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Category: Finance
Ventura County Animal Shelter — Donate Locally this Giving Tuesday!
Dear Animal Lover,
We’re asking for your support this Giving Tuesday. Your local donation to Ventura County Animal Services funds countless lifesaving programs and initiatives.
Your gift directly impacts thousands of animals in our care and in the community.
Thank you for your support,
Ventura County Animal Services
People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Buellton Garden Apartments: Pre-applications available starting Jan. 13
CENTRAL COAST — Pre-applications will soon be available for Buellton Garden Apartments: new affordable housing from People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH). The pre-application will be available beginning 9am Tuesday, January 13 and will be accessible in English and Spanish at pshhc.org/BGA.?
Ventura Music Festival — DOUBLE your gift of music!
This year, we performed in parks, museums, schools, hospitals, concert halls, senior centers, and neighborhoods across Ventura County — reaching thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds with live music that uplifts, inspires, and connects.
And this week, on Giving Tuesday, we’re asking for your help to make that reach even greater.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — You’re Invited: Support, Celebrate, Engage
Campaign match:
Gifts up to $250 will be matched by two anonymous donors until 12/31 to support the Roots & Branches Arts Fellowship – empowering emerging artists whose work is rooted in their cultural communities, nurturing the next generation of creative leaders in Santa Barbara
Guest commentary — Indivisible updates + actions: the Black Friday blackout (Nov. 27 through Dec. 1), a message to Trump’s corporate collaborators, more…
This week, we’re getting out votes for a massive special election in Tennessee and calling on you to put the pressure on three of Trump’s biggest corporate collaborators. Before we jump into your to-dos, here’s Ezra to explain why We Ain’t Buying It this weekend (Nov. 27 through Dec. 1)!
Ventura College Foundation seeks donations to ensure tuition costs are covered under the VC Promise Program
VENTURA — Ventura College Foundation is launching an awareness campaign to ensure all eligible first-time, full-time Ventura College students’ tuition costs remain covered under the Ventura College Promise (VC Promise) program.
VC Promise covers tuition and health, student center and student representative fees. State funding provides a portion of these costs. During the 2024-25 school year, the Ventura College Foundation contributed an extra $158,000 to the program after state funding fell considerably short due to state government budget issues.
During the 2024-25 school year, 4,460 first-time, full-time first- and second-year students participated in the program. The foundation also supported the college’s equipment lending library and veterans’ textbook program, which served 3,407 students.
Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Don’t let 50 years of progress slip away
We need your help to fill a funding gap, so we can keep hard-won climate progress moving forward on the Central Coast.
Federal rollbacks and anti-climate policies terminated three of CEC’s federal grants — a $1.5 million loss for cleaner air, stronger local food systems, and new green jobs for working families. And now, with new proposals to open parts of the Santa Barbara Channel to offshore oil and gas drilling, the stakes for our region have only grown.
Our goal is to raise $100,000 by December 31 to replace lost funding and protect 50 years of local environmental progress from being undone.
Cal Lutheran Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Museum of Ventura County announce innovative partnership
OXNARD — Nonprofit organizations throughout the region are experiencing significant financial, political and operational pressures. California Lutheran University’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership (CNL) and the Museum of Ventura County (MVC) have an innovative partnership solution: In June, CNL will relocate its offices to the Ventura-based museum’s new administrative office suite in Camarillo.
The move reflects the synergy between the two nonprofit organizations. It is also part of a donor-funded initiative that prioritizes keeping CNL in the heart of Ventura County.
“Our region’s nonprofit leaders are navigating complex pressures, and this partnership allows us to model the very adaptive practices we teach at the center,” said Dena Jenson, CNL director.
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.
Ventura County Credit Union gifts $75,000 to the Health Care Foundation for Ventura County as part of 75th anniversary celebration
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) has awarded a $75,000 donation to the Health Care Foundation for Ventura County, underscoring the importance of investing in organizations that enhance community well-being. This contribution is part of VCCU’s $750,000 giving campaign in honor of the credit union’s 75th anniversary.
The Health Care Foundation is the ninth nonprofit to receive funding through VCCU’s “Year of Giving” campaign. The ceremonial check presentation took place Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Ventura County Medical Center in Ventura.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event (Dec. 1) and webinar schedule
SCORE: GRANT PREP BOOT CAMP WORKSHOP
November 24 @ 8:00 am
In three hours, you will learn how to research, prepare, write and apply for grants. At the end of this webinar, you will be able to target and learn how to organize grants to further your mission. Don’t worry if you don’t have access to the various fancy (and expensive) grant databases. SCORE will show you how to access grant information (for FREE), filter through 990 returns, uncover names and get around the “invite only” issue when determining fit. SCORE will also work on systematizing the process of grants, so you don’t have to redo it every time. Price: $10.00.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. — Holiday safety tips to prevent being a crime victim
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Department is reaching out with helpful tips to make our community safer during the upcoming holidays especially for shoppers, retailers, and travelers.
