Category: Finance

Southeast Ventura County YMCA receives $1 million grant from state budget for Simi Valley Family YMCA expansion project

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

SIMI VALLEY — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA announced it has been awarded a $1 million state budget grant through the governor’s signing of State Budget AB113 last week to help fund the upcoming expansion of its Simi Valley Family YMCA branch.

This financial investment from the state will bring the YMCA closer to fully funding the $7.5 million project and achieve YMCA leadership’s objectives of funding the project through a partnership of local philanthropy, business investments and public/government funding.

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, a leading supporter of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA, advocated and secured this award to bring expanded programs, services and facilities that are accessible to all members of the Simi Valley community.

Museum of Ventura County — Your Museum, Your Community | Quarterly Update from the Development Team

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

I want to begin this quarterly update with what may be one of my favorite things I have ever had the opportunity to report.

Our longtime Facilities Manager, Miguel Aguiar, recently purchased a commemorative Museum tile, not for himself, but in honor of the people he has worked alongside throughout his years at MVC.

Miguel held a small unveiling ceremony with staff and volunteers to recognize four people he affectionately referred to as “my blessings”: Shanon Rice, David Bayer, Clyde Hofflund, and John Treuer. These are people who have worked alongside Miguel and the Museum over the years, giving their time and talents to help make so many of our events and gatherings possible.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

Help Shape Ventura County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan

Ventura County is inviting residents, businesses, and community organizations to help shape the County’s next Hazard Mitigation Plan by reviewing the draft plan at a public workshop on November 18, 2026.

$3 Million federal grant brings applied AI training to Moorpark College students

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

MOORPARK — Moorpark College has been awarded a five-year, $3 million federal Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant to launch the Applied AI Initiative for Workforce Readiness, Faculty Capacity, and Economic Mobility. The initiative will help students and faculty prepare for a workforce where artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday work.

The grant will fund a new interdisciplinary Applied Artificial Intelligence certificate that students can pair with their main field of study, from business and communication to cybersecurity and film and television. Rather than training AI specialists, the program will help students become professionals who can use AI effectively, responsibly and critically in their chosen careers.

805title Inc. expands to three-state footprint with statewide California licensing and new Arizona approval

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — 805title, a Latino-founded and owned independent title and escrow company in Santa Barbara, is announcing that the California Department of Insurance has granted it licensing in every county in the state. The company also recently received its Arizona license for title and escrow, and it confirmed that 805title of Nevada has been operating since June 2025. With these approvals, 805title now serves clients across three of the West’s most active real estate markets.

People’s Self-Help Housing Named ‘Developer of the Year’

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has been selected by the Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing (SCANPH) as the recipient of the 2026 Developer of the Year Award, presented as part of the Homes Within Reach Awards program. The award recognizes SCANPH member organizations that consistently demonstrate creativity, innovation, and perseverance in overcoming challenges to expand affordable housing opportunities.

Presented annually at the SCANPH Conference, the Developer of the Year Award honors a nonprofit housing developer whose work exemplifies excellence in affordable housing production, community impact, and long-term commitment to residents.

Ventura Housing unveils future developments and celebrates resident success at Second Annual State of Ventura Housing Breakfast

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On Wednesday, Oct. 21, Ventura Housing welcomed 160 residents, community leaders, elected officials and partners to The Livery at Rumfish y Vino for its Second Annual State of Ventura Housing Breakfast, raising about $42,000 for ATLAS, the agency’s philanthropic arm. Centered around the theme “Investing in Families. Strengthening Futures.,” the morning highlighted how funders, developers, government and community partners, and residents each play a role in making affordable housing possible. Ventura Housing also shared updates on five developments in its pipeline, led by Santa Clara Apartments and Pasteur Court Apartments, which are set to begin construction in April 2027.

