical infrastructure and road projects.
Goodman’s expertise spans a wide range of public works disciplines, including engineering, streets, traffic safety, water, wastewater, parks, fleet, solid waste, and building inspection. His leadership will play a key role in advancing Santa Paula’s ongoing initiatives such as the Pavement Management Plan (PMP) and the City’s comprehensive efforts to enhance its streets, water systems, and sewer infrastructure.
Bilingual report — November news from Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH)
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces free event and webinar schedule
SCORE: STRATEGIES FOR OVERWHELMED AND OVERTHINKING ENTREPRENEURS
November 26 @ 10:00 am
There are two reasons that the business of “working on your small business” rarely gets done. The first is that you are overwhelmed because you’re responsible for everything. Even if you can delegate, you still must check the work and make sure it’s done correctly. That takes a toll. The other half of that equation is when you do get into action to improve your business, you are shown dozens of options. This causes you to overthink your decisions. In this webinar, SCORE will look at ways you can solve these problems in your business with easy-to-implement solutions. Everyone who attends will receive a copy of, “The Marketing Checklist 4: Your Guide for Overwhelmed and Overthinking Entrepreneurs.”
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Air Pollution Control District program seeks to replace polluting tools
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is paying for residents and organizations to swap their polluting gasoline- and diesel-powered landscaping equipment with new zero-emission cordless electric tools.
The Lawn & Garden Equipment Exchange Program will provide a total of $937,500 in vouchers to Ventura County residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and public schools. Landscaping businesses and nonprofits can be based outside of Ventura County in California but must derive at least half of their revenue from within the county.
Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) announces Intake Forms Available December 2 for Home Ownership in San Miguel | Los formularios de admisión están disponibles el 2 de diciembre
Located in San Miguel, San Luis Obispo County, this new development will see a group of owner-builders constructing 14 single-story homes located at the end of N Street, south of 11th Street. Each home will have 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a two-car garage. They will also come equipped with energy-efficient features and PV solar.
Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC) announces a Donation Match for Sustainability
Today, the SJFVC Board of Directors launches a match opportunity. We will match your donation dollar-for-dollar up to a maximum of $8,656 through December 31, 2024. Please take advantage of this chance to make your donation more impactful. Your $250 contribution becomes $500, for example. Click below to “Donate Now” or send a check to Social Justice Fund for Ventura County, P.O. Box 1271, Camarillo, CA 93011.
Port of Hueneme — CAREGIVERS “Chari-Tee” Putt Putt Golf Tournament: A Celebration of Charity, Community, and Creativity
PORT OF HUENEME — The rain didn’t detract from the fun of the Annual Channel Islands Gulls “Chari-Tee” Putt Putt Golf Tournament was held in the scenic Silver Strand neighborhood for its fifteenth year in a row. This one-of-a-kind event was supported by contributions from the Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme’s Community Benefit Fund (CBF) to support the local Ventura County nonprofit CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly. The Strand Bar & Grill, Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant, The Beachcomber Tavern, La Jenelle Cafe and The Strandwich worked together in helping bring the day’s festivities to reality with Stark Realty hosting Oxnard Local Artists who dedicated a portion of their proceeds to help support volunteer caregiving.
“The work of CAREGIVERS in providing support for Ventura County’s senior population is of critical importance,” said Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners. “The Port is honored to be able to sponsor this event and continue in our mission to enrich our community!”
People’s Self-Help Housing Commemorates Retirement of Sheryl Flores, Director of Home Ownership
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) recently commemorated the retirement of their Director of Home Ownership. After more than 28 years of service to affordable housing, California native and longtime San Luis Obispo resident, Sheryl Flores is stepping down.
“Sheryl has been a tremendous asset to the growth and success of our organization,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO & President. “It would be impossible to list all of her contributions, but we simply would not be who we are today without her leadership, expertise, and passion for the work.”
Born and raised in Sunol, CA in the rural east bay area of San Francisco, Sheryl settled on the Central Coast after studying at Cal Poly.?Coming to the organization in 1996 from the world of agricultural and business lending, she brought with her a set of financial and development skills which would prove invaluable to PSHH over the years.
Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura
Ventura County Fire Department Observes 19th Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service
On November 20th, first responders, families, community members, and local community leaders came together for the 19th Annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service at the Ventura County Government Center.
This moving ceremony pays tribute to the brave firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the residents of Ventura County. The ceremony included a uniform procession, a moment of silence, and bagpipes were played by the Ventura City Pipes and Drums. The ceremonial firefighters bell rang as names of the fallen were read in memory of their sacrifice and service.
We are forever grateful for their dedication and commitment to keeping our community safe.
Bilingual report — Ventura County Library offers essential computer and internet resources for residents free of cost
VENTURA — In the aftermath of the recent Mountain Fire, many Ventura County residents are facing significant challenges, including limited access to computers and the Internet. Whether it is work, school, or essential services, the Ventura County Library has technology resources to connect residents with the vital services and information they need during this difficult time.
The Ventura County Library offers the following resources to the public free of charge:
Ventura Music Festival — A Bucket List Opportunity
Prepare to be captivated as The King’s Singers, the world-renowned vocal ensemble, bring their exceptional artistry to Ventura on December 14, 2024. This celebrated group, formed by choral scholars from King’s College, Cambridge in 1968, is one of the most iconic and versatile a cappella ensembles in the world. Renowned for their unique “Pyramid of Sound,” their technique creates a perfect blend with a strong bass and baritone foundation supporting vibrant, ethereal upper voices. With over 200 commissioned works by some of the world’s leading composers—such as György Ligeti, Richard Rodney Bennett, and John Rutter—The King’s Singers continue to shape the future of choral music while honoring its rich tradition. Now is your chance to be a part of the magic…
Bilingual report — Indigenous Agricultural Workers in Ventura County Can Get Help to Qualify for Kaiser Permanente’s New Coverage
VENTURA — Indigenous men, women, and children in Ventura County will have greater access to health care in 2025 thanks to Kaiser Permanente’s health coverage. The new Community Health Care Program (CHCP) from Kaiser Permanente covers low-income individuals, including those who earn slightly more than the threshold for Medi-Cal or who lack legal documentation to reside in the U.S.
To reach those in need of health coverage, Kaiser Permanente has awarded a $200,000 one-year grant to the Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) to support health navigators who provide assistance in the language of the Mixteco Indigenous community.
Health navigators are trained and fluent in indigenous languages such as Mixteco and Zapoteco, as well as Spanish and English, allowing them to overcome language barriers and ultimately help individuals obtain the necessary health care.
Bilingual commentary — Thoughts on the Presidential Election
Like nearly half of the country, I’ve been in a funk over the past couple of weeks. As I process the astoundingly unexpected sweep of the Republican victory in this election, my mind fills with questions.
Some of those questions are being answered as the statisticians dissect the body of electoral evidence and conduct a postmortem on the results of the election.
The voters have spoken. They lurched rightward in spite of the signs indicating that women were galvanized in their support of reproductive rights, that Latinos were tired of the insults directed at them and their families, and that Blacks were not going to abandon the Democratic Party in its hour of need.
But enough women, Latinos, and Blacks did indeed abandon Kamala Harris to trigger the avalanche of support for Donald Trump that even he did not seem to expect—much like when he won the election in 2016. To add insult to the Democrats’ injuries, Republicans took control not only of the White House, but also of the House and Senate.
Bilingual report — Local Assistance Center to close (on Nov. 23) after serving close to 300 households impacted by the Mountain Fire
VENTURA — After serving for 10 days as a one-stop center for fire recovery information and assistance, the Local Assistance Center that was run to assist residents impacted by the Mountain Fire will close its doors on Saturday, November 23, at 7:00 p.m. Residents still seeking services are encouraged to visit the Center by Saturday or they may obtain services after Saturday by visiting existing local County and City of Camarillo government offices.
Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) — Ventura County Schools Show Progress in Attendance, Graduation Rate, and Academic Performance
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Schools are making improvements in attendance, graduation rates, academic performance, and other measures according to new data from the 2024 California School Dashboard released today by the California Department of Education. Highlights for Ventura County include:
GRADUATION RATE: Ventura County’s graduation rate of 89.3% for 2024 has improved by six percentage points since 2021 and is nearly three percentage points better than the statewide rate.
CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM: Ventura County’s chronic absenteeism rate of 18.3% for 2024 marks the third consecutive year of improvement and is more than two percentage points better than the statewide rate.
SUSPENSION RATE: Ventura County’s suspension rate of 3.2% for 2024 is a 0.4% improvement from the prior year and slighter better than the statewide rate.
MATHEMATICS: Ventura County students’ performance in mathematics on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) for 2024 improved by 1.2 percentage points over the prior year.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS: Ventura County students’ performance in English language arts on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress for 2024 improved by 0.63 percentage points over the prior year.
Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan Launches $1.5 Million Scholarship Program to Strengthen Diversity in Behavioral Health Workforce
CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) (on Nov. 18) announced the launch of a groundbreaking scholarship program that aims to develop a more diverse behavioral health workforce to ensure Ventura County residents have access to culturally responsive care. The $1.5 million initiative is funded through the state Department of Health Care Services’ Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program (SBHIP), which aims to expand access to behavioral health services for children and adolescents enrolled in Medi-Cal.
Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit Corp. (OPAC) launches ‘Lotería de Oxnard:’ A Celebration of the City’s Culture and Community with events on Nov. 30, Dec. 12
OXNARD — The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit Corp. (OPAC) is thrilled to announce the release of “Lotería de Oxnard,” a reimagined, Oxnard-centric take on the traditional Mexican bingo game that highlights the people, places, and iconic things that make Oxnard one-of-a-kind. This project was made possible through the generous support of the Port of Hueneme, commemorated as card #43 in the set
“The Port of Hueneme is more than a global trade hub—it’s a proud part of the fabric of this community and we’re delighted to partner with OPAC in reimagining Lotería as a way to bring people together and celebrate what makes our beautiful region unique,” – Drew Rodriguez, Public & Community Relations Senior Representative for the Port of Hueneme.
CSUCI students learn dance designed to help those with Parkinsons disease
CAMARILLO — The CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Dance Studies and Health Science programs teamed up this semester to offer a class designed to help students understand Parkinson’s disease from both a dance and neurological perspective. Plans are to open a community dance therapy clinic class in the Spring semester for Parkinson’s patients in the region.
“We have dance students and Health Science students working together,” said Professor and Chair of Health Science Sonsoles de Lacalle, M.D., Ph.D. “Our goal is to provide a service to the community by setting up a weekly dance studio session for people with Parkinson’s and other members of the community to come and dance with us once a week.”
Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: Gail Pidduck’s “8² + 10”
Gail Pidduck was born and raised on a citrus ranch in Santa Paula. After earning a B.A. in art from Brigham Young University in Utah, she returned to Santa Paula and started a family. With three young children, Pidduck made art when and where she could, in her kitchen or on her back porch. Her preference for oil painting stemmed from her ability to set the slow-drying medium aside in a house with busy kids.
As her children grew older, Pidduck was able to dedicate more time to painting and exhibiting her work in Ventura County and beyond. She built a studio and acclaim as a rural landscape painter. Gail’s work has been acquired by numerous private and public collections, including the City of Ventura, City of Santa Paula, City of Thousand Oaks, Museum of Ventura County, and Dixie State University.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A new study in Science maps out a comprehensive plan to eliminate plastic pollution by 2050’ and more news, events
Santa Barbara’s Community Environmental Council update — How We’re Building Resilience to Wildfires
Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events are driving the severity and frequency of wildfires. So far this year, California has had more than 7,000 wildfires — including our region’s recent Lake and Mountain Fire — that have ravaged a million acres, destroying homes and communities, impacting air quality, and releasing massive amounts of pollution into the atmosphere. Every one of these fires represents a setback to carbon reduction efforts.
But we have the collective power to stop this climate chaos.
The Community Environmental Council recognized early on that the California Central Coast provides the perfect climate lab to test solutions that can protect our and other regions from future fires. The good news is our solutions are working.
Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. Focuses on the Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund for Giving Tuesday
VENTURA COUNTY — As the season of giving approaches, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) is proud to announce that this year’s Giving Tuesday efforts will center around the Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund (RFLF) Scholarship Program, a program that has changed lives and opened doors for countless students within the community.