Sullivan Goss — An American Gallery announces 1th annual ‘100 GRAND exhibition’
SANTA BARBARA — Sullivan Goss is pleased to announce the SEVENTEENTH annual 100 GRAND exhibition. Featuring over 100 quality works of art for $1,000 or less, the exhibition has become an incubator of emerging talent, an entryway for beginning collectors, a holiday celebration in the art community, and an ever timely reminder that everyone’s life is improved by the addition of original works of art.
The works will go on sale MONDAY, DECEMBER 1ST at 9:00am.
Santa Barbara Trust Company celebrates opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Trust Company led by Frank Tabar, local trust expert, who leads the team in conjunction with Arlington Financial Advisors, celebrated the opening with a party at their offices in downtown Santa Barbara. Randy Rowse, the Mayor of Santa Barbara, cut the ribbon on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce.
CSUCI contributes millions of dollars in statewide economic activity and tax revenue
CAMARILLO — The California State University (CSU) system released its Economic Impact Report highlighting the significant role the CSU and Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) play in driving regional economic vitality, strengthening California’s key industries and preparing a skilled workforce essential to California’s economy.
The report, Moving California Forward: The Economic Power of the CSU, highlights the lasting return on investment for the people of California at every level:
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
Local Musician Irene Fredricey champions music education with Giving Tuesday benefit concert
SANTA BARBARA — For Irene Fredricey, music has always been more than just notes on a page. It has been a source of confidence and community. Growing up in Santa Barbara, Irene remembers riding her bike to Peabody School with her violin in tow, eager to help set up the orchestra pit before class. ” I felt involved in something special,” she recalls. “I met new friends and became more focused in school.”
Today, Irene is passing that love of music on to the next generation. Alongside her husband and keyboardist Jim Thomas, she has organized a series of benefit concerts for Keep the Beat, a program of the Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) that provides instruments and funding for music education in local public schools. What started as a Valentine’s Day Sweethearts Concert evolved into a Summer of Love Couples Concert, both of which sold out quickly. This new tradition now continues with A Gift of Music: Giving Tuesday Concert on Tuesday, December 2.
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.
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 County Taxpayers Foundation — Fall Economic Report for 2025
Economic growth is positive in the County but there is concern because the general economy is contributing less to the broader Southern California economy. Over the last 15 years, Ventura County’s contribution to gross regional economic activity for the aggregate of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties has been in a continuous decline.
The percentage of gross county product contributed by Ventura County as a percent of total Southern California gross product has declined from 5.5 percent in 2007 to 4.0 percent in 2024. The rate of growth remains positive, but it has consistently lagged the aggregate growth of the other four counties.
This is largely due to much lower employment and population growth, and less new development of residential and non-residential structures. SOAR has been a principal impediment to growth in the region. It has largely limited organic growth and discouraged new in-migrating business growth.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule
SCORE: STARTING A NONPROFIT: A STEP-BY-STEP
November 18 @ 1:00 pm
Ready to turn your vision into reality? Join SCORE for a practical workshop that offers step-by-step guidance on establishing a nonprofit public charity. Ideal for those who have already decided to form a nonprofit, this session covers the essential stages from conception to achieving tax-exempt status and beyond. Price: $10.00.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Farm Bureau of Ventura County — USDA Damage Survery and FSA Resources
With the significant rain we have received and more on the way, the USDA is investigating whether damage has occurred to agricultural operators in our County.
If you have suffered damage to your agricultural crops, structures, land, or equipment due to excessive rain this month please complete the form linked below and return it to the agricultural commissioner’s office:
Drive Out Hunger – Port of Hueneme hosts Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway for Active Military & Veterans
PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme, California, proudly hosted its annual Drive Out Hunger Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway today, providing 450 frozen turkeys and full holiday meal kits to active-duty military members and veterans from across Ventura County. The drive-thru event reflects the Port’s deep commitment to serving those who serve the nation.
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
More Ways to Give with VCCF: Stock Donations
VENTURA COUNTY — As we enter the season of giving, there’s a wonderful way to make your generosity go even further: donating appreciated stock to the Ventura County Community Foundation.
Gifting stock is not only a powerful way to support the causes you care about, it may also offer meaningful tax advantages. By donating appreciated securities, you may be able to avoid capital-gains tax and receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of your gift. It’s a true win-win for you and for our Ventura County community.
