Category: Family

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County welcomes Phil Fingerman to the agency’s Board Directors

by Community Contributor • August 6, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is proud to announce the appointment of Phil Fingerman (Bank of America) to its volunteer Board of Directors to further the agency’s vision for youth mentorship programs in Ventura County.

Fingerman currently serves as Vice President of Business Intelligence Reporting at Bank of America, where he has also played a key role as an active participant in the Bank’s many volunteer programs and opportunities. His appointment to the Board at BBSVC reflects both his professional expertise, deep personal commitment to the organization’s mission, and drive to support the community as a whole.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Both flexibility and persistence make some birds successful in human-made environments’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • August 6, 2025 • Comments Off

Corina Logan and her team tease apart the role of behavioral flexibility in great-tailed grackles’ ability to flourish in human-made environments.

August is hot with live entertainment and food experiences in Downtown Oxnard…

by Community Contributor • August 6, 2025 • Comments Off

On the menu Thurs, Aug 7th:
Rice Balls of Fire
Passion Empanadas
Coyote Elote
Little Tony’s Wood Fired Pizza
Wrapped California
Juarez Tacos
Takumi
Happy Place
El Maíz
Cheesecake Plugg Caffe
J&K Catering
Pupusería La Llama
Jimbo’s Funnel Cakes

Bilingual report — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! celebrates 20th season with exciting 2025-2026 lineup of renowned Latine artists

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 2025-2026 season, marking 20 years of celebrating community, culture, and connection through the arts. This milestone season features an outstanding lineup of Latine performers guaranteed to captivate audiences throughout Santa Barbara County.

Viva will present five acclaimed acts that exemplify the vibrant and diverse cultural heritage of Latin America, in a special year commemorating Viva’s 20th season, with multiple opportunities for the community to celebrate together throughout the year.

Upcoming artists include: Grupo Bella, Gabby Moreno, Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles, Las Cafeteras, Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande

Bilingual commentary — Is College Worth It Anymore?

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2025 • Comments Off

I never thought I’d see the day when I would waver in my belief that the pursuit of a four-year college degree was a good choice for a young person. But that day has arrived. Yes, I’m wavering.

40 Years Strong: Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital’s Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp wraps up week of achievement and celebration

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Last week, Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital celebrated the conclusion of the 40th annual Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp, following a week of adapted sports, new friendships and unforgettable experiences. Campers, volunteers and staff reflected on the lasting impact of this one-of-a-kind program.

Hosted July 21–25 at the UCSB Recreation Center, the camp welcomed approximately 40 campers and more than 75 volunteers—all gathered to support and celebrate the power of inclusive recreation. The event marked a milestone year in the camp’s history, which spans four decades of empowering youth with physical disabilities through sport.

Ventura Superior Court adds service hours and walk in services

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Beginning August 4, 2025, the Clerk’s Offices and the Records Department will be open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm each weekday except Court holidays. These offices will no longer close during the lunch hour, allowing customers greater flexibility in accessing court services. Each of the Court’s three courthouses – Hall of Justice in Ventura, Juvenile Courthouse in Oxnard, and East County Courthouse in Simi Valley – will feature these extended hours.

Bilingual report — Re-opening of Santa Paula Police Department public lobby After Renovation

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — After several months of operating a temporary Public Lobby at the City’s Community Development Building, the Santa Paula Police Department is re-opening its Public Lobby for business hours at 214 S. 10th St. The re-opening begins Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Renovations, including several needed improvements, were recently completed and include safety features for police employees and the public. The Police Department Public Lobby is open for business hours Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The Public Lobby will also be open every other Friday, beginning this Friday, August 1, 2025.

Ventura Music Festival — That’s a wrap!

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2025 • Comments Off

On Sunday, we humbly wrapped up our 30th summer season with hearts full of gratitude (and a touch of birthday cake). Kicking off with Ottmar Liebert last month, we delivered eight inspiring shows concerts — 17 to 25 in our “30 for 30” series — featuring 30 talented musicians, while supporting dozens of local businesses and hiring community contractors, from staff to crew and caterers. Together, we brought vibrant live music to over 2,000 concertgoers, neighbors, and visitors. It’s all about fostering connections through music and creating lasting community impact.

