Category: Educación

Ventura County Health Care Agency reminds community to be aware of health care-related scams

VENTURA — The Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA) is sharing important information with patients, families, and community members about a health care payment scam that has affected hospital patients and families. 

In these scams, an individual falsely claiming to be a representative of a hospital contacts a patient or patient’s family member and requests immediate payment for a medical service, patient transfer, or other health care-related expenses. These calls and situations can be stressful and may be designed to create a sense of urgency during an already difficult time for families. 

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard hosts groundbreaking ceremony for the Campus Park Activation Project on June 26

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard will celebrate the groundbreaking of the Campus Park Activation Project on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the future Campus Park site, located at 350 S. K St. on the former Oxnard High School campus—marking a major milestone in the transformation of this long-anticipated community space.

“This groundbreaking achievement is a significant milestone made possible through years of collaboration, the involvement of community members who never gave up, and the City’s dedication to securing grant funding and bringing this project to life,” said Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur. “Today, we celebrate the start of a long-awaited investment in our community that will deliver lasting benefits for our youth and future generations.”

Bilingual commentary — Why Latinos Must Embrace AI

As a boomer who started working toward the end of the Industrial Revolution and then well into the digital age, I find myself fumbling my way into the AI Era that is suddenly at our doorstep. Now it occurs to me that although it behooves young people to get on board with AI for the sake of their futures, Latinos, specifically, should seriously consider the benefits that are possible for them.

For important reasons, Latinos stand to benefit enormously by upgrading their skills.

Bilingual report — SEE International celebrates $100,000 endowment gift from Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club

GOLETA — Local nonprofit SEE International celebrated on June 23 a $100,000 endowed gift from the Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club during a community event held at the organization’s SEE Vision Care clinic in Goleta.

The gift will support SEE Vision Care (SVC), SEE International’s local program providing free eye care services to uninsured and underinsured individuals throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Through five clinic locations, a mobile vision clinic, and community outreach events, SVC provides vision screenings, comprehensive eye exams, prescription glasses, and sight-restoring surgeries at no cost to qualifying patients.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura invites public to celebrate (on June 27) completion of landmark Moon Ditch Mural

VENTURA — The County of Ventura invites the public to celebrate the completion of the Moon Ditch Mural, a landmark public art project that has transformed a flood control channel into one of the largest murals in the United States. Spanning approximately 3,400 linear feet (about two-thirds of a mile), the project was created through a partnership of local artists, volunteers, community organizations, and County agencies, demonstrating how participation in the arts can foster connection, support mental well-being, and inspire environmental stewardship.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura reports $2.4 billion in agricultural value in 2025 Crop and Livestock Report

VENTURA — The County of Ventura’s Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures presented the 2025 Crop and Livestock Report to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors during their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 23. The annual publication, which provides a snapshot of the county’s farming industry, reported the gross value of agriculture at $2,409,748,000, a 4% increase from 2024.

In addition to production statistics, the 2025 Crop and Livestock Report examines the economic realities facing Ventura County’s agricultural community. Through its theme, “Making Cents of Agricultural Production,” the report explores rising costs across six key production categories – labor, land, inputs, plant care, services, and compliance – and highlights the resilience and innovation that continue to drive Ventura County agriculture.

Bilingual commentary — Dark Skies: Portals to the Cosmos

There are several hundred thousand amateur astronomers in the U.S. I was one of them during my teenage years (my daughter, a mother of three boys, has made it a point to tell me that I was not a “normal” teenager). I had one big disadvantage: I lived in Los Angeles during those years and had never seen the Milky Way due to the massive amount of illumination from one of the largest cities in the world just north of the suburb where I lived. 

One summer, my father took all of us to the mountains north of Los Angeles for a few days. I took my telescope with me.

Bilingual report — Community invited to the 35th annual Juneteenth Freedom Day celebration on June 20

“For 35 years, the Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration has brought together our Ventura County community to honor history, celebrate culture, and embrace the values of freedom and unity,” said Bruce Stewart, President of the Ventura County Juneteenth Celebration. “We are proud to continue this tradition and remain committed to ensuring that future generations understand the importance of Juneteenth and the contributions of African Americans to our nation and our community.”

Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees place local funding measure on November 2026 ballot

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees voted unanimously June 16 to place a local facilities funding measure on the November 3, 2026, ballot, allowing voters throughout the Allan Hancock Joint Community College District to consider whether to authorize funding for repairs, upgrades and modernization projects at the college’s facilities.

If approved by voters, the measure would authorize up to $290 million in locally controlled general obligation bonds to improve and modernize projects at Allan Hancock College locations throughout the district.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Inspiring Stories from the Ventura County Class of 2026

At the end of each school year, the Ventura County Office of Education takes the opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the remarkable students graduating from local high schools. Every year, we’re amazed by the stories we receive of students who have overcome great odds and achieved incredible things on the road to their high school diploma.

This year is no different, and we’re excited to profile just a few students who demonstrate the resilience, dedication and drive of the Ventura County Class of 2026. Among our featured graduates are a young man who journeyed alone from Mexico in search of a better life and a young woman whose family fled Ukraine to find safety and opportunity in Ventura County.

805 UndocuFund — One Year Later: Remembering the June 10 Raids and the Road to Glass House Farms

Dear Friends & Supporters,

June marks one year since Border Patrol carried out a series of immigration enforcement operations across Ventura County, reaching the Central Coast for the first time since the early 1990s.

Between June 10 and June 14, 2025, at least 95 community members were taken from their workplaces, homes, and families. Fear spread quickly throughout the region as workers stayed home, parents worried about their children, and entire communities braced for what might come next.

What many did not know at the time was that these raids were a warning of something far more devastating.

Together, we remember…

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Public Health Department attains national reaccreditation

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) on May 29 announced it has successfully completed a rigorous process to maintain national accreditation status through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). This announcement follows PHAB’s national release, recognizing 14 health departments across the country for achieving accreditation or reaccreditation. As the first local health department in California to earn PHAB accreditation in 2014, VCPH continues to lead ahead among the other local health departments by meeting national standards and demonstrating excellence in protecting community wellness and delivering high?quality public health services. In California, 29 out of 61 local health departments are accredited by PHAB. By maintaining its accreditation for another five years, VCPH has demonstrated that it meets or exceeds PHAB’s quality standards and continues to improve in its efforts to protect the health of all Ventura County residents.

Bilingual report — Guidelines for Santa Paula 4th of July Fireworks Event

SANTA PAULA — In advance of the Fourth of July Holiday and Fireworks event, the City of Santa Paula and the Santa Paula Police Department are announcing schedule and guidelines for those making plans to attend the fireworks show at Santa Paula Creek Sports Park at Harvest.

Please be aware, as with any community fireworks show, there will be extended traffic delays upon exiting the event for those who choose to drive a vehicle and park it in spaces available at Santa Paula Creek Sports Park.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosts EMS and Paramedics graduations

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated a new group of graduates from its emergency medical services and paramedicine academies May 29. 

The college hosted two separate ceremonies for both programs at its Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.  

“Today marks the culmination of their dedication, sacrifice and hard work,” Hancock EMS and Paramedicine Coordinator Sean Newton said. “They are ready to serve their communities with skill and compassion.” 

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves donation of laboratory equipment to California State University Channel Islands

“This donation reflects our commitment to being responsible stewards of public resources while creating new opportunities for students and researchers,” said Board Chair Jeff Gorell. “We’re pleased that this equipment will continue serving the community through education, training, and scientific discovery at CSU Channel Islands”.

Bilingual report — Ventura County One Percent Manual Tally Audit Begins the Task of Election Verification

VENTURA COUNTY — Michelle Ascencion, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, announced the schedule for the One Percent Manual Tally audit of the June 2, 2026, Gubernatorial Primary Election. A mandated process under the California Elections Code (§15360), the One Percent Manual Tally audit is conducted during the Official Canvass period and involves a meticulous hand count of ballots from randomly selected batches of ballots tabulated through the end of Election Night. The manual tally counts are compared to the electronically compiled results to confirm the equipment’s correct tabulation of the ballots.

