WESTLAKE VILLAGE — California Strong, founded by the Southeast Ventura County YMCA and professional athletes after the 2018 California wildfires, and dedicated to providing immediate financial support to victims whenever a disaster strikes in the state, is accepting applications for assistance from those impacted by the Mountain Fire. The first round of funding is in early December.
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.
SCORE: FUND YOUR BUSINESS WITH SPONSORS, EVEN IF YOU’RE JUST STARTING OUT
November 19 @ 10:00 am
Would you like to do what you love and have someone else foot the bill? Have you ever thought about corporate sponsors for your business, show, book, charity, speaking or events? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this webinar is for you! America’s most successful companies partner with sponsors. Why not you? Linda Hollander can help you. She is the author of the #1 best-selling book, Corporate Sponsorship in 3 Easy Steps and the CEO of Sponsor Concierge. Linda has consulted with many entrepreneurs to help them profit from the awesome power of corporate sponsors and has 20 years of experience in business. Her corporate sponsors have included Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Epson, Citibank, Fed Ex, Health Net, Southwest Airlines, Bank of America, Staples, American Airlines, Walmart and IBM.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
VENTURA COUNTY — In a national partnership with NBCUniversal and inspired by the theatrical release of WICKED, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) youth led the creation of “The WICKED Kindness Challenge” – an online experience that explores what kindness really means, for oneself, their family and friends, and the greater community.
Fifteen BBSVC youth participants of all ages from across the county came together for four full days to brainstorm ideas on what kindness looks like, and how to teach and inspire others to make kindness an everyday part of their lives. They worked closely with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Learning and Development Team, playing a BIG part in structuring, developing, and creating the content and messages for the script and videos for the challenge. A film crew met with youth to create the videos that were featured in the challenge. Everything for the ongoing challenge was organized at the BBSVC@Ventura Youth Room at the Pacific View Mall.
At the Santa Barbara County Food Action Network, we’re redefining the possibilities in our food system by taking on the risks few others will. We believe that real change requires bold steps, and with your support, we’re ready to go further, building lasting foundations in advocacy, shared resources, and community connections.
We’ve already demonstrated what’s possible. By connecting food producers, policymakers, advocates, technical assistance providers, and more, we’re able to channel resources to the communities that need them most. These early successes are not just local victories—they’re prototypes for sustainable, equitable change across food systems everywhere.
This heartwarming community campaign centers around collecting new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for underserved children and teenagers in Ventura County. In partnership with the American Red Cross, the drive Spark Of Love will prioritize supporting those will work to prioritize families affected impacted by the recent Mountain fire.
Donations of non-perishable food and toys can be made at any participating Spark of Love donation location, ensuring that your generosity directly impacts our local community.
The “Holiday Smile” Initiative aims to not only restore one individual’s smile but also to renew their confidence, health, and quality of life. Through this giveaway, Dr. Saj and the Anacapa Dental team are excited to bring the joy and life-changing impact of a healthy smile to a local resident just in time for the New Year.
The federal government currently lacks the resources to fulfill Trump’s pledge of mass deportations in the first months of his presidency, but ICE?can and will act?quickly to target immigrants for arrests. However, before that begins, President Biden has two months left in office to take decisive action to protect people at risk under Trump’s indiscriminate immigration enforcement plans.
SPECIAL UPDATE — Farmworker-led Campaign Mobilizes 300 to Supervisors’ Hearing, Demanding Fair Pay and Better Working Conditions.
SANTA MARIA – On November 12, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors held a special hearing to discuss a county-wide living wage for farmworkers, drawing hundreds of community members who turned out in strong support of fair treatment and equitable pay.
“More than 300 farmworkers and their families gathered. Their presence, alongside allies and supporters, showcased a powerful demonstration of support for fair compensation and improved working conditions,” said Celina Ramirez, Organizer with CAUSE. “I was so impressed by the number of people who came out, united in one voice, to urge the county supervisors to improve farmworkers’ wages and address working conditions.”
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!
Following the impact of the Mountain Fire, please know that there is a strong network of agencies working tirelessly to support your recovery. Today, we launched a Local Assistance Center, in Camarillo, providing resources for those affected. Whether you need information on housing, financial assistance, or guidance on cleanup and rebuilding, there is help available for you and your family.
As you begin to rebuild, I want you to know that I am here for you. Together, we’ll navigate this path and help our community rise stronger than before.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the many residents, businesses, and nonprofits that have stepped up in impactful ways to support recovery. Your kindness and commitment are truly making a difference during these challenging times.