Gold Coast Transit District seeks development partner to create housing near transit in downtown Oxnard to help sustain public transportation

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified developers to transform its approximately 2.93-acre Third Street property in central Oxnard into a transit-oriented residential or mixed-use development. The project represents an opportunity to address local housing needs, make better use of publicly owned land, and create a long-term revenue source to help support public transportation services.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Prepare for the Storm: EDC’s Flood Preparedness Checklist

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

As California approaches the winter storm season, Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) encourages businesses and community partners to take proactive steps to prepare for potential flooding and severe weather. With the possibility of heavy rainfall, atmospheric river storms, and flooding this winter, preparing now can make a meaningful difference in protecting your employees, property and operations.

To help businesses plan ahead, EDC has developed a Flood Preparedness Checklist featuring 20 practical steps, including:

Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) — VCTA – Unchecked Power, Sticky Notes, and a $1 Million Merchandise Bill

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

Under Ventura County’s current structure, voting for the Ventura County Superintendent of Education hands virtually unchecked power to the winner. Because the position is independently elected rather than appointed, the Ventura County Board of Education lacks direct oversight over the Superintendent’s day-to-day administrative and financial decisions. This structural loophole leaves taxpayers vulnerable to unchecked administrative spending—with no real institutional watchdog inside the office to rein it in.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

CLAUDE 102: PROJECTS, ARTIFACTS, SOPS & WORKFLOWS

October 29 @ 10:00 am

If you’ve mastered the basics of AI prompting, it’s time to take the next step. In this interactive 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn how to transform Claude from a simple chatbot into a reliable business partner that helps you organize projects, create reusable business assets, document processes, and automate everyday tasks. You’ll discover practical strategies to reduce repetitive work while maintaining consistency across your business. This course is designed specifically for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Facilitated by: Deborah Deras, EDC SBDC Marketing Advisor, International Speaker, Author, AI Educator, Professor & Doctoral Scholar researching the impact of AI on Small Businesses. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

People’s Self-Help Housing now accepting applications for Skylight Homes: New for-sale homes in Santa Maria

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has begun construction on Skylight Homes: a new, for-sale, single-family subdivision in Santa Maria. Interested buyers are encouraged to sign up for the interest list and attend a mandatory Agricultural Worker Project Presentation to begin the application process.

Located at 3170 Santa Maria Way, Skylight Homes will consist of 49 new homes, built over two phases of construction. The subdivision is surrounded by existing single-family neighborhoods, shopping centers, schools, and community parks. Each home will come with:

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara celebrates Grand Opening of Bella Vista Affordable Housing Development

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) celebrated the grand opening of Bella Vista, its new affordable housing development at 200 North La Cumbre Road, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday.

The 48-unit development provides affordable rental housing for families with low and very low incomes, offering a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. All units are subsidized through Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers, allowing residents to pay 30% of their income toward rent.

Central Coast Alliance United for A Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Years of organizing. A historic victory for Santa Barbara tenants

by Community Contributor • October 25, 2026 • Comments Off

The fight for rent stabilization in Santa Barbara has been years in the making, built by our community that keeps showing up, organizing, and building power together.Through long meetings, countless conversations, public comments, and years of organizing, we kept showing up and building power together. And last week, that persistence paid off: Santa Barbara City Council adopted the rent stabilization ordinance!

Make a one-time or monthly donation to help us keep building on this historic victory!

Women’s Economic Ventures celebrates 35 Years, recognizes Trailblazer Awardee Kelly Mooney and WEV’s Giving Circle the League of Extraordinary Women

by Community Contributor • October 21, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — On Oct. 7, WEV brought together community members, philanthropists and advocates at La Cumbre Country Club for its annual League of Extraordinary Women Luncheon in recognition of National Give to Women & Girls Day. The gathering celebrated the collective generosity that makes WEV’s work possible and called attention to the importance of investing in women’s economic futures.

Since its founding in 1991, WEV has worked to ensure women have access to the education, training, financial resources and support they need to shape their own futures. That work matters not only to individual women, but also to the families and communities strengthened when women have greater financial security and more choices.

Wells Fargo invests $100,000 to support People’s Self-Help Housing Education Program

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has received a generous $100,000 grant from Wells Fargo in support of Central Coast students enrolled in their education program and to help launch their newest Learning Center at Buellton Garden Apartments.

