Category: Family

Bilingual report — Ventura businesses invited to join Window Wonderland

VENTURA  — The City of Ventura’s Economic Development team is inviting local businesses to participate in the 2025 Window Wonderland program. This festive initiative encourages storefronts throughout Ventura to celebrate the season with creative holiday window displays that brighten commercial corridors and inspire residents to shop locally.

Businesses are also invited to take part in this year’s photo submission opportunity. By sharing photos of their decorated storefronts, participants will be entered for a chance to win free advertising opportunities. Photos may be submitted now throughout December, and winners will be announced in January 2026.

“Ventura is filled with creativity, and our local businesses help set the tone for the season,” said Economic Development Manager Meredith Hart. “Window Wonderland is a fun way to showcase that spirit while encouraging residents and visitors to explore and support our shopping districts.”

AMR Ventura County urges families to recognize ‘holiday heart syndrome’ as seasonal cardiac risks rise

VENTURA COUNTY — As holiday gatherings begin and alcohol consumption increases, American Medical Response Ventura County (AMR) and Gold Coast Ambulance are encouraging families to recognize the signs of “holiday heart syndrome,” a condition that occurs more frequently between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Heavier alcohol use, rich foods, emotional stress and delayed care are key contributors to the seasonal rise in cases.

During the holiday season, individuals may disregard mild or atypical cardiac symptoms, attributing them to fatigue or stress associated with festivities. As the manifestations of holiday heart syndrome can be subtle and easily missed, it is essential to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical evaluation; early intervention may safeguard cardiovascular health and prove lifesaving.

Bilingual report — Single-Parent Allan Hancock College students receive free Thanksgiving meals

provided students who are single parents with a?turkey?and other Thanksgiving meal items free of charge. 

A total of 105 individuals and families stopped by the Hancock EOPS+ program’s Fall Harvest Turkey Giveaway booth outside the college’s Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center on Nov. 25, where Hancock staff provided them with everything needed to prepare a Thanksgiving meal. The packages included a?turkey, potatoes, beans, cranberry sauce, rolls, stuffing, pumpkin pie, whipped cream, and butter. Turkey?preparation and cooking instructions were also included.? 

VCCF Power of Purpose – November 2025

Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,

Yesterday, I was unexpectedly transported back to the very beginning of my career. I was 21, attending my first Chamber of Commerce meeting, nervous beyond words. In my attempt to discreetly stab a grape from my fruit salad with a plastic fork as everyone was making their introductions, it slipped, flew across the table, and landed directly in Michael Towbes’ lap.

He looked up at me with such kindness and without judgment as he picked up the grape, handed it gently back to me, and said, with a twinkle in his eye, “I think this might belong to you.” I am sure I turned the deepest shade of red imaginable, and I have avoided eating grapes with a plastic fork ever since.

Celebrate The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year In Lompoc Along California’s Central Coast

LOMPOC — It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Lompoc! If you’re headed to California’s Central Coast for a holiday escape, you’re in for a treat. Our town lights up with festive events, delicious bites, handcrafted gifts, and cozy winter moments. Whether you’re craving a family getaway, a romantic weekend, or a cheerful adventure with your besties, Lompoc has something for every type of holiday traveler.

The holidays don’t need to be hectic. Here, the season slows down. Enjoy relaxed small-town charm, a full lineup of family-friendly activities, specialty shopping, and more than 30 local wine-tasting venues. Then settle in for a restful evening at one of Lompoc’s comfy hotels. Ready to plan? Let’s unwrap the best of the season!

Hundreds enjoy People Helping People’s Thanksgiving Food Distribution in Santa Ynez, Los Alamos Valleys

SOLVANG — The Thanksgiving Food Distribution at People Helping People, an annual holiday ritual, is a team effort with 66 students, teachers, PHP staff, seasoned volunteers and new recruits joining together to share the bounty of the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos Valleys with the most vulnerable. 

Twenty fourth-grade students from the Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy, led by their teacher Bridget Morrell, got a first-hand lesson in giving by helping organize the can goods donated by public and private schools all over the Valley and bingo players at the Chumash Casino Resort. 

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

6th Annual Holiday Food & Toy Drive Happening Dec. 6th!

