The legislation ensures fire hydrants work as designed during wildfires by creating baseline standards of emergency preparedness for water districts servicing homes in high fire risk areas of Ventura County as mapped by CAL FIRE.
There is a potential for storm water runoff to carry disease causing bacteria to the beaches and into the ocean water. In addition, storm water runoff can transport physical hazards such as partially submerged tree limbs and logs into the ocean that could result in serious physical injury. Contact with this runoff water will result in an increased risk to human health and should be avoided for at least 72 hours after all rainfall activity has ended.
SACRAMENTO — Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 1041(Bennett) which improves patient access to care and boosts small and independent practices by streamlining the physician credentialing process.
For too long, California physicians have faced months-long delays when trying to join health plan networks. These delays are caused by outdated, inconsistent, and duplicative credentialing requirements that vary from plan to plan.
DSBIA, which replaces and expands on the services of the previous Downtown Organization, is committed to creating a welcoming downtown environment where residents, workers, and visitors feel proud and secure and local businesses thrive.
Researchers are working to bring highly sensitive quantum experiments outside of the laboratory.
Commercial refrigeration is among the most energy-intensive operations in the food business, and outdated systems are costing us more than just money. Many older units use refrigerants that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
(Oct. 1), the federal government entered a “shutdown” caused by a lapse in appropriated resources. Republicans control the House, Senate, and the White House – the three bodies necessary to fund the government. And still, extremists in Congress chose to shut the government down rather than find common ground and negotiate with Congressional Democrats.
In 2019, the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans oversaw the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. In the days leading up to the current shutdown, House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled votes, and the House was not in session to vote on any compromise legislation to keep the government open.
OJAI — At a time when animal welfare nonprofits are playing an increasingly critical role in Ventura County, the Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) is strengthening its future with the appointment of Daniel Roselle as its new executive director, effective Oct. 1, 2025.
A trusted community resource since 1932, HSVC provides compassionate care, adoptions, humane investigations and disaster response services for thousands of animals across the region each year. Roselle’s appointment marks an important milestone as the organization continues to expand access to care and build new programs that keep pets safe, healthy and with the people who love them.
Join us for the eagerly awaited release of the Ventura County Civic Alliance 2025 State of the Region report on
Monday, November 10.
This trusted report presents Ventura County data and trends spanning ten areas of community impact including Agriculture, Economy, Education, Land Use and Public Safety.
Hear keynote speaker and report author Tony Biasotti as he delivers a deep dive into the data.
Following the keynote, a diverse and distinguished panel, moderated by David Maron, will discuss the report and share their experiences managing organizations in Ventura County.
Attendees receive a copy of the report and buffet breakfast.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is looking for community members to serve on two important advisory bodies that help guide the City’s future: the Design Review Committee and the Water Commission. These groups provide critical input on urban design and development, and water resource planning. These advisory bodies offer residents and professionals the opportunity to get involved, lend their expertise, and make a lasting impact in Ventura.
VENTURA — As the community moves into long term recovery and rebuilding efforts, the Resource Management Agency (RMA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Mountain Fire Rebuild Permitting Dashboard. This new tool, available on both the Resource Management Agency’s website and the Ventura County Recovers website, allows users to track the rebuild permitting progress of properties affected by the Mountain Fire.
PORT HUENEME —The Port of Hueneme’s 12th Annual Banana Festival set a new attendance record this past Saturday, welcoming more than 13,000 community members for a day of music, food, tours, and family fun.This year’s theme, “Making Workforce Waves Through Global Trade,” spotlighted the people who turn ships and cargo into local careers and opportunity.
Festivalgoers enjoyed banana-inspired treats, live performances from Instone Live, Morie & the Heavy Hitters, Savor, and The Brandon Ragan Project, and family-friendly activities like the kids’ zone and pie-eating contest. Land and sea tours offered a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse to the Port’s operations, showing firsthand how bananas, cars, and other global goods move through Ventura County’s only deep-water harbor.
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I am reaching out to make sure you’re aware that California is having a statewide special
election on Nov. 4, 2025 to vote on Proposition 50, which would temporarily redraw Congressional district maps in response to redistricting by other states.
The last day to register to vote for this election is October 20, 2025. According to California’s Secretary of State, all registered voters in California will receive a vote-by-mail ballot in October. Vote-by-mail ballots can be returned by mail, drop-off locations, or at your county elections office.
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula today announced that Deputy City Manager Jonathan Royas will be leaving the City to assume the role of Assistant City Manager for the City of Moorpark. Royas’s last day with Santa Paula will be October 3, 2025.