The audit process officially begins on June 11 at 9:00 AM and is expected to be completed no later than June 23, 2026. Members of the public and media are welcome to observe.

32 recruits graduate from Allan Hancock College’s Law Enforcement Academy

SANTA MARIA — Thirty-two recruits graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Basic?Law?Enforcement?Academy June 10 at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.

The graduating recruits of Class #26-131 gathered with their friends and families to celebrate the completion of more than 872 training hours required to graduate from the academy and enter careers as peace officers. All?of the recruits have already been hired by Central Coast?law?enforcement?agencies.?  
 
“This is the end of your academic training here at the academy, but your career and your training are far from over,” Arroyo Grande Police Chief David Culver told the graduates. “The real work is just beginning.” 

City of Ventura seeking applicants for Boards, Commissions, and Committees

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is seeking residents interested in making a difference in their community to apply for vacancies on several boards, commissions, and committees that play a vital role in shaping the city’s future.

Residents have the opportunity to help influence local programs, policies, and services by serving on advisory bodies, including:

Bilingual report — Mestizo Folklórico Dance Company presents Fiesta Folklórica at Oxnard College on May 30, 31

OXNARD — The Mestizo Folklórico Dance Company presents Fiesta Folklórica, marking its 45th anniversary with two shows at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building, located at 4000 S. Rose Avenue.

The performances will take place on Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, May 31 at 4:30 pm.

For information on advanced online ticket sales, please visit: https://oxnard.vbotickets.com/event/mestizo_dance_company_presents_fiesta_folkl%C3%B3rica/192913, or you can scan the QR code or click on the link on the poster.

Tickets will also be available at the door one hour before each show.

Bilingual commentary — The Higher Education-Industry Gap

Throughout my teaching career at a local community college, my colleagues and I correctly assumed that we could teach foundational knowledge and send our students into a stable job market. However, after I retired, two things happened that ruthlessly upset the apple cart: COVID wreaked its havoc, and the explosive launch of the generative chatbot ChatGPT shocked the world by offering practical artificial intelligence to the masses. 

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Get the capital you need to move your business forward

Designed to pair you with the financial expertise and right amount of capital you need to move your business forward, the Economic Development Collaborative works with more than 30 professional advisors and a full-time loan fund director, available to local businesses at no cost.
The EDC’s Business Development Loan Fund stimulates job creation and economic activity by providing small businesses with greater access to capital and specialized technical business assistance. The fund is open to businesses in all industry sectors and is supported by funds from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the cities and County of Ventura, and private capital. This loan fund makes available long-term, affordable financing to new and existing businesses throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara County.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Foundation awards $725,000 at annual scholarship ceremony

SANTA MARIA — Hundreds of students and donors gathered at the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium on May 21 to celebrate the Allan Hancock College Foundation’s annual?scholarship?awards. 

This year, 409 students received 578?scholarships totaling $725,000— the most awarded in the foundation’s 49-year history, and a 20 percent increase over the previous year. 

“Scholarships do more than help students pay for college. They create opportunities, remove barriers, and remind students that their community believes in their potential,” said Jon Hooten, Ph.D., executive director of college advancement and the Allan Hancock College Foundation. “It’s inspiring to see so many students recognized for their dedication, perseverance, and academic success.” 

Bilingual report — Now’s the Time to Vote! Ventura County Vote Centers Open Saturday, May 23

VENTURA COUNTY — The June 2, 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election vote centers open this Saturday, May 23, 2026 in cities located throughout Ventura County. A total of 11 vote centers including the Elections Office at the Ventura County Government Center will be available to all voters every day – including Memorial Day – until and on Election Day. An additional 42 vote centers will open the following Saturday, May 30. All vote centers are open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily until June 1, and then 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day, June 2.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College unveils new interactive art installation by Emerita Nancy Jo Ward

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the unveiling of “IllumiNation,” a new large-scale interactive art installation created by Fine Arts Professor Emerita Nancy Jo Ward, during a special ceremony held May 19 inside the college’s Fine Arts Complex. 

