Category: Government

Bilingual report — City of Ventura seeks applicants for Ventura Council for Seniors

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)

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department launches community questionnaire to help shape next strategic plan

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. 

Bilingual report — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging to help with Medicare Open Enrollment

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.

Anonymous Heroes / Héroes Anónimos exhibit opening reception to be held at the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard on Sept. 12

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.”

LULAC — Targeted by appearance: Immigration, race and the Constitution

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.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting to be held Sept. 16

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.

Ventura County Fire Dept. to commemorate 9/11 anniversary

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.

Bilingual report — Thomas Hunt appointed director of the General Services Agency

“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.”

Bilingual report — Local Bird tests positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County

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.

Bilingual report — Step up for safer streets: Ventura recognizes September as Pedestrian Safety Month

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. 

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — Interested in attending a U.S. Service Academy? Join me on Wednesday to learn more!

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.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police launch neighborhood preparedness program to save lives during disasters

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. 

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara September 2025 Newsletter

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.

Downtown Oxnard — Make it a September to remember with cultural celebrations and foodie experiences downtown

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

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting on Sept. 9. Topics Include: Responses to Grand Jury Report on South Coast Housing Crisis, more

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.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Celebrates 100% Graduation Rate in Third Cohort of Youth Readiness Accelerator (YARA) Program

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.

Discover Lompoc, California’s Museums: A fun-filled tour though local history, art & culture

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.

September at the Santa Paula Art Museum

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.

Guest commentary — Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) — Ventura County Supervisors prioritize fiscal prudence, reject costly immigration initiative

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.

Bilingual report — New small business workshop series coming to Ventura City Hall on Oct. 1, 9 and 16

ENTURA — The City of Ventura is partnering with the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to launch Ready • Set • Grow, a free three-part workshop series held at Ventura City Hall located at 501 Poli Street in the Community Meeting Room on Thursdays, Oct. 2, 9, and 16, 2025, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.

City of Santa Barbara — Use Your Voice for Safer Streets! Join Us for Meetings Oct. 8 (Online) & Oct. 15 (In Person)

SANTA BARBARA — Use Your Voice for Safer Streets! Join Us for Meetings October 8 (Online) & October 15 (In Person) Join the City to create safe and more accessible streets! Whether you walk, bike, or drive, your experiences matter—especially…

Bilingual commentary — The Presidential Doctrine of Unpredictability and Chaos

“I may do it. I may not do it. Nobody knows what I’m going to do.” These words sum up the leadership style of President Trump. He appears to delight in keeping everyone guessing what his next move will be. 

When Trump spoke these words last June, he was responding to a question regarding his intentions to collaborate with Israel to attack Iran. 

Granted, a rational level of uncertainty can be beneficial when an enemy of the United States is being kept on its toes, not sure what the next move of our military might be, for example. 

But when our nation’s citizens, as well as the world’s governments and businesses, are subjected to continual unpredictability and uncertainty from our country’s president, the inevitable result will be more chaos than we’ve already witnessed and future economic stagnation.

Labor Day Protest: Santa Barbara joins nationwide resistance against billionaire exploitation

SANTA BARBARA — On Labor Day, Monday, September 1, at 11:00 a.m., community members will gather at De La Guerra Plaza in Santa Barbara as part of a nationwide day of protest to honor working people and stand strong against billionaire exploitation and corporate domination.

Across the country, workers, students, parents, and neighbors are rising up to demand dignity, justice, and investment in people — not billionaire empires.

The Santa Barbara event will include protest songs, chants, stories from the community, and opportunities for students and others to share how economic injustice impacts their families and communities. Participants are encouraged to bring signs, water, and their voices. Limited seating and sign-making supplies will be available.

Bilingual report — You’re Never a Bother: Ventura County Marks National ‘988 Day’ with Action

OXNARD — Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH), a department of the Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA), will join communities nationwide in recognizing the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) second annual “988 Day” on Monday, September 8, 2025. This year’s theme is Compassionate Help. Anytime.

