The Camarillo Disaster Bridge Loan Fund has been created to provide immediate financial support to small businesses impacted by the fires.
“We are pleased that the SBA will be on-site and available to provide guidance and individual support to residents affected by the Mountain Fire,” stated Melissa Livingston, Director of the Human Service Agency and Coordinator for the Local Assistance Center. “The financial assistance that will be offered through the SBA is an essential element of the recovery process for our community and will do much to help support residents as they navigate the financial impacts of recovery and rebuilding.”
HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday approaching, the 2024 holiday shopping season is about to begin! According to the 2023 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express, last year, approximately $17 billion was spent on independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday.
Local small business purchases this holiday season make a big difference for your neighbors and community. Now is a critical time to encourage friends, family members and local businesses to shop local and join the Small Business Saturday movement!
SANTA MARIA — For the 16th year in a row, Allan Hancock College provided students who are single parents with a turkey and other Thanksgiving meal items free of charge.
A total of 60 individuals and families stopped by the Hancock EOPS+ program’s “Turkey Fest” booth outside the college’s Santa Maria campus on Nov. 26, where Hancock staff provided them with everything needed to prepare a delicious Thanksgiving meal. The packages included a turkey, potatoes, beans, cranberry sauce, rolls, stuffing, pumpkin pie, whipped cream, and butter. Also included were turkey preparation and cooking instructions.
“It is impactful for the parents who are Hancock students because right now they’re having a really hard time,” said Director of EOPS+ Siboney Guardado. “They are part of our vulnerable student population, so it’s not just academics – it’s also managing their kids and daycare. This week, with the kids off school, it’s especially tough for them.”
“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.”
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.
Thank you to Central Coast Moving for generously sponsoring a Turkey Drive for PSHH residents in Northern SLO County. If you’d like to create more holiday cheer with a year-end gift, visit our website or connect with our team.
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.
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.
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.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura has been awarded an additional $60.4 million in federal grant funding under the Department of the Interior’s Large-Scale Water Recycling Program. This new award brings total federal investments in Ventura Water’s projects to $108…
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:
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.
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.
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.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura, in partnership with ForeFront Power, has started construction on two solar energy projects at Ventura Community Park and the Police/Fire Headquarters. Together, these projects will deliver 900 kilowatt-DC (kW DC) of renewable energy through solar parking canopies at both sites.
Scheduled for completion by summer 2025, the solar installations will produce over 1.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually—enough to power 200 homes. Over their 20-year lifespan, the projects are expected to save the City approximately $2.3 million in electricity costs while supporting its environmental sustainability goals.
“This is the largest sustainability project of its kind for the City of Ventura,” said Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling. “Thanks to the support of our City Council and community, these solar energy projects will provide long-term benefits to Ventura.”
VENTURA — As the Mountain Fire nears 100% containment, the County of Ventura continues to work with the City of Camarillo and multiple agencies to expedite recovery activities and ensure safe hazardous waste and fire debris removal and disposal from structures and properties damaged by the fire through a consolidated debris removal program. The Debris Removal Program takes place in two phases with Phase 1: Household hazardous waste (HHW) removal scheduled to begin this week.
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.
UPDATED: Local Assistance Center for Mountain Fire Recovery
Local Assistance Centers are designed to provide one centralized location for information, referrals, resources and services to individuals and families impacted by disasters. Several Local, State, and Community-Based Organizations will offer support and services at the Local Assistance Center.
As I type out this article, the Santa Ana Winds are howling. They are blowing leaves, sending them into the air, and piling them up in front of doors like snow during a blizzard. True to their reputation, these winds have spurred a fire nearby, leaving me and my community in a smoky environment, both inside and outside our homes.
Southern California has the unique misfortune of hosting the Santa Ana Winds, which occur unfailingly throughout the year at random intervals. Like stories that are told among families over generations, they carry a mystique that is both unsettling and fascinating.
Opening night for Nos Traen Cortitos 2024 is almost here and we’d love for you to join us! Your support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to share this special moment with you!
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,…
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.
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
“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.”
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.