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.
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.
Nyeland Promise honored as Champion for Social Justice
NYELAND ACRES — Nyeland Promise, a grassroots nonprofit\ dedicated to uplifting the residents of Nyeland Acres through education, health, and community empowerment, has been named a Champion for Social Justice by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties. This recognition celebrates organizations that are breaking barriers, fostering equity, and creating lasting change through community-driven leadership.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule
SCORE: STARTING A CONSULTING/ COACHING/ ADVISORY BUSINESS: PART 1
November 12 @ 10:00 am
So, you want to be a consultant/coach/advisor. You have heard about charging $100, $200 or much more per hour. Do the math. 2000 working hours per year, and that means $200 to $400 thousand per year. There is an old saying: in theory, there is no difference between theory and reality; In reality, there is. This program is all about reality. What is the truth about being a consultant? How much can you really make? What are the pitfalls? What do you have to do to be successful? The seminar leader is Steve Epner. He started and built a consulting practice from a solo shop to over 200 professionals. After he sold the practice, he continued to be asked to help various companies, including Boeing. Learn the reality and what mistakes to avoid so that you can have a successful business and enjoy years of working in a great environment. For the right person with the right personality, there is no better way to live. Price: $10.00.
Ventura County Fire Dept. — Hot tire debris dislodged by extreme winds determined as cause of the Mountain Fire
THOUSAND OAKS — Arson investigators determined the likely cause of the Mountain Fire was extreme wind dislodging a pocket of covered, hot tire debris from an earlier fire, the Ventura County Fire Department announced Nov. 7.
“The Mountain Fire was devastating to our community,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “To everyone affected by the fire, you have our continuing support. Neighbors to all of us here in Ventura County lost homes and possessions, including irreplaceable photos and keepsakes. Others were forced to flee, not knowing whether they would have homes to come back to. It was heartbreaking and the emotional scars of this fire will last long after the homes are rebuilt.”
Project Commencement of the Adaptive Reuse Affordable Housing Project at 3055 De La Vina Street
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) marked a major milestone with the commencement of its latest affordable housing development — an adaptive reuse project that will transform the former Quality Inn at 3055 De La Vina Street into permanent supportive housing.
The redevelopment exemplified HACSB’s creative approach to addressing Santa Barbara’s critical housing shortage by repurposing existing properties into high-quality, service-enriched affordable housing. Neighbors, local officials, community partners, and housing advocates gathered to celebrate this milestone achievement.
Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara November 2025 Newsletter
If you need food assistance, the County has partnered with the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County to target food distribution efforts throughout the county. These events provide free fresh groceries and produce. Everyone is welcome, and no registration is required.
Bilingual report — Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo accepting applications for two bachelor’s degree programs at Allan Hancock College’s Santa Maria campus
SANTA MARIA — Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is now accepting applications for two bachelor’s degree programs offered on Allan Hancock College’s Santa Maria campus. Applications for both programs — Business Administration and Sociology — are open through Dec. 1, with classes beginning in fall 2026.
The degree pathways are part of a broader Cal Poly at Hancock initiative, announced earlier this year, which allows Central Coast students to earn a Cal Poly degree without commuting to San Luis Obispo. The programs bring Cal Poly faculty and coursework directly to Hancock’s Santa Maria campus, providing students with a flexible, affordable, and high-quality educational experience close to home.
SEEAG’s “Christmas On The Ranch” fundraiser offers fresh-cut Christmas trees from Northern California to support youth agriculture programs
“We know it’s a financially difficult time for many families,” said Caitlin Paulus Case, SEEAG executive director. “While the costs of Christmas trees are going up everywhere, we wanted to offer trees at a lower price, so they are more affordable.”
Bilingual report — City of Ventura freezes water and sewer collection fees for customers impacted by federal government shutdown
“Ventura is a community that looks out for one another,” said Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios. “This action reflects our shared commitment to compassion, service, and ensuring that no one goes without essential water service during a time of hardship.”
The Foundation of Ventura County Credit Union awards $100,000 in grants at 3rd Annual Celebrating Our Community event
VENTURA COUNTY — The Foundation of Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) hosted its 3rd Annual Celebrating Our Community event on Thursday, Oct. 9, at VCCU’s corporate headquarters in Ventura, recognizing the remarkable efforts of local nonprofits and distributing a total of $100,000 in community grants.
This year’s celebration brought together community leaders, nonprofit representatives and credit union members to honor 14 grant recipients, selected from a competitive pool of 94 applications. Each recipient exemplifies The Foundation’s mission to support programs that strengthen health, education and financial well-being across Ventura County.