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June 20 — Nate’s Place Pickleball Classic to be held in Port Hueneme. Sponsorships available
Through Jan. 31, 2027 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art announces Summer and Fall 2026 exhibitions
Continuing — Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice provides a variety of grief & bereavement services
Bilingual report — 2025: A Year in Review from People’s Self-Help Housing
As we reflect on the past year, we’ve compiled some of the top stories that highlight what we were able to accomplish together. These stories were made possible by strong partnerships and visionary investments from people like you. Thank you for your advocacy, goodwill, and generous support every step of the way!
End of Year Gift to Ventura County Animal Services
Choose Ventura County Animal Services as your end-of-year charity! Make your tax-deducible donation by December 31st, 2025 to ensure it applies to this year’s tax returns. Thank you for supporting our lifesaving mission!
January at the Santa Paula Art Museum
In 2025, the Santa Paula Art Museum welcomed 5,600 visitors to its exhibitions and events. The Cole Creativity Center delivered more than 100 classes in fine arts, fiber arts, and ceramics to 892 students of all ages. In addition, the Museum provided 1,677 hours of free arts education programming to more than 6,400 K-12 students throughout Ventura County. And 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger!
Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) — CASE STUDY: SATICOY FOOD HUB
Nestled in the heart of an unincorporated community to the east of Ventura, the Saticoy Food Hub stands as a beacon of hope in a food desert. Despite being surrounded by vast fields of agriculture, the town of Saticoy has been designated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a low-income, low-access (LILA) census-tract, meaning that the area has a poverty rate of 20% or more, and a significant portion of the population lives more than a mile from the nearest supermarket. More than 80% of its households with children rely on SNAP/EBT benefits, and its families struggle to access fresh, healthy, and affordable food.
United Way of Ventura County — United we are changing lives
United we are changing Ventura County ?
?one step at a time to a community where everyone can thrive! Your gift today means services, shelter, and hope for a homeless senior, a child needing dental care, a low-income family needing tax preparation in 2026. Make a difference today.
Your generosity will change lives!
Happy New Year!
Without SBCFAN, $500,000 in local food wouldn’t be reaching our communities
Santa Barbara County’s food system is powered by many small, community-based organizations working to increase access to fresh food, strengthen local agriculture, and support community health. Yet these organizations face the same challenge: they are deeply embedded in their own neighborhoods but lack the capacity to navigate countywide opportunities, state and federal funding, or cross-regional partnerships. SBCFAN serves as the essential backbone that connects these efforts.Continued investment in SBCFAN ensures that organizations like Route 1 can thrive, scale, and sustain their impact.
VCCF Power of Purpose – December 2025 Newsletter
Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,
I spent yesterday morning enjoying a delightful coffee and croissant with one of your community foundation board members, Catherine Sepulveda. As always, time with Catherine is just so good for the soul!
For those who have not yet met her, Catherine is a bright light, kind, generous, deeply thoughtful, endlessly curious, creative, optimistic, and rooted in her values. It was only a few moments into our conversation when we found ourselves marveling at the kindness and generosity we have witnessed across Ventura County this past year and sharing our hopes and dreams for our community’s future.
Port of Hueneme Dock Talk — Thank you to all of our customers who help make our cargo move!
As I reflect on this past year serving as your President of the Oxnard Harbor District, I am filled with deep pride and sincere gratitude. The progress we have made together is a direct result of the dedication, collaboration, and shared commitment of so many individuals who believe in the strength of this port and the community it serves. Truly, none of this work happens alone.
This year, our connection with the community continued to grow stronger. Our team was proud to support, sponsor, and volunteer at numerous community events, conferences, and initiatives throughout the year- creating meaningful opportunities to engage with residents, partners, and stakeholders across Ventura County. These moments of connection help guide our work and reinforce the importance of listening, learning, and leading with purpose.