Due to a high influx of animals arriving at VCAS, we will be offering fee-waived adoptions for all available animals in our care (dogs, cats, rabbits, etc.) through November 30th. Our hope is to create space for incoming critical cases.
Preview animals at www.vcas.us/pets.
View our full adoption process at www.vcas.us/adopt.
Cheer on teams as they race against the clock and face fun challenges to build one-of-a-kind playhouses for children. Enjoy Santa Maria style BBQ, local wine, beer, and music! All funds raised benefit the Supportive Housing and Camino Scholars programs of PSHH.
THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) has been awarded a $92,113 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support programs aimed at preventing motor vehicle injuries to children, the agencies announced today. The grant program runs through September 2025.
This year’s funding continues VCFD’s mission to educate the community on child passenger safety, with initiatives to increase awareness and provide resources to ensure that children are properly secured in vehicles throughout Ventura County.
Tonight, county and city officials are hosting a community meeting to inform residents affected by the Mountain Fire about the opening of the Local Assistance Center in Camarillo. Thanks to your generous support, we are honored to share that to-date $93,500 has been granted to help individuals and families most affected by the wildfire, along with an additional $10,000 dedicated to covering costs associated with emergency animal evacuations.
VENTURA — Sustainably harvested white and red “silver tipped” fir trees from Northern California will be available for pickup on Saturday, Nov. 30 during “Christmas On The Ranch” at Petty Ranch (11971 Darling Rd.) in Ventura. Proceeds from the Christmas tree fundraiser will support Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) agriculture education and healthy eating programs for kids in Ventura County.
The hand-harvested trees are 6’ to 10’ tall. Trees are available for pick-up and purchase from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on November 30. Free hot cocoa and cookies will be served.
VENTURA — The 2024 LEGACY Awards, which recognize the contributions of Ventura County residents and organizations that dedicate their lives to helping older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers to live optimally, were presented on Wednesday morning at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Advisory Council meeting.
Since 2018, the VCAAA Advisory Council’s Optimal Aging Committee has annually presented LEGACY Awards to a local business/organization, to Dementia Friendly business/organizations, and to community members/volunteers.
The 2024 winners are:
CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly (business/organization)
Santa Clara Valley Hospice (Dementia Friendly business/organization)
Marty Blumenthal (community member/volunteer)
Sylvia Fulton (community member/volunteer)
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.
Researchers at Craig Montell’s lab created deaf mosquitoes by knocking out a single gene and found that the males had absolutely no interest in mating. The results could have major implications for how we manage disease transmission.
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.
We are deeply grateful for the incredible outpouring of support as we rally together to help those most impacted by the Mountain Fire. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us reach those most affected and offering both awareness and critical financial aid in this time of need.
On Saturday, the VCCF Board of Directors authorized the immediate distribution of $20,000 in direct financial assistance to support eight families who lost their housing in the wildfire and were left with no place to go. Because of your generosity, these families now have emergency financial support to secure temporary housing and other essentials.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC), I am pleased to announce two organizational changes. These changes will help us lay a stronger foundation for our Fellowship program to ensure its growth and sustainability.
As the Mountain Fire continues to impact Ventura County, we want to help you access the resources and support needed to protect your operations, workers, and property. Our hearts are with all those affected, and we stand ready to help in any way possible.
In partnership with Farm Bureau Ventura County, the Ag Commissioner’s Office, UCCE, VCRCD, USDA-FSA, Thomas Fire survivors, and others, VC CoLAB is co-hosting a series of webinars for the agricultural community.
Dear Neighbors,
A community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 11/13 at 6:30 pm for those impacted by the Mountain Fire. The CalFire Incident Management Team, the County of Ventura and the City of Camarillo will host the meeting at the Rancho Campana High School Performing Arts Center located at 4235 Mar Vista Drive in Camarillo.
Please stay informed about the situation at www.vcemergency.com and www.venturacountyrecovers.org.
VENTURA — On Nov. 8, 2024, due to potential widespread toxic exposures and threats to public health and the environment that exist in the aftermath of a major wildfire disaster, the Ventura County Public Health Officer declared a Local Health Emergency to limit the public’s exposure to hazardous substances. This Declaration will be presented to the County Board of Supervisors for ratification during their Board meeting on November 12, 2024.
VENTURA COUNTY — Monday, November 11, is a regularly scheduled school holiday. On Tuesday, November 12, most Ventura County schools will be operating normally. However, the following schools and districts have announced closures as they continue to respond to impacts from the Mountain Fire.