Installed on the second floor of the Fine Arts Complex near Room 209, the immersive piece uses light, color, motion, and abstract forms to transform the hallway into a dynamic artistic environment that invites reflection and interaction. 

“I wanted it to feel like a form of communication or language,” Ward said. “Something that invites curiosity and creates a calming, welcoming space for people.” 

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula recognizes graduates of Future Leaders Academy Cohort II

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula proudly celebrated the graduation of the Future Leaders Academy Cohort II during a special ceremony held yesterday evening at Parque 1055, recognizing a dedicated group of residents, community members, committee and commission members, and local leaders who successfully completed the City’s civic leadership and community engagement program.

Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, the Future Leaders Academy Cohort II brought together 15 participants over the course of an eight-week program designed to educate and engage community members through an in-depth look at City government, operations, services, and local decision-making.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College honors 16 retiring faculty and staff

SANTA MARIA — On May 20, Allan Hancock College honored the dedication and service of 16 retiring faculty and staff members during a heartfelt ceremony that celebrated decades of contributions to student success.?? 

?This year’s retirees, who contributed a combined 323 years of service to the college, include full and part-time faculty members, classified staff and other employees from the college’s many programs and departments. 

“Our retiring employees have devoted years of talent, care, and hard work to supporting our students and strengthening this college community,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Their influence can be seen not only in the programs they helped build, but in the countless lives they impacted along the way.” 

Early College Program helps Orcutt Academy High School (OAHS) students graduate with college degrees from Allan Hancock College

SANTA MARIA — This spring, a group of Orcutt Academy High School (OAHS) seniors will achieve something few high school students can claim: graduating with associate degrees from Allan Hancock College while completing high school. 

The students are part of the first cohort in Orcutt Academy’s Early College Cadre (ECC) program, which allows students to complete college-level coursework while earning high school diplomas. This year, 26 students from the program are expected to participate in Hancock’s commencement ceremony on May 22, marking the culmination of four years of rigorous academic work. 

Launched in 2022 through a partnership between Hancock and OAHS, the ECC program allows students to complete a 60-unit associate degree pathway during grades 9-12. The program includes a combination of concurrent enrollment classes taught during the school day at OAHS, college coursework offered before the school day at OAHS and summer classes at Hancock. 

Bilingual report — Thirty cadets graduate from Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy

SANTA MARIA — Thirty cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy on May 15 at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.

The ceremony marked the end of a rigorous 18-week academy consisting of 788 hours of classroom and field instruction for the cadets in Battalion 157. The ceremony was also an acknowledgment that the cadets had not only completed that training but also met and exceeded the state and national certification training standards for Firefighter I Certification.

“Congratulations to our cadets, who have endured a rigorous training program to sit in front of you today,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D.

Bilingual report — Now’s the Time to VOTE: Ventura County Elections Division shares commonly asked questions and answers for June 2 Gubernatorial Primary

VENTURA COUNTY —  With the June 2, 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election underway, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion and her team are answering some of the common questions about the election that voters have been asking.

“Because every election is unique, each election generates its own set of questions,” Registrar Ascencion said.

“For example, the first thing voters notice when opening their mail ballot is that the ballot size is unusually large, and voters may wonder why that is,” she said. “This election is the first gubernatorial primary in California without an incumbent for governor since 2018, along with other termed-out seats at the State level. An open seat tends to draw a lot of hopefuls – there are about 60 candidates for governor alone!”

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College honors noncredit students at recognition ceremony

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the achievements of its noncredit students at its annual Noncredit Recognition Ceremony May 1 at the college’s Santa Maria campus. 

The celebration, held in Boyd Concert Hall, highlighted the perseverance and accomplishments of students who completed noncredit certificate programs, including family childcare license preparation, commercial truck driving and income tax preparation. The ceremony also recognized students who completed English Language Development (ELDN) courses, earned their GED Equivalency Certificate or achieved U.S. citizenship through the college’s noncredit offerings. More than 426 certificates were completed in noncredit programs at Hancock during the 2025–2026 academic year. 

“Noncredit programs are essential to ensuring that education remains accessible to everyone in our community,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “These students are a powerful example of what can be achieved when opportunity meets determination.” 

