Category: Government

Bilingual report — Ventura Fire Department announces release of new Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map for public input

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2025 • Comments Off

The draft Fire Hazard Severity Zone map for Ventura provides an updated assessment of local fire hazards and will help guide local fire prevention efforts, inform building regulations, and support emergency response planning. The map updates previous version approved in 2011 to reflect current fire risk conditions and new data. Hazard areas are rated moderate, high, and very high depending on the factors that contribute to fire behavior, like historical fire patterns, vegetation growth, weather, and terrain, among others.

Runners Dash to the finish in year two of the Port/City 5k, highlighting fitness and wellness with free community fair

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2025 • Comments Off

PORT HUENEME — Building on the success of its inaugural year, the City of Port Hueneme and the Port of Hueneme once again teamed up to host their second annual 5k race over the weekend.

Organizers introduced a fresh look for the event, now called the Sea Splash Color Dash. The update brings exciting new features including a 1k kids’ run and expanded offerings to the free health and wellness fair.

Jess Lopez, Port Hueneme Mayor Pro Tem, stressed how this new tradition, which attracted more than 750 participants, helps encourage residents to prioritize their health. “I’m inspired to see so many people come together to enjoy the sun and get in some exercise,” he said. “Spending time outdoors, moving our bodies, and being by the beach boosts both our physical and our mental health. It’s a win on every level.”

UCSB Arts & Lectures presenting three new Spring Events — ‘Justice for All’

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2025 • Comments Off

Illuminating a wide spectrum of systemic injustice, the Justice for All programming initiative looks to today’s great minds and creators and to the courageous leaders across the globe who are forging a new path forward. Join us as we learn from those confronting uncomfortable questions, solving difficult problems, and guiding us all toward a more equitable world.

Bilingual report — Preparedness in action: Ventura’s Community Emergency Response Team training returns

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Recognizing the critical need for community members to be prepared and confident in taking appropriate action, the City of Ventura, in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the City of Santa Paula, is excited to announce the return of its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program in May 2025.

This free, hands-on program empowers 40 local residents with critical disaster response skills, preparing them to take action when it matters most. Applications are open to Ventura and Santa Paula residents and will be accepted through Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Bilingual report — New in-demand healthcare training program offered for 250 low-and middle-income Ventura County residents

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County is launching a groundbreaking initiative to train 250 low- and moderate-income individuals in healthcare occupations. The Ventura County Healthcare Employment Accelerator (VC Heal Healthcare Careers) program focuses on strengthening the county’s healthcare workforce and expanding career opportunities for residents. With nearly $7.5 million in funding, this program aims to improve healthcare infrastructure, support economic recovery after the 2018 wildfires, and promote overall community well-being.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Foundation welcomes new board members

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation announced the appointment of six accomplished community leaders to its Board of Directors.

The new members bring a wealth of experience in healthcare, business, finance, real estate and community engagement, further strengthening the Foundation’s ability to support Allan Hancock College and its students.?

The newly appointed directors include: Dr. Carolyn Baldiviez, Michael Boyer, Mike Brady, Michael Carroll, Katie Gorndt and Candice Monge.

Bilingual report — March News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2025 • Comments Off

… Please be assured that in partnership with our esteemed colleagues in the housing community across the nation, we are staying informed and engaged, and making our voice heard to both our federal and state elected officials. We encourage you to voice your support too wherever and however you can. Our newsletter The Blueprint is a great resource to learn more about what is happening to housing, and we continue to thank you for your advocacy.

Bilingual report — First Mountain Fire Properties Cleared for Rebuilding as Debris Removal Progresses

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Just over 100 days after the Mountain Fire began, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division and the Mountain Fire Incident Management Team are pleased to report substantial progress in recovery efforts. A total of 100 properties have completed…

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara to Celebrate 24 Family Self-Sufficiency Graduates

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) on March 17 celebrated the 24 graduates who have completed the organization’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program with a dinner at the Presidio Springs property, located at 721 Laguna St. Among the 24 graduates, seven have transitioned out of the Housing Authority program, and one graduate is a homeowner.

The FSS Program is a voluntary five year program in which a plan is developed with each participant to design a clear path of specific goals and objectives in order to achieve living wage employment and gain economic self-sufficiency.

