Category: Family

Signups for YMCA After-School Child Care Programs underway for 2026-27 School Year

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — YMCA branches serving the Conejo Valley, Simi Valley, and Moorpark areas are registering students in TK through fifth grade for after-school child care programs for the coming 2026-27 school year.

Child care is available on school days, pupil-free days and minimum days. YMCA School’s Out Camp programs are held during Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks. Each program provides a structured environment that includes homework time, STEAM activities, arts and crafts, sports and nutritious snacks. All child care staff are state-licensed and certified in CPR and first aid.

Bilingual report — Extreme heat warning within Ventura County

VENTURA COUNTY — The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a widespread extreme heat warning for … through Thursday, July 16, 2026. Temperatures in the interior valleys and mountain areas are expected to exceed the 100-degree mark for a prolonged period, with relatively poor overnight recovery in the mountains and foothills. A heat advisory has been issued for the coastal plains, where temperatures are expected to reach between 90 and 100 degrees.

High temperatures may create a dangerous situation in which heat-related illness is possible. Residents are encouraged to: drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, check on relatives and neighbors, take extra precautions if working or spending time outside, and wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

My Way Home — Join us in Simi Valley this Saturday!

With rising home prices and changing interest rates, buying a home can feel challenging, but there are programs and strategies that may help.

Join My Way Home this Saturday for our free HUD-approved Homebuyer Workshop in Simi Valley to learn about the homebuying process, financing options, and resources that can help you prepare for homeownership.

During the workshop, you’ll learn about:

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) — New webpage adds meaning to black carbon data

VENTURA — A new interactive webpage gives residents an easy-to-understand view of real-time and historical black carbon levels in the air in Oxnard and Port Hueneme along with information that helps explain the source of the soot.

Black carbon is formed from the incomplete burning of organic materials such as oil, diesel, coal and biomass, such as plant material. It is a component of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, which can enter the lungs and bloodstream and lead to respiratory issues, heart attacks, strokes and other serious health problems.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) announces variety of upcoming events

Before you recycle or throw something away, let’s see if it can be repaired! Join us Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CEC’s Environmental Hub (1219 State St.) for Repair Cafe Santa Barbara, where skilled volunteer fixers will help you troubleshoot and repair everyday items.

Bring up to two items to fix — whether it’s clothing, electronics, bicycles, furniture, toys, or small appliances. You’ll work side by side with volunteers, learn practical repair skills, and help keep valuable items in use instead of creating unnecessary waste.

Lumina Alliance welcomes three new board bembers, Honors outgoing Leaders for Years of Service

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors while recognizing four outgoing board members whose leadership helped guide the organization through one of the most transformative periods in its history.

Joining the Board of Directors are:

• Adrienne Dodd, Human Resources Director, CommonSpirit Health

• Heather Muran, Director of Portfolio Strategy & Marketing, Covelop Inc.

• Meghan Shoven, Director, Adventist Health Central Coast Foundation

Museum of Ventuara County — News and Updates from the Development Team

This quarter, our Barbara Barnard Smith CEO, Elena Brokaw, had the privilege of meeting with the City Councils of Camarillo, Moorpark, Port Hueneme, Oxnard, and Ventura to share the many ways the Museum is serving communities across Ventura County and to explore opportunities for continued partnership.

The Museum belongs to all of us. Every city in Ventura County is represented in our collections and stories, and it is our honor to preserve, celebrate, and share that rich history through exhibitions, educational programs, school tours, community outreach, and public events.

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.

805UndocuFund to present ‘The Glass House Raids, One Year Later: A Vigil honoring the families and communities impacted,’ to be held July 10

CAMARILLO — “The Glass House Raids, One Year Later: A Vigil honoring the families and communities impacted,” will be held from 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 10 at 645 Laguna Road, Camarillo.

The event will publicly gather the community to mourn the loss of our community one year ago, to remember the efforts of our community to defend itself, to remember that we are still supporting our community after the events of that day. (Spanish Interpretation Available).

Bilingual report — Mosquito sample tests positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County

VENTURA — The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that mosquitoes collected from the City of Fillmore on June 17th, 2026, tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected. This is the first mosquito sample collected in 2026 from Ventura County to test positive for WNV. Ventura County Public Health confirms that no human cases have been identified to date in 2026.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College faculty member creates documentary to support conservation efforts in Namibia

SANTA MARIA — What began as a personal connection during a trip to southern Africa has become a documentary project aimed at protecting one of the world’s most unique ecosystems and the Indigenous communities who call it home.

