Category: Government

Leadership Lived: Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) recognizes Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Celina Zacarias

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

PORT HUENEME — Influence, inspiration, and impact took center stage on Wednesday in Camarillo as people from across the region gathered to help Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) mark its 35th anniversary year with a special luncheon in honor of International Women’s Day. The event celebrated women whose leadership has strengthened local communities, including Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Celina Zacaraias, who received WEV’s 2026 Trailblazer award.

“I’m so fortunate to work alongside amazing and inspiring women such as our Port CEO Kristin Decas and CSUCI President Susan Andrzejewski, who are trailblazers in their respective careers,” Zacarias said.

Port of Hueneme DOCK TALK Community Newsletter — Feb. 2026

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

The Port of Hueneme is excited to once again host (it’s first annual Robatics Competition) that is free and open to the public to attend. Click the button to learn more about the competition schedule.

March 7-8, 2026
The Port of Hueneme
333 Ponoma St. Port Hueneme

Join us for the March 10 Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Administration Building
Board Hearing Room
511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.

Bilingual report — Overnight parking limits on Santa Susana Pass Road adopted by Ventura County Board of Supervisors

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, during their regular meeting on March 3, adopted a resolution establishing overnight parking restrictions along a portion of Santa Susana Pass Road in the unincorporated Simi Valley area. The new regulation prohibits parking between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. on both sides of Santa Susana Pass Road from 220 feet northwest of Katherine Road to 75 feet east of Lilac Lane.

Most comprehensive wildfire prevention package in California state history announced with support from leading wildfire experts & organizations

by Community Contributor • March 5, 2026 • Comments Off

More than a dozen bills across the Senate and Assembly will advance home hardening, expand beneficial fire, unlock financing, and accelerate innovation to better protect California from future megafires

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves acceptance of $250,000 donation to support E.P. Foster Library Renovation Project

by Community Contributor • March 5, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, during their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 3, unanimously approved the acceptance of a $250,000 donation from the Ventura Friends of the Library (VFOL) to support the E.P. Foster Library Building Forward Grant Project. The donation will help meet required local matching funds for the state-funded renovation project at the E.P. Foster Library in downtown Ventura. As part of the action, the Board also authorized the necessary budget adjustments to formally receive and allocate the funds, with no additional cost to the County’s General Fund.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves 20-year lease to expand youth farm and education programs at Juvenile Justice Facilities

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2026 • Comments Off

“This partnership represents a unique opportunity to transform an underutilized farm site into a vibrant educational resource that benefits both our community and local youth,” said Chair of the Board Jeff Gorell. “By connecting young people with agriculture, workforce skills, and service to others, we are creating meaningful pathways for growth, responsibility, and future employment. At the same time, the program will help strengthen food security by growing fresh produce that can support local organizations and families in need.”

SEEAG gets go-ahead to create new 3.63-acre educational farm in Oxnard

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — At its March 3 meeting, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved a 20-year, $0 per year lease agreement between Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) and the County of Ventura to develop an educational farm on 3.63 acres of arable land located behind the Ventura County Juvenile Facilities property in Oxnard.

In collaboration with the County of Ventura and the Ventura County Probation Agency (VCPA), SEEAG will establish the Southbank Learning Farm, a community-driven space where justice-involved youth will engage in hands-on farming and food education and career pathway development, while growing fresh, healthy produce to support local food access initiatives.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2026 • Comments Off

SCORE: HOW TO DEVELOP A NETWORKING STRATEGY TO GENERATE NEW REFERRAL PARTNERS

March 5 @ 5:00 pm

Giving referral partners clarity on who you serve will keep you top of mind when they are in front of your ICP. The more specific, the better chance of them identifying and introducing you. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Housing leaders identify workforce housing as key to Ventura County’s economic future

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2026 • Comments Off

“The lack of available housing, not just affordable housing, but available housing, is the single largest impediment to economic growth and prosperity in our region,” said Stephanie Caldwell, President & CEO of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. “As Ken Trigueiro said, ‘Affordable housing is where the jobs go at night’.” These words framed the core theme of the morning: if workers cannot afford to live here, Ventura County’s economy cannot thrive.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara March 2026 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2026 • Comments Off

Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) Power of Purpose – March 2026

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2026 • Comments Off

As we step into March and the first hints of spring begin to emerge, I find myself reflecting on all the beauty surrounding us, especially you, our community foundation family, who make Ventura County so very special to me.