For families with school-aged children, PSHH’s eight onsite Learning Centers offer a safe, engaging environment where students receive homework assistance, participate in enrichment activities, build confidence, and develop skills that support long-term academic success. These year-round services are all provided at no cost to the families, thanks to partners like Wells Fargo.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — New Prospectus: The Central Coast: Built to Prove What’s Next in Advanced Aviation

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP), REACH, and Uplift Central Coast are pleased to share the new Autonomous Systems and Advanced Air Mobility Prospectus.

The prospectus highlights the Central Coast’s strengths across Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, bringing together the companies, testing infrastructure, research assets and talent pipelines supporting the region’s next generation of aircraft.
For More Information Click Here

People’s Self-Health Housing — Hammers at the ready: New Self-Help Homeownership Development underway in San Miguel

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2026 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — At Mission Gardens II, a group of 14 owner-builders have begun building their own homes through the People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) mutual self-help program.

Located in San Miguel, San Luis Obispo County, this new development is seeing the future homeowners construct 14 single-story homes located at the end of N Street. Each home is set to have three or four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage. They will also be equipped with energy-efficient features, PV solar, and drought-tolerant landscaping.

2026 San Luis Obispo County’s Assessor’s Annual Report

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2026 • Comments Off

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — I am pleased to present the Annual Report of the Assessor’s office for 2026-27. This report provides the latest data regarding property values in San Luis Obispo County and highlights information that impacts the local economy and our quality of life.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula City Council adopts resolution opposing Proposition 43

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — At its Oct. 7, 2026 meeting, the Santa Paula City Council voted unanimously (5-0) to adopt Resolution No. 7635, formally opposing Proposition 43, a statewide ballot measure appearing before California voters on November 3, 2026.

The action follows a request from the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) encouraging cities to consider opposing the measure. Proposition 43 would increase the voter-approval requirement for voter-initiated local special taxes from a simple majority to two-thirds, potentially making it more difficult for communities to approve dedicated funding for local services and priorities.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula City Council approves temporary pause on certain RV parking enforcement

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is temporarily pausing enforcement of certain recreational vehicle (RV) parking regulations following a unanimous (5-0) City Council decision on October 7, 2026. The temporary pause allows the City to review its existing ordinance and explore potential updates with input from the community. The decision follows ongoing public comments and concerns from residents regarding RV parking restrictions and their impact on the community.

Bilingual report — CenCal Health launches member navigation hub to help at-risk residents keep Medi-Cal coverage

by Community Contributor • October 8, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — In response to Medi-Cal eligibility, enrollment and renewal changes affecting an estimated 44,000 local residents, CenCal Health and a coalition of community partners have launched Central Coast Coverage, a regional member navigation hub that helps eligible individuals keep their health coverage and avoid disruptions in care.

Supported by a $2 million investment from CenCal Health – the region’s Medi-Cal health plan serving more than 220,000 members in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties – the new resource connects residents with navigation assistance, resource guides, and information about Medi-Cal.

Museum of Ventura County — October 8 is DAF Day

by Community Contributor • October 8, 2026 • Comments Off

Thursday is DAF Day—a national day encouraging donors to put their Donor Advised Funds to work for the organizations and causes they care about most.

If preserving Ventura County’s stories, celebrating its art and culture, and creating opportunities for our community to learn from the people and places that shaped our region are important to you, we invite you to consider making a gift to the Museum of Ventura County through your Donor Advised Fund (DAF).

Monica Tull launches Presidio Private, a Santa Barbara-based fiduciary, to help families prepare for the ‘What Ifs’

by Community Contributor • October 8, 2026 • Comments Off

“People are usually pretty good at planning for the life they expect to have,” Tull said. “It’s the things we haven’t thought through that can leave families scrambling. I want to help people think about those situations before they happen, rather than trying to sort everything out in the middle of a crisis.”

Sponsors Wanted For National Philanthropy Day Celebration, Nov. 12

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Once a year, nonprofits come together to celebrate the people and institutions that give generously to the local community. This year’s National Philanthropy Day celebration will be held November 12 at the Rincon Beach Club in Carpinteria, and organizers are seeking sponsors.