Allan Hancock College film studies instructor Tim Webb recently completed a short documentary for Himbaland Indigenous Conservation, a nonprofit organization working in the remote Namib Desert of northwestern Namibia. The film was created to help the organization share its story with a broader audience and support fundraising efforts focused on community development and wildlife conservation. 

Ventura County Animal Services — $10,000 grant funds low-cost spay and neuter surgeries on July 14-15

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) has received a $10,000 grant from Wings of Rescue to help provide low-cost spay and neuter surgeries to the pets of families living within VCAS’ contracted cities.

The two-day event, taking place July 14-15, is funded entirely by the grant and will be performed by the Spay Neuter Imperative Project (SNIP).  The SNIP Team will bring a fully equipped mobile veterinary hospital to perform the surgeries.  The event will take place near the Camarillo Animal Shelter.

Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Raising Justice is Back on Sept. 17th! — Join Us for Our 25th Anniversary Celebration

For the past 20 years now, you’ve created a Raising Justice that continues to bring together hundreds of our movement friends for a fun early evening of food, drinks, music, and community rooted in our shared organizing for a more just region. It’s free to attend with an invite to donate any amount that feels right to you.

Today, we invite you to join our growing circle of Early Event Sponsors. Sponsors not only underwrite the event, but also allow our work throughout the year to stay community supported and here for the long haul — it’s one of the ways you can ensure our event’s success.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura releases Fall Parks and Recreation Activity Guide

The City of Ventura Parks and Recreation Department’s Fall Activity Guide is now available, featuring hundreds of classes, programs, and events taking place from September through January.

Registration opens Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Residents can register online, by phone, or in person at Ventura City Hall (501 Poli Street, Room 226). Registration information and policies are available on page 43 of the guide.

The Fall Activity Guide offers activities for all ages and interests, including ceramics, cooking, creative writing, parent-and-child classes, pet wellness, fitness, sports, and more. Check out several free new workshops focused on Financial Literacy and Health and Safety on pages 10-11.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Summer Reading, Constitution Day, Civic Tours, and More

Get fun summer reading ideas, activities, and more from the VCOE Library’s Summer Reading Extravaganza. Click here to check out local libraries’ summer reading programs and get online access to free full-length young adult novels. Also, find out how summer readers can earn free ride tickets for the Ventura County Fair.

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District — $1.97M available for heavy-duty electric trucks

VENTURA — Nearly $2 million in grant funding is available to help replace heavy-duty diesel trucks based in Ventura County with equivalent battery-electric models and install charging stations.

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District was awarded $1.97 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Program to help fund replacement projects. Recipients need to cover at least half of the project costs.

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics expands affordable behavioral health services for Santa Barbara County residents

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) is strengthening access to comprehensive Behavioral Health Services for individuals and families throughout Santa Barbara County through an integrated, whole-person care model designed to address both physical and mental health needs.

Santa Barbara County has significant community behavioral health needs that extend beyond the publicly funded specialty mental health system. Many residents experience challenges accessing timely outpatient mental health services due to insurance, cost, and provider availability. Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics helps address these gaps by providing integrated, community-based behavioral health services for individuals and families who might otherwise experience barriers to care.

Guest contribution — Cancer-Causing Pesticide (including Santa Maria )exceeds California’s Own Safety Trigger, requiring state to act

“Once again, DPR is sitting on bad news instead of telling the people breathing this air,” said Angel Garcia, co-director of the statewide coalition Californians for Pesticide Reform. “The Department loves a press release when a number goes down. When a number blows past their own safety trigger, they bury it in a spreadsheet and hope nobody notices. That’s not regulation — that’s public relations for the pesticide industry.”

Ventura updates Short-Term Rental Ordinance: Renew by August 31, Apply by July 13

VENTURA — The City of Ventura has finalized an updated Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Ordinance with two critical deadlines property owners need to know:

Existing Permit Holders: August 31, 2026, renewal deadline

New Applicants: July 13, 2026, application opening date

Current STVR permit holders have until August 31, 2026, to renew their permits, or their permits will be canceled. The City is guaranteeing renewal for existing permit holders under a grandfathering provision, provided they meet updated requirements and submit applications on time through Ventura Online Permit Services (OPS).

United Way of Ventura County announces Annual Spirit Award recipients

VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County is pleased to announce the 21st Annual Spirit Award Recipients. These awards honor our Founding members. Every year since 2005, individuals and organizations who embody the qualities of Milton M. Teague, Douglas Shively, and Roy Pinkerton are selected for this prestigious honor. This year we will also award our President’s Award, and our Women United Award. The awards and awardees are listed below:

Bilingual guest commentary by Kaiser Permanente — From fireworks to heat waves: Health expert outlines July 4 safety MustKnows

As Fourth of July celebrations approach across Southern California, families are preparing for a day filled with barbecues, pool parties and fireworks—traditions many look forward to all year. 