People’s Self-Help Housing — Complimentary Edition – The Blueprint – March 2025

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2025 • Comments Off

The cuts and changes directed by the current administration and the journey of the federal budget affects us all, whether as individuals or as in our case a nonprofit organization. The bumpy uncertainty has left many with feelings ranging from discouragement to dismissal.

Though our financing for development and operating is widely varied and highly diversified, People’s Self-Help Housing relies on numerous sources of federal funding, and decisions being made today will affect our work. The federal sources most affecting our work include funding from Congress through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and US Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD). It remains to be seen how extensively the current directives may negatively impact new affordable housing production.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approve acceptance of grant to expand pet support program

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On Tuesday, March 18, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the acceptance of a grant provided in partnership from the Humane Society of the United States and the Ventura County Community Foundation to support and expand the Pets for Life program, an initiative through Ventura County Animals Services (VCAS). This funding will allow VCAS to continue providing essential services that help families in need keep their beloved pets at home, rather than surrender them due to financial hardship or housing instability.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2025 • Comments Off

BA: DOING BUSINESS WITH LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND POWER (LADWP)

March 18 @ 10:00 am

In this webinar you will learn about Subcontracting opportunities with LADWP Primes: learn how to connect with LADWP’s prime contractors and explore subcontracting opportunities, understand LADWP’s procurement process, requirements, how to become prime contractors, get step-by-step guidance on how to find, bid and win contracts with LADWP and get your questions answered by LADWP experts during the Q&A session. This event will take place online using Microsoft Teams, please register to obtain for the login information. Please note that if you are planning to use a mobile device or tablet to access this webinar, you must first download the Teams app to your device. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Urgent Call to Action: Ventura City Council to Vote on LGBTQ+ Sanctuary Policy – Community Support Needed on March 18

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura CARE Policy, a proposed ordinance to strengthen protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, reproductive rights, and immigrant communities, is facing mounting opposition ahead of a critical City Council vote on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Supporters are urged to attend the meeting and make their voices heard.

At a recent Rules Committee meeting, opponents mobilized to challenge the policy, and a larger presence is expected at the upcoming vote. To ensure Ventura upholds its values of inclusion, safety, and human rights, community members must show up in force.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura receives over $9 million in funding to address homelessness

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2025 • Comments Off

“This grant will provide much-needed support for individuals living in encampments,” said Ventura Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios. “Addressing homelessness remains a top priority for our City Council, and we are committed to investing in programs that tackle root causes while offering both immediate and long-term solutions.”

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Deadline Extended! Physical Disaster Loans for Recent Fires

by Community Contributor • March 13, 2025 • Comments Off

Mountain Fire: SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s authorized representative, Director Nancy Ward, of the California Office of Emergency Services on November 25. The disaster declaration makes low-interest federal disaster loans available to residents and businesses the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Kern who were affected by the Mountain Fire that began November 6.

Wildfires and Straight-line Winds: SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced that low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Southern California businesses, homeowners, renters and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations following President Joe Biden’s major disaster declaration. The declaration covers Los Angeles and the contiguous counties of Kern, Orange, San Bernardino, and Ventura due to wildfires and straight-line winds that began on January 7.

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting of March 18 — Topics Include: 2025 Women’s History Month Service Awards, Santa Barbara Bowl Annual Report, Cannabis Odor Ordinance Amendments, Update on Cannabis Taxation, Compliance, and Enforcement

by Community Contributor • March 13, 2025 • Comments Off

The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
The public may participate virtually, or in person at the County Board Hearing Room in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.

VCCCD and TK-12 leaders unite to expand dual enrollment opportunities

by Community Contributor • March 13, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) and the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) co-hosted their fourth Community of Practice on March 7. Held at Oxnard College, the event brought together TK-12 and community college leaders to discuss dual enrollment opportunities. With 7,000 local high school students already benefiting from dual enrollment this year, discussions focused on expanding access and creating seamless transitions from high school to college and careers.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk and Recorder Michelle Ascencion named 38th Assembly District’s ‘2025 Woman of the Year’

by Community Contributor • March 13, 2025 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Bennett, who represents Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, and Ventura, selected Ascencion and highlighted her exceptional leadership and dedication to the Ventura County community. The annual award is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions by women leaders as part of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus’ Women’s History Month commemorations.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Award-winning documentary explores the unfinished tale of DDT’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • March 13, 2025 • Comments Off

The film details Professor David Valentine’s discovery and investigation, with Los Angeles Times reporter Rosanna Xia, of toxic waste dumping off the Southern California coast.