The event is hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter (AFP), an organization that brings together those in the fundraising and nonprofit fields.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. celebrates 45 years of bringing community home

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2026 • Comments Off

“Over forty-five years ago, a group of farmworker families worked together to protect their homes, and everything we have built since carries that same spirit forward,” said Victoria Brady, Chief Executive Officer of Cabrillo EDC. “This milestone belongs to the residents who have trusted us, the staff who have dedicated their careers to this mission, and the partners and supporters who have stood beside us through decades of growth. We are proud of how far we have come, and just as excited about what the next 45 years will bring.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura prepares for winter weather amid strong El Niño forecast

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura is taking proactive steps to coordinate efforts across agencies to strengthen readiness, identify potential resource and informational needs, and ensure infrastructure resiliency ahead of what could potentially be a very active winter season. The National Weather Service is forecasting that significant El Niño conditions will continue to intensify through the end of 2026, with the possibility of these conditions creating the strongest event on record. The presence of strong El Niño conditions raises the likelihood of Ventura County experiencing a stormier, wetter than usual winter.

Allan Hancock College hosts state student aid leader for conversation on college access

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Educators, counselors, students and community advocates from across the Central Coast gathered at Allan Hancock College Sept. 30 for a conversation focused on expanding college access and helping students navigate financial aid.

Allan Hancock College and the Central Coast Cal-SOAP Consortium hosted Daisy Gonzales, Ph.D., executive director of the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), for the event at Boyd Hall on Hancock’s Santa Maria campus.

Farm Bureau of Ventura County — Record $2.4 billion crop value masks 80% collapse in Ventura County Farm Returns

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County’s record $2.4 billion agricultural production value in 2025 masked a far more troubling number: growers of several of the county’s major crops spent more money to grow them than the crops were worth.

Strawberries, Ventura County’s number one crop, grossed $807 million in 2025. But Ventura County’s favorite berry cost growers every penny of that $807 million to produce, plus $8 million more. Lemons, a crop deeply embedded in Ventura County’s history and heritage, showed even worse returns, costing growers $203.5 million to receive $181.7 million in gross revenue.

Bilingual report — October 2026 County of Santa Barbara Newsletter

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2026 • Comments Off

CSUCI Fall 2027 application submission period has opened

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) will begin accepting application submissions for the Fall 2027 term on Oct. 1, 2026. Students should submit their applications through the Cal State Apply portal. The priority application deadline for most Fall 2027 applicants is Jan. 15, except for the Nursing program which has a Nov. 30 deadline.

Applications for transfer students interested in Spring 2027 admission are already open. Students seeking Spring admission should submit their applications by the priority deadline of Oct. 30.

United Way of Ventura County — Volunteer Opportunity

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2026 • Comments Off

Join us as a volunteer for this unique and impactful opportunity. You can provide free tax preparation for low-income earners. Join like-minded people interested in making a difference!

Friendship Center Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — Check out our flags on State Street!!!

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2026 • Comments Off

Our flags are flying on State Street in Santa Barbara! Make sure to visit and snap a photo by Tuesday, October 6! Dine at Mendocino Farms on Wednesday, October 7 and 50% of sales to be donated to Friendship Center.…

Santa Paula receives $1.5 million for Sports Park Complex Phase II with support from Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón

by Community Contributor • September 30, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is pleased to announce a major investment in the community’s recreational future with the allocation of $1.5 million in state funding for Phase II of the Santa Paula Sports Park Complex.

The allocation, championed by Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón, will help move the City closer to completing the next phase of improvements and expand recreational opportunities for Santa Paula’s residents. The new funding builds upon previous state support also graciously secured with Limón’s assistance for sports field lighting at the complex.

VCCCD opens a clearer path to college with new student enrollment experience

by Community Contributor • September 30, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Students can soon get started at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges in about 15 minutes, as the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) launches its new, simplified enrollment experience through CCCStart on October 8.