The Ventura County Harbor Department and Harbor & Beach Community Alliance (HBCA) are teaming up to spread holiday cheer this season by hosting the 6th Annual Holiday Food & Toy Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 6, 2025 at the Harbor Landing parking lot off Harbor Blvd.
The Holiday Food & Toy Drive will benefit Food Share of Ventura County and the Spark of Love Toy Drive, an annual effort coordinated by local fire departments which provide toys to thousands of children each year.
On the day of the event, donations will be accepted at a drop-off location at the Harbor Landing parking lot, located at the Channel Islands Boulevard and Harbor Boulevard intersection. Volunteers will be there to safely accept the donations and provide them to Food Share and the Spark of Love Toy Drive.

Ventura Pottery Gallery Holiday Gift Promotion starting Nov. 29

VENTURA — The Ventura Pottery Gallery is delighted to share a special holiday promotion with our community. Beginning November 29th, when you spend $40 or more in the gallery, you’ll

receive a free, handmade pottery gift – our way of saying thank you for supporting local artists. This offer will continue while supplies last.

 Our forty members are generously donating bowls, vases, mugs, plates, and ornaments created in their studios. These unique pieces are our gift to you, a token of appreciation for bringing handmade ceramics from our studios into your home.

Bilingual report — Office of Traffic Safety awards $185,000 grant to the Ventura Police Department for Traffic Enforcement Program to increase safety on roads

“We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” said Traffic Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “Through a combination of education and enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone.” 

Bilingual commentary — Losing the Boys, Naturally

It was not long ago that I used to take my two older grandsons to fun places—arcades, children’s museums and exhibits, story times at libraries, pirate festivals, butterfly events. It was only yesterday (wasn’t it?) that I was getting down on the floor with the older one, and then the other years later, to play board games or assemble jigsaw puzzles of superheroes and animals. It couldn’t have been that long ago that I held them in my arms, walked hand-in-hand with them at a park, or ran beside them as they learned to skate or ride a bicycle. 

People’s Self-Health Housing — Celebrating a Year of Impact | Celebrando un año de impacto

Our 2024-25 Annual Impact Report is here! Dive into our accomplishments from the past year and discover more about our mission. The report is available in English and Spanish at pshhc.org/impactreport

¡Ya está aquí nuestro Informe de Impacto Anual 2024-25! Descubra nuestros logros del año pasado y conozca más sobre nuestra misión. El informe está disponible en inglés y español en pshhc.org/es/impactreport

Ventura County Community Foundation names Leah Lacayo new board chair, honors legacy of outgoing chair Sean L. Leonard

CAMARILLO — Following four years serving as the Ventura County Community Foundation’s (VCCF) board chair, Sean L. Leonard, President & CEO of S.L. Leonard & Associates, is handing over the reins to incoming chair Leah Lacayo.

During his tenure, Leonard helped steward nearly $80 million in grantmaking to Ventura County and beyond, through VCCF’s work during the pandemic, and community efforts such as the creation of the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund, disaster response during the Mountain Fire and winter storms of 2023 and championing early childhood education through the Isabella Project. Through his dedication and leadership, he supported the foundation in grantmaking to local nonprofits, lifting up causes from animal welfare to environmental protection to the arts and more, as well as encouraging the academic dreams of hundreds of local students through VCCF’s Scholarship Program.

Ventura County Animals Services (VCAS) #LongStayChallenge Hopes to Spur Dog Adoptions

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) currently has over 200 dogs in their care, including 50 who have been at the shelter for more than 100 days and 6 who have been waiting over a year.

To help these long-stay dogs find homes, VCAS has launched the #LongStayChallenge, encouraging shelter volunteers to take dogs “on the town” and create fun, engaging promotional videos to showcase their personalities.

Family Service Agency opens new location at Escalante Meadows in Guadalupe, expanding access to free services for families, seniors, community members

GUADALUPE — Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County (FSA) announced today the opening of a new on-site service location at Escalante Meadows in Guadalupe, marking a significant expansion of accessible, no-cost family support services for residents and community members. The location opened November 1, 2025, in partnership with the Housing Authority of Santa Barbara County (HASBARCO).