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Foundation welcomes two alumni to board of directors

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation has appointed two AHC alumni to its board of directors, further strengthening its mission to support student success and expand educational opportunities across the Central Coast. 

In addition to being proud Hancock graduates, Claudia Ortiz and Luis Servin also bring a combined wealth of experience in community leadership, workforce development and education advocacy to the Foundation. 

Bilingual report — City of Ventura launches Small Business Week with events supporting local businesses

VENTURA — The City of Ventura’s Economic Development team is celebrating Small Business Week, May 4-8, with a series of events and opportunities designed to support and connect the local business community. 

“Small businesses are a vital part of Ventura’s economy and what makes our community unique,” said Meredith Hart, Economic Development Manager for the City of Ventura. “We’re committed to providing the resources, connections, and tools they need to succeed.” 

Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) e-newsletter April 2026

Earlier this month, the crew aboard the Orion spacecraft made history, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them. It was special to follow Pilot Victor Glover among them, as the fourth Cal Poly SLO fellow alumni who studied in our organization’s headquarters home town, and went on to become an astronaut. Like many others, I had the privilege of listening live to the transmissions between the astronauts 252,760 miles from home and the science team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The technology enabling that achievement was extraordinary of course, but what struck me most was not the machinery – it was the communication.

Bilingual report — 805 UNCOCUFund — Urgent: Stop the $460M Jail Expansion – Protect Our Immigrant Community

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors is currently considering a massive $460 million proposal (including long-term financing and staffing) to expand the North Branch Jail by 1½ housing units, adding 384 beds. We are calling on the Board to reject this overreach and limit the addition to just one housing unit (256 beds).

The Board’s current plan would more than double the capacity of the Santa Maria jail, locking our County into decades of crushing debt and soaring operational costs. Our County is facing $23 million in cuts to social and safety-net programs next fiscal year and a $66 million deficit over the next 5 years.

The Human Cost: A Devastating Blow to Our Immigrant Community

Beyond the fiscal irresponsibility, this expansion poses a direct threat to our immigrant neighbors. Our jails already hold many non-violent residents, including those struggling with mental health or substance use disorders, who do not need to be incarcerated to ensure public safety.

Bilingual commentary — Humanoid Robots and the Future of Work

We are all generally aware that the explosion of AI in our lives represents both a blessing and a threat. Some of the dangers are real, and some are imagined. We might also be conscious of the currently outsized impact that AI is having on white-collar careers such as computer programming. 

But whereas the college-bound and college graduates are particularly acutely aware of the disruptive nature of AI, it’s beginning to dawn on many of us that the threat we’re sensing is only the proverbial tip of the iceberg.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

EN ESPAÑOL: PRESENCIAL: QUICKBOOKS ESENCIAL Y DESARROLLO DE HABILIDADES: TALLER INTERACTIVO PARA NEGOCIOS PRESENTADO POR LA CIUDAD DE OXNARD

9 de abril a las 9:00 am

Acompañe a la ciudad de Oxnard, al Colaborativo de Desarrollo Económico y a Accelerate CA en este taller práctico e interactivo, diseñado tanto para usuarios principiantes y usuarios expertos de QuickBooks en Oxnard. Si está comenzando desde cero o lleva años utilizando QuickBooks y desea perfeccionar sus habilidades, esta sesión abordará las funciones esenciales y explorará temas más avanzados en función de las preguntas de los participantes. Registro: 8:30 am. Dirección: Biblioteca Pública de Oxnard – Biblioteca Principal, 251 S A St, Oxnard, CA 93030. El programa Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub (Accelerate CA) está financiado por el Estado de California y administrado por el Defensor de la Pequeña Empresa de California (CalOSBA, por sus siglas en inglés). Precio: GRATIS.

HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA INSCRIBIRSE

Bilingual report — You’ve Got Mail! Important Mail on the Way to Voters for the June 2, 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election

VENTURA COUNTY — Even though the June 2nd Gubernatorial Primary election is two months away, active registered voters in Ventura County can expect to begin receiving important election-related mail from the County Elections office in the next few weeks.