Huge thanks for your incredible support. As thanks, we are offering a 15% early bird discount with code EARLYBIRD now through August 12 when you buy tickets for concerts 26 through 30 at our fall festival line up listed below.

Please take a moment to share your feedback on the July Series with us. We look forward to more harmony and shared moments ahead!

Moorpark College Theatre Arts announces auditions for Angels In America: Part One — Millennium Approaches

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2025 • Comments Off

MOORPARK — This fall, the Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department will present Angels in America: Part One — Millennium Approaches, Tony Kushner’s landmark play exploring politics, identity and the AIDS crisis in 1980s America. Auditions will be held August 12-14 at the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center.

The production calls for a large, versatile cast and offers a range of challenging roles that span gender, race, and age. All lead roles will likely be double cast, and auditions are open to Moorpark College students and the wider community. Rehearsals begin August 18, with evening rehearsals held Monday through Thursday.

Music Academy of the West celebrates 2025 Winners of Duo Competition and Marilyn Horne Song Competition

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West is proud to announce the winners of its two premier summer competitions: the Duo Competition and the Marilyn Horne Song Competition, recognizing the extraordinary artistry and collaboration of its 2025 fellows. These cornerstone events of the Summer Music Festival & School offer young musicians a platform to shine through world-class performance, interpretation, and musical partnership.

August at the Santa Paula Art Museum

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2025 • Comments Off

Fine Art Auction Fundraiser

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Saturday, August 16, from 3 PM to 5 PM

$15 SPAM Members • $20 Non-members

Take home a rare piece of California art while supporting the Santa Paula Art Museum’s arts education programs during our Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16. Bid on stunning artworks by historic and contemporary California artists, including Meredith Brooks Abbott, Jessie and Cornelis Botke, Robert Clunie, Paul Grimm, Douglas Shively, and many more.

The silent auction runs from 3 PM to 4 PM. The live auction runs from 4 PM to 5 PM led by professional auctioneers from California Auctioneers. Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Parque 1055while you browse! All proceeds benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum.

BROWSE LIVE AUCTION ITEMS

Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) — Climate Stewards course starts on Tuesday, September 9 — register now!

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2025 • Comments Off

With environmental protections under threat and the impacts of climate change accelerating, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Transform concern for our planet into meaningful local action through our Climate Stewards course.

Through the program, you’ll join a cohort of motivated climate advocates, explore local solutions through lessons and field trips, and design a personal Stewardship Project that makes a real difference in your community.

The climate crisis demands bold, informed action and engaged activists ready to lead. Whether you’re a high school or college student, recent graduate, business owner, nonprofit professional, or retiree, Climate Stewards provides the tools, knowledge, and support to help you make an impact.

Bilingual report — VCCF — Introducing the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF), in partnership with the County of Ventura, Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE), Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), Ventura County P-20 Council, Weingart Foundation, Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA), Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU), League of Women Voters of Ventura County, Museum of Ventura County, Isabella Project, Social Justice Fund for Ventura County, Montecito Bank & Trust, Premier America Credit Union, County Schools Federal Credit Union, McCune Foundation and many others announced on June 28 the launch of the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund—a united, community-wide effort to support local families and small businesses experiencing sudden hardship and disruption.

UCSB — The Current — ‘How to build global community through Mexican literature’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

Distinguished professor Sarah Poot Herrera has built a cross-border scholarly network through her research on Mexican literature, fostering collaboration, mentorship and cultural dialogue across generations and geographies.

YMCA Adventure Guides taking sign-ups in Simi Valley and Moorpark

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is taking signups for its Adventure Guides programs in Simi and Conejo valleys and Moorpark for the 2025-26 school year.