The new location, situated in the Wellness Center at Escalante Meadows, provides direct access to case management, resource navigation, parenting education workshops, and community-building activities. Services are available to all Escalante Meadows residents and Guadalupe community members at no cost, regardless of income, insurance status, or immigration status.

Brokaw Ranch company invests $500,000 to fuel revolving loan fund for affordable housing

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has received a $500,000 investment from Brokaw Ranch Company, a multi-generational family farm that has been part of Ventura County’s agricultural heritage for more than six decades. This community impact investment towards Housing Trust Fund VC’s Everyone Deserves a Home Revolving Loan Fund will help the organization continue to support the development of affordable housing for those who contribute to the fabric of Ventura County’s economy and community.

“Our family sees this as a win-win proposition.  This investment contributes to the health and vitality of Ventura County and nets us some interest income.  We have long admired the work of Housing Trust Fund Ventura County and hope others will join us in supporting their efforts,” said Deborah Brokaw Jackson, President, Brokaw Ranch Company.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approve new ordinance to prohibit overnight parking and camping near farmland

VENTURA — On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to pass a new local ordinance that will ban overnight parking and camping on certain roads next to farmland in County unincorporated areas. The goal is to protect local agriculture and the environment, while also ensuring public safety. The new ordinance, which was approved during the regular meeting for the Board of Supervisors, goes into effect January 1, 2026.

Santa Paula Police Dept. participates in ‘No Shave November’ supporting those with cancer

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Department has once again launched “No Shave November” to support local charities that assist with those battling cancer. Police officers are growing their facial hair to help “grow” cancer awareness. The Santa Paula Police Officers Association (SPPOA) is coordinating this campaign, receiving donations from all Police Department employees in order to participate. The fundraising campaign will finish at the end of the month. Employees will be allowed to grow their facial hair fully and neatly trimmed over the next few months.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Ventura County students are making gains! A chat with Trudy Arriaga, logo contest winners, and more

Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to report that local students are making improvements in attendance, graduation rates, and academic performance according to new data from the 2025 California School Dashboard.

Ventura County’s graduation rate of 90.5% for 2025 has improved by 7.2 percentage points since 2021 and is 3.0 percentage points better than the statewide rate. Ventura County’s chronic absenteeism rate of 17.7% for 2025 marks the third consecutive year of improvement and is 1.7 percentage points better than the statewide rate. Ventura County students have also improved their performance in both Math and English on the state CAASPP assessment. Click here for more local highlights.

‘Smile Bus Grand Reveal’ — New Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics’ Mobile Dental Bus Brings Additional Dental Care to Greater Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) successfully unveiled its new “Smile Bus” Mobile Dental vehicle on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Santa Barbara City lot at Leadbetter Beach. The event brought together local officials, SBNC supporters and friends, and SBNC leadership and staff to celebrate the expansion of mobile dental care in the Greater Santa Barbara community.

Smile Bus Interior.
Dental care is important for kids to maintain good teeth and gum health, ensure that they can chew and speak properly, and establish lifelong healthy habits. Dental care is important for overall healthcare because oral health is directly linked to general health. Dental decay is the leading disease in children worldwide. Nationally, over 34 million school hours are missed each year due to dental-related treatment.

Ventura County Fire Dept. awarded grant to enhance child passenger safety

THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) has received a $95,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to expand its child passenger safety initiatives. The grant runs through September 2026 and funding supports programs that reduce injuries and fatalities among children in motor vehicle crashes by promoting proper car seat use throughout Ventura County.

The grant will allow VCFD to continue its collaboration with Safe Kids Ventura County, led by Ventura County Public Health, to educate parents and caregivers, distribute child safety seats to families in need, and train new Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs).

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Historic permitting reform package passes unanimously

I’m pleased to share that the Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a major initiative to strengthen and modernize our planning, zoning, and permitting systems. I want to express my sincere appreciation for the thoughtful input I received from many of you—your experiences and feedback were instrumental in shaping this effort.

The package that I brought forward with Supervisor Matt LaVere, is designed to make our permitting processes more efficient, transparent, and customer-focused for residents, homeowners, and local businesses.

