Category: Government

Bilingual report — Extreme heat warning within Ventura County

by Community Contributor • July 15, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a widespread extreme heat warning for … through Thursday, July 16, 2026. Temperatures in the interior valleys and mountain areas are expected to exceed the 100-degree mark for a prolonged period, with relatively poor overnight recovery in the mountains and foothills. A heat advisory has been issued for the coastal plains, where temperatures are expected to reach between 90 and 100 degrees.

High temperatures may create a dangerous situation in which heat-related illness is possible. Residents are encouraged to: drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, check on relatives and neighbors, take extra precautions if working or spending time outside, and wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Ventura County Fire Department awarded Fire Risk Reduction Community recognition

by Community Contributor • July 15, 2026 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) has been awarded a renewed Fire Risk Reduction Community recognition from the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.

This designation recognizes best practices in fire risk planning and mitigation, and VCFD was one of more than 50 agencies, counties, and cities across California to receive this status. VCFD was previously recognized as a Fire Risk Reduction Community in 2024, and the designation will last another 2 years.

My Way Home — Join us in Simi Valley this Saturday!

by Community Contributor • July 15, 2026 • Comments Off

With rising home prices and changing interest rates, buying a home can feel challenging, but there are programs and strategies that may help.

Join My Way Home this Saturday for our free HUD-approved Homebuyer Workshop in Simi Valley to learn about the homebuying process, financing options, and resources that can help you prepare for homeownership.

During the workshop, you’ll learn about:

Inaugural Cohort of The Leadership Collaborative at CCVC celebrated across the Ventura County Community College District

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The inaugural cohort of The Leadership Collaborative at CCVC (Community Colleges of Ventura County) celebrated the completion of the seven-month leadership development program designed to cultivate thoughtful, values-driven leaders and strengthen collaboration across the district and the communities it serves.

Grounded in the belief that leadership exists at every level of an organization, The Leadership Collaborative brings together Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) employees from diverse roles and disciplines to develop the human-centered leadership skills needed to foster meaningful relationships, navigate complexity and change and strengthen the vitality of our communities. Selected through a competitive application process, the cohort included members of the faculty, classified professionals, supervisors, directors and deans representing all three colleges and the District Administrative Center.

Bilingual report — Candidate nomination period opens July 13 for November General Municipal Election

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The candidate nomination period for the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election will officially open on Monday, July 13, 2026. Voters in the City of Ventura will elect City Councilmembers representing Districts 1, 4, 5, and 6.

To be eligible to run for City Council, a candidate must:

Be a resident of the City of Ventura;

Be a registered voter; and

Be eligible to vote in the City Council district they seek to represent.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura opens applications for inaugural citywide Community Academy

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is now accepting applications for its inaugural citywide Community Academy, a free eight-week program designed to give community members an inside look at how local government works and the people behind the services that keep Ventura running.

Participants will visit City facilities, hear directly from City staff, leadership, and elected officials, and gain a deeper understanding of the programs, services, and decisions that shape the Ventura community.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC — Get the Capital You Need to Move Your Business Forward

by Community Contributor • July 13, 2026 • Comments Off

Designed to pair you with the financial expertise and right amount of capital you need to move your business forward, the Economic Development Collaborative works with more than 30 professional advisors and a full-time loan fund director, available to local businesses at no cost.
The EDC’s Business Development Loan Fund stimulates job creation and economic activity by providing small businesses with greater access to capital and specialized technical business assistance. The fund is open to businesses in all industry sectors and is supported by funds from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the cities and County of Ventura, and private capital. This loan fund makes available long-term, affordable financing to new and existing businesses throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara County.

Bilingual commentary — Mount Trumpmore, or Mount Trumpless?

by Community Contributor • July 10, 2026 • Comments Off

We can never accuse President Trump of having small ambitions. After all, he recently sought a Nobel Peace Prize, though to no avail. But even more monumentally, so to speak, he has not denied seeking to have his visage carved into and enshrined forever on Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota.

In 2018, Trump undertook what he considered a serious conversation with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem about that very possibility. That friendly chat has blown up to become one of MAGA’s highest aspirations.