“Jonathan has served Santa Paula with dedication and skill,” said City Manager Dan Singer. “His leadership on Measure R, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, trail connectivity grants, and community engagement work has made a lasting impact. We thank him for his service and wish him well in Moorpark. The City will maintain continuity of operations as we begin the process to fill this role.”
To mark World Oceans Day, the Port of Hueneme convened its third-annual “Sustaining the Seas Summit” on Tuesday, August 19 at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum in Oxnard.
The board oversees the Santa Maria Fairpark, which serves as the premier event center in the Santa Maria Valley. As a subdivision of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the board is tasked with supporting the community by providing venues for education, recreation, entertainment, and by promoting agriculture, industry, commerce, and tourism.
“We looked at planting schedules and weather and felt that a move to spring offered many benefits. It means the public can visit farms during the heart of the growing season,” says Caitlin Paulus Case, executive director of Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), the nonprofit that puts on Ventura County Farm Day each year. “We are expecting more farms to participate with new hands-on experiences and activities.”
Join the City of Oxnard and EDC for this workshop series, which has been developed to help advance business formalization, financial resilience and strategic visibility among small businesses in Ventura County. It addresses core areas where entrepreneurs often face barriers—legal compliance, financial planning, and marketing execution—offering hands-on, actionable training that leads to real outcomes: formal registration, funding readiness and customer growth.
Join California Lutheran University for their 10th Annual Executive Talent Management Forum on Talent Mobility & Workforce Agility. In today’s volatile business environment, organizations must develop workforce agility and talent mobility strategies to remain competitive. Economic uncertainties, geopolitical shifts, technological and environmental disruptions, and evolving employee expectations require companies to rethink how they deploy, develop and retain talent. This forum topic would explore how businesses can build a resilient workforce capable of adapting to rapid change.
Thursday, September 25, at 8:00 am
Address: Lundring Events Center, 60 W. Olsen Rd., California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
VENTURA — Mosquito activity is expected to increase following the rainfall from the remnants of Tropical Storm Mario. It is important now to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the chances of being bitten by mosquitoes by emptying objects that collected water during the rain event.
announce the appointment of Paul Chan, PE, CEM, as the new Director of Water & Sanitation. Chan brings more than 30 years of distinguished leadership in engineering, construction, and facilities management, with an extensive career of service in the U.S. military.
The next Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council meeting will take place on Thursday, September 25 at 7 pm at Oak Park High School in room G9.
Ventura County Public Works and the new landscape company will be providing a presentation on their progress in addressing concerns in the area. They will be available to answer questions.
VENTURA COUNTY — Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities.
In this video message, Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, reflects on the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month and shares some of his favorite family traditions. Keep an eye on VCOE’s social media throughout the month for special messages about Hispanic Heritage Month from our students and staff.
VENTURA — To expand accessibility and ensure all residents have the opportunity to be prepared for emergencies, the City of Ventura, in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the City of Santa Paula, is offering a full Spanish-language Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training beginning this October.
The free, hands-on program is open to 40 participants from Ventura and Santa Paula and will run from October 9 through November 15, 2025. Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis with the application open through Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
Thank you to everyone who joined last night’s Zone 0 Town Hall—both in person and online. I’m especially grateful to our expert panelists for sharing their knowledge and to the Ventura County Fire Department for their hospitality in hosting the event.
If you weren’t able to attend, you can watch the full recording here. You’ll also find links to the panelists’ slides next to their bios below.
The Board of Forestry updated their Frequently Asked Questions Document yesterday, click here to review. I also want to thank those who submitted thoughtful questions during the meeting. My team and I are gathering responses, and I’ll be sharing updates with you soon.
LOMPOC — Here in Lompoc, nightlife is about easy going good times. A relaxed drink with friends. A late bite after a day of wine tasting or hiking. Maybe some live music or a laid-back DJ set. You won’t find velvet ropes or booming nightclubs, but you will find a few friendly places to hang out and unwind when the sun goes down.
Ready for a mellow night out? These local spots keep the lights on just a little longer.
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.
Reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores en español
(Board of Supervisors’ Meetings in Spanish)
El Condado de Santa Bárbara está ofreciendo interpretación en español de las reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores. Véalo en vivo en nuestro canal de YouTube en español, o las personas suscritas a la televisión por cable pueden acceder a la programación secundaria de audio (SAP) en los ajustes de idioma.
Aún se requiere pedir con anticipación l
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula wishes to update the community on recent City Council actions concerning immigration-related issues and federal litigation. Last month, the City issued a statement clarifying that it had not been invited to join…
VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) expanded its reach by opening a new Santa Barbara County office and adding student and community learning programs during the 2024-25 school year.