Adventure Guides (for Kinder-6th graders) is set up into parent-child groups called Circles. Parent-child pairs join a Circle with families in their neighborhood or the school in which their children attend. They usually meet once a month for games and crafts and other activities. Also planned this year are a Pinewood Derby, a trip to Descanso Gardens, camping at Big Bear and Lake Casitas, and taking part in a plant restoration community service project.

Bilingual report — Get involved, get informed: Applications open for Future Leaders Academy Cohort II

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — Building on the success of its inaugural cohort last spring, the City of Santa Paula is now accepting applications for the second cohort of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy, a 9-week program designed to give residents and business owners a behind-the-scenes look into city management and operations.

Cohort II will run from September 11, 2025 through November 6, 2025, with sessions held on Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at various city facilities. This unique program provides residents with in-depth knowledge about our streets and roads, city finances, homeless issues, youth and senior programs, police and fire, and other key city services.

Movie Nights return to Ventura Harbor Village with a blockbuster lineup by the waterfront

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Lights. Camera. Coastline! Evenings on California’s Central Coast at Ventura Harbor Village just got a lot more fun, as the waterfront destination unveils its highly anticipated 2025 Seaside Movie Nights – a

cinematic experience that fuses beloved throwback films with coastal charm. This free movie series spans from Summer to Fall 2025 at Ventura Harbor Village. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Bilingual report — Ventura Police prepare for increased traffic during Ventura County Fair

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — With thousands expected to attend the Ventura County Fair from July 30 through August 10, the Ventura Police Department advises the public to expect traffic congestion near the Ventura County Fairgrounds and throughout the surrounding area. Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead, utilize public transportation, or take advantage of off-site parking options to minimize delays and support pedestrian safety.

Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Save thousands to go electric while incentives last!

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

It’s never been easier or more affordable to get an electric vehicle. Federal EV tax credits are still up for grabs (but not for long) and state incentives are full steam ahead. In other words, now is the time to claim your savings on an EV.

Explore available programs designed to help you make the switch to electric for less:

Ventura College Foundation launches awareness campaign for student Basic Needs Center Program

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura College Foundation is launching an awareness and philanthropic giving campaign to support Ventura College’s Basic Needs Center. The foundation provides support to the on-campus centers in Ventura and at East Campus in Santa Paula, which help alleviate food and housing insecurity and assist with overall student wellness.

The need for the center among students is growing. Ventura College data indicate that in 2024-25, two out of three students report experiencing at least one form of basic needs insecurity. Specifically, 47 percent of students are food insecure, 58 percent face housing insecurity, and 24 percent have experienced homelessness.

“These numbers demonstrate a critical and ongoing need for support services on campus,” says Maria Crisosto Calderon, Basic Needs Center Specialist. “Philanthropic support is essential to the work we do. Even with financial aid and part-time jobs, many students struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living. When students are unsure where their next meal will come from or how they’ll pay rent, their education often takes a back seat. Charitable giving enables the centers to provide immediate, life-stabilizing support, allowing students to focus on their academics and long-term goals.”

United Way of Ventura County — An inspirational evening celebrating the caring power of our community

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2025 • Comments Off

United Way of Ventura County is pleased to announce the 20th Annual Spirit Award Recipients. These awards honor our Founding members. 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 present our President’s Award. The awards and awardees are listed below:

Bilingual report — Visit local farms during 7th annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day on Sept. 6

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — City folks will get a taste of how the food they eat is grown during the 7th Annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day, Saturday, September 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hosted by Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), this free event consists of over 20 farms, ranches, wineries and agricultural organizations across Santa Barbara County. All will open their doors so the public can learn how food is grown, meet the hands that feed them, and enjoy a fun-filled day of agricultural activities for the entire family.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Dept. warns drivers: Speeding catches up with you

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Focused on eliminating driving behaviors that contribute to traffic-related fatalities on our nation’s roads, the Ventura Police Department and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) calls on drivers to recognize speeding as an aggressive driving behavior that endangers all road users and to put an end to it because Speeding Catches up with You.