There is truly so much to love about our community. Yes, the natural beauty is breathtaking. But even more powerful is the way our community shows up for one another. Time and again, we have demonstrated a deep and steady care for our neighbors, a willingness to collaborate, and a shared commitment to strengthening the place we call home. That spirit—resilient, generous, and hopeful—is what makes this region extraordinary, and is something I see reflected every day in my colleagues at your community foundation.

Gorell Measure passes pausing outsourcing aging programs, keeping services for seniors within county government

by Community Contributor • March 3, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors (March 3) approved a measure brought forward by Chair Jeff Gorell to pause the proposed transition of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) away from County administration, allowing additional time for public engagement and a deliberate evaluation of service delivery options.

“This measure asks the Board to pause the current process that began late last year and would allow the County to divest itself of responsibility for administering programs under the Area Agency on Aging,” said Chair Gorell.

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula — Flock Safety acknowledges inadvertent Accesses by out of state law enforcement agencies

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — Flock Safety, the provider of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) to law enforcement, has announced, through audit logs within their ALPR platform, it has confirmed access by out of state law enforcement for a period of time. As a result, Ventura County Law enforcement agencies, including the Santa Paula Police Department, had their ALPR networks inadvertently accessible by out of state law enforcement agencies. Flock Safety has accepted accountability and implemented plans to address the issue.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Grow Your Child Care Business with WEV’s Emprendedoras de Guardería Program

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2026 • Comments Off

Emprendedoras de Guardería is Women’s Economic Ventures’ (WEV) NO-COST 8-week Spanish business training program designed for licensed, home-based child care providers in Ventura County. The program supports providers in growing and strengthening their businesses through culturally responsive training, coaching and peer support.

Participants will also have the opportunity to apply for a $5,000 stipend to invest in their child care business.

WEV is currently inviting interested providers to complete their Spanish interest form HERE.

The perfect Lompoc couples weekend In Santa Barbara County along California’s Central Coast

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2026 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — Framed by vineyard-covered hills and the Pacific Ocean, Lompoc, California is an ideal destination for couples looking to reconnect through great food, creative culture, and wide-open space. From spa indulgence to wine tastings and late-night eats, Lompoc delivers a weekend that feels effortless, intimate, and memorable. As you plan your trip, consider this weekend itinerary:

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan launches second year of grants to fund community driven solutions to Safeguard Medi-Cal coverage

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) today announced that applications are now open for the second year of its Resilience, Innovation, Sustainability & Equity (RISE) Grant Program. GCHP will award one-year grants of up to $400,000 to help providers and community-based organizations support Medi-Cal members in navigating federal changes to coverage requirements.

Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) — Bennett authors legislation package on home hardening using lessions learned from Mountain, Thomas fires

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2026 • Comments Off

“For years, we have worked on cultivating an enhanced sense of urgency in how Sacramento discusses wildfire prevention in the built environment,” said Asm. Bennett. “We remain committed to pursuing and supporting proven methods that reduce loss of life and property and give our communities greater chances in surviving fast-moving blazes. I’m proud to author a bill package that focuses on community resilience and is informed by firsthand experience of AD-38 residents following the Mountain and Thomas fires.”

Bilingual report — City of Ventura Finance Department earns state and national recognition for budgeting and financial reporting

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2026 • Comments Off

For the 12th consecutive year, the City of Ventura earned budget awards from both the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) and the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). CSMFO presented the Operating Budget Meritorious Award for Fiscal Year 2025–2026, and GFOA honored the City with its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, the organization’s highest recognition.