It starts with the 60-day voter information postcard, which will arrive in early April, approximately 60 days before Election Day. The postcard provides information about receiving and returning your vote by mail ballot, and the vote center daily schedule for those who prefer to vote in person.

Ventura County Office of Education — Science Fair & Mock Trial Results, Why Equity Matters, DC Advocacy, and more

Why Equity Matters in Our Schools
Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

Despite what you may have heard, equity in education is a straightforward, commonsense idea. It’s simply acknowledging that some students face more challenges than others. These can range from poverty and disabilities to language barriers or trauma at home.

Whatever their struggles, all students deserve the chance to succeed in school – and that’s what equity is all about. As you can see in this graphic, equity and equality are not the same thing.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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.”

Bilingual commentary — Voice-to-Text Faux Pas: Testing Our Relationships

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. 

Bilingual report — Need Capital? Camarillo Loan Fund Can Help

In partnership with the City of Camarillo, the Economic Development Collaborative has launched the City of Camarillo Business Assistance Loan Fund. This low-interest program is specifically designed to prioritize the vibrant business community in the City of Camarillo. Start-ups can get the necessary capital to launch their ventures and established businesses can secure funds to fuel their growth. With abundant opportunities for collaboration, a diverse customer base and an environment of innovation, Camarillo is a perfect place to start or grow your business.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk and Recorder’s Office highlights its Homeowner Protection Measures during Real Estate Fraud Prevention Month – March 2026

“As a safeguard to homeowner’s records, in 2013, the Ventura County Recorder’s office worked with the District Attorney’s office to identify the document types criminals typically use in committing real estate fraud. We began mailing out Fraud Prevention Advisory Notices to property owners immediately after one of those documents was recorded in our office, and we were one of the first counties in the entire state to do so,” said Michelle Ascencion, County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters. “We now mail on average over 4,000 notices a year.”

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara’s Summer exhibitions — Arte del Pueblo: Open call for Artists / Convocatoria Abierta para Artistas

We are thrilled to announce that Arte del Pueblo is returning to the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara for its third year and this summer, we are going bigger than ever.

Estamos emocionados de anunciar que Arte del Pueblo regresa al Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Santa Barbara para su tercer año ¡y este verano lo haremos más grande que nunca!

Bilingual report — County of Ventura agencies deliver unified permitting reform update focused on faster service and clearer processes

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, on Tuesday, March 24, received an update from County agencies on a series of measures to improve customer service, modernize policies, and streamline the County’s permitting process. The goal of the improvements is to make it easier for residents and businesses to complete building projects while reducing delays and confusion. The report to the Board reflects an ongoing commitment to improving how the County delivers services that directly affect daily life.

9/11 Survivor and wellness visionary Ana Maria Lugo to co-host ‘Rooted: A Wellness Summit” in Oxnard

OXNARD — On Sunday, May 3, 2026, OPAC (the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit) in partnership with Raising Mami Alchemy, Inc., will host Rooted: A Wellness Summit, a first-of-its-kind immersive gathering designed to bridge indigenous culture, mental health, and somatic healing. The summit is co-led by Ana Maria Lugo, a wellness educator and holistic practitioner whose personal journey from 9/11 survivor to community healer has transformed wellness access for thousands in Ventura County.

Bilingual report — Ventura’s Summer Activity Guide has arrived!

VENTURA — The Parks & Recreation Summer Activity Guide is available online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide. Registration begins Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. and will be available online, over the phone, or in person at City Hall, Room 226, 501 Poli Street. Registration information and policies are on page 7.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura partners with Naval Base Ventura County to relocate Purple Heart monument

VENTURA —  A partnership between the County of Ventura and Naval Base Ventura County has led to the successful relocation and installation of the Military Order of the Purple Heart monument to the Veterans Memorial at the Ventura County Government Center, creating a prominent public space to honor service members wounded or killed in combat.

The monument, originally located on the golf course at Naval Base Ventura County, recognizes Purple Heart recipients, however the location of the installation provided limited visibility to the broader community. To expand public access, the Military Order of the Purple Heart offered to donate the monument to the County so it could be relocated to a more accessible location.