Category: Finance

District 216 — WEEK OFF: Happy Holidays from District216! (A perfect time to setup your Circle Account)

We’re excited to share that District216 has officially migrated away from Mighty Networks to Circle, our new community platform built for connection, creativity, and seamless psychedelic exploration.

Circle offers a modern, social-media-style interface, richer chat and discussion features, and a beautifully organized video library with over 150 hours of District216 content. You’ll also find easy access to our Psychedelic Concierge Service, member threads, event archives, and more — all in a cleaner, more intuitive space.

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 commitment advances student opportunity at Moorpark College

MOORPARK — Moorpark College is deepening its commitment to student success with the support of a $75,000 donation from Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU), which will help expand scholarships, basic needs programs and student-centered initiatives across campus. This gift was presented to the college as a part of VCCU’s “Year of Giving.”

“We are deeply grateful for VCCU’s extraordinary investment in our students,” said Dr. Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College. “This generous gift strengthens the programs that open doors, empower learners and uplift families across Ventura County. VCCU’s commitment to education reflects the very best of community partnership, and together we are helping our students build futures filled with purpose and possibility.”

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.

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.

Ventura County Credit Union concludes ‘Year of Giving’ with $75,000 donation to Museum of Ventura County

“This gift from Ventura County Credit Union will help us fulfill our mission to engage the community in meaningful experiences with history, art and culture,” said Elena Brokaw, Barbara Barnard CEO of the Museum of Ventura County. “As we work to expand our programs and strengthen community partnerships, this support enables us to continue serving as a gathering place where diverse voices and stories come together. We are deeply grateful to VCCU for investing in our future and recognizing the vital role museums play in helping us understand our past and build a better future for Ventura County.”

Ventura Music Festival — Music gives so much more!

This year, music lifted Ventura at an unprecedented rate.
It reached students who had never held an instrument.
It comforted those at Community Memorial Hospital.
It filled parks, schools, museums, and neighborhoods — ?much of it free and all of it accessible to all.

And now, as the year comes to a close, we ask you to help keep this music playing.

Your support today fuels the music tomorrow. Year-end gifts are fully tax-deductible and make an immediate impact across the programs that define our mission. Every dollar you give ensures that the Ventura Music Festival continues to reach more people, in more places, in more ways—especially those who need it most.

Bilingual report — Ventura City Council approves water and wastewater rate adjustments

VENTURA — On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the Public Hearing for Proposed Water and Wastewater Rates, City Council unanimously approved five-year water and wastewater rate increases needed to maintain reliable water and wastewater service. The new rates will take effect July 1, 2026. Customers can use Ventura Water’s online bill calculator to estimate individual impacts to their water and wastewater bill.  

Bilingual commentary — What Do They Mean “Accounting Is Not Professional”?

In its nefarious dedication to destroying the foundations of American education, the U.S. Department of Education, in its definitely finite wisdom, is proposing that graduate accounting degrees are no longer to be recognized as “professional” for student loan purposes. This is certain to have repercussions that will significantly impact higher education in the field of finance.

SEEAG Awarded $236,360 California Department of Food and Agriculture Grant

“Students learn about specialty crop-related science, technology and engineering. They explore career opportunities at local farms and connect with agricultural professionals,” says Caitlin Paulus Case, SEEAG executive director. “To run a successful agriculture business today requires the skills to address the many challenges facing the industry, including soil science, plant nutrition and sustainability practices.”

Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center’s Round-Up (to the next dollar) Campaign Raises $10,000 for Hospice of Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the October Round-Up Campaign hosted by the Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center. Over the course of the 33-day campaign, customers were invited to round up their purchases at checkout or make an additional donation, directly benefiting Hospice of Santa Barbara’s services.

The campaign successfully raised an impressive $10,000 for Hospice of Santa Barbara. This significant total was achieved through the generosity of approximately 20,000 customers, highlighting the community-wide reach of the effort. 100% of the funds benefit Hospice of Santa Barbara services, which are provided at no cost.

“We are deeply grateful to Gary Simpson and the entire Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center team for their continued generosity and for hosting this successful campaign,” said David Selberg, Hospice of Santa Barbara CEO.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura continues public education on proposed water and wastewater rate adjustments

VENTURA — In October, the City of Ventura mailed Proposition 218 notices to all Ventura Water customers and property owners to inform them about proposed adjustments to water and wastewater rates. These adjustments are needed to ensure that Ventura Water is able to upgrade aging infrastructure, meet stricter state and federal requirements, and continue to provide reliable service for years to come.  

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: BUSINESS LAW AND RELATED TAX TOPICS FOR EMERGING BUSINESS

December 8 @ 8:00 am

SCORE KC’s Business Law and Related Tax Topics for Emerging Businesses webinar will help you decide when and how to utilize legal advice, such as forming your business, operating your business, growing your business, addressing related business law issues, and understanding related tax law issues. Price: $10.00.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces California Competes Tax Credit Program update

Application Period Timeline: For fiscal year 2025-2026, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during:

January 5, 2026 – January 26, 2026
March 2, 2026 – March 16, 2026

YMCA’s ‘Gifts of Hope’ donation drive for Mountain and Los Angeles fire victims through Dec. 9

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is seeking holiday gift donations for those impacted by the Mountain and Los Angeles Fires. Its Gifts of Hope holiday shopping experience is on December 10 at the Yarrow Family YMCA. It will provide parents and guardians who lost their homes in the fires an opportunity to “shop” for new, donated gifts for their children at no cost.

Senior Concerns’ Golf Tournament rallies critical support for area seniors & family caregivers

THOUSAND OAKS — Senior Concerns, a leading nonprofit serving older adults and family caregivers throughout western Los Angeles and eastern Ventura counties, held its 4th Annual “Par and Away” Golf Tournament presented by Logix Federal Credit Union on November 18 at Moorpark Country Club. 

More than 200 golfers, sponsors, and supporters participated to raise critical funds for programs that support seniors across the region.

The tournament featured breakfast, the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders, a putting contest, on-course games and activities, and exceptional food and drink vendors throughout the day. An awards dinner with former Los Angeles Dodgers catcher and two-time World Series Champion, and former manager of the Los Angeles Angels, Mike Scioscia, and auctioneer Zack Krone led the live auction.  

C.A.R.L. announces new board, kicks off year-end giving season

SANTA PAULA — The season of giving has officially begun at Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.). Last week, the charity hosted its third annual “Pupsgiving,” whereby C.A.R.L. supporters donated $25 each for a Thanksgiving meal for the non-profit’s 50-plus dogs currently available for adoption at its Santa Paula-based sanctuary.

Canines housed at C.A.R.L. had a healthy heaping of turkey, mashed potatoes and carrots with peas, which the new Governance Board members at C.A.R.L. personally delivered to each dog.

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

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

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