Speaker Rivas, Pro Tem Limón, Asm. Bennett, lawmakers visit Ventura County farm

Assembly and Senate leaders heard directly from farmers in Ventura County who are innovating and succeeding, and discussed ways to support workers and deliver solutions that continue to uplift the agricultural sector

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas joined Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limón, California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass, Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Esmeralda Soria, Assemblymembers Steve Bennett and Avelino Valencia, and Senator Henry Stern and Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Melissa Hurtado at a Ventura County avocado farm, discussing how the state can continue to support farmers and agricultural innovation as federal policies threaten farmworkers and grocery costs.

Ventura Music Festival — Thankful for Music in Ventura!

As we enter Thanksgiving week, all of us at Ventura Music Festival are filled with gratitude. Because of you—our growing community of followers, audiences, ticket buyers, and donors—we achieved something extraordinary this year: tripling our concerts from 10 to 30 and bringing more music to more people in more ways than ever before. Your support is the engine behind every performance, every new partnership, and every moment of connection we create for our county.

Ventura County Civic Alliance Nov. 15, 2025 Livable Communities Newsletter

This year’s State of the Region event was an overview of the report by Tony Basotti, and panel with District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, Amgen Executive Director of Global Government Affairs Chad Petit, Port District CEO & Director Kristin Decas, and Oxnard City Manager Alex Nguyen, who gave their perspectives on issues in the report.

This venture is crucial to the dissemination of information to the community and leaders in business, education, and government, who are instrumental in planning the county’s future. We are grateful to our sponsors whose support is integral to this important project.

As always, let us know what you think.?
Stacy Roscoe

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Storm update

Dear Neighbors,

The National Weather Service is forecasting a series of storms heading toward Ventura County beginning late Thursday and continuing through Sunday. With significant rainfall expected, I want to ensure you have the latest information to stay prepared and safe. Read a full update about the weather event at VCEmergency.com.

Evacuation Warnings are in effect for the following areas 6:00 pm Thursday, November 13 ? 6:00 pm Sunday, November 16, 2025:

Mountain Fire Burn Area – Upgraded from Advisory to Evacuation Warning
Matilija Canyon / North Fork, Camino Cielo

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara — Second wave of storm arrives late Friday (Nov. 14). Heavier rain anticipated for south Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez Mountains

Storm Update
A series of storms is moving through Santa Barbara County. The first storm has passed, and a second storm is expected late Friday, November 14, into Saturday, November 15.

During the first storm, the South County received about 2–4 inches of rain, with some areas in the Santa Ynez Mountains getting over 5 inches overnight. North County saw about 1–2 inches. The storm caused localized flooding, downed trees, and rocks and debris on roads.

The second storm is expected to bring 2–3 inches of rain to South County and 3–6 inches to the Santa Ynez Mountains. North County will likely receive less rain than other parts of the county. According to the National Weather Service, this storm will produce heavier bursts of rain over short periods, unlike the steady rain from the first storm. A Flood Watch will be in effect for most of Santa Barbara County from 1AM – 10PM on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

Ventura County Schools make progress in attendance, graduation rate and academic performance

Ventura County schools are continuing to make improvements in attendance, graduation rates, academic performance, and other measures, according to new data from the 2025 California School Dashboard released today by the California Department of Education.

Guest commentary — CAUSE — A bad deal for Oxnard

On Tuesday, November 18th, the Oxnard City Council faces a defining choice: will they stand with our community or take a bad deal from a polluting corporation that has spent decades deceiving and putting profit before people? Join us at City Council on Tuesday at 6:00 PM to make your voice heard and stand up for environmental justice in Oxnard.

Santa Paula Art Museum — “Art About Agriculture” Premieres Saturday, Nov. 15, more events

Saturday, November 15, from 4 PM to 6 PM

SPAM Members $5 • Non-members $10

Feast your eyes on 48 fresh works of art by contemporary California artists during the premiere of Art About Agriculture on Saturday, November 15! This popular biennial exhibit explores the many facets of agriculture through art—from workers to water, from machinery to fields, to the food that fills our plates. Mingle with the artists, and enjoy beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres during the premiere party. All of the artworks will be available for purchase.