SBA: INTRO TO CYBERSECURITY
November 12 @ 10:00 am
Empower your small business with a deep dive into cybersecurity basics at SBA’s upcoming Introduction to Cybersecurity event. Discover practical strategies to protect your business online. Join SBA for insights tailored to small businesses, ensuring your digital assets are secure. Do not miss out on the chance to boost your digital security knowledge. This event will take place online using Microsoft Teams, please register to obtain for the login information. Please note, if you are planning to use a mobile device to access this webinar, you must first download the Teams app to your device. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Veteran’s Small Business Week. The EDC is dedicated to providing equal access to resources, advising and capital to all business owners. Since 2010, the EDC has provided over 2,000 hours of one-of-one business advising to Veteran-Owned businesses and has helped generate over $990 million in revenue.
The EDC is proud to support the community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:
“We want our students to know that everyone at Hancock is invested in helping them reach their educational goals this winter and spring,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “We are encouraging them to register for classes now and take advantage of all the resources and support services that Hancock offers.”
The Mountain Fire began in the Somis area on November 6, 2024, and has since expanded to other cities. If you or your business are affected, resources are listed below.
County Specific Resources
Ventura, 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
County of Los Angeles, click here
Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,
Our hearts are with all those who have been impacted by the Mountain Fire. We are working closely with our partners to help ensure that your community foundation is doing all it can to support those most impacted. As the situation continues to develop, we will be in touch with you to keep you informed of how we can all best help.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites residents to spread holiday joy by participating in the annual Santa to a Senior program. This year’s program begins accepting gifts November 14 through December 11, 2024, and seeks to brighten the holiday season for local seniors, aged 60 and above, who are connected to the Ventura Avenue Adult Center’s Senior Nutrition Program.
The Santa to a Senior program specifically supports seniors who receive daily meals through the center’s in-person dining service or homebound meal delivery. For many participants, this program is a cherished highlight of the season, offering a chance to receive thoughtful gifts and feel connected to the community during the holidays.
VENTURA — Ventura County Election Night Semi-Official Results for the Nov. 5, 2024 Presidential General Election were posted on VenturaVote.org at 1:50 a.m. this morning, November 6, along with a link to the Secretary of State’s Semi-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 in-person ballots cast on Election Day.
VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is issuing an Air Quality Alert because unhealthy conditions exist.
Smoke from the Mountain Fire is causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to fall in the unhealthy range for everyone in Oxnard and Camarillo. 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.
SANTA BARBARA — Get ready for an unforgettable musical experience as Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar takes the stage for three free community performances in Santa Barbara County. The performances are a part of ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva), a program dedicated to celebrating Latin America’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Have you heard the buzz about Teatro De Las Americas’s spectacular production of Nos Traen Cortitos 2024? It’s an event you absolutely can’t miss! Secure your seat today by grabbing your tickets online. Join us for an unforgettable experience!
VENTURA — ¡Las increíbles mariposas monarcas han vuelto! ¡Tal vez las has visto buscando plantas de néctar por aquí en el Condado de Ventura!
Muchos conocen los famosos santuarios de las mariposas monarcas en los Estados de Michoacán y México, que dan refugio a millones de mariposas monarca cada invierno en los bosques de oyamel, pero sabías que otra población de monarca, la mariposa monarca del oeste, ¿pasa el invierno en la Costa de California?
“With significant experience in the public sector as well as the nonprofit sector across several counties, Kimberlee brings a unique perspective and proven leadership to the role of Homeless Solutions Director,” stated Dr. Johnson. “Her commitment to innovative solutions has earned her recognition as a leader in the field, demonstrating her ability to drive impactful change. We are confident that her expertise will pave the way for transformative initiatives that will positively impact inflow and outflow of unhoused individuals and create significant impact on addressing homelessness in our county.”
SANTA PAULA — On Friday, November 1, 2024, the Santa Paula Police Department launched “No Shave November” to support local charities that assist with those battling cancer. Police officers are growing their facial hair to help “grow” cancer awareness. The Santa Paula Police Officers Association (SPPOA) is coordinating this campaign, receiving donations from all Police Department employees in order to participate. The fundraising campaign will finish at the end of the month. Employees will be allowed to grow their facial hair fully and neatly trimmed over the next few months.
Whenever we talk with children, including our own, we might find ourselves asking some version of the question, “So, what do you want to be when you grow up?” Sometimes their answers are confident and run the gamut, from astronaut to teacher to police officer to biochemical engineer and everything in between. Others have no idea what they want to pursue, which is perfectly normal and healthy.
