Category: Government

Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Important information as voting for the Nov. 3 Gubernatorial General Election approaches the last day: NOW’S THE TIME TO VOTE!

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Voters are encouraged to take advantage of the last few days of early voting ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, November 3, to avoid the last minute pressure and potentially long lines at vote centers on Election Day.

“People should think of Election Day as the LAST day to vote, not THE day to vote,” said Michelle Ascecncion, County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters.

“So many unforeseen things can happen – a rainstorm, a flat tire, an illness or accident – that can derail your plans to go vote on Election Day,” Ascencion continued. “VOTE EARLY and check it off your list of things to do!”

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

Help Shape Ventura County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan

Ventura County is inviting residents, businesses, and community organizations to help shape the County’s next Hazard Mitigation Plan by reviewing the draft plan at a public workshop on November 18, 2026.

City of Santa Paula accepting applications for Harding Park volunteer caretaker

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department is now accepting applications for a volunteer caretaker at Harding Park. The opportunity includes use of a City-owned, two-bedroom residence located on the park property in exchange for assisting with routine park upkeep, maintenance, and oversight.

The City is seeking a responsible, dependable, and community-minded individual or household to help maintain Harding Park as a clean, safe, and welcoming community space. Responsibilities may include assisting with park and sports field maintenance, reporting facility concerns, and providing a regular on-site presence.

$3 Million federal grant brings applied AI training to Moorpark College students

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

MOORPARK — Moorpark College has been awarded a five-year, $3 million federal Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant to launch the Applied AI Initiative for Workforce Readiness, Faculty Capacity, and Economic Mobility. The initiative will help students and faculty prepare for a workforce where artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday work.

The grant will fund a new interdisciplinary Applied Artificial Intelligence certificate that students can pair with their main field of study, from business and communication to cybersecurity and film and television. Rather than training AI specialists, the program will help students become professionals who can use AI effectively, responsibly and critically in their chosen careers.

Ventura Housing unveils future developments and celebrates resident success at Second Annual State of Ventura Housing Breakfast

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On Wednesday, Oct. 21, Ventura Housing welcomed 160 residents, community leaders, elected officials and partners to The Livery at Rumfish y Vino for its Second Annual State of Ventura Housing Breakfast, raising about $42,000 for ATLAS, the agency’s philanthropic arm. Centered around the theme “Investing in Families. Strengthening Futures.,” the morning highlighted how funders, developers, government and community partners, and residents each play a role in making affordable housing possible. Ventura Housing also shared updates on five developments in its pipeline, led by Santa Clara Apartments and Pasteur Court Apartments, which are set to begin construction in April 2027.

Massive Los Padres National Forest vegetation-clearing proposal reduced by 200,000 acres due to environmental concerns, public input

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

“The Forest Service made real changes in response to environmental concerns and public input, and the project is far more focused than when this process began,” said Los Padres ForestWatch Director of Advocacy and Field Operations Benjamin Pitterle. “While we appreciate those improvements, this remains a large and complex project, and there are still important areas where further refinement is needed.”

Gold Coast Transit District seeks development partner to create housing near transit in downtown Oxnard to help sustain public transportation

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified developers to transform its approximately 2.93-acre Third Street property in central Oxnard into a transit-oriented residential or mixed-use development. The project represents an opportunity to address local housing needs, make better use of publicly owned land, and create a long-term revenue source to help support public transportation services.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Prepare for the Storm: EDC’s Flood Preparedness Checklist

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

As California approaches the winter storm season, Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) encourages businesses and community partners to take proactive steps to prepare for potential flooding and severe weather. With the possibility of heavy rainfall, atmospheric river storms, and flooding this winter, preparing now can make a meaningful difference in protecting your employees, property and operations.

To help businesses plan ahead, EDC has developed a Flood Preparedness Checklist featuring 20 practical steps, including:

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Improving E-Bike Safety Across Ventura County

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

E-bike safety continues to be a priority for me, particularly as more young people ride e-bikes to travel to school and throughout our communities.

Earlier this year, I initiated a countywide review of e-bike safety strategies, bringing together law enforcement, educators, public health officials, and community partners. This month, the E-Bike Safety Task Force presented its findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.

Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) — VCTA – Unchecked Power, Sticky Notes, and a $1 Million Merchandise Bill

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

Under Ventura County’s current structure, voting for the Ventura County Superintendent of Education hands virtually unchecked power to the winner. Because the position is independently elected rather than appointed, the Ventura County Board of Education lacks direct oversight over the Superintendent’s day-to-day administrative and financial decisions. This structural loophole leaves taxpayers vulnerable to unchecked administrative spending—with no real institutional watchdog inside the office to rein it in.

Ventura Fire Department — Today is National First Responders Day

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

October 28 is National First Responders Day. We’re setting it aside for the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, 911 dispatchers, and correctional officers who show up when everyone else is at their worst.

Ventura firefighters run roughly 100,000 calls a year. Car crashes. Medical emergencies. The worst day of someone’s life, over and over, night after night. That weight doesn’t stay at the station. It follows them home, and their families carry it too.

We’re building the knowledge and tools to help local firefighters and the people who love them get through it.

You can help. Grab a limited edition t-shirt or hoodie, and every dollar goes to our mission of helping local firefighter families thrive.

Bilingual report — Ventura County residents urged to eliminate standing water following recent rainfall to prevent mosquito breeding

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Following last week’s rainfall and with warmer temperatures expected this week, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) is urging residents to eliminate standing water around their homes and properties to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus (WNV). The reminder comes as the California Department of Public Health reports West Nile virus activity at a five-year high statewide.

Standing water left in outdoor containers can quickly become a breeding source for mosquitoes. In as little as seven days, mosquito eggs can hatch, larvae can develop, and adult mosquitoes can emerge. With mosquito activity continuing into the fall, recent rainfall, and warmer temperatures may contribute to increased mosquito populations throughout Ventura County.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

CLAUDE 102: PROJECTS, ARTIFACTS, SOPS & WORKFLOWS

October 29 @ 10:00 am

If you’ve mastered the basics of AI prompting, it’s time to take the next step. In this interactive 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn how to transform Claude from a simple chatbot into a reliable business partner that helps you organize projects, create reusable business assets, document processes, and automate everyday tasks. You’ll discover practical strategies to reduce repetitive work while maintaining consistency across your business. This course is designed specifically for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Facilitated by: Deborah Deras, EDC SBDC Marketing Advisor, International Speaker, Author, AI Educator, Professor & Doctoral Scholar researching the impact of AI on Small Businesses. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Financing available for Child Care Providers

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

Supporting our county’s future and the next generation’s education and career success starts with quality preschool programs. Historically, Ventura County has had too few licensed commercial child care and preschool spaces to meet demand. The Economic Development Collaborative and First 5 Ventura County are committed to building more child care and early childhood education capacity in our community through the Child Care Investment Loan Fund.

The Ventura County Office of Education and Child Care Planning Council has documented that Ventura County is as many as 50,000 childcare slots short. Only 36 percent of children ages 0-14 whose parents are in the workforce have access to a licensed child care space. Further, studies find that children who are most likely to benefit from a high-quality preschool program are least likely to attend.

Ventura County Public Works Agency announces Matthew Ehret as Director of Watershed Protection

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

Ehret brings more than 24 years of public works experience, with an extensive background in engineering, construction management, flood control, and infrastructure development. Most recently, he served as Deputy Director of Watershed Protection’s Design & Construction Division, where he oversaw major capital improvement projects, emergency projects, and environmental services.

Explore Lompoc — News from Lompoc: Explore Space Country at Vandenberg’s Space And Missile Technology Center

by Community Contributor • October 26, 2026 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — The countdown ends. Engines ignite. A rocket climbs into the sky, leaving a bright trail above the California coast.

For a few unforgettable moments, all eyes are on the sky. In Lompoc, this kind of space-age excitement is part of the destination.

Welcome to Space Country, where you can watch a launch, explore the technology behind the missions, and get an up-close look at space history at the Space and Missile Technology Center (SAMTEC).

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education Alternative Education honored with Golden Bell Award

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2026 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education is being honored with the prestigious Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association for its Alternative Education program, which serves students who have been expelled, are involved with the justice system, or face serious obstacles in school.