The district is among the first in California to adopt CCCStart, an enrollment platform that will replace the long-standing CCCApply system statewide by June 2027. This change is part of a statewide effort led by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to modernize how students begin college. The new platform was designed to expand access, improve the student experience and protect against fraud.

Bilingual report — People’s Self-Health Housing Sept. 2026 eNewsletter

by Community Contributor • September 29, 2026 • Comments Off

This month, we opened a new Learning Center at Buellton Garden Apartments! Enrollment forms and more information can be found at pshhc.org/education.

The Buellton Garden Apartments Learning Center is made possible through generous grants from Wells Fargo and the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation.

C.A.R.L. opens pet food pantry to assist Ventura County residents

by Community Contributor • September 29, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) announces the opening of its pet food bank, which will distribute food at no cost to residents. The Ventura-based C.A.R.L. Thrift Store, located at 2750 E. Main Street, Suite B, will serve as the hub for the pet food pantry. Its hours of operation will run from noon to 2 p.m., while supplies last, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

C.A.R.L. Governance Board President Claudia Hoste decided to launch a pet food pantry after attending an event that featured a local food bank. “I thought, ‘We need to do the same to support our animal community.’” Hoste has also seen several posts on social media, where people discussed how the rising cost of dog and cat food has challenged them to keep their beloved pets.

Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — 25 Years strong thanks to you

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2026 • Comments Off

We are still still beaming with the warmth and beautiful show of support from so many of you last Thursday at Raising Justice!

Whether you joined us in person, invited a friend, or donated from near or from afar, THANK YOU!

Ventura County microbusinesses eligible for fully funded hiring and employee training programs

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) announced (on Sept. 25) the launch of a high-impact suite of workforce programs designed specifically to help local microenterprises scale without financial strain. Administered locally through America’s Job Center of California (AJCC), the initiative provides fully funded work experiences, hiring reimbursements, and subsidized training to sole proprietors, independent operators, and family-owned firms with fewer than five employees.

Designed to counter rising operational costs, these resources absorb the financial risks of onboarding and staff development for small employers that operate without dedicated HR departments or surplus working capital.

VCCF Power of Purpose – September 2026

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2026 • Comments Off

Dear Ventura County Community Foundation family,

Today I invite you to watch one of my favorite TED Talks of all time: Drew Dudley’s “Everyday Leadership.”

In just six minutes, Dudley reminds us that we are all leaders. We tend to associate leadership only with enormous achievements, defining moments or extraordinary individuals. When we do that, leadership starts to feel inaccessible, something reserved only for other people. But our capacity to change another person’s life, and our community’s future, is far greater than we realize.

CSUCI invites community to Dolphin Pantry Donation Drive and Free OLLI Seminar

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) is inviting the community to support students experiencing food and basic-needs insecurity during the CSUCI Dolphin Pantry Donation Drive on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at Studio Channel Islands Art Center, 2222 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo.

The event is presented through a collaboration among CSUCI Basic Needs, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSUCI, and Studio Channel Islands Art Center. The eventconnects a passion for lifelong learning with the shared purpose of supporting CSUCI students.

Pre-sale tickets end Sept. 30 for 4th annual Panteón Fest in Oxnard

by Community Contributor • September 25, 2026 • Comments Off

Panteón Fest – 4th Annual
Saturday, October 17, 2026 • 1:00–9:00 PM

Join us in Historic Heritage Square in Downtown Oxnard for the 4th Annual Panteón Fest, a celebration of Día de los Muertos through art, music, and culture. Enjoy eight hours of live performances, community altars, an art gallery, the Catrín & Catrina Contest, local vendors, delicious food, and drinks.

This year’s theme celebrates the world of Chespirito. Come dressed as your favorite Chespirito character and join us for a day of culture, nostalgia, and community as we honor Día de los Muertos together.

Senior Concerns’ ‘Par and Away’ Golf Tournament on Nov. 17 tees up critical support for local seniors and family caregivers

by Community Contributor • September 23, 2026 • Comments Off

“The need in our community is growing at a pace we haven’t seen before,” said Andrea Gallagher, president and CEO of Senior Concerns. “We used to receive one or two inquiries a week about Meals On Wheels. Now we’re receiving 10 to 12. At the same time, more older adults and family caregivers are reaching out to our case workers for guidance, resources and support. The funds raised through events like Par and Away help us respond when our neighbors need us most.”