Bilingual report — Join us for the March 3 Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors Meeting

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2026 • Comments Off

The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2026
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2026 • Comments Off

Community members who are not already subscribed may sign up to receive our newsletter in English here and in Spanish here.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2026 • Comments Off

IN-PERSON EVENT: FROM SKILLED EMPLOYEE TO TEAM LEADER: SUPERVISORY & LEADERSHIP FUNDAMENTALS

February 25 @ 8:00 am

You were promoted because you’re great at your work. Now you’re responsible for making sure others do it well, and that requires a completely different skill set. Join the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and the Economic Development Collaborative for a focused, high-impact course designed for skilled employees who have recently moved into a supervisory role. This course bridges the gap between “doing the work” and “leading the work,” helping participants transition from operator to process leader. Check-in: 8:00 – 8:30 am. Address: Workforce Development Board of Ventura County Office, 3rd Floor, 2901 North Ventura Road, Oxnard. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

805 UNCOCUFund — Two Violent Incidents in 30 Days — We Will Not Be Intimidated

by Community Contributor • February 23, 2026 • Comments Off

In less than 30 days, our community has witnessed yet another violent physical attack against individuals bearing witness to ICE activity in Santa Barbara County.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Fuel Your Business Growth with Simi Valley’s Low-Interest Loans!

by Community Contributor • February 23, 2026 • Comments Off

City of Simi Valley Assistance Loan Fund

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — Holding ICE accountable

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

I am infuriated that ICE is using taxpayer dollars to brutalize and kill Americans. No one should have to live in fear.

I voted NO to granting ICE billions of taxpayer dollars without proper oversight, and now I am demanding that DHS implement common sense guardrails to protect the constitutional rights of all of us.

Union registered nurses across the country (including Ventura County) hold day of action TODAY to protest ICE as one of worst public health threats

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

Registered nurse members of National Nurses United, the nation’s largest union and professional association of RNs, are naming federal immigration enforcement agencies as among the country’s top public health threats, and demanding through national coordinated protests on Thursday, Feb. 19 that Congress stop funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and move to abolish ICE for the health and safety of patients and communities. Nurses also blame hospital executives for failing to clearly side with nurses and immigrant patients by acting to keep ICE out of hospitals.

Bilingual report — Join us for the Feb. 24 Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors’ meetings are available in Spanish. Watch live on our Spanish YouTube Channel, or Cable TV subscribers can access Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) in language settings.

Advance requests are still needed to interpret public comment originating in Spanish. To provide public comment in Spanish, contact the Clerk of the Board at (805) 568-2240, before 4:00 p.m. the Friday before the Board meeting.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura adopts emergency ordinance prohibiting the removal and trimming of trees within protected wildlife habitats

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On Tuesday, February 10, the Ventura City Council adopted an emergency ordinance prohibiting the removal and trimming of trees within identified protected wildlife habitats. This ordinance only applies to trees within the protected areas.

Ventura County Arts Council — 23rd Annual Ventura County Employee, Retiree & Family Art Show: “What’s Your Happy?”

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

NEW AT THE ATRIUM GALLERY!

23rd Annual Ventura County Employee, Retiree & Family Art Show:

“What’s Your Happy?”

“What’s Your Happy?” is now open to the public at the Atrium Gallery and will have a free opening reception TOMORROW, Feb. 19, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — SBA Financial Assistance Now Available for businesses affected by the late December 2025 storms

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has declared a disaster for the late December 2025 storms, which occurred from December 16 to December 25, 2025. SBA now offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs, including faith-based organizations, with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

View SBA’s disaster declaration HERE

UCSB — The Current — ‘Moving beyond money to measure the true value of Earth science information’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

Researchers have mapped out methods for assessing its societal benefits, an effort that could lead to more effective uses of remote sensing technology while increasing benefits to people at large.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Direction to pause proposed transition of area Agency on aging administration & evaluate service options

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

Chair of the Board Jeff Gorell has placed an item on the upcoming Board of Supervisors agenda to preserve current senior programs and pause proposed transition of the Area Agency on Aging Administration while further evaluation takes place. The item will be on the March 3, 2026 Board of Supervisors Agenda.