Established in honor of Cabrillo EDC’s founding Executive Director, Rodney Fernandez, the RFLF Scholarship Program provides scholarships to local youth and residents of Cabrillo EDC affordable housing communities, helping them pursue higher education and achieve their career goals. The program embodies Cabrillo EDC’s ongoing commitment to building stronger, more empowered communities through education, support, and leadership development.
Museum of Ventura County — Keep Art, History, and Hope Alive – Your Support Makes It Possible
As we reflect on another successful year of bringing history, art, and culture to life, we are excited to share a story that embodies the heart of our mission. It’s the story of Elisa Torres, a young artist whose journey reflects the power of creativity, perseverance, and community—reminding us of why the work we do here at the Museum of Ventura County (MVC) is important.
Elisa’s story began right here in Ventura County. A first-generation Californian born and raised in Oxnard, Elisa’s first job after high school was in an assembly factory, where she worked alongside her mother piecing together fiber optic cables. It was honest work, but not her dream.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Frog populations once decimated by disease mount a major comeback’ and more news, events
Moorpark College Alumnus Mike Madrid Recognized as a 2024 Distinguished Alumni Honoree
MOORPARK — Moorpark College alumnus Mike Madrid will be honored with the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award by the Community College League of California (CCLC) at its Annual Convention on November 22 in Burlingame, California.
Madrid and fellow honorees Marlin “Skip” Davies (Yuba College) and Mike McGuire (Santa Rosa Junior College) were nominated by their peers and colleges to receive this honor.
“On behalf of the Community College League of California, I am immensely proud to celebrate the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award honorees,” said Larry Galizio, CCLC president and CEO. “Their achievements exemplify the transformative power of California’s community colleges and reflect the profound impact our community colleges have on individual lives and our society as a whole.”
Bilingual report — County of Ventura reports property tax relief available for property owners affected by the Mountain Fire
VENTURA — Property owners whose property was physically damaged by the Mountain Fire and sustained losses over $10,000 may be eligible for property tax relief. Through services offered by the Ventura County Assessor’s Office, property owners can work with the office to adjust their property’s current assessment to reflect the damage incurred by the fire and reduce their current year property taxes.
Guest contribution — American Immigration Council: Biden has 64 days left in office to protect vulnerable immigrants
The federal government currently lacks the resources to fulfill Trump’s pledge of mass deportations in the first months of his presidency, but ICE?can and will act?quickly to target immigrants for arrests. However, before that begins, President Biden has two months left in office to take decisive action to protect people at risk under Trump’s indiscriminate immigration enforcement plans.
MICOP — Farmworker-led Campaign for Dignified Wages receives a special meeting on Nov. 12 with the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors
SPECIAL UPDATE — Farmworker-led Campaign Mobilizes 300 to Supervisors’ Hearing, Demanding Fair Pay and Better Working Conditions.
SANTA MARIA – On November 12, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors held a special hearing to discuss a county-wide living wage for farmworkers, drawing hundreds of community members who turned out in strong support of fair treatment and equitable pay.
“More than 300 farmworkers and their families gathered. Their presence, alongside allies and supporters, showcased a powerful demonstration of support for fair compensation and improved working conditions,” said Celina Ramirez, Organizer with CAUSE. “I was so impressed by the number of people who came out, united in one voice, to urge the county supervisors to improve farmworkers’ wages and address working conditions.”
Building Bridges – Port of Hueneme and Port of Paita Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Establish a Sister Port Relationship
“This agreement with the Port of Paita is more than just a partnership; it’s a bridge between our communities that will foster innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. We are thrilled to embark on this journey of shared knowledge and mutual advancement and look forward to the many opportunities that this Sister Port relationship will bring,” said Celina Zacarias, President of the Board of Harbor Commissioners for the Port of Hueneme.
Teatro de las Américas — Will you be at opening night on Nov. 16 for Nos Traen Cortitos 2024?
Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services announces FREE Pet Adoptions due to Overcrowding [122%]
Due to a high influx of animals arriving at VCAS, we will be offering fee-waived adoptions for all available animals in our care (dogs, cats, rabbits, etc.) through November 30th. Our hope is to create space for incoming critical cases.