Guest contribution — County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Holding Southern California Edison Accountable

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2026 • Comments Off

Ventura County residents should not have to choose between wildfire safety and reliable electricity. Southern California Edison’s (SCE) Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) have left families, businesses, and entire communities facing prolonged outages, often with little certainty about when power will be restored.

While preventing wildfires must remain a top priority, the frequency, duration, and disruption of these shutoffs demand greater accountability. That is why I have made it a priority to challenge SCE, secure meaningful improvements, and advocate for long-term solutions that better protect our communities.

Port of Hueneme — DOCK TALK – Community Newsletter – October 2026

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

The Port of Hueneme’s 13th Annual Banana Festival set a second consecutive attendance record as nearly 19,000 guests came to the Port for a celebratory day of live music, banana treats, tours, a classic car show, and family-friendly fun. This year’s theme, “Gateway to the World,” highlighted the Port’s role in connecting local consumers to global goods and markets.

City of Ventura prepares emergency winter shelter ahead of anticipated El Niño storms

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — As the City of Ventura prepares for potential El Niño storms this fall and winter, plans are underway to provide emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness during severe weather. The El Niño Winter Shelter will be activated when forecasts indicate flash flooding, including anticipated rainfall exceeding half an inch per hour, to provide safety to unsheltered individuals living in riverbeds and other flood-prone areas.

Located at the National Guard Armory at 1270 Arundell Avenue, the shelter will provide up to 120 emergency beds during extreme rainfall events between October 15, 2026, through April 15, 2027.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Community Alert: Red Flag Warning, Strong Santa Ana Winds & Potential SCE Power Shutoffs

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

Ventura County is preparing for the first Santa Ana wind event of the season, with strong winds, hot and dry conditions, and an elevated risk of wildfires expected across the region. Residents are encouraged to prepare for potential Southern California Edison (SCE) power outages, take necessary safety precautions, and stay informed as weather conditions evolve throughout the week.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from Thursday, October 15, at 6:00 a.m. through Friday, October 16, at 10:00 p.m. This wind event is expected to bring sustained winds of 25–40 mph, with gusts potentially exceeding 50 mph across our valleys, coastal communities, and mountain areas.

Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees has selected Hancock Elisa Pardo to fill Area 1 seat

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees has selected Hancock alum and longtime community leader Elisa Pardo to represent Trustee Area 1, filling the vacancy left by outgoing trustee Hilda Zacarías.

The board selected Pardo during a special meeting Oct. 9, and she was officially sworn in at its Oct. 13 regular meeting at Santa Ynez Valley High School.

2026 San Luis Obispo County’s Assessor’s Annual Report

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2026 • Comments Off

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — I am pleased to present the Annual Report of the Assessor’s office for 2026-27. This report provides the latest data regarding property values in San Luis Obispo County and highlights information that impacts the local economy and our quality of life.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula City Council adopts resolution opposing Proposition 43

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — At its Oct. 7, 2026 meeting, the Santa Paula City Council voted unanimously (5-0) to adopt Resolution No. 7635, formally opposing Proposition 43, a statewide ballot measure appearing before California voters on November 3, 2026.

The action follows a request from the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) encouraging cities to consider opposing the measure. Proposition 43 would increase the voter-approval requirement for voter-initiated local special taxes from a simple majority to two-thirds, potentially making it more difficult for communities to approve dedicated funding for local services and priorities.

Central Coast joins 1.6 million+ voices calling for Roadless Rule protections

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2026 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — With the closing of the final public comment period last week, more than 1.6 million people—including more than one thousand Central Coast residents—voiced their support for keeping the Roadless Rule in place. The rule — which the Trump administration is proposing to repeal—protects some of the country’s last intact backcountry forests, including 635,106 acres across 37 inventoried roadless areas in Los Padres National Forest.

The latest comment period on the Trump administration’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule closed October 6.

Dog adoptions up 42% at the HSVC, and a new program is open to 805 residents

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2026 • Comments Off

OJAI — Not everyone can take a shelter dog home, but almost anyone can give one a few hours away from the kennel. The Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) is officially rolling out its Dog Day Out program to the public. Community members can take a dog out for a hike, a ride or a quiet afternoon at home, with no foster or adoption commitment.