But health experts are reminding the public that the holiday also brings a spike in preventable injuries.

“People love this holiday because it brings everyone together,” said Dr. Kimberly Petrick, a family medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Still, a little caution goes a long way in keeping the day festive instead of stressful.”

House Farm Workers! — Reserve your seat for Field to Fork Today!

“From Field to Fork” brings together farmers who produce Ventura County’s agricultural bounty, chefs who celebrate that bounty on their menus, and the farm workers whose labor makes it all possible.

Enjoy a multi-course gourmet dinner while helping promote affordable, safe, and stable housing for Ventura County farm workers and their families.

Sold-Out 2026 Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic Showcased leadership, sport and philanthropy in support of People Helping People

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY — More than 300 guests gathered at the Santa Ynez Valley Polo Club on Saturday, June 27, for a sold-out 2026 Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic benefiting People Helping People (PHP), demonstrating how visionary leadership and philanthropy continue to strengthen the Santa Ynez Valley.

Presented by Happy Canyon Vineyard, the Polo Classic has become one of the region’s premier charitable sporting events, where exceptional polo, hospitality, and philanthropy converge to support local families.

Guest contribution — Trump administration scoffs at Federal and California law and public process to hand public lands to big oil

CENTRAL COAST — Environmental organizations across California are condemning Trump’s Bureau of Land Management’s approval of oil and gas leasing and development plans for both the Bakersfield and Central Coast field office regions—a decision that critics argue was a rushed, legally deficient move that ignores California law, bypasses the public, and offers some of the state’s most beloved public lands over to the fossil fuel industry.

The BLM issued the approvals without allowing the standard 60-day Governor’s Consistency Review period required before a federal land use decision affecting California can be finalized, and without responding to formal administrative protests filed by community organizations. That review exists precisely to ensure federal actions do not conflict with state law and policy—and this decision is in direct, flagrant conflict with both.

Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) presents Season 63

SANTA MARIA —  PCPA is proud to announce Season 63, featuring a dynamic mix of Shakespeare, family favorites, contemporary drama, and large-scale musicals, including La Comedia of Errors, The Wizard of Oz, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 72 Miles to Go, Les Misérables, Mean Girls, and Murder on the Orient Express.

 ATLAS Ventura Housing announces new brand image and awards $35,500 in scholarships to 16 students

VENTURA — On June 17, ATLAS welcomed more than 150 guests to the Museum of Ventura County for its annual Scholarship Celebration, recognizing students pursuing higher education, career training, and professional development opportunities. ATLAS also revealed a new brand direction that better aligns with its mission as the nonprofit dedicated to empowering and uplifting participants of Ventura Housing programs, promoting stability and self-sufficiency. The organization received 29 scholarship applications from residents and program participants. Following a competitive review process, 16 students were selected to receive a combined $35,500 in scholarship funding to support their educational and career goals.

“Through ATLAS, we are helping families move beyond housing stability and into long-term success through education,” said Jeffrey Lambert, CEO of Ventura Housing. “When a student earns a degree, the impact reaches far beyond one person. It changes the trajectory of an entire family.”

Hospice Of Santa Barbara welcomes new board member, Deborah Brown

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) welcomes longtime community advocate Deborah Brown to its Board of Directors. Bringing more than 25 years of local healthcare and geriatric care management experience to the leadership team, Brown has a distinguished history of guiding families through life’s most difficult transitions. Her deep familiarity with HSB’s mission makes her a natural fit to help steer the organization’s continued growth.

Friendship Center Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara July 2026 Newsletter

A Letter from the Director
I love playing tour guide.

I’ve had quite a few out-of-town visitors stay with me this summer, and I can’t help but feel proud showing them the beauty of our coastal community.

From strolling our beaches and admiring the Spanish architecture to ending the day over a hearty dinner at Harry’s, I’m reminded every time just how fortunate we are to call Santa Barbara, and surrounding communities, home.

I think Santa Barbara has mastered something that many destinations try so hard to create: a quiet confidence. It isn’t flashy or overwhelming. It doesn’t compete for your attention. It simply offers beauty, nature, fresh air, good company, and the space to enjoy them. Sometimes the best things in life aren’t the most complicated. They’re simply done well.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Financing available for child care providers

Supporting our county’s future and the next generation’s education and career success starts with quality preschool programs. Historically, Ventura County has had too few licensed commercial child care and preschool spaces to meet demand. The Economic Development Collaborative and First 5 Ventura County are committed to building more child care and early childhood education capacity in our community through the Child Care Investment Loan Fund.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) — The Reviews Are In!