Preview animals at www.vcas.us/pets.
View our full adoption process at www.vcas.us/adopt.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Atmospheric rivers are shifting toward the poles, possibly following a long-term cycle’ and more news, events
Ventura County Credit Union announces exclusive sponsorship of Ventura County FC
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) is excited to announce its exclusive partnership with Ventura County FC (VCFC), becoming the official credit union partner and a founding partner of the professional soccer team. This sponsorship underscores VCCU’s dedication to supporting local sports, promoting community engagement, and being a strong advocate for Ventura County’s growth and development.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura and City of Camarillo to open Local Assistance Center to help residents impacted by the Mountain Fire
VENTURA — On Thursday, November 14, 2024, the County of Ventura and the City of Camarillo will open a Local Assistance Center (LAC) at the Ventura County Office of Education Conference Center at 5100 Adolfo Road in Camarillo. The Local Assistance Center will help residents as they begin their recovery process from the Mountain Fire.
Information will be available on-site on the following topics: rebuilding, tax relief, business and employment assistance, debris removal, permits, housing, rental assistance, vital records, property assessments, public assistance, crisis intervention stress management, and basic needs. Services such as replacement of driver’s licenses and connection to health care resources will also be available on site.
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Mountain Fire Resources Update
On November 11, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Ventura County due to the Mountain Fire. As of right now, the proclaimed state of emergency has NOT triggered FEMA or SBA disaster assistance.
County Specific Resources
Ventura has been proclaimed a state of emergency. Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties have not declared any disasters. For updates, check your county’s website below.
County of Ventura, click here
County of Santa Barbara, click here
Museum of Ventura County — Sip ‘n Shop, ‘Winter’ Exhibition, and an Art Workshop!
Celebrate the season with a festive shopping experience and a complimentary beverage! From 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, enjoy a special appearance by Ventura County Ballet as they present “Storytime and Excerpts,” an interactive preview of The Nutcracker. Plus, members enjoy a 10% discount on all in-store purchases. Join us for an evening of holiday cheer!
Bilingual report — Historic E.P. Foster Library Secures $13 Million for Major Upgrades
“The E.P. Foster Library has been a cornerstone of our community for over a century, and this renovation marks a significant step towards ensuring it remains a vital resource for generations to come,” said County Supervisor Matt LaVere. “These improvements will not only enhance the library’s services, but also provide a safe and welcoming space during extreme heat, reflecting our commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of all residents.”
TOArts raises more than $580,000, announces new executive director!
THOUSAND OAKS — Celebrating three decades of arts and culture at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, TOArts held its quinquennial CURTAIN UP!fundraising event on Oct. 25, marking the 30th Anniversary of this iconic venue. The event raised an impressive $583,600, with $291,700 in donations matched 1:1 by TOLD Foundation. With a total match challenge of $350,000, TOLD Foundation has pledged to match an additional $58,300 raised.
Rod Gilbert, President of TOLD Foundation expressed his support, saying, “TOLD Foundation is honored to support TOArts in their mission to make the arts accessible and transformative for all in our community. We are thrilled to play a role in helping TOArts reach new heights with their Sparking Joy! campaign.”
UCSB — The Current — ‘Deaf male mosquitoes don’t mate’ and more news, events
County of Ventura — Bilingual report — Mountain Fire Community Update from the County of Ventura
As our community comes together in the wake of the Mountain Fire, we want to assure all Ventura County residents that support is here.
This newsletter update offers information on essential resources, key information, and upcoming events to aid in recovery efforts. Our teams are working alongside local and state agencies to deliver the assistance you need as quickly as possible.
Community members who are not already subscribed to receive this newsletter may sign up to receive it in English here and in Spanish here.
Ventura County Community Foundation Mountain Fire Update
We are deeply grateful for the incredible outpouring of support as we rally together to help those most impacted by the Mountain Fire. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us reach those most affected and offering both awareness and critical financial aid in this time of need.
On Saturday, the VCCF Board of Directors authorized the immediate distribution of $20,000 in direct financial assistance to support eight families who lost their housing in the wildfire and were left with no place to go. Because of your generosity, these families now have emergency financial support to secure temporary housing and other essentials.