HSVC is giving more dogs homes, and faster. Through August, dog adoptions are up 42% over the same period last year (223 compared with 157), and half of adopted dogs now go home within 14 days, compared with 24 days last year. HSVC hopes Dog Day Out — a program used by shelters nationwide and linked in research to higher adoption rates — will keep this momentum going and help its longest-staying dogs find homes.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula City Council approves temporary pause on certain RV parking enforcement

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is temporarily pausing enforcement of certain recreational vehicle (RV) parking regulations following a unanimous (5-0) City Council decision on October 7, 2026. The temporary pause allows the City to review its existing ordinance and explore potential updates with input from the community. The decision follows ongoing public comments and concerns from residents regarding RV parking restrictions and their impact on the community.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Refugee studies meets environmental justice in new special journal issue’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2026 • Comments Off

Scholar Heidi Amin-Hong explores how systems of colonialism, militarism and global capitalism create displacement and treat people and environments as disposable.

Bilingual guest contribution — 805 UNDOCUFund — Operation Safe California targets the Central Coast-100 community members disappeared in five days

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2026 • Comments Off

Thank you for standing with us during these increasingly difficult times. At 805UndocuFund, our mission has always been rooted in protecting the dignity and safety of undocumented and mixed-status families across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. Today, that work is more urgent than ever.

Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Our communities, our power

by Community Contributor • October 9, 2026 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — For nearly two years, immigrant communities across the Central Coast have faced kidnapping, family separation, and escalating violence at the hands of ICE. And now, as Californians begin to vote, ICE activity is surging – in an attempt to bring more fear and intimidation into our communities.

As of Tuesday afternoon, at least 32 of our neighbors in the region have been taken by ICE this week. Parents. Neighbors. Workers. Families torn apart.

But we are not powerless. We know how to respond. We know how to protect each other. We know how to organize. And we know that information is power.

Bilingual report — CenCal Health launches member navigation hub to help at-risk residents keep Medi-Cal coverage

by Community Contributor • October 8, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — In response to Medi-Cal eligibility, enrollment and renewal changes affecting an estimated 44,000 local residents, CenCal Health and a coalition of community partners have launched Central Coast Coverage, a regional member navigation hub that helps eligible individuals keep their health coverage and avoid disruptions in care.

Supported by a $2 million investment from CenCal Health – the region’s Medi-Cal health plan serving more than 220,000 members in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties – the new resource connects residents with navigation assistance, resource guides, and information about Medi-Cal.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura highlights winter storm preparations, encourages residents to get ready now

by Community Contributor • October 8, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On Tuesday, October 6, the Board of Supervisors heard a report on the County’s inter-agency efforts to prepare for a potentially strong El Niño storm season. Staff from the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, Fire Department, Public Works Agency, and the County’s Public Information Office shared updates on work already underway to help ensure the community is storm ready ahead of a potentially wetter winter.

Pre-season efforts are focused on reducing risk and ensuring the County is ready to respond quickly if significant storms impact local communities. Preparations include inspecting and maintaining flood-control infrastructure, clearing drainage systems and debris basins, preparing swift water rescue resources, and coordinating emergency response plans for areas at higher risk of flooding and debris flows. The County’s Public Works Agency has already removed more than 235,000 cubic yards of material from detention basins and waterways in preparation for the winter storm season.

Bilingual report — New live webcam offers real-time views of historic Ventura Pier and coastline

by Community Contributor • October 8, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — A new live webcam overlooking the historic Ventura Pier and City beach is giving residents, visitors, and viewers around the world a real-time look at one of Ventura’s most treasured landmarks. The launch comes just in time to celebrate the 154th anniversary of the original Ventura Wharf, completed on October 5, 1872. Today, the Ventura Pier is the oldest pier in California.

Ventura County Animal Services — Kitten Food Drive 2026

by Community Contributor • October 8, 2026 • Comments Off

Hot weather is the likely cause of a SURGE in kittens we’re seeing come in. As a result, VCAS Foster Families are in need of critical lifesaving food. If you are able, please consider donating a case of food from our Amazon Wish List: www.vcas.us/KittenFoodDrive