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:
Farmworker Conditions Community Meeting
Tuesday, November 12 at 3:00 PM
Santa Maria Hearing Room, 511 Lakeside Parkway
Please join myself and Supervisor Hartmann at a community meeting to examine the conditions of farmworkers in our County, and to discuss strategies to improve conditions. The meeting will include panel discussions featuring farmworkers, researchers, ag operators, and more. Following the community meeting, the temporary ad hoc committee will report back to the Board of Supervisors with a summary of key points and possible suggestions for improving the lives of farm workers.
Live translation services will be available for attendees. The meeting can be watched live on CSBTV Cable Channel 20 and our CSBTV YouTube Channel. Following the event, our Committee will present a summary of key points to the Board of Supervisors.
Our hearts go out to all those who have been impacted by the Mountain Fire. We understand what an unpredictable and challenging time lies ahead for so many of our community members as they navigate seeking aid and resources in the face of tremendous loss.
Ventura County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VCVOAD) has created a needs assessment form to support Ventura County community members impacted by the Mountain Fire.
If you, or someone you know, has been impacted, please fill out the Needs Assessment Form below or call 2-1-1 for assistance. This form can also be found on our Disaster Relief website page.
Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,
We extend our deepest gratitude to our first responders, the County of Ventura, local municipalities, the State of California, and our dedicated elected officials who have been working tirelessly to support and advocate for our community during the challenges posed by the Mountain Fire. We are acutely aware of the pain our neighbors are experiencing—those who have lost their homes and those whose livelihoods are at risk.
We also recognize and commend the many nonprofits that have stepped forward to assist those most in need, including our cherished animals, both large and small, and childcare providers
The impact of the Mountain Fire on our community has been truly heartbreaking. My heart goes out to everyone affected. As I toured the impacted neighborhoods, I witnessed firsthand the immense loss and devastation that has struck District 2.
I also spent time at the evacuation center today, and in the midst of this tragedy, I was reminded of the extraordinary resilience of our community. We have faced challenges before, and each time, we’ve come together, emerging stronger and more united.
Now, more than ever, many of our neighbors need our support. Below, I’ve included resources for those affected and ways to help if you feel moved to lend a hand. I am deeply grateful to the many first responders, county departments, partner agencies, community groups, and individuals who have shown up to assist in incredible ways during this difficult time. Your generosity and dedication have been a light in the darkness.
Ever inspired by nature, artist Joanne Julian’s solo exhibition, “Nature’s Spirits,” is a meditation on nature’s miracles, from birds, insects, and botanicals found in the garden to clouds, stars, and nebulae witnessed in the night sky.
SANTA MARIA — EconAlliance and the Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) co-produced the first Central Coast Small Farmer, Rancher, and Fisherfolk Forum, hosted at Allan Hancock College on October 25th and 26th. The event drew hundreds of small scale food producers and businesses from all over the Central Coast, as both a networking and learning event. The Forum, on October 26th, featured a robust lineup of workshops tailored to support small-scale producers, and hosted Keynote Speaker Jennifer Lester Moffit, Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs for the USDA.
“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.”
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom (on Nov. 7) issued a proclamation convening a special session of the California Legislature to safeguard California values and fundamental rights in the face of an incoming Trump administration. The special session will focus on bolstering California legal resources to protect civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action, and immigrant families.
This is the first of several actions by the Newsom Administration, in partnership with the Legislature, as the Governor begins shoring up California’s defenses against an incoming federal administration that has threatened the state on multiple fronts.
A Note of Thanks from our Executive Director
As we welcome November and embrace the shift toward shorter days (and change in general) there’s also something reflective and revitalizing in the air as we approach Thanksgiving season.
As I choose to focus on gratitude and hope, I’d like to start by thanking our long time VMF’s supporters and sponsors, the VMF Board of Directors, and sister organizations with whom we have forged new and renewed collaborations. In 2024 so far we have received funding from VCCF, the City and County of Ventura’s Arts & culture divisions who have supported VMF with generous grants to augment our music and educational offerings for the entire Community. To them we extend a deep gratitude for spending our tax dollars wisely to enrich our culture in so many ways.
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.
Have a Food-Safe Thanksgiving Holiday
In a few weeks, loved ones will come together around delicious meals. Take some steps to ensure your food is prepared safely.
n award-winning video series Research in 60, Tania Israel, a professor in the Department of Counseling, Clinical & School Psychology, discusses strategies for navigating conversations in a divided nation.
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.