Click here to read the full Board Letter.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Storm update

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2026 • Comments Off

Ventura County will see multiple storm systems this week, bringing periods of rain, colder temperatures, and possible travel impacts. The first storm has already moved through, with 0.75–2.5 inches of rain recorded. Light, intermittent showers may continue through Tuesday afternoon. A second, colder system arrives Tuesday evening, bringing about 0.5 inch of rain locally (up to 1.5 inches in foothills and mountains). Snow levels may drop to 3,000 feet, with 1–3 inches of snow possible along the Grapevine, which could impact travel. A final storm is expected Thursday, with 0.5–1 inch of additional rain.

For the latest updates, visit the National Weather Service website.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2026 • Comments Off

IN-PERSON EVENT: CITY OF MOORPARK: READY • SET • GROW: SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES

February 19 @ 8:00 am

Join the City of Moorpark and Economic Development Collaborative for a 3-part series to help business owners improve legal compliance, financial planning and marketing. Participants will receive hands-on, practical training to achieve real results, such as official registration, funding readiness, and customer growth. This 3-workshop series will be conducted in English, with the option to answer questions in Spanish. Hands-on materials will be provided in both languages. Address: Moorpark City Council Chamber, 323 Science Drive, Moorpark, CA 93021. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — City of Ventura celebrates completion of Cabrillo Village Multi-Use Path

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2026 • Comments Off

“This project is more than just a bike and pedestrian path. It’s about connectivity, sustainability, and enhancing quality of life,” said Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios. “By investing in accessible transportation options, we’re creating dedicated corridors where residents can walk, bike, and roll through our city in ways that support their well-being.”

Ventura County Civic Alliance Livable Communities Newsletter – February 15, 2026

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2026 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Civic Alliance’s most recent State of the Region Report released in November 2025 omitted our Key Statistics section. The data for that section comes from the U.S. Census website which was unavailable during the government shutdown in October 2025.

Our first article, based on data since collected from the U.S. Census American Community Survey 5 years (Table S0101), will give you our current status and highlights three cities where population growth is bucking the downward county trend.

The last two articles focus on the needs of our population and the nonprofits that serve them.

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara names Foodbank of Santa Barbara County ‘Partner Organization of the Year’

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2026 • Comments Off

This annual award is selected by Housing Authority staff and recognizes a partner organization whose work has made the most meaningful, measurable difference for the people and communities the Authority serves.

“Stable housing is essential — but housing alone is not enough,” said Rob Fredericks, Executive Director/CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara. “Food security is absolutely foundational to health, stability, and dignity. The Foodbank’s work ensures that families, seniors, and individuals don’t have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. Their impact is profound, especially during times of economic uncertainty.”

ICE OUT OF (U.S. 101) 805 BRIDGE BRIGADE protest in Ventura/Santa Barbara counties to be held Feb. 14

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2026 • Comments Off

This Valentine’s Day, nine communities are gathering at local overpasses to peacefully declare their support for their immigrant neighbors, for democracy, and for the just America our country has the potential to be.

All events start at 11:00 am. Bring your signs and flags! Meet your neighbors and make new friends.

Here are the nine locations. (This post’s listed address is just for the Ventura site, as Mobilize only allows one location per post.)

Union registered nurses across the country (including Ventura County) to hold day of action Feb. 19 to protest ICE as one of worst public health threats

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2026 • Comments Off

Ventura

Ventura County
800 S Victoria Ave
Ventura, CA 93009
Location: Corner of Victoria and Telephone Ave
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. PT

Bilingual report – Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report: Potential storm water runoff contamination in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — As part of the Ventura County Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Program, the Environmental Health Division (Division) is providing the following precautionary information to the public. Rainfall that is significant enough to result in runoff can flow into storm drains, channels, creeks, and rivers that empty onto the beaches of Ventura County.
In general, 0.2 inches (2 tenths of an inch) of rainfall may be enough to create significant runoff conditions.

Page 1 of 105

1 2 3 … 105 »