First of all I’d like to send a HUGE thank you to the 1,000 + artists, friends, family, and art lovers that came to the opening of our summer exhibitions earlier this month. The team and I are so happy that visitors have been enjoying the exhibits and are seeing what the amazing artists of Santa Barbara have to offer.

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. 

United Way of Ventura County welcomes new board officers and committee chairs

VENTURA — As of July 1, 2026, United Way of Ventura County is welcoming several new members and officers to its board. Tim Harrington will continue to serve as board chair, a position he will hold until June 30, 2027.

Other members of the new board leadership team include Stratis Perros, Environmental Services Director at City of Simi Valley, chair-elect and board development committee chair; Ozzie Rios, VP, Commercial Banking Officer, treasurer and finance committee chair, and Dr. Jeffrey Martin, Assistant Area Medical Area Director-Bus Svcs/Aff Hospital at Kaiser Permanente assuming the role of board secretary. Jennifer Velasquez, SVP, Strategy Initiatives at Bank of America is filling the role of resource development committee chair. Emma Grossman, Controller, ROWI Teen and Parent Wellness Centers will serve as Audit & Investment Committee Chair.

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 report — People’s Self Help Housing June 2026 eNewsletter

In 1970, when People’s Self-Help Housing was founded, our work began with a simple but powerful idea: as our name indicates, help people build their own homes. Through this mutual self-help model, we have worked alongside 1,200 amazing families who built their own homes. But as the needs of our communities evolved, so did we. In the mid-80s we moved into developing multifamily housing for rent and since then have constructed 63 vibrant neighborhoods throughout the Central Coast.

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.

City Impact Inc. in Ventura County issues call for nominations for Thrive Together Awards

OXNARD — City Impact, Inc., a Ventura County–based nonprofit dedicated to serving at-promise youth and families since 1995, is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the Thrive Together Awards 2026 — the organization’s signature annual celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation and community impact, targeting small businesses and start-up organizations in Ventura County.

The Thrive Together awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 5:00–9:00 PM at the Museum of Ventura County in Ventura, California — fittingly timed during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Small business nominations are open now through Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

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.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — An Invitation to Play and Be Present—Join us on June 30, other upcoming events

Join the Community Environmental Council (CEC) for an uplifting evening of movement, creativity, reflection, and play designed to help you slow down, tune in, and experience a deeper sense of belonging. Through a series of guided, beginner-friendly exercises, you’ll explore how curiosity, imagination, and embodied awareness can open new pathways to connection and resilience.

Grocery Outlet launches 16th Annual ‘Independence from Hunger’ Campaign to benefit Camarillo Community Church, Catholic Charities of Los Angeles and Salvation Army in Ventura County

This year, Grocery Outlet is expanding the reach of IFH through a new partnership with Feeding America, allowing customers to donate online to support hunger-relief efforts on a national scale. In-store donations will continue to benefit Feeding America network members, including local food banks and partner agencies, reinforcing Grocery Outlet’s community-driven approach to giving back. The organizations include Camarillo Community Church, Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, and Salvation Army in Ventura County.

Announcing the People Helping People Youth Coalition

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY — People Helping People (PHP) is giving youth a seat at the table to help lead the fight against substance misuse in the Santa Ynez Valley. 

Over the years PHP has led a number of organizations to promote substance use reduction and prevention, but previously the student and adult programs were separate. 

The new People Helping People Youth Coalition (PHPYC) will be led by local youth working directly with key community partners – educators, parents, businesses, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and local organizations. 

“Youth voice isn’t just valuable, it’s essential. They understand what’s happening in their schools and among their peers far better than any adult can. Our role is to listen first, then build programs that actually reflect what they’re telling us”, said Selene Sandoval, PHP Director of Youth Programs.

Friendship Center Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — Join Our Summer Campaign

This year, as we celebrate 50 years of service, we’ve combined our Summer Polo Soirée with our Summer Campaign to make an even greater impact. Join us in making a difference. Whether you attend the event or make a donation, your support helps ensure local seniors living with dementia and their families receive the care and support they deserve.

Ventura County Animal Services announces Kitten Food Drive

We’ve had so many kittens come into our care that our VCAS Foster Families are already running out of kitten food. To help keep our foster families stocked with critical food, we’re doing a quick Kitten Food Drive.

Food donated through our Kitten Food Drive – Amazon Wish List will be delivered directly to the Camarillo Shelter where our foster families will pick up from.