Read more about “Out of Plain Sight”

Dianne McKay honored as California Assembly District 42 ‘Woman of the Year’

by Community Contributor • March 12, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — Dianne McKay, president of Mustang Marketing — a full-service strategic marketing agency in Ventura County — was honored as District 42 Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin’s Woman of the Year on March 11 at a ceremony in Sacramento.

A thrice-elected trustee for the Ventura County Community College District, McKay is a highly regarded leader in Ventura County — often called upon to consult on crisis communications; build, strengthen or repair community and government relations on behalf of clients; and to provide her expertise on panels ranging from business to marketing to leadership.

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Invites Community to Help Shape Council’s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan during series of meetings from March 19 through April 2

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2025 • Comments Off

The Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap, setting clear goals and guiding decisions that impact everyday life in Santa Paula. It ensures City resources are allocated effectively while fostering transparency and accountability. Building on the progress made through the 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, which addressed key areas such as infrastructure improvements, public safety, and economic development, the new plan will reflect evolving community needs and opportunities.

“Santa Paula is growing, evolving, and planning for the future—and your voice is essential in helping us shape community priorities,” said Mayor Pedro A. Chavez. “The 2025-2027 Strategic Plan is more than just a blueprint: it’s a shared vision built by the community, for the community. I invite you to join the conversation, share your ideas, and help set the course for a stronger, more economically prosperous Santa Paula. The future starts with us—so let’s plan it together!”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura announces transition of county websites to new .gov website domain

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2025 • Comments Off

“We are pleased to make this move to a .gov domain, which signals to our community that the County of Ventura is committed to cybersecurity and generating public trust,” said Terry Theobald, Chief Information Officer. “Our new domain will provide an easily identifiable and reliable resource for anyone looking to interact with county government online.”

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County Approves Over $6.5 million in Loans to Create 118 New Affordable Housing Units

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces the approval of two loans for a combined $6,726,038 to create 118 new affordable housing units in Ventura County with two new developments, the Casa Aliento Apartments and Camino De Salud. Community Development Partners will be the recipient of a $1,726,038 bridge loan for 69 affordable units located in Central Oxnard called Casa Aliento Apartments.

Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) Program’s 10th year yields big environmental gains

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Research results show that the 10th annual season of the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) Program in 2024 reduced the risk of deadly ship strikes to whales by 50%, underwater noise by 38%, smog-forming pollution by 1,400 tons and greenhouse gases by nearly 50,000 metric tons along the California coast.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2025 • Comments Off

SCORE: DISTRIBUTION & FULFILLMENT WITH AMAZON

March 11 @ 12:00 pm

Learn how to enhance your product distribution and fulfillment using Amazon’s extensive logistics network, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction for your business. This presentation will discuss Amazon’s comprehensive supply chain, including Fulfillment by Amazon, Amazon Shipping and other programs. We’ll discuss key topics, such as managing your inventory effectively and how to turn returned products into sales opportunities. Finally, discover tips and tricks for leveraging Amazon’s comprehensive suite of resources and programs tailored to support small businesses, ensuring you have the tools to help enable your success. Sponsored by Amazon.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ventura County Office of Education announces middle school winners of the 2025 Ventura County Mock Trial

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Valley View Middle School in Simi Valley is the winner of the middle school division of the 2025 Ventura County Mock Trial competition after earning the highest score in the final round yesterday. Mesa Union School came in second place. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony yesterday at the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo. Here’s how the top five teams placed:

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) honoring Women’s History Month

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2025 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize Women’s History Month. This month is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the contributions of women throughout history. During this time and throughout the entire year, the EDC is committed to supporting women in achieving their business goals.