All Aboard: Ticket to results marks $80 million in CalSTA Port & Freight Infrastructure Program funding at the Port of Hueneme

by Community Contributor • July 10, 2026 • Comments Off

PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme welcomed California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) Secretary Toks Omishakin along with other local and state leaders(on July 2) for Ticket to Results, a special event designed to highlight the transformational impact of California’s Port & Freight Infrastructure Program (PFIP) investments at the Port of Hueneme.

Ticket to Results revealed the progress the Port of Hueneme has made in deploying $80 million in PFIP funding. Port staff led guests through a behind-the-scenes tour of completed and ongoing projects showing how strategic state investments are increasing capacity, improving operational efficiency, reducing emissions, strengthening workforce development, and enhancing trade across the region.

“These impressive Port of Hueneme projects funded by the Port & Freight Infrastructure Program are not just critical for California’s supply chain system, but they are also of vital importance to our communities,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “Governor Newsom’s investments in transportation infrastructure are helping to move these projects from vision to reality, delivering cleaner air and better jobs to communities across California.”

Bilingual report — Mosquito sample tests positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • July 10, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that mosquitoes collected from the City of Fillmore on June 17th, 2026, tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected. This is the first mosquito sample collected in 2026 from Ventura County to test positive for WNV. Ventura County Public Health confirms that no human cases have been identified to date in 2026.

Ventura County Animal Services — $10,000 grant funds low-cost spay and neuter surgeries on July 14-15

by Community Contributor • July 10, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) has received a $10,000 grant from Wings of Rescue to help provide low-cost spay and neuter surgeries to the pets of families living within VCAS’ contracted cities.

The two-day event, taking place July 14-15, is funded entirely by the grant and will be performed by the Spay Neuter Imperative Project (SNIP). The SNIP Team will bring a fully equipped mobile veterinary hospital to perform the surgeries. The event will take place near the Camarillo Animal Shelter.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura releases Fall Parks and Recreation Activity Guide

by Community Contributor • July 9, 2026 • Comments Off

The City of Ventura Parks and Recreation Department’s Fall Activity Guide is now available, featuring hundreds of classes, programs, and events taking place from September through January.

Registration opens Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Residents can register online, by phone, or in person at Ventura City Hall (501 Poli Street, Room 226). Registration information and policies are available on page 43 of the guide.

The Fall Activity Guide offers activities for all ages and interests, including ceramics, cooking, creative writing, parent-and-child classes, pet wellness, fitness, sports, and more. Check out several free new workshops focused on Financial Literacy and Health and Safety on pages 10-11.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Summer Reading, Constitution Day, Civic Tours, and More

by Community Contributor • July 8, 2026 • Comments Off

Get fun summer reading ideas, activities, and more from the VCOE Library’s Summer Reading Extravaganza. Click here to check out local libraries’ summer reading programs and get online access to free full-length young adult novels. Also, find out how summer readers can earn free ride tickets for the Ventura County Fair.

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District — $1.97M available for heavy-duty electric trucks

by Community Contributor • July 8, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Nearly $2 million in grant funding is available to help replace heavy-duty diesel trucks based in Ventura County with equivalent battery-electric models and install charging stations.

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District was awarded $1.97 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Program to help fund replacement projects. Recipients need to cover at least half of the project costs.

UCSB — The Current — ‘New rainfall dataset enhances global monitoring of extreme weather’ and more news

by Community Contributor • July 8, 2026 • Comments Off

A new, UCSB-developed version of a world-leading rainfall data product guides drought early warning, disaster relief, index insurance applications and more.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Parks announces launch of new reservation management website and policy updates

by Community Contributor • July 7, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura County Parks is excited to announce major improvements for park visitors with the launch of a new reservation management website. These updates make booking easier, offer longer advance windows for popular sites, and introduce new self-service options for Day Use and Community Center reservations. New features for our guests include online booking for Distinguished Veterans, extended 180-day windows for Rincon Parkway, and streamlined self-service for Day Use and Community Centers. These enhancements are designed to make planning visits more convenient and accessible.

Trump Administration to auction lands near Carrizo Plain in SLO for oil drilling

by Community Contributor • July 7, 2026 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — Last week, the Trump administration announced plans to auction nearly 36,000 acres of federal public land and mineral estate in four California counties to oil companies. The parcels cover thousands of acres adjacent to Carrizo Plain National Monument in San Luis Obispo and western Kern counties.