988 Day raises awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, emphasizing that suicide is preventable and that compassionate support is available anytime, anywhere. The Lifeline provides free, 24/7 access to skilled, caring, and trained counselors by text, chat, or phone call.

Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — When tenants organize, we win stronger protections!

We know it’s hard right now. The federal government is harming our communities in so many ways. Housing costs are out of control, immigrant families are still under attack, and it can feel like no one in power is listening.

But this is exactly why we organize.

Organized immigrant tenants and workers are more important than ever. Unethical landlords and bosses can exploit the fear caused by ICE raids to pad their profits, hoping no one will speak out. But when we unite, we build trust, leadership, and courage – we win transformational change.

Especially in times like these, we have to celebrate our wins. This year across the Central Coast, tenants organizing with CAUSE have won historic victories!

Patagonia, Toad&Co join Blue Whales & Blue Skies

VENTURA — Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) is proud to welcome two California-based brands known for challenging the status quo of corporate responsibility to its Ambassador program — Patagonia and Toad&Co.

BWBS encourages and verifies shipping companies’ cooperation with voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) requests along California’s coast to reduce fatal ship strikes to endangered whales, underwater radiated noise, air pollution and regional greenhouse gas emissions. The majority of international shipping traffic transiting to California ports cooperate in the program.

Bilingual report — The Ventura Police Department announces DUI checkpoint planned for Aug. 29

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department Traffic Unit will conduct a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. 

DUI checkpoint locations are chosen based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring residents from driving impaired.  

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Community Update – Crime Prevention Tips

In response to recent burglaries in the Santa Rosa Valley area, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office partnered with Rosemary Allison, the Santa Rosa Valley CERT and Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, to provide residents with key safety information and practical tips to help secure their homes and property.

Representatives from the Moorpark Sheriff’s Station shared crime prevention strategies and encouraged residents to remain vigilant. These tips are an important reminder for all community members in communities throughout the area.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Elections Office gears up for Nov. 4, 2025 statewide special election

“It’s relatively short notice, but we are hitting the ground running,” said Michelle Ascencion, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, who oversees county elections.

“We’ve been here before – the Gubernatorial Recall in 2021 was called with only 75 days’ notice, and when I was the elected City Clerk in Oxnard, we had just under 100 days to prepare for the City Council recall election in 2018. Elections are more complicated than people realize, and it takes several months to implement all the logistics for a full Primary or General election. In comparison, this election has a very compressed timeline.”

Bilingual report — Lawn & Garden Equipment Trade-In event slated for Sept. 13

NEWBURY PARK — Ventura County residents can turn in working gasoline- and diesel-powered lawn and garden equipment and receive vouchers toward new cordless electric replacements at an event in Newbury Park on Saturday, Sept. 13.

The City of Thousand Oaks and the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) are hosting the Lawn & Garden Equipment Trade-In Event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 2010 Conejo Center Drive. (The facility will be closed for regular collection during the event.)

Residents can bring in their old equipment to demonstrate that it starts, turn it in to be destroyed, complete an application for the VCAPCD Lawn & Garden Equipment Exchange Program and receive a voucher toward battery-electric replacement of the same type. In most cases, the vouchers will cover most of the cost of new equipment, one charger and additional batteries.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura breaks ground on Olivas Park Drive Extension and Levee Project

VENTURA — The City of Ventura broke ground this week on the long-anticipated Olivas Park Drive Extension and Levee Project, a transformative $51 million capital improvement that will improve traffic circulation, strengthen flood protection, and expand commercial development opportunities in East Ventura. Construction is expected to continue through summer 2027.

