Why the “Billionaire Tax” Is Just a Beta Test for the Middle Class In November 2026, you’ll be asked to vote on the California Billionaire Tax Act, Proposition 1. The measure proposes taxing the billionaires in the State and using…
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) announced the release of the first annual report from the Measure P Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC), providing the community with a transparent update on how voter-approved bond funds are being managed and invested up to December 31, 2025. Click here to see the full report in English and Spanish: CBOC.SBCC.edu
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Elections Division released its Election Observation Schedule, outlining the dates, times, and descriptions of observable activities, for the upcoming June 2nd 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 — Ahead of every major election cycle, the Ventura County Elections Division hires hundreds of local community members to serve as the temporary elections workers that play a key role in ensuring elections are executed in a safe, secure, and efficient manner. From working at a vote center, verifying signatures, transporting mail ballots, and providing information on the voter assistance hotline, there are many opportunities to get involved with the upcoming June 2, 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election.
VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the extension of the nomination period for the following County offices that are scheduled to be voted on in the June 2, 2026 Statewide Primary Election.
SANTA BARBARA — Wilderness Youth Project (WYP) and Sea League are partnering this spring break to offer the Big Blue Bridge Spring Break Camp, a week-long program designed to build water safety, swim confidence, and belonging for 24 students, ages 6-12, with priority registration for low-income families from Franklin and Adelante Elementary Schools.
The camp will take place March 30–April 3 and combines WYP’s small-group, nature-based mentoring model with Sea League’s beginner-centered swim instruction at the Santa Barbara High School pool.
VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the February 9, 2026 opening of the nomination period for the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election. Those who are interested in running for office should make an appointment to obtain their candidate filing documents from the Ventura County Elections Division for the following offices:
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“Although June 2, 2026 may seem far away, many of the important deadlines for people who are considering running for office are coming up quickly,” said Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion. “The signatures-in-lieu period is the first major action of the election cycle, and we encourage candidates for qualifying offices to take full advantage of it. Not only can it reduce costs, but it also provides a head start on gathering signatures needed for nomination papers.”
“As we close out this Special Election, I want to thank our voters and our dedicated election workers,” said Registrar Michelle Ascencion. “Even with a compressed timeline, the community showed its commitment to participating in and supporting the election process. I’m grateful for everyone who took the time to vote, and of course for our election workers and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure every legal ballot was validated and counted with care.”
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Semifinal Official Election Night Results for the November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election were posted on Vote.VenturaCounty.gov at 1:15 a.m. the morning of November 5. Statewide results are available on the Secretary of State’s website, sos.ca.gov/elections.
Election Day is right around the corner! With just five days until California’s statewide special election on Tuesday, November 4, I want to make sure you have the information you need about what’s on the ballot and how you can vote.
Proposition 50 is a legislative Constitutional Amendment that authorizes temporary changes to Congressional District maps in response to Texas’ partisan redistricting. It was placed on the ballot by the California State Legislature.
VENTURA COUNTY — With the Nov. 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election quickly approaching, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion and the Elections team are preparing for the busy final voting days, with Election Day itself expected to be the busiest.
To avoid last-minute voting stress, voters are encouraged to take advantage of early voting opportunities now available. Nine Vote Center sites across Ventura County opened October 25 for in-person voting, late registration, ballot drop-off, and more. Another nine Vote Center locations will open Saturday, November 1.
VENTURA — Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 is opening day for nine vote centers located throughout Ventura County for the Nov. 4 Statewide Special Election. Nine additional vote centers will open the following Saturday, Nov. 1. Vote center hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day until Nov. 3, and 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day, Nov. 4.
“With this being a special election, the vote center locations may be different from those used in past elections,” County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, Michelle Ascencion, said. “Please check your County Voter Information Guide, the insert in your vote by mail ballot, or the County Elections website at Vote.VenturaCounty.gov, to find the list of vote center sites that are opening this week.”
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters is committed to “Preserving history and protecting democracy for the people of Ventura County, past, present, and future.” More information about the agency’s services is available 24/7 at ClerkRecorder.venturacounty.gov…
I am reaching out to make sure you’re aware that California is having a statewide special
election on Nov. 4, 2025 to vote on Proposition 50, which would temporarily redraw Congressional district maps in response to redistricting by other states.