VENTURA — In 2013, Sarah Karapetyan, an ultrasound technician at Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center, discovered a lump in her breast. This discovery led to a breast cancer diagnosis, prompting her to take a 14-month leave from her job in the radiology department. Her treatment included a double mastectomy, follow-up surgery, reconstruction, and five months of chemotherapy.
During her treatment, Karapetyan learned about a new ultrasound technician position in the Breast Center at Woodland Hills Medical Center. This role was dedicated to working with patients referred for sonography and biopsy of breast lumps. Despite her ongoing battle with cancer, she applied for and was selected for the job.
As children of all ages prepare for and look forward to “trick or treating” this Halloween, many parents are rightfully asking themselves how they can ensure that their little ghosts and goblins will be safe and sound during this upcoming festive holiday.
Dr. Patricia De La Riva, a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills/West Ventura Service Area, encourages parents to make lasting memories with their children. However, she notes it’s also important to remember there are important avoidable safety hazards lurking that can result in injury and illness.“A good start is to make sure your children are up to date with their vaccines, such as those that protect against pertussis given the recent rise in cases, and vaccines that help to prevent influenza and Covid-19 infection,” she said. Additionally, Dr. De La Riva addressed several scary health issues parents should be aware of to ensure their little munchkins have a safe and happy Halloween.
Mariachi Camarillo
Saturday, Nov 2, 2024 at 6:30 PM
Oxnard Performing Arts Center
We are so proud to be a part of the free Dia de Los Muertos celebration hosted by the Oxnard Performing Arts Center this Saturday! Don’t miss Mariachi Camarillo, brought to you by the Ventura Music Festival, from 6:30 – 8:00pm.
Learn More – OPAC
VENTURA — At the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, October 29, the County of Ventura celebrated 28 dedicated employees for their remarkable commitment to public service across various county agencies. This quarterly ceremony is a highlight of the County’s Employee Continuous Service Recognition Program, honoring those who have devoted 25 years or more to enriching the lives of Ventura County residents. Their unwavering service exemplifies the spirit of community and dedication that defines Ventura County.
Need a low-interest personal loan with the potential for a full refund of the interest you pay*?
Need to improve your financial management skills?
We can help you with both!
Are you ready to take charge of your financial future? With VCCDC’s Advancing Communities Program, you can access a low-interest personal loan of up to $2,500 and gain essential financial management skills! Plus when you make your payments on time and you complete the required classes and financial coaching, interest paid, will be refunded at the end of the loan term!
It has been an exciting month! We broke ground on Calle Joaquin Apartments in San Luis Obispo and marked the Grand Opening of People’s Place in Santa Paula. To learn more about these properties, visit pshhc.org/rental-pipeline.
VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department is proud to announce it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its ongoing enforcement and education programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on our roads.
“Securing this grant is a game-changer for our efforts to enhance our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” said Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “With a focus on high-risk areas, education, and fostering safe habits, we aim to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone.”
DOD, CMTC AND CASCADE: CMTC & CASCADE CYBERSECURITY TRAINING SERIES: MODERN FIREWALLS
October 29 @ 10:00 am
With support from the DoD, CMTC and CASCADE offer a series of no-cost Cybersecurity Trainings for executives, operations and IT. Starting September 19th and ending November 5th, the trainings will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT. Each of the 14 trainings will focus on a specific cybersecurity topic.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
VENTURA — The Ventura City Council has appointed Javan Rad as its new City Attorney at its meeting on October 8, 2024.
“Javan stood out among a highly qualified pool of candidates, demonstrating exceptional experience, extensive knowledge, and strong leadership qualities,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “The City Council is confident that Javan is the right person to guide the City Attorney’s Office into the future.”
VENTURA — On Friday, Oct.18, the County of Ventura and the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC) hosted the inaugural State of the Hospitals event geared towards industry and community leaders, to present the current challenges hospitals and health care delivery systems are facing and highlight the innovation and achievements of our local hospitals. The free, informative event featured the participation of executive leadership across the six acute care hospitals in Ventura County: Adventist Health, Community Memorial Hospital, Dignity Health – St. John’s Hospital, Los Robles Health System, Ventura County Medical Center, and Vista Del Mar.