The 16th Art About Agriculture Exhibition will be on view from November 15, 2025, to March 8, 2026. This exhibition is sponsored by Brokaw Ranch Company.

MORE INFO

Nyeland Promise Noticias

It’s been a little while since our last newsletter, but we’re so happy to reconnect with you! So much has been happening in our beloved Nyeland Acres from new programs to inspiring community moments that continue to remind us why we do what we do.

At Nyeland Promise, our mission remains the same: to build a healthier, stronger, and more united community through compassion, empowerment, and opportunity. Whether it’s through our Cafecito con los Vecinos senior gatherings, Comadres Unidas women’s empowerment group or our continued outreach for families, every effort is made possible because of you — our dedicated neighbors, volunteers, and partners.

Coalition for Family Harmony in Oxnard marks 50 years of service to survivors

OXNARD — This October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Coalition for Family Harmony marks its 50th anniversary — a milestone in its long-standing commitment to serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout Ventura County.

The organization traces its roots back to 1975, when it was founded as a crisis phone hotline by Roz McGrath, a pioneering social justice advocate known for her tireless work defending human rights and supporting underserved communities. What began as a grassroots effort from McGrath’s vision and activism has since grown into a robust, multilingual agency offering comprehensive services including shelter, legal advocacy, trauma counseling, prevention education, and 24/7 crisis intervention.

Ventura County Credit Union celebrates 75 years of service with $75,000 gift to Moorpark College Foundation

VENTURA COUNTY  — In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) continues its “Year of Giving” with a $75,000 donation to the Moorpark College Foundation, presented during VCCU Employee Development Day at the credit union’s corporate headquarters on Oct. 13, 2025.

Dr. Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College, and Debi Klein, executive director of the Moorpark College Foundation, accepted the donation on behalf of the college. The funds will directly support student success initiatives, scholarships and innovative academic programs that continue to make Moorpark College one of the top community colleges in California.

Bilingual report — Registration open for Winter, Spring classes at Allan Hancock College

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is inviting new and returning students to register now for winter and spring 2026 classes, which offer hundreds of opportunities to earn a degree, transfer to a university, gain job skills or explore new interests. 

Open registration for both terms began Nov. 6, with classes available in a wide range of subjects and flexible formats across Hancock’s Santa Maria campus, Lompoc Valley Center, and online. Winter session classes begin Dec. 15, and spring semester classes start Jan. 20. 

“Winter and spring are great times for students to stay on track, get ahead, or start something new,” said Allan Hancock College Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “We want our students to know that Hancock is here to help them earn a degree, train for their career or continue their education by transferring to a university.” 

Bilingual report — Nov. 18 Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting

The next regular meeting of the
 County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for  9 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building
Board Hearing Room
511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. 

Southeast Ventura County YMCA receives $20,000 contribution from U.S. Bank

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA announced it received a $20,000 contribution from U.S. Bank.

The funding will be used to fund the YMCA’s Find My Genius after-school and summer programs. Find My Genius is free for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level. It aids the young scholars’ academic and social-emotional learning through reading and math instruction, healthy meals, physical exercise and enrichment opportunities.

Habitat Ventura and volunteers honor Military and Veterans at 4th Annual Playhouse Build Blitz, presented by Bank of America

VENTURA — More than 150 volunteers and community partners gathered to honor Veterans at Bank of America’s Corporate Office for Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County’s Fourth Annual Playhouse Build Blitz, presented by Bank of America. Teams of volunteers worked side by side for 5+ hours painting and decorating children’s playhouses, each tailored to the interests of a local military family. By the afternoon, families arrived to receive their new playhouses, complete with themes ranging from dinosaurs and gardens to princess castles. In all, 18 families and their children experienced the joy of receiving a playhouse built just for them.

County of Ventura — Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report: Potential storm water runoff contamination

VENTURA — As part of the Ventura County Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Program, the Environmental Health Division (Division) is providing the following precautionary information to the public.?Rainfall that is significant enough to result in runoff can flow into storm drains, channels, creeks, and rivers that empty onto the beaches of Ventura County.?In general, 0.2 inches (2 tenths of an inch) of rainfall may be enough to create significant runoff conditions.?