Bilingual commentary — Los Muxes, The Third Gender

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

We are all aware of the demonization and persecution of LGBTQ-oriented people in the United States today. There has always been some measure of animosity toward this sector of our society, but the hostility has accelerated over the past few years and especially over the past months.

Granted, those who live with alternative gender orientations in the U.S. are not tyrannized to the extent that they are in other countries. Here, they are not tortured and murdered with the tacit blessing of the government under which they live. But this in no way justifies the popularity of the irrational hatred emanating toward them in American society.

Bilingual report — Mixteco / Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) to present ‘Night in Oaxaca’ — Light of Resistance: Night of United Peoples

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Since the start of the year, members of our indigenous community across the Central Coast, our relatives, friends, and neighbors, have been taken by ICE. The joy and vibrancy of community life were replaced by fear and silence. However, as indigenous people, we know that our simple act of existence is resistance.

At MICOP, we remain rooted in our mission to organize, support, and empower our indigenous migrant community. Night in Oaxaca will continue to honor the beauty of indigenous existence, and of our resilient communities. We are descendants of warriors, healers, and protectors. We speak the languages of the rain and the clouds. Our spirits carry the songs of the mountains and rivers, and the courage of ancestors who never surrendered, and neither will we.

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan appoints acting Chief Medical Officer to permanent role

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

“Dr. Cruz has devoted his career to caring for low-income and vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Felix Nuñez, GCHP’s chief executive officer. “He is a mission-driven leader with extensive experience in health education, health care administration, and care systems transformation who is committed to improving the health outcomes and reducing the health care inequities experienced by our most vulnerable members. I am confident that he will help lead us into the next phase of our work as we continue to find new ways to connect our members with care.”

Ventura Port District set to Implement Phase 2 of Parking Management Plan

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura Port District announces the launch of Phase 2 of its Parking Management Plan, introducing paid parking at Ventura Harbor Village, Harbor Cove Beach, and Surfers Knoll Beach this weekend. Paid parking will be in effect from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, while remaining free Monday through Thursday (excluding major holidays).

The Parking Management Plan is intended to improve access and enhance the visitor experience by encouraging greater parking turnover and availability during peak times. This effort supports the Ventura Port District’s mission to provide exceptional amenities, infrastructure, and services for the community and its guests.

Bilingual report — Find fall favorites in the Ventura Activity Guide

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is excited to announce the release of its Fall Parks and Recreation Activity Guide! Registration begins Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. and will be available online, over the phone, or in person at City Hall, located at 501 Poli Street in Room 226. Registration information and policies are on page 43. Discover hundreds of upcoming classes, programs, and events scheduled from September through January at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide

Ventura County Fire Dept. to conduct prescribed burn in Adams Canyon on July 24

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) plans to conduct a prescribed burn in Adams Canyon, north of Santa Paula, on Thursday, July 24, weather permitting. This controlled burn is part of ongoing efforts to improve ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk.

Adams Canyon is located north of Santa Paula, south of Thomas Aquinas College, and west of Steckel Park. Firefighters will utilize hand-ignition techniques to carefully burn 20-50 acres. A small test burn will be conducted beforehand to confirm optimal conditions before proceeding with the burn.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Dr. Dennis Assanis appointed as UC Santa Barbara’s next chancellor,’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2025 • Comments Off

Assanis comes to UC from the University of Delaware, where he has served as president since 2016. He will assume his role at UCSB on Sept. 1, 2025.

Partnership brings relief to families in crisis through diaper distribution in North County

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Caring for a critically ill child is every parent’s worst nightmare, and for too many families, navigating this unimaginable crisis is made even harder by financial strain. No parent should have to choose between paying medical bills and buying diapers. That’s why LEAP: Learn • Engage • Advocate • Partner and Hearts Aligned are strengthening their partnership to make life a little less stressful for such families in the Santa Maria area.