The last day to register to vote for this election is October 20, 2025. According to California’s Secretary of State, all registered voters in California will receive a vote-by-mail ballot in October. Vote-by-mail ballots can be returned by mail, drop-off locations, or at your county elections office.
“This is an exciting opportunity to support our students and respond to critical workforce needs in California,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “With the support of the Metallica Scholars Initiative, we can help more students—many from historically underserved communities—overcome financial barriers and launch meaningful, life-saving careers.”
SANTA BARBARA — Fourteen talented instrumentalists and vocalists will vie for thousands of dollars in scholarships at the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation’s (PASF) annual competition on April 27. The finalists were selected through auditions held March 28 and 29 at the Music Academy of the West’s Weinmann Hall in Montecito.
The PASF Audition Committee, comprised of Board President Deborah Bertling, Board Secretary Erin Bonski-Evans, and Directors Jill Felber, Dr. David McKee, and Kristine Pacheco-Bernt, carefully chose the finalists from a competitive field of adult and youth musicians. This year’s auditions featured several contenders for the newly introduced Junior Vocal Division, which is dedicated to vocalists under the age of 17.
he next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
The public may participate virtually, or in person at the County Board Hearing Room in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.
VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is issuing an Air Quality Alert because unhealthy conditions exist.
Smoke from the Hughes Fire is causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to fall in the unhealthy range for everyone in Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Oxnard, Piru, Santa Paula, Simi Valley and Ventura. Smoke and ash from wildfires contain very small particles that can harm the lungs and heart.
The district issues Air Quality Alerts when the AQI has reached or is forecast to reach an unhealthy level for all. A lower AQI can affect sensitive groups. This includes children, older adults and people with heart disease or respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema.
The alert is in effect until conditions improve.
One of the major reasons that got Donald Trump elected to the U.S. presidency for the second time was his thundering promise to conduct a mass deportation of all illegal immigrants. For many of his supporters, this promise was all they needed to reinforce their commitment to their fearless leader.
Meanwhile, “co-president” Elon Musk ignited a civil war within MAGA world well before Trump’s inauguration when he declared that immigrant labor is essential for the engineering talent required to keep America great. This outlook flies in the face of those who strongly support the view that Americans are quite capable of providing that expertise. Some among the MAGA faithful were triggered, resulting in even more racist rhetoric that hinted at the tainting of our white American blood.
(Jan. 6), my tenure on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors came to an end. I consider myself fortunate and blessed that voters have trusted me to serve in elected office and make a difference for 21 years.
When I first came into office people called me a young gun. But in two decades I have seen a lot, and want to leave you with some parting thoughts.
I don’t believe any elected official can make every call right. When you vote on several thousands of pieces of legislation per year, you can never be perfect, as much as I have deeply wanted to.
The issues of our time are daunting.
SANTA PAULA — In a ceremonial meeting held on the evening of Dec. 11, 2024, the City of Santa Paula celebrated the appointment of Pedro Chavez as the City’s 123rd Mayor and Carlos Juarez as Vice Mayor. The meeting also marked the swearing-in of newly elected Councilmember Gabriela Ornelas, the election of Councilmember and former Mayor, Leslie Cornejo, and a heartfelt recognition of outgoing Councilmember and former Mayor Andy Sobel for his six years of dedicated service.
Well-known for his service to the city and his ties to the community, Mayor Chavez, who was appointed Vice Mayor in 2023, expressed his gratitude and vision for the future:
“Thank you to the People of Santa Paula for allowing me to serve as a Member of the Santa Paula City Council these past two years and my sincerest gratitude to my Council colleagues for electing me as the 123rd Mayor of this extraordinary City. My leadership, skills, and talents are built upon the foundation of thirty years of experience working in both the public and private sector and my journey as an immigrant in search of the American dream, so I’m deeply honored – as a public servant – to work collectively to revitalize Santa Paula and build its future through shared governance and community engagement.”
Biden makes critical last-minute change to help combat USCIS backlogs. More options available. Immigrant farmworkers make our holiday meals possible
***
President Biden has just over one month left in office. He can still take decisive action to protect people at risk of indiscriminate immigration enforcement.