The 805 Marker Project – Our Community Disappeared — A community-led act of remembrance, resistance, and protection. Please see related Central Coast stories
Please see related Central Coast stories:
• Bilingual report — 805 UNCOCUFund — Help Sustain Life-Saving Community Alerts/Ayúdenos a Sostener Alertas Comunitarias que Salvan Vidas
• Escalating enforcement violence across the Central Coast underscores the critical role of community-based alert systems and rapid response networks
• SBCC’s Statement on recent (ICE) law enforcement activities on campus
CENTRAL COAST — 805UndocuFund announces the continuation of The 805 Marker Project – Our Community Disappeared, a series of public art installations across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties that bear witness to a painful truth: our neighbors are being taken, and our communities are being torn apart.
The 805 Marker Project was born from the urgency and grief felt by 805UndocuFund volunteers and community members who refused to allow ICE kidnappings to happen in silence. Each marker is placed at the exact location where a community member was taken—transforming ordinary streets, sidewalks, and public spaces into sites of memory, truth, and collective accountability.
Holiday Music & Greetings from Ventura Music Festival
We wish you a restorative holiday season and look forward to making more music with you in 2026! In the meantime, please enjoy the holiday music of our Music Director, Nuvi Mehta, on violin.
Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Season’s greetings: Together, we power hope
Thanks to your support, we’ve continued making a real difference for our communities and the environment. Even amid federal rollbacks and new proposals to expand offshore drilling along our beloved coastline, your generosity helps us fill the gap and protect what makes the Central Coast home.
Happy Holidays from Das and Spencer
After many years of collective public service, you may be wondering what we are up to. You guessed it—we could not stop serving the public! We are fighting for clean and affordable energy in a new way.
We are working for the local, five-county Community Choice Aggregator, Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), and we are loving it. In a darkening age, living our values through our energy, fuel, and travel choices is crucial to avoid the worst effects of climate change. Ya’Ash has also gotten in on the act, creating hand-drawn posters and chalk paintings of steps you can take to save the environment.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County launches “100 Big Brothers” volunteer recruitment campaign with the California Men’s Service Challenge
“This campaign is about uplifting young men in Ventura County by connecting them with a Big who represents a healthy, connected village of support,” said Danica Selvaggio, CEO at BBSVC. “Through mentorship, we create safe spaces for Little Brothers to build confidence, develop healthy relationships, and receive the consistent encouragement that helps them discover their potential. Our 100 new volunteers will help shape a brighter future for the next generation.”
Museum of Ventura County — Last-minute gifts, inspiring events and upcoming exhibitions
As 2025 comes to a close, I want to sincerely thank everyone who supports the Museum of Ventura County.
Throughout the year, I was continually reminded that connection is at the heart of everything we do. We supported local students through meaningful educational experiences that inspired curiosity, welcomed our community through public events that celebrated shared stories, presented exhibitions that explored Ventura County’s diverse cultural history, and continued vital work behind the scenes to preserve our collections for future generations.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our members, donors, sponsors, board members, committee advisors, community partners, volunteers, and visitors. This work is truly a shared effort, and on behalf of our entire staff, thank you for believing in the Museum.
Happy Holidays from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art!
As we reach the end of the year, we are filled with gratitude for the community that surrounds and sustains the Museum. Your curiosity, your presence at our exhibitions and programs, and your belief in the power of art to deepen our lives have made 2025 a year of connection, discovery, and joy.
Bilingual report — 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.?
SYV People Helping People fulfills a holiday wish for vulnerable families
SOLVANG — People Helping People (PHP) teamed up with generous local businesses, volunteers, and community members to create the 31st annual Fulfill-A-Wish Boutique, bringing relief and joy to 144 low-income households.
The festive boutique at Veterans’ Memorial Hall in Solvang on December 10th and 11th supplied everything parents needed to create a warm holiday memory for their children from presents to wrapping paper.
All recipients are clients of PHP who live, work, or go to school in the Santa Ynez Valley or Los Alamos.
Ventura County Emergency Information website update
Winter Storm Information
Ventura County Sheriff Emergency Services and the National Weather Service are monitoring a significant storm forecast to bring up rainfall totals up to 4.00 inches in coasts and valleys and 8.00 in mountain areas of Ventura County Tuesday evening through Thursday.
