VENTURA — On Tuesday, October 21, during their regular meeting, the Board of Supervisors proudly recognized 25 dedicated employees for reaching the milestone of 25 or more years of continuous public service. Collectively, these individuals represent a remarkable 720 years of commitment to serving Ventura County residents.
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 students are making gains in both math and English language arts, according to the latest scores from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). The percentage of students countywide who met or exceeded state standards in the 2024-2025 school year is up by 1.3% in math and 1.9% in English. This is the fourth consecutive year of improvement since scores dipped during the pandemic. You can find CAASPP scores for individual schools and school districts at this link.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is helping local students and healthcare professionals take the next step in their careers with two upcoming program application deadlines — including the college’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pathway, developed in partnership with California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI), and the spring 2026 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) academy.
OXNARD — The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) is proud to announce the launch of Professional Empowerment and Employment Resources (PEER) Up, a groundbreaking new program designed to close the employment and wage gaps for individuals with disabilities in Ventura County. PEER Up is a workforce development initiative that provides paid work experience, mentorship, and inclusive job connections to help participants build confidence and thrive in today’s workforce.
“We are excited to receive this grant, which will allow us to significantly expand our bicycle and pedestrian safety program,” said Principal Civil Engineer Jeff Hereford. “By focusing on education, awareness, and promoting safe practices, we aim to reduce crashes and prevent injuries. Ultimately, we’re working toward building more walkable and bike-friendly neighborhoods where everyone can travel safely and confidently.”
VENTURA — The Ventura County Probation Agency (VCPA) is proud to announce the assignment of two new K-9 Officers, Virna Mejia and Andy Bernal, and their specially trained K-9 partners, Inca and Koda. This marks a significant step forward in enhancing the agency’s safety protocols and community service capabilities.
The introduction of K-9 Officers and their canine partners is a strategic initiative designed to strengthen public safety and support probation supervision efforts. This highly skilled K-9 team will focus on detecting illegal substances and weapons during home visits and searches within juvenile facilities. Their presence not only acts as a powerful deterrent against criminal activity but also enhances officer safety and efficiency during field operations.
By Kaiser Permanente
If you’re thinking about skipping the flu shot this year, you may want to reconsider!
Scientists and public health officials are preparing for a potentially active flu season in the United States in the coming months, based on recent trends and updated vaccine formulations. Here’s what they say the public should expect:
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…
View this email online The next regular meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2025 County Administration Building Board Hearing Room, 4th Floor 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara The public may participate…
CAMARILLO — Starting (Oct. 1), Ventura County residents with both Medi-Cal and Medicare coverage will be able to choose to have their care coordinated under one integrated plan from Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP).
GCHP Total Care Advantage (HMO D-SNP) is a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan for low-income seniors and people with disabilities who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal – known as Medi-Medi members. Total Care Advantage is designed to support members by offering care coordination to help with accessing needed services, scheduling appointments, and managing chronic conditions.
We hope this newsletter finds you well and safe. We are pleased to share with you our latest updates on the 805UndocuFund’s efforts in taking charge of the newly operated Rapid Response Network. Previously owned by CAUSE, we have trained over 1,000 volunteers throughout the tri-county since the beginning of 2025. To date, we have almost reached our fund goal & immediately having been dispersed $478,000 to 388 families! All our successes could not have been achieved without the support from the community.
There is a potential for storm water runoff to carry disease causing bacteria to the beaches and into the ocean water. In addition, storm water runoff can transport physical hazards such as partially submerged tree limbs and logs into the ocean that could result in serious physical injury. Contact with this runoff water will result in an increased risk to human health and should be avoided for at least 72 hours after all rainfall activity has ended.
Commercial refrigeration is among the most energy-intensive operations in the food business, and outdated systems are costing us more than just money. Many older units use refrigerants that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
A group of nine students in the college’s art, graphic design and multimedia programs teamed up with fine arts instructor Tellef Tellefson and staff from The Nature Conservancy’s Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve, located in Lompoc, to design interpretive signage for the Jalama Campground, located adjacent to the preserve.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College invited more than 1,300 local high school and college students to its Santa Maria campus on Oct. 3 for the college’s annual?Career?Exploration?Day.