Among other priorities, the Council encourages the administration to protect DACA recipients; extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status for certain countries; and rescind remaining Trump-era immigration regulations.
Read more: Urgent Last Requests for the Biden Administration
VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced today the official certification of the November 5, 2024 Presidential General Election. A total of 394,197 ballots were cast in the general election; with 84.17% of the voters utilizing their vote-by-mail ballot and 15.83% voting in person. Ventura County had a 76.25% overall voter turnout for this election.
The November 2024 General Election marks Ventura County’s fourth election conducted under the Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) election model. It also marks a significant increase in the number of voters taking advantage of the expanded voting opportunities provided under the VCA.
With the approach of Thanksgiving, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the people who make this holiday possible. Many of the fruits, vegetables, and other staples of our Thanksgiving feasts are harvested by immigrant farm workers.
The Audit is a Key Component of the Official Canvass for the November 2024 Election VENTURA — Michelle Ascencion, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, announced the schedule for the One Percent Manual Tally audit of the November 5,…
As the oldest Latino civil rights organization in the nation, LULAC stands firmly committed to uplifting and empowering the Latino community across America—working to strengthen economic and educational opportunities and to protect our civil rights.
For nearly a century, LULAC has been here, side by side with the communities we serve, tirelessly working toward a future that fulfills the dreams of our families and honors the sacrifices of those who came before us. Now, as we look to the horizon, we welcome the opportunity to work with President Donald J. Trump, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, all of last night’s elected officials, and the incoming Administration. Together, we are called to build a future that holds space for all our stories, our voices, and our dreams.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) and the Santa Barbara City College Foundation express heartfelt gratitude to the Santa Barbara community, Yes on Measure P campaign, and their volunteers for the passage of Measure P, a vital bond extension that will enable the college to enhance facilities, update technology, and continue offering a high-quality educational experience. This bond extension reflects the community’s commitment to SBCC’s mission of empowering students through affordable, accessible, and innovative education.
Great news! A new project is laying the track for new passenger trains to Santa Barbara County – literally.
$22 million in State grant funding has been awarded to construct the Ortega Siding, which will significantly increase the capacity of the LOSSAN rail corridor – which is the second busiest in the United States.
If you’ve ridden the Pacific Surfliner recently you may have noticed that often trains are held at Seacliff or the Santa Barbara Station. The Ortega siding project will change that, by allowing for bi-directional movement that lets trains pass one another.
VENTURA — With the November 5, 2024 Election Day less than a week away, Michelle Ascencion, County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, and her Elections team are not only planning for the busiest voting days that remain ahead, they are also preparing for the long night of election results reporting that follows. The 8:00 p.m. official close of the Election starts the clock when candidates, voters and the media all eagerly await the voting results.
Until almost 10 years ago, “populism” was not a major political force in American politics. Some might consider the Obama years to have represented a benign form of modern nascent populism with its appeal to a younger, more progressive segment of our population. For this group, Barack Obama offered “hope” that a country such as ours, burdened by a racist past, could once and for all dismantle the invisible wall that previously had protected the privileged centers of power in this country.
VENTURA — Whether you send in your vote by mail ballot or go to a vote center to vote in person, the time is NOW to make your voice heard for the November 5th Presidential Election.
More than a half-million ballots were mailed to Ventura County registered voters in early October. At the same time, the Elections Office at the Ventura County Government Center in Ventura opened for early in-person voting. This week, beginning Saturday, October 26, an 11-day vote center will open in each city in the county, allowing additional opportunities for early voting. More than forty more vote centers open beginning November 2. Vote Centers are open every day through Election Day, and you can visit any location in the county.
VENTURA — Michelle Ascencion, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, announced the launch of Election Smart! and the Election Smart! Blog, a new online resource at VenturaVote.org, to help provide Ventura County voters with accurate, official information about local elections and the upcoming November 5, 2024 General Election. Election Smart! is part of the Registrar of Voters’ commitment to increase transparency around election laws and procedures while countering the spread of misinformation during election season.
Registrar Ascencion’s larger efforts in public outreach began with the Election Education Series, a four-part series presented from October 2023 to February 2024. The series covered different election topics, such as running for office, election integrity and security, and the unique features of Presidential primaries. Videos of the presentations are accessible on the Election Smart! page.