Bilingual report — July News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2025 • Comments Off

Our Camino Scholars summer program is in full swing! From touring the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and feeding animals at Ostrichland to dolphin watching on a Santa Barbara Harbor boat and a visit to the Maritime Museum, our students have been busy having fun in the sun! Learn more about this impactful program below.

Allan Hancock College encourages students to register for Fall classes

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is still accepting registrations for the upcoming fall semester, which begins Aug. 18.

“Fall is a great time for students to take that next step,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Whether they are pursuing a degree, a certificate, or just exploring something new, our faculty and staff are here to support their success.”

With hundreds of classes available in-person and online, there’s never been a better time for students to pursue their educational goals.

Ventura Music Festival — Friends, are you ready?

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2025 • Comments Off

The Ventura Music Festival is officially only ONE WEEK away! Now is the time to secure last-minute tickets as many of the concerts are filling up fast. Learn more about the upcoming shows below.

Can’t wait until next week? Join The Schwab Summer Orchestra this Saturday the 19th for Mahler Symphony No. 1: “The Titan” to get ready for our weekend of music.

The VMF July series will take you from the swing-revival rock of Ventura legends to smooth jazz shores, then around the world with piano, guitar, violin, and vocal artistry. There’s music for everyone, so don’t miss out!

Volunteers fill 650 backpacks with donated school supplies at Yarrow Family YMCA

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2025 • Comments Off

Five hundred fifty backpacks will be distributed to participants in the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Find My Genius, a free five-week summer program to support academic and social-emotional learning for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level. One hundred backpacks will be given to children affected by the California wildfires identified through the YMCA’s California Strong initiative.

Gold Coast Transit District honors bus operator Guadalupe ‘Lupe’ Juarez for 45 years of dedicated service

by Community Contributor • July 17, 2025 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Since joining GCTD in 1980, Lupe has served as a model of dedication, reliability, and care. Over the course of her career, she has driven an estimated 2 million miles, safely transporting thousands of passengers and embodying GCTD’s commitment to quality public service.

“Lupe has truly been the heart of this agency for nearly half a century—almost as long as GCTD itself has served this community,” said Vanessa Rauschenberger, General Manager of GCTD. “Her dedication to her passengers and her colleagues is truly inspiring. She represents everything we value in public transit: safety, reliability, and a deep connection to the community we serve.”

Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — When they raid, we rise

by Community Contributor • July 17, 2025 • Comments Off

It’s been one week since our communities in Camarillo and Carpinteria were turned into war zones.

As I’m sure you know by now, heavily armed agents from ICE, CBP, DHS, and the National Guard raided workplaces and stormed through fields and neighborhoods, tearing farmworkers away from their families. They came in armored vehicles, masked and armed just like soldiers prepared for battle. They used tear gas, flash grenades, and rubber bullets on our neighbors – including pregnant women and children.

A City Councilmember was injured. A member of Congress was denied entry. A child was hit by shrapnel. A local veteran was detained for days without due process. A CSU professor was arrested. One worker was hospitalized and tragically died. 361 workers were disappeared by the armed and masked federal agents.

Bilingual commentary — Grandparents Are from Mars

by Community Contributor • July 17, 2025 • Comments Off

My sister “Ana” told me recently about a disjointed exchange she had with her granddaughter, “Sandra.”

Sandra and her brother “George” were home from their last full day of school before summer break. Thinking back on her own experiences in the 1950s, Ana asked them if any of their classmates had brought an apple for the teacher.

They both regarded her with wide-eyed, perplexed astonishment, saying “nooooo…,” emitting a tone of concern as if they thought their grandma was slipping into the first stages of dementia.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard appoints Brenda Lopez as Housing Director

by Community Contributor • July 17, 2025 • Comments Off

Oxnard City Manager Alexander Nguyen stated, “We’re excited for Brenda to lead the Housing Department. Her housing policy knowledge and years of service to the Oxnard community will be an asset in addressing two of the State’s most pressing issues—housing and homelessness, which remain increasingly vital as we face both federal and state budget cuts.”

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