A public comment period on the proposal closes on August 1.

Guest contribution — Cancer-Causing Pesticide (including Santa Maria )exceeds California’s Own Safety Trigger, requiring state to act

by Community Contributor • July 7, 2026 • Comments Off

“Once again, DPR is sitting on bad news instead of telling the people breathing this air,” said Angel Garcia, co-director of the statewide coalition Californians for Pesticide Reform. “The Department loves a press release when a number goes down. When a number blows past their own safety trigger, they bury it in a spreadsheet and hope nobody notices. That’s not regulation — that’s public relations for the pesticide industry.”

Ventura updates Short-Term Rental Ordinance: Renew by August 31, Apply by July 13

by Community Contributor • July 7, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura has finalized an updated Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Ordinance with two critical deadlines property owners need to know:

Existing Permit Holders: August 31, 2026, renewal deadline

New Applicants: July 13, 2026, application opening date

Current STVR permit holders have until August 31, 2026, to renew their permits, or their permits will be canceled. The City is guaranteeing renewal for existing permit holders under a grandfathering provision, provided they meet updated requirements and submit applications on time through Ventura Online Permit Services (OPS).

Bilingual report — Ventura County Assessor certifies 2026-27 Annual Assessment Roll at $194.4 Billion

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — County Assessor Keith Taylor certified and delivered the 2026–27 Annual Assessment Roll to the Auditor-Controller’s Office on June 26, 2026, ahead of the July 1 requirement, marking a key step in the preparation of annual property tax bills for Ventura County property owners. The certified roll reflects a net assessed value of $194.4 billion after exemptions are applied, which is an increase of 3.95%.

Assessor Taylor noted that the overall increase is primarily on the Secured Roll which was driven by two primary factors: reassessments resulting from changes in property ownership, and the annual inflation adjustment applied under Proposition 13. Under Proposition 13, assessed values for properties that have not changed ownership are adjusted annually by the California Consumer Price Index (CPI), capped at a maximum of 2% per year.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura invites public review of Draft Prohousing Designation Application

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is inviting community members to review and comment on its draft application for the State of California’s Prohousing Designation Program. The public comment period will be open from July 8 through August 8, 2026, providing residents and stakeholders an opportunity to review the application and share feedback before it is considered by the City Council and submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — FREE – AI Webinar Series (July 14, 21, 23, 28; Aug. 4, 11, 13, 18): Back by Popular Demand!

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2026 • Comments Off

Back by popular demand, this FREE webinar series is designed to help small business owners use AI to save time, improve marketing and grow revenue.

Attend one session or all
All sessions are practical and beginner-friendly

Guest contribution — Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) — A Declaration of Independence

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2026 • Comments Off

… At VCTA, we believe it is time to declare our own independence—not from individuals, but from habits that no longer serve taxpayers, students or our community.

Bilingual commentary — Are Latinos “White”?

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2026 • Comments Off

I had a moment of angst three years ago as I filled out the 2020 U.S. Census form. I froze in my tracks, just as I had with employment forms in the past, when I saw a question asking me to denote my race. I am thoroughly aware that much of the U.S. population, especially in the more conservative states, would not consider me “white.”

Their assessment is based solely on my appearance. I’m not particularly dark, but neither am I of “fair skin.”

In light of recent developments in our country, I am now less willing to declare myself as of the “white” race on any form inquiring about my ancestral background. However, in the following Census question inquiring about my ethnicity (as opposed to “race”), selecting “Hispanic or Latino” was an obvious choice.

Downtown Oxnard — Outdoor festivals, music, and art experiences…

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2026 • Comments Off

View this email in your browser FOOD SHOPS ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS

Bilingual report — Santa Paula City Council charts new path forward with the announcement of a leadership change

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — One of the most critical decisions a locally elected body exercises as part of their governance and oversight responsibility is the selection and tenure of its City Manager. Recently, the Santa Paula City Council assessed the existing contract with the City Manager and honored its existing agreed upon terms which sunsets June 30, 2027. Mr. Singer graciously agreed to complete his remaining term and service to the community and reaffirms his commitment to projects that benefit Santa Paula.

By providing a full year to make these changes, the Council will ensure a more efficient and seamless transition period.