SEEAG is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect youth and communities to the farm origins of their food and inspire the next generations of agricultural ambassadors.
Join the City of Oxnard and EDC for this workshop series, which has been developed to help advance business formalization, financial resilience and strategic visibility among small businesses in Ventura County. It addresses core areas where entrepreneurs often face barriers—legal compliance, financial planning, and marketing execution—offering hands-on, actionable training that leads to real outcomes: formal 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 English and Spanish.
SACRAMENTO — The California State Legislature sent Assemblymember Bennett’s AB 367 to the Governor’s desk. The bill would increase the performance of fire hydrants supplying water to Ventura County firefighters in their battles against wildfires. The legislation also raises baseline standards of emergency preparedness for water districts servicing homes in high fire risk areas of Ventura County as mapped by Cal FIRE.
VENTURA — Ventura Housing (formerly the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura) announced that its nonprofit partner, Atlas, has received a generous donation from Yardi® in support of “The Road Home” Campaign, benefiting residents of Ventura Housing’s latest development at Valentine Road. This groundbreaking permanent supportive housing project located in Ventura is converting the former 142-room La Quinta Inn into 134 studio apartment homes for individuals who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness, thereby reducing homelessness in the local community and transforming the lives of residents.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura invites the public to attend a Board of Supervisors hearing on Tuesday, September 30, at 1:00 p.m. at 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, in the County Government Center, Hall of Administration, Board Hearing Room. At the hearing, the Board of Supervisors will consider approval of the County’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Implementation Manual and the Initial Study Assessment Guidelines (ISAGs), including the supplemental Noise and Vibration Assessment Guidelines. These key documents guide how the County evaluates environmental impacts of proposed projects in the unincorporated areas of the County. The Board will also consider an amendment to the General Plan, which is needed to accompany the updated ISAGs.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is now accepting applications for the Ventura Council for Seniors (VCS). This volunteer advisory group advocates for and improves the lives of the city’s older adult residents.
Applicants must:
Be a City of Ventura resident, age 60 or older
Be available to attend monthly meetings, held on the third Tuesday of each month from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center (550 N. Ventura Avenue)
IN-PERSON EVENT: READY • SET • GROW: SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES
September 16, 23 and 30 @ 9:00 am
Join the City of Oxnard 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: Oxnard Main Library, 251 S A St., Oxnard, CA, 93030.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department invites residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to participate in its Strategic Plan Community Questionnaire. This short, accessible feedback form, available in English and Spanish, gives the community a direct voice in shaping the department’s priorities and goals.
VENTURA — With the Medicare Open Enrollment period soon to begin, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) – part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency – will again be providing countywide resources and help.
Medicare Open Enrollment begins on Oct. 15 and runs through December. 7. HICAP counselors, who are registered by the California Department of Aging, provide free, unbiased Medicare counseling to the public.
OXNARD — … Anonymous Heroes / Héroes Anónimos highlights 29 selections from the Santa Paula Art Museum’s permanent collection, paying tribute to the resilience, creativity, and essential contributions of our farm workers. These “everyday heroes,” often unrecognized in historybooks, have shaped the cultural and economic fabric of Ventura County and beyond. Artists featured include: Carlos Almaraz, Judy Baca, Cornelis Botke, Sergio Hernandez, TonyJankowski, Xavier Montes, John Nichols, Gail Pidduck, Wihimina Puisifer, Kay B. Snodgrass, Eloy Torres, and Robert von Sternberg.
“Each image and artwork in this exhibition reminds us that behind every cultivated field and harvest lies a story of sacrifice, perseverance, and love for family,” reflects Ricardo Santana Velázquez, Consul of Mexico in Oxnard. “These are the stories of women and men who,even amid the challenges of the migratory context, continue to sow the future with their hands and unwavering spirit.”
Click here to register and join us in this important (virtual conversation on Sept. 16).
This session will bring together leading voices in law, democracy, and civil rights to:
Examine the ruling’s implications for constitutional protections, civil liberties, and immigrant communities.
Discuss what Congress and state governments can do to protect residents, strengthen oversight, and counter discriminatory enforcement.
Explore strategies for building broad coalitions capable of defending both democracy and civil rights in the face of aggressive enforcement.
Reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores en español
(Board of Supervisors’ Meetings in Spanish)
El Condado de Santa Bárbara está ofreciendo interpretación en español de las reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores. Véalo en vivo en nuestro canal de YouTube en español, o las personas suscritas a la televisión por cable pueden acceder a la programación secundaria de audio (SAP) en los ajustes de idioma.