Booking your tickets for our upcoming events has never been easier! Visit our website now to quickly secure your seats for an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out—book your tickets online today!
Warm regards,
Teatro De Las Americas
UPLIFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN PART II REPORT
Uplift Central Coast submitted the Regional Plan Part II, a comprehensive report to the State of California, in September 2024. The report identifies impactful, equitable ways to improve the local economy, dives deep into research findings and identifies strategies.
View the report HERE
Summary Reports
Executive Summary Report CLICK HERE
Community Summary Report CLICK HERE
Alondra Gaytán began her career with the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) in 2014 and currently serves as the Director of Strategic Relations, overseeing vital relationships with EDC’s partners and stakeholders. During her tenure as Client Services Manager, Alondra successfully managed a team of 60 business advisors, focusing on strategies for client retention, engagement and advisor recruitment. Recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business community, she was honored as one of the Pacific Coast Business Times’ “40 under 40” in 2022. In addition to her professional achievements, she is actively involved in the community, serving on the board of Bell Arts Factory. Alondra is also a part of the Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) Cohort XXX, where a new, diverse group of emerging leaders participates in a nine-month program designed to explore key issues shaping Ventura County.
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.
SANTA BARBARA — CenCal Health, the local Medi-Cal health plan serving nearly 240,000 members in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, announced its commitment to a $6 million investment to support access to healthcare through the newly developed Medi-Cal Capacity, Access and Workforce Development Grant Program. The investment is intended to expand capacity through strategic funding aimed at healthcare provider recruitment, workforce training and education, and overall provider practice support. Aligned with the needs identified in the latest Community Assessment Reports for Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County, this 3-year grant program, beginning January 2025, will focus on behavioral health, pediatrics and primary care, and specialty care services. CenCal Health partners with over 5,000 physicians, hospitals, and other providers in delivering health care services to its members.
“Our Building & Safety Division is highly encouraging homeowners, contractors, and developers to “Go All-Electric” with new construction projects,” said Ruben Barrera, Building & Safety Director. “Using electric appliances and equipment rather than natural gas will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from your building’s heater, water heater, kitchen range, and other appliances and equipment. Going “All-Electric” better aligns our communities with the County’s greenhouse gas reduction strategies identified in our Climate Action Plan.”
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.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College reached a historic milestone with the provisional approval from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office for its Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Applied Professional Studies. Provisional approval means the program has cleared key initial requirements and is one step closer to being finalized.
This milestone represents a significant achievement in the college’s ongoing commitment to providing affordable and accessible higher education to Central Coast students. Hancock could begin offering the four-year degree to students as early as the fall of 2026 if final approval is granted.
VENTURA — National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 20-26 and the Ventura Police Department urges parents and caregivers to talk with their teens about the rules of the road and how safe driving saves lives.
Car crashes are a leading cause of death for teens aged 15-18 years old in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 2,514 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver in 2022. In California, young drivers were involved in nearly 12% of all fatal crashes in 2022, despite accounting for only 5% of all licensed drivers in the U.S.
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Computer Basics program has been transforming lives by providing essential digital skills to over 450 participants to date. The program was launched by the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to train and empower individuals underserved by current upskilling opportunities and who have little to no experience with computers, enabling them to confidently navigate the digital world, improve their job prospects and increase their earning potential. Now, EDC has created a Computer Basics Course Replication Toolkit that can be used by anyone to expand the impact of the course and get the critical curriculum to more people across the state.
“We are beyond proud of our Fleet Services team for earning these national accolades,” stated Chair of the Board Kelly Long. “Each award reflects not just technical achievements, but the team’s genuine commitment to making a difference—for the environment, for our community, and for future generations.”
“Jen has been an essential member of our team, consistently demonstrating her leadership in communication and public relations,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “Her dedication to the City’s mission, combined with her innovative approach to public engagement, makes her the perfect fit for this role. I am confident that under her leadership, our communications will continue to thrive and effectively connect our community.”
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Community members who are not already subscribed may sign up to receive our newsletter in English here and in Spanish here.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura has selected Esteban Rodriguez as Director for Ventura County Animal Services. The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process, which included both internal and external candidates. Rodriguez succeeds former director, Jackie Rose, who retired from the agency in May.