The EDC is proud to support the community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

Ventura County Fire Dept. — Thomas ‘Tommy’ James Daniel Minadeo — 1992-2025

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2025 • Comments Off

“Tommy was part of our fire family for nearly 10 years, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us in response to our community’s public safety needs,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “We now stand with Tommy’s mother, Diana Minadeo; fiancé, Vanessa Gubbels; brother, Anthony; and his sister, in grieving his passing and supporting each other.”

Gold Coast Health Plan announces appointment of Marlen Torres as Chief Member Experience and External Affairs Officer

by Community Contributor • March 7, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) (on March 4) announced the appointment of Marlen Torres as its Chief Member Experience and External Affairs Officer. In this key role, Ms. Torres serves as the leader and visionary for member satisfaction and engagement, with the goal of ensuring the best health outcomes, greatest access, and superior member experience for GCHP members.

“Marlen’s leadership and vision for enhancing the member experience and her ability to forge meaningful external partnerships make her the ideal choice for this critical role,” said Dr. Felix Nuñez, GCHP’s acting chief executive officer (CEO). “Her years of experience in public policy and community engagement here in Ventura County will be instrumental as we continue to connect our members with high-quality care.”

Join us for the March 11 Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting. Topics Include: Battery Energy Storage Systems, Jail Health Monitoring, Five Year Capital Improvement Program, Environmental Health Services Fees

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2025 • Comments Off

View this email online The next meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building Board Hearing Room 511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria The public may participate…

County of Santa Barbara March 2025 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2025 • Comments Off

Tune your radio to AM 530 in the central and northern part of Santa Barbara County for year-round disaster preparedness and emergency information.

Bilingual report — Ventura Voices podcast highlights preparedness, response, and recovery during wildfire emergencies

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Episode 10 of the Ventura Voices podcast is now available, featuring an in-depth conversation with Ventura Fire Chief David Endaya and Ventura Water General Manager Gina Dorrington. This timely episode explores how the City of Ventura prepares for, responds to, and recovers from wildfire emergencies, offering insights from two critical departments responsible for public safety and essential services.

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

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2025 • Comments Off

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment and strategic importance to the state or region.

Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) February 2025 Recap

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2025 • Comments Off

We’re charging into 2025 with unstoppable momentum and a packed schedule. That makes these monthly recaps essential to keep you in the loop! Here’s a snapshot of February’s highlights at the Ventura County Taxpayer Association!

Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) — California to launch bike highway pilot program under Bennett bill

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2025 • Comments Off

Bike highways offer an important alternative to residents seeking relief from rising gas prices and those working to lower their carbon footprint. In June 2022, Caltrans released a Bay Area Bike Highway Study that identifies feasible opportunities to add these corridors and incorporates best practices most suitable for the region.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Businesses invited to provide feedback for City’s Strategic Plan Update

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2025 • Comments Off

This session is specifically designed for businesses located along Harvard Blvd., but all Santa Paula businesses are welcome to attend. The feedback gathered during this discussion will be presented to the City Council as they consider updates to the Santa Paula Strategic Plan, which outlines the City’s vision and goals for the next two years, guiding decisions on economic development, infrastructure improvements, public safety, and community programs.

Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) bill to create accessibility committee for state parks

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2025 • Comments Off

Since the turn of the century, we have seen major advancements towards the inclusion of disabled people in public society. However, the remnants of overlooking this underrepresented demographic continues to affect all visitors of our parks. Thus, a dedicated advisory body to support the Director of California State Parks in enhancing accessibility for the state’s lands can be helpful in remedying the systemic issue.

Ventura County Fire Dept. and CAL FIRE to conduct rescheduled prescribed burn in Adams Canyon on March 4

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) plan to conduct a prescribed burn in Adams Canyon, north of Santa Paula, on March 4, 2025, weather permitting. This controlled burn is part of ongoing efforts to improve ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk. This prescribed burn was initially scheduled for November 18-21, 2024.

UCSB ‘The Current’ — ‘Avocado cultivation’s ancient origins hold lessons for a changing climate’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2025 • Comments Off

Anthropologists Amber VanDerwarker and Doug Kennett present new research about the history of avocado domestication, highlighting a popular tree crop of major economic importance.