Category: Cultural

Bilingual report — Ventura County Continuum of Care announces 11.8% reduction in 2026 Homeless Point in Time Count

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Continuum of Care (VC CoC) has reported preliminary results for the 2026 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count. Conducted on January 28, 2026, the count identified 1,755 individuals experiencing homelessness – a decrease of 235 people or 11.8% from 2024. Since 2023, homelessness in Ventura County has decreased by 28%.

The results reflect positive outcomes based on investments in permanent supportive housing, homelessness prevention programs, and encampment response efforts. The Ventura County Homelessness Plan (Plan) presented to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in December 2023 provides detailed action areas, goals, and objectives that support this continued progress in reducing homelessness.

CSUCI to host 2026 Ventura County Agricultural Education Summit on March 27

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Ventura County Farm to School will host the 2026 Agricultural Education Summit at CSU Channel Islands, bringing together educators, farmers, students, and community leaders for a day of learning, collaboration, and innovation focused on the region’s agriculture industry.

The summit will take place Friday, March 27, 2026, at CSU Channel Islands’ Grand Salon, featuring hands-on workshops, expert-led discussions, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen agricultural education across Ventura County.

Guest contribution — New bill targets toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ on California Crops

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2026 • Comments Off

AB 1603 sets a timeline to end PFAS pesticides by 2035. Group sights report that show counties at risk include Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties

SALINAS — Currently, an estimated 2.5 million pounds of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” pesticides are used annually on California crops, resulting in PFAS residues on produce consumed across the nation. California Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D–44) has introduced AB 1603, legislation to phase out PFAS pesticides. Co-sponsored by the Environmental Working Group, the statewide coalition Californians for Pesticide Reform, Pesticide Action & Agroecology Network, and the Center for Environmental Health, the bill would establish a progressive timeline to end use of PFAS pesticides in California by 2035, while giving growers time for transition to safer alternatives.

Bilingual report — 150 community photographs capture what it means to thrive in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2026 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — From coastal landscapes to quiet family moments, 150 photographs submitted by residents across Ventura County and neighboring communities will debut this month in THRIVE: Ventura County, a community photography exhibition exploring themes of hope, connection, and well-being across the region. Selected from more than 250 submissions by photographers of all ages and backgrounds, the exhibition offers a collective portrait of what it means to thrive in our communities.

Presented by TOArts in partnership with SeeingHappy, a global nonprofit that uses photography and positive psychology to foster belonging and well-being, THRIVE: Ventura County is designed as a true community collaboration—bringing together artists, residents, nonprofit organizations, libraries, local businesses, and cultural partners to celebrate creativity as a pathway to connection and well-being. The initiative is also TOArts’ first fully bilingual (English-Spanish) arts project, expanding participation and accessibility across the region’s diverse communities.

Oxnard joining other cities nationwide to rename annual César Chávez event on March 22 in light of allegations linked to the farm labor leader

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2026 • Comments Off

Groups move swiftly nationwide to remove images, honors for César Chávez, while others promote access to sexual assault and mental health counseling services

OXNARD — Oxnard is joining other cities nationwide in renaming their annual César Chávez celebration in light of the sexual assault allegations linked to the late farm labor leader.

“March for Justice! March for Farmworkers rights! Sunday March 22, 2026 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. The events starts at 3:30 pm.,” according to a Facebook post by Javier Gomez, founder of the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center in Oxnard.

Since early this month, cities across the nation either canceled or renamed their celebrations ahead of the labor leader’s birthday on March 31, 2026. Their actions followed news of a potential explosive story by a national publication that was first reported by the San Antonio Express-News on March 6, 2026. The reports focused on revelations of a “sensitive matter” involving Chavez.

Those reports were confirmed when an extensive story by the New York Times was published on March 18 detailing allegations of years of sexual abuse by Chavez of minors and sexual assault incidents involving farmworkers rights labor leader Dolores Huerta. Huerta confirmed those assaults in the story.

Bilingual commentary — Making America Lose the Race

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

Statement from Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — CAUSE Stands with Survivors in the Farmworker Movement. Please see related stories

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Statement on Cesar Chavez

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — New Housing Protections in Ventura County: Know Your Rights

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2026 • Comments Off

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.