Bilingual report — EVACUATION WARNING Issued for Identified Properties in Santa Barbara County Associated with the Lake Fire
EVACUATION WARNING Issued for Identified Properties in Santa Barbara County Associated with the Lake Fire
***
ADVERTENCIA DE EVACUACIÓN emitida para propiedades identificadas en el Condado de Santa Barbara asociadas con el Incendio Lake
Read More | Lea Más
Bilingual report — Major Storm Forecasted for Santa Barbara County (Dec. 23-25)
The National Weather Service is forecasting a major storm for Santa Barbara County that is expected to occur Tuesday, December 23, 2025, through Thursday, December 25, 2025. Light rain is possible on Sunday, December 21, 2025, and Monday, December 22, 2025. Flooding in low-lying areas, flash flooding, and strong winds are possible.
There are no evacuations in place at this time. If you are concerned that this storm may cause unsafe conditions at your home, leave the area before the rain starts. Do not wait for an official evacuation notification to leave.
Public safety officials are monitoring the incoming storm and will continue to assess if protective actions, such as an evacuation warning, evacuation order, or shelter in place, are necessary.
Escalating enforcement violence across the Central Coast underscores the critical role of community-based alert systems and rapid response networks
CENTRAL COAST — As immigration enforcement activity intensifies across the Central Coast, 805UndocuFund is raising urgent concerns about the growing normalization of aggressive enforcement tactics, the visible presence of ICE in public and private spaces, and the extraordinary courage demonstrated by community members, staff, and volunteers who continue to show up—often at personal risk—to protect immigrant families. Across the region, these individuals have stepped forward with clarity, discipline, and resolve to ensure families are not left isolated or uninformed.
Bilingual report — City of Ventura activates Foul Weather Shelter on Dec. 23 due to inclement weather
VENTURA — The City of Ventura, in partnership with River Community Church, has activated the Foul Weather Shelter Program on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, in response to forecasted rainfall of at least one-half inch.
As part of this activation, 40 motel rooms have been reserved at a local motel for individuals 62 years and older and/or with those with chronic medical conditions. Rooms are limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals who are not placed in a motel room will receive a stay-warm kit.
Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura
Thank you for staying up-to-date on news at the County of Ventura! Want to sign up for our newsletter?
Community members who are not already subscribed may sign up to receive our newsletter in English here and in Spanish here.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — ’25 Wrapped!
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Now Offering Non-Invasive Treatment Option for Patients with Liver Tumors
Only hospital in the region offering ultrasound-based liver tumor treatment SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH) is now offering histotripsy, an innovative, non-invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to precisely destroy targeted tissue in both cancerous and…
Physician incentive program delivers $16M in quality health Care to Central Coast in 2025
SANTA BARBARA — In 2025, CenCal Health, the Medi-Cal managed care plan, distributed over $16 million to 95 local primary care providers through its Quality Care Incentive Program (QCIP), driving significant improvements in patient care across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. QCIP rewards CenCal Health providers for excellence in key clinical areas, including diabetes and asthma management, breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings, and pediatric well-care.
Biligual report — December News from People’s Self-Help Housing
As we approach December 21, the longest night of the year, I am reminded of the profound significance this season holds for those of us committed to ending homelessness. The winter solstice is a natural pause, a moment to reflect on the stark reality faced by individuals who endure these long nights without the comfort of shelter.
While many of us live by calendars, alarms, and screens, the sun remains the oldest measure of time. In these days of deep darkness and cold, I encourage you to take a moment to consider what these hours mean for those without warmth, food, or safety.
Community Environmental Council (CEC) — From the Birthplace of Earth Day: A Warning and a Way Forward
Last month, CEC convened environmental leaders from across the Central Coast with Congressman Salud Carbajal to discuss how federal climate rollbacks are affecting our region.
The resulting op-ed, “From the Birthplace of Earth Day: A Warning and a Way Forward,” co-authored by Congressman Carbajal and Sigrid Wright, CEC’s CEO, outlines what we heard and offers a blueprint for resilient, community-centered climate action.
Key takeaways from the op-ed:
• Abrupt federal funding losses are disrupting local climate projects
• Policy instability creates barriers to progress and planning
• Local partnerships are stepping up to fill gaps and protect communities
• The Central Coast offers a model for innovative, durable climate leadership
Bilingual report — 805UndocuFund conducting $50,000 year-end fundraising campaign
CENTRAL COAST — The 805UndocuFund is conducting a $50,000 year-end fundraising campaign.