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — SBA offers relief to California small businesses and private nonprofits affected by the 2026 Plains Oil Spill

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2026 • Comments Off

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in California to offset economic losses caused by the 2026 Plains Oil Spill occurring May 22 – 28. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs on behalf of Governor Gavin Newsom on Sept. 17.

The disaster declaration covers the California counties of Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Ventura.

Ventura College Foundation accepting scholarship applications for 2027-28 School Year

by Community Contributor • September 21, 2026 • Comments Off

The scholarship application deadline for the Paramedic and Career Education programs is November 23. Students will be notified of their scholarship status by mid-December. The application deadline for all other scholarships is January 22, 2027. Students will be notified of their scholarship submission results by mid-April 2027. Scholarship award distributions will begin August 1.

Students currently enrolled at Ventura College in the 2026-2027 academic year and who have completed or are on track to complete at least six units in the semester are eligible to apply. Units earned in previous semesters at Ventura College count towards the unit requirement.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • September 21, 2026 • Comments Off

EN ESPAÑOL: PRODUCTIVIDAD, ADMINISTRACIÓN Y HERRAMIENTAS DE GOOGLE CON INTELIGENCIA ARTIFICIAL

21 de septiembre a las 6:00 pm

Las tareas administrativas suelen consumir tiempo valioso que podría dedicarse al crecimiento del negocio. Este taller explora cómo la Inteligencia Artificial y las herramientas de Google pueden mejorar la productividad mediante la gestión de correos electrónicos, creación de documentos, resúmenes de reuniones, organización de tareas y administración de información. Los participantes aprenderán formas prácticas de reducir trabajo repetitivo y mejorar la eficiencia. Precio: GRATIS.

HAGA CLIC PARA REGISTRARSE

Guest contribution — Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) — School Bonds Are Back on the November Ballot? Both of Them Get a NO VOTE from VCTA!

by Community Contributor • September 21, 2026 • Comments Off

Two school general-obligation bonds will appear on local November 3rd ballots. Rio Elementary Measure B and Santa Paula Unified Measure C asks K–12 taxpayers to take on decades of new property-tax debt for projects that look a lot like the last ask.

Santa Paula Measure C — $48.6 million. Voters already said NO.

Measure C would issue $48.6 million at about $27.98 per $100,000 of assessed value to rebuild a gymnasium, build community swimming-pool facilities, and modernize vocational and performing-arts space. It needs 55 percent.

Ventura Land Trust — A small gift. A lasting impact

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2026 • Comments Off

Every day, people enjoy the lands that Ventura Land Trust has worked so hard to protect—hiking the trails, exploring with their families, watching wildlife, or simply taking a few quiet moments outside.

When you give monthly to Ventura Land Trust, you become part of the community that makes this work possible, all year long. Your steady support helps us care for the places we’ve already protected, restore native habitat, maintain trails, and seize new opportunities to protect Ventura County’s wild and beautiful places.

United Way of Ventura County seeking volunteers to provide free tax preparation for low-income earners

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2026 • Comments Off

Join like-minded people interested in making a difference!
Free training.

UCSB — The Current — ‘UCSB professor to lead international report on carbon capture, storage and utilization’ and more news

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2026 • Comments Off

Soil scientist Iris Holzer will help lead the team updating greenhouse gas accounting guidelines for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Gabe Grandcolas named president of the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Board of Directors

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table (SBART) is pleased to announce that Santa Barbara native Gabe Grandcolas has been named president of its board of directors, taking on a leadership role with an organization that has supported and celebrated local student-athletes for nearly 60 years.

Grandcolas brings deep roots in the Santa Barbara community to the role. He graduated from Santa Barbara High School, where he was a high school baseball pitcher, before heading to the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, where he graduated cum laude. As the Sales Director with the Knight Real Estate Group, Grandcolas built his reputation on careful listening, creative problem-solving and giving clients a clear understanding of their options, whether they are selling a family property or looking to call the greater Santa Barbara area home.