The in-person event provided participating students with the opportunity to explore potential career paths and learn more about the college’s academic and career technical education programs.
?“Career Exploration Day gives students a chance to connect with industry professionals,” said Hancock Career Counselor David Hernandez. “It opens their eyes to companies and career paths they might not have considered.”
Clases de danza en dos estilos/?
Dance classes in 2 styles:
Folclórico
Con/with Ms. Xochitl
Movement
Con/with Mr. Javier
Niñas y niños de 7 a 14 años / Ages 7-14
(Dependiendo de la cantidad de inscripciones, las clases podrán ser separadas por edad / Depending on enrollment, ages can be divided)
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is looking for community members to serve on two important advisory bodies that help guide the City’s future: the Design Review Committee and the Water Commission. These groups provide critical input on urban design and development, and water resource planning. These advisory bodies offer residents and professionals the opportunity to get involved, lend their expertise, and make a lasting impact in Ventura.
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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.
In the ancient past, up to around the end of 2022, I used to grapple with complex technical issues (for me, anyway) as I pursued some of my projects. When I first started building websites, for example, I often found myself stumped by some of the technical barriers that kept emerging in front of me.
When confronted with an intractable problem that appeared insurmountable, I found myself hunting for web pages that would illuminate me and provide the answers I was looking for. Sometimes I succeeded in ferreting out a solution to a dilemma that would sometimes take days to resolve because I often didn’t even know quite what to search for.
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula today announced that Deputy City Manager Jonathan Royas will be leaving the City to assume the role of Assistant City Manager for the City of Moorpark. Royas’s last day with Santa Paula will be October 3, 2025.
“Jonathan has served Santa Paula with dedication and skill,” said City Manager Dan Singer. “His leadership on Measure R, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, trail connectivity grants, and community engagement work has made a lasting impact. We thank him for his service and wish him well in Moorpark. The City will maintain continuity of operations as we begin the process to fill this role.”
“Every child deserves to travel safely,” Sergeant Mark Knackstedt said. “We urge all parents and caregivers to know for sure that their children are in the right seats and that those seats are installed correctly. Keeping a child in the right seat for their age and size can make all the difference in a crash.”
The board oversees the Santa Maria Fairpark, which serves as the premier event center in the Santa Maria Valley. As a subdivision of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the board is tasked with supporting the community by providing venues for education, recreation, entertainment, and by promoting agriculture, industry, commerce, and tourism.
Join the City of Oxnard and EDC for this workshop series, which has been developed to help advance business formalization, financial resilience and strategic visibility among small businesses in Ventura County. It addresses core areas where entrepreneurs often face barriers—legal compliance, financial planning, and marketing execution—offering hands-on, actionable training that leads to real outcomes: formal registration, funding readiness and customer growth.
VENTURA — Mosquito activity is expected to increase following the rainfall from the remnants of Tropical Storm Mario. It is important now to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the chances of being bitten by mosquitoes by emptying objects that collected water during the rain event.
announce the appointment of Paul Chan, PE, CEM, as the new Director of Water & Sanitation. Chan brings more than 30 years of distinguished leadership in engineering, construction, and facilities management, with an extensive career of service in the U.S. military.
Lea en español | Received this from a friend? Subscribe! eNewsletter September 2025 It’s back-to-school season for our Camino Scholars! With a gift of $55/month, students will have the tools and support to build their confidence, stay engaged with their studies, and succeed all year long.…
VENTURA COUNTY — Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities.
In this video message, Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, reflects on the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month and shares some of his favorite family traditions. Keep an eye on VCOE’s social media throughout the month for special messages about Hispanic Heritage Month from our students and staff.
The canonization of a saint is the culmination of a process that, in the eyes of the Catholic Church, creates a bridge between human and divine realms. The formal process of canonization has evolved over the centuries from a local affair to an intricate, institutionalized undertaking that is overseen by the pope himself.