This is an ambitious goal, but the need far exceeds any fundraising goals. Your year-end gift will continue to fuel our grassroots efforts and strengthen our movement to protect the humanity of our undocumented neighbors. We understand that times are tough, yet together we have shown the ability to make the impossible possible.
Ventura College Foundation distributes record $1.16 million in direct student support during 2024-25 academic year
VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation distributed a record $1,163,994 in direct student assistance during the 2024-25 academic year and another $1.54 million to 56 college programs across 14 departments and divisions. The Ventura College Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and programs.
As part of the distribution, the foundation provided $158,000 in gap funding for tuition costs for the Ventura College Promise program after state budget cuts. The program covers tuition and fees for eligible students for up to two years, serving 4,460 first-time, full-time Ventura College students in their first and second years during the 2024-25 school year.
CSUCI announces Channel Islands Tuition Promise for eligible California Students beginning Fall 2026
“At Cal State Channel Islands, opportunity is within reach for every student. The Channel Islands Tuition Promise ensures that tuition and mandatory fees are fully covered for eligible students, reducing financial barriers to earning a CSUCI degree,” said Interim President Susan Andrzejewski. This program allows students to focus on the transformative learning experiences that define Cal State Channel Islands, strengthening our role as a powerful engine of social mobility for Ventura County and the state.”
Community Environmental Council (CEC) — A personal note from Nadra: Help fill the gap
This holiday season, I’m proud to support the Community Environmental Council in protecting the Central Coast. But federal rollbacks have created a $1.5 million funding gap, threatening programs that keep our air clean, food systems resilient, and communities prepared. And with new proposals to expand offshore drilling along our coastline, it’s clear we must do more than simply fight back — we must strengthen the community-led solutions generations have worked to build.
Museum of Ventura County — Season of Gratitude
As we approach the end of the year, we are deeply grateful for a community that believes in the power of history, art, and shared stories.
Each day, the Museum of Ventura County preserves the history of our region by collecting and caring for its stories through oral histories, objects, photographs, and archival materials. We serve as the steward of Ventura County’s collective memory, ensuring that the people, places, and moments that shaped our community are protected for generations to come.
Groundbreaking ceremony marks start of construction for Jacaranda Court – 63 new affordable workforce homes coming to Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), joined by city officials, project partners, and community members, celebrated the official groundbreaking of Jacaranda Court, a new 63-unit affordable rental community designed to serve Santa Barbara’s…
Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Our new website is here – Built to power our movement
We’re excited to share some big news with you! Even in a year that’s brought no shortage of challenges, we’ve been working to launch a more accessible, user-friendly website – a digital home designed to help us stay connected, build grassroots power, and make sure our communities have the tools we need to know and defend our rights.
Our new site is built for you. When you have a moment, take a look around – and be sure you’re subscribed to our email list. If you’re on social media, follow us on Instagram and Facebook so you never miss an update.
Bilingual report — Ventura Police urge responsible celebrations this holiday season
VENTURA — As holiday celebrations ramp up, so does the risk on our roads. In December 2023, 1,038 people across the U.S. lost their lives in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Ventura Police Department joins agencies statewide in urging drivers to celebrate responsibly and keep impaired driving out of their holiday plans.
Tthrough New Year’s Day, Ventura Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk.
Allan Hancock College’s SkillsUSA Community Service Team organizes blanket drive donation
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s SkillsUSA Community Service Team is collecting new and gently used blankets this holiday season to support individuals and families in need across the Central Coast.
Donation bins are available now through Dec.19 in the Mechanics Bank Student Center (bldg. G) at the college’s Santa Maria campus. Community members are encouraged to contribute if they are able.