VENTURA — Michelle Ascencion, County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, announced important activities for the November 5, 2024 Presidential General Election that will begin on October 7.
Throughout the State of California, counties will begin mailing Vote by Mail ballots to all active, registered voters on Oct. 7. Voters should expect to receive their ballot by Oct. 17; anyone who hasn’t received their ballot or State/County Voter Information Guide in the mail by then should contact the Elections Office. Voters are reminded they need to return their ballot in the SIGNED return, postage-paid envelope, and return it by U.S. postal mail; or, in 1 of 38 official ballot drop boxes; or, at 1 of 52 vote centers; or, at the County Elections Office by 8 pm on Election Day, Nov. 5. Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received within 7 days. …
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Pre-LAT itself is a comprehensive test of the system’s ability to function properly and produce accurate results. Equipment tested in Pre-LAT includes the ballot scanners and tabulators, adjudication equipment, ADA-accessible ballot marking devices, and ballot printers. Each component is tested separately, and the final test results are reported to the California Secretary of State. Only equipment passing the logic and accuracy tests can be utilized in the election. Once approved, the equipment is then sealed immediately, and the seals remain intact throughout the entire election for security.”
All eligible citizens are encouraged to register to vote in anticipation of the upcoming Presidential General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5th.
LEARN MORE
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes •…
VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the extension of the nomination period for the following City, School District and Special District elected offices that are scheduled to be voted on in the November 5, 2024 General Election. The incumbent officer in each of these positions did not file nomination papers before the August 9, 2024, 5 PM deadline.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura announces that the following incumbents have not filed nomination papers to seek re-election for their respective offices: Mayor Joe Schroeder (District 7) and Councilmember Mike Johnson (District 3).
This notification is provided three days before the close of the nomination period, as required by California Elections Code 10224. The deadline for candidates to file nomination papers is Friday, August 9, 2024.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is excited to announce the appointment of Diana Zapata as the new Director of Human Resources. With a distinguished career in strategic human resources management and as a former student and faculty member at SBCC, Zapata brings a wealth of expertise and experience back to the campuses, further enhancing the college’s commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace environment..
“It’s great to be back at SBCC,” shared Zapata. “I look forward to working with the SBCC team, to partner with them and build a better culture of belonging across all campuses.”
Zapata’s professional journey spans over two decades, with significant leadership roles in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She has demonstrated exceptional skills in recruitment, talent acquisition and retention, labor relations, staff development, conflict resolution and organizational development. Her multidisciplinary approach and proven track record in supporting institutional growth make her an invaluable addition to the SBCC community.
VENTURA — Mark your calendars! On November 5, 2024, voters in the City of Ventura’s Districts 2, 3, and 7 will head to the polls to elect three City Council members for four-year terms. This election will be held in conjunction with the Ventura County Presidential General Election, making it a pivotal day for our community.
Gotcha.
No, this isn’t an article about you-know-who. Rather, it’s about a man we don’t hear much about these days. But maybe we should, given the fraught political atmosphere in which we find ourselves.
So, let’s consider the story of a highly controversial man who ran for president in the early 1900s.
The new method finds more extensive and diverse coverage, which is crucial for meeting the goal of protecting 30% of Earth by 2030.
VENTURA — Primary Election Night Closing Results for Ventura County came in at 1:50 a.m., March 6, 2024, and are posted on the VenturaVote.org Election Results page, along with a link to the Secretary of State’s Semifinal Official Results for the State of California.
The Ventura County Election Night Results include: vote-by-mail ballots received and processed before Election Day, in-person ballots cast during early voting, and non-conditional and non-provisional ballots cast on Election Day.
March 6 is also the start of the Official Canvass Period, which must be completed within thirty days after Election Day. Election officials conduct numerous post-election activities during the canvass as mandated by State Law.
As I was filling out my ballot for the coming election here in California, most of the items were fairly easy choices for me (one of them at the top of the ticket was very easy). But then I came to the choices for judge for the Ventura County Superior Court. We are directed to vote for only one.
I stared at the names. One of them was immediately recognizable because I had seen his name in news items about some of our local civil and criminal trials. His credentials seem impeccable.
But then I realized that I knew essentially nothing about the other three candidates.
So why is it so important to vote for judges and not just skip over this section of the ballot?