VENTURA — To expand accessibility and ensure all residents have the opportunity to be prepared for emergencies, the City of Ventura, in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the City of Santa Paula, is offering a full Spanish-language Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training beginning this October.
The free, hands-on program is open to 40 participants from Ventura and Santa Paula and will run from October 9 through November 15, 2025. Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis with the application open through Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
Reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores en español
(Board of Supervisors’ Meetings in Spanish)
El Condado de Santa Bárbara está ofreciendo interpretación en español de las reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores. Véalo en vivo en nuestro canal de YouTube en español, o las personas suscritas a la televisión por cable pueden acceder a la programación secundaria de audio (SAP) en los ajustes de idioma.
Aún se requiere pedir con anticipación l
Join the City of Oxnard and EDC for this workshop series, which has been developed to help advance business formalization, financial resilience and strategic visibility among small businesses in Ventura County. It addresses core areas where entrepreneurs often face barriers—legal compliance, financial planning, and marketing execution—offering hands-on, actionable training that leads to real outcomes: formal registration, funding readiness and customer growth.
This 3-workshop series will be conducted in English, with the option to answer questions in Spanish. Hands-on materials will be provided in both English and Spanish.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura invites the public to attend a Board of Supervisors hearing on Tuesday, September 30, at 1:00 p.m. at 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, in the County Government Center, Hall of Administration, Board Hearing Room. At the hearing, the Board of Supervisors will consider approval of the County’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Implementation Manual and the Initial Study Assessment Guidelines (ISAGs), including the supplemental Noise and Vibration Assessment Guidelines. These key documents guide how the County evaluates environmental impacts of proposed projects in the unincorporated areas of the County. The Board will also consider an amendment to the General Plan, which is needed to accompany the updated ISAGs.
VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department invites residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to participate in its Strategic Plan Community Questionnaire. This short, accessible feedback form, available in English and Spanish, gives the community a direct voice in shaping the department’s priorities and goals.
VENTURA — With the Medicare Open Enrollment period soon to begin, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) – part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency – will again be providing countywide resources and help.
Medicare Open Enrollment begins on Oct. 15 and runs through December. 7. HICAP counselors, who are registered by the California Department of Aging, provide free, unbiased Medicare counseling to the public.
Let’s try to imagine an exploratory mission deep in the heart of the local library.
That is exactly what I conducted last week among the ghosts of the paper card catalogs that now haunt the modern library visitor. I felt like a hunter, seeking out a book that would mysteriously reach out to me and demand that I read it—or at least consider it.
NCQA’s Health Equity Accreditation evaluates how well an organization complies with standards in the following areas: organizational readiness; race / ethnicity, language, gender identity and sexual orientation; access and availability of language services; practitioner network cultural responsiveness; culturally and linguistically appropriate services programs; and reducing health care disparities.
Reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores en español
(Board of Supervisors’ Meetings in Spanish)
El Condado de Santa Bárbara está ofreciendo interpretación en español de las reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores. Véalo en vivo en nuestro canal de YouTube en español, o las personas suscritas a la televisión por cable pueden acceder a la programación secundaria de audio (SAP) en los ajustes de idioma.
“Thomas brings decades of hands-on experience and strategic leadership in facilities and engineering, which makes him uniquely qualified for this role,” stated Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “His deep understanding of both operational needs and long-term planning will strengthen our ability to maintain and improve critical County infrastructure. Ventura County will benefit greatly from his expertise as we continue to deliver reliable, high-quality services to our residents.”
VENTURA — September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California, and the City of Ventura reminds drivers and walkers alike to take extra care when sharing streets. Whether you’re heading to school, work, or enjoying Ventura’s neighborhoods, walking should always be a safe and easy option.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,148 pedestrians were killed in traffic collisions across the United States in 2024. In California alone, pedestrian deaths account for over 24% of all traffic-related fatalities.