Port of Hueneme Dock Talk Community Newsletter — August 2026 Recap

by Community Contributor • September 4, 2026 • Comments Off

• Back-to-School Distribution
• World Oceans Day — 4th Annual
• Classic Car Show
• 13th Annual Banana Festival — Sept. 26, 2026

Guest contribution — Celebrating 15 Years of the Salena Bracamontes Insurance Agency

by Community Contributor • September 4, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Fifteen years ago, Salena Bracamontes took a leap into business ownership and opened the doors to her own State Farm agency. Today, she’s built so much more than a successful business with the Salena Bracamontes Insurance Agency, she’s built a dedicated team, lasting relationships with clients, and a reputation for showing up for the people and community she cares about.

Bilingual report — City of Camarillo Business Assistance Loans now Available

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2026 • Comments Off

In partnership with the City of Camarillo, the Economic Development Collaborative has launched the City of Camarillo Business Assistance Loan Fund. This low-interest program is specifically designed to prioritize the vibrant business community in the City of Camarillo. Start-ups can get the necessary capital to launch their ventures and established businesses can secure funds to fuel their growth. With abundant opportunities for collaboration, a diverse customer base and an environment of innovation, Camarillo is a perfect place to start or grow your business.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $500,000 loan for a 21-unit supportive housing development in Santa Paula

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2026 • Comments Off

“Predevelopment financing is often the hardest capital to secure, but it’s what allows a project like Gateway Grove to move from an idea to groundbreaking,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund Ventura County. “By stepping in early, we’re helping the Santa Paula Housing Authority, Many Mansions, and Homes & Hope turn a vacant motel into 21 homes for people who need them most, including veterans who have served our country.”

VCCF scholarship season surpasses $2 million milestone in awards

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation Scholarship Program has awarded $2,009,312 to students across the county for the 2026 season, exceeding the nonprofit’s past scholarship grantmaking record.

“As another incredible scholarship season closes and we enter a new school year, we are proud to celebrate the hard work and promise of the students this program exists to serve,” said Kirsti Vomund, VCCF scholarship director. “This year, we awarded 610 scholarships to 441 students, making this our biggest award year ever!”

United Way of Ventura County — Thank you for making our Spirit Awards Gala a success!

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2026 • Comments Off

This special event would not be possible without our incredible award recipients and the meaningful work they do for our Ventura County community, as well as our presenters, sponsors, donors, performers, volunteers, vendors, and United Way staff. We are so grateful for your support and partnership in making this celebration a success!

Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara receives over $500,000 from State Coastal Conservancy to launch the Ocean Collective with SBCC

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara (CFSB) has been awarded $507,500 from the California State Coastal Conservancy to launch the Ocean Collective, a partnership dedicated to building career pathways and shared infrastructure for the region’s Blue Economy. SCC funding comes from the voter approved Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 (a.k.a. “2024 Climate Bond” or “Proposition 4”).

Guest contribution — TruNorth Jets — Book Vacations 90 Days Prior to Takeoff

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA ROSA VALLEY — With the holidays less than 90 days out, now is the prime time to consider booking arrangements in order to maximize savings on costs as well as time.

Typically, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year in the U.S. If you plan to travel on that day, you will definitely need to get ahead of the holiday rush. Booking ahead allows you more flexibility to adjust travel dates if necessary and can help lessen the stress of having to book everything last minute.

Additionally, as the holidays near, flight prices will increase as availability dwindles and demand escalates. By securing bookings in advance, travelers increase their likelihood to secure the best pricing for their trips.

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Earns A+ Credit Rating from S&P Global

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2026 • Comments Off

For HACSB, however, the rating is not simply a measure of financial strength. It is another tool to advance the agency’s mission. HACSB measures success in human terms: more families with safe and stable homes, more seniors able to age with dignity, stronger neighborhoods, and more residents connected to opportunities and pathways to self-sufficiency.

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