THOUSAND OAKS — This year marks the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. To honor the lives lost and the courage of those who responded, the Ventura County Fire Department invites the community to join firefighters in remembrance ceremonies across the county.
Commemorations will take place at every fire station, department headquarters, and at Fire Dispatch.
“Thomas brings decades of hands-on experience and strategic leadership in facilities and engineering, which makes him uniquely qualified for this role,” stated Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “His deep understanding of both operational needs and long-term planning will strengthen our ability to maintain and improve critical County infrastructure. Ventura County will benefit greatly from his expertise as we continue to deliver reliable, high-quality services to our residents.”
VENTURA — On September 5, 2025 the Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that a bird collected during the fourth week of August (8/25) from the Simi Valley area tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected. This is the first detection of WNV activity this year in Ventura County.
VENTURA — September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California, and the City of Ventura reminds drivers and walkers alike to take extra care when sharing streets. Whether you’re heading to school, work, or enjoying Ventura’s neighborhoods, walking should always be a safe and easy option.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,148 pedestrians were killed in traffic collisions across the United States in 2024. In California alone, pedestrian deaths account for over 24% of all traffic-related fatalities.
IN-PERSON EVENT: READY • SET • GROW: SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES
September 16, 23 and 30 @ 9:00 am
Join the City of Oxnard 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: Oxnard Main Library, 251 S A St., Oxnard, CA, 93030.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Attending a U.S. Service Academy is a great honor and an excellent way for young Americans to serve their country. Every year, I have the honor of nominating students from Ventura County and the Conejo Valley to represent our district at one of the five prestigious service academies in the nation.
This fall, my office is hosting a series of information nights for students and their families throughout California’s 26th Congressional District to learn about the service academies and the opportunities these institutions of higher learning afford their students.
This Labor Day, we celebrate the hardworking men and women who keep cargo moving and communities thriving
VENTURA — Emergencies can strike without warning, and the first hour is critical for protecting lives and property. This September, in recognition of National Preparedness Month, the Ventura Police Department is proud to launch “Ready Your Ventura Neighborhood,” a program that equips neighbors to act fast, save lives, and protect their community.
The California Earthquake Brace & Bolt program offers up to $3,000 to help residents strengthen their homes against earthquake damage. For the first time, it is open to all zip codes in Santa Barbara County and now includes non-owner-occupied rental properties. Applications are open through October 1.
Food Truck lineup:
Otra Vis Barbecue
Coolichi Sushi y Mariscos
Takumi
Cheesecake Plugg Caffe
Juarez Tacos
J&K Catering
Happy Place
Coyote Elote
Little Tony’s Wood Fired Pizza
Pupusería La Llama
La Chaparrita
Tacos Santa Cruz
La Picosita
Jimbo’s Funnel Cakes
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.
IN-PERSON EVENT: READY • SET • GROW: SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES
September 16, 23 and 30 @ 9:00 am
Join the City of Oxnard 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: Oxnard Main Library, 251 S A St., Oxnard, CA, 93030
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula proudly recognizes the accomplishments of 13 outstanding participants who have successfully completed the third cohort of the Youth Apprentice Readiness Accelerator (YARA) Program, marking the second time the program has achieved a 100% graduation rate.
This four-week, intensive pre-apprenticeship program prepares local youth, ages 16-24, for high-demand careers in the building trades. Using the nationally recognized Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) developed by North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), the program provides foundational knowledge and hands-on training that connects graduates directly to registered apprenticeship opportunities.
LOMPOC — Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, marine life enthusiast, or just looking for something fun to do on your next visit, Lompoc’s museums have you covered. From immersive historical landmarks to hands-on learning experiences, Lompoc offers a rich lineup of museums and cultural spots worth exploring. Here’s your guide to the best museums in town—each one full of personality, local flavor, and unexpected artifacts and exhibits.
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Harvey Cusworth’s “Visions of Conejo Valley and the Malibu Coast”
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Saturday, September 13, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members
Experience the beauty of Ventura County through the eyes of award-winning Thousand Oaks artist Harvey Cusworth. Inspired by California’s distinctive natural light, Cusworth’s expressive oil paintings explore the dynamic between light, color, and form.
In a decisive move that prioritizes taxpayer dollars and essential services, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors rejected key elements of Item 43 on August 26, 2025. This proposal sought to allocate millions in public funds for immigration-related initiatives, including a $250,000 Immigration Legal Defense Fund, seven new positions in the Public Defender’s Office Immigrant Defense Unit at an annual cost of about $1.3 million, and up to $1.9 million over three years for a migrant education program.