The blanket drive serves as the team’s official SkillsUSA community service project for the year. Students on the team include Johana Diaz-Toscano, Alexandra Ramirez and Victoria Gama. The three students organized and launched the initiative entirely themselves. Diaz-Toscano said that blankets will be distributed to local shelters, many of which see increased need during the winter months.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County Welcomes New board director, Dennis Yai
VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is proud to announce the appointment of Dennis Yai, Associate General Counsel at Amgen, to its Board of Directors. Mr. Yai brings extensive expertise in corporate governance, securities, and strategic legal counsel, experience that will strengthen the agency’s mission to ignite the potential of youth across Ventura County.
As Associate General Counsel at Amgen, one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, Mr. Yai oversees a broad portfolio of corporate, securities, and governance activities. His responsibilities include advising on SEC compliance, executive compensation, ESG matters, stockholder activism, and high-level public disclosure. Mr. Yai also played a pivotal role in structuring, negotiating, and closing major financing transactions, including cross-border financing in support of Amgen’s acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics.
Bilingual reports — County of Ventura wins gold from the Healthcare Digital Marketing Awards for fentanyl awareness website
VENTURA — The County of Ventura has received a Gold Award in the 6th Annual Healthcare Digital Marketing Awards for its Think Again Ventura Countywebsite, a centralized, digital resource supporting the County’s ongoing fentanyl awareness campaign. The national awards program, which recognizes excellence in healthcare marketing and digital communications, received entries from hospitals, health systems, and public health organizations across the country
40th Annual California Strawberry Festival call for applicants: Makers of unique, quality handcrafted artwork and craft items
VENTURA — The 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival is accepting applications from individual makers of quality, handcrafted works by artists and crafters for this year’s festival taking place May 16 and 17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The deadline to apply is February 9.
The festival, which attracts more than 50,000 visitors, features dozens of different kinds of foods and beverages made from fresh strawberries. About 150 artisans from throughout California showcase their original works including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, children’s toys, accessories, photography, textiles, outdoor furniture, jewelryand specialty foods.
Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas — La Posada del teatro | Movie Night | Casting Call | Vision Board
*** Teatro’s Christmas Party ***
Let’s celebrate another year of art, stories, friendship, drama, and smiles.
Saturday, December 13
Starting at 6 p.m.
7 p.m. Araceli Collazo & The Ensamble
8 p.m. Karaoke Night with DJ Mannu
Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting to be held on Dec. 16
2025 Annual Report and Accomplishments from Federal and State Legislative Advocates and 2026 Legislative Platform Adoption
(Estimated Time: 30 minutes)
Bilingual report — Ventura Police spread holiday cheer at annual Shop with a Cop
VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department helped make the season brighter for local families on December 10, 2025, during its annual Shop with a Cop event, held at Walmart and hosted in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura and the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.
This year, 30 children from low-income households and families facing childhood cancer were paired with Ventura Police officers for an unforgettable evening of one-on-one shopping. Each child received $150 to choose gifts for the people they love, turning what can be a challenging time of year into an afternoon of joy and connection.
Climate Stewards Winter 2026 Enrollment: Turn climate anxiety into community power
As federal policy and funding rollbacks threaten decades of environmental progress, it’s never been more important for all of us to step up, care for our neighborhoods, restore our ecosystems, and protect the places we love.
CEC’s Climate Stewards Certification Program empowers individuals from all backgrounds to advance bold climate solutions right at home. High school and college students, recent grads, teachers, community members, non-profit staff, business owners, retirees, and more are all invited to join us as we take collective action to move forward meaningful climate progress.
Holiday Magic at Heritage Square Oxnard
Call for Entries: Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit
Looking for a fun holiday project? Our annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit is the perfect way for family and friends to gather this weekend and create something sweet together.
Entries are due by next Tuesday, December 15.
Your gingerbread creation will be featured as part of our holiday display at Heritage Square.
View entry information: https://forms.gle/y7e8bHAoNfiiQcXC7
Inspiration from past entries here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/137180328@N06/albums/72157720188275462/
Bilingual report — Registration for Ventura’s Spring 2026 Activity Guide begins Jan. 6
Every Ventura resident will receive a printed copy of the Activity Guide in the mail. Additional copies are available for pick-up at City Hall and other City facilities during business hours, including the Westpark Community Center, Barranca Vista Community Center, Ventura Aquatics Center, and Ventura Avenue Adult Center.