“This isn’t just a road or a levee. It is an investment in Ventura’s future,” said Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios. “This project reduces flood risks, eases congestion, and improves access to the Auto Center while activating over 90 acres of undeveloped land and creating the conditions for new businesses and innovation to thrive.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: FIVE COMMUNICATION MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN LEADING HIGH-PERFORMANCE GLOBAL TEAMS

August 27 @ 10:00 am

In this engaging, practical 75-minute workshop, you’ll learn the most critical communication mistakes that undermine trust and efficiency in your global teams — and how to avoid them, how to adapt to different communication styles to ensure every team member feels understood and empowered and proven techniques for ensuring you are an effective communicator—both as a speaker and as a listener. In today’s fast-paced, interconnected workplace, successful leaders must communicate clearly and inspire teams to work together toward common goals. Yet even experienced leaders can unintentionally create misunderstandings that slow progress, erode trust and impact performance. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Unite to Light to deploy innovative solar powerpoles in eight Santa Barbara Community resilience projects

SANTA BARBARA — From powering tsunami warning systems to supporting 24/7 food pantries,  Unite To Light is pleased to announce eight new PowerPole installations which are set to transform how Santa Barbara County communities access reliable, renewable energy. Through a unique partnership with the James S. Bower Foundation and local battery tech startup Dragon Q Energy, the PowerPole is a compact, solar-integrated, off-grid solution providing electricity, battery storage, and internet connectivity, even in the harshest conditions.

People’s Self-Help Housing awarded $34,000,000 from Federal Housing Accelerator Program

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has been awarded $34,049,563 from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) through its Disaster Recovery Multifamily Housing Accelerator Program (DR-ACCEL). These funds will be used to bring more housing to the city of Atascadero with PSHH’s Del Rio Ridge project.

DR-ACCEL bridges the gap in financing for projects ready to begin construction, but that are halted during periods of disaster. In this case, the impacts of the severe winter storms in December 2022 through April 2023 resulted in unmet recovery needs from the floods, in areas already suffering from a critical shortage of affordable housing. Del Rio Ridge was one of the developments to have paused during this time.

Learn about Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s youth & government programs at upcoming information meetings (Sept. 2, 3, 4)

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Kick-off meetings are scheduled for the first week in September for the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s three Youth & Government Model Legislature & Court delegation programs.

Youth & Government is an opportunity for high school students to learn how government works and join over 60 Youth & Government delegations from around California in two statewide conferences culminating in the Model Legislative & Court Conference in the legislative chambers at the State Capitol in Sacramento.

Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing August 2025 Newsletter

We recently learned of the passing of Jeanette Duncan, who, for nearly four decades, was the very heartbeat of our organization.

Joining not too long after our founding in 1970 by a few volunteer community members and on the heels of the Fair Housing Act, Jeanette began her time as our first Executive Director with People’s Self-Help Housing, supporting individuals and families to build their own houses and achieve their dream of home ownership. Coming alongside those spirited volunteers as their shovels broke ground on those first houses, she subsequently recruited a core of professionals whose dedication would see the work of People’s expanding to serve thousands spread across the tri-counties of the Central Coast.

Guest commentary — Ventura County Taxpayers Association opposes County of Ventura Item 43 (Public Defender’s Immigrant Defense Fund)

On Tuesday, August 26th, 2025, Supervisor Vianey Lopez will ask the Board of Supervisors to establish various programs to assist immigration-related proceedings at a cost of $6.3 million of taxpayer funds. The Supervisor is asking taxpayers to pay for an Immigration Legal Defense Fund for a team of lawyers in the Public Defender’s Immigrant Defense Unit and provide financial support for a “Migrant Education Program”.

The Ventura County Taxpayers Association opposes the proposed measures as misguided, fiscally irresponsible, and potentially exposing the County to significant legal and financial risks.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura awarded nearly $28 million for permanent supportive housing development

This substantial investment will create 88 permanent supportive housing units for individuals experiencing homelessness. In addition, one unit will be reserved for a resident property manager to provide on-site support and security. The development will also include community gathering spaces and offices for case managers and support staff, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for residents.

“This funding marks an important milestone in our efforts to address homelessness in Ventura County by providing safe, stable, and supportive housing for vulnerable residents,” said Supervisor Janice Parvin, Chair of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. “We remain dedicated to working closely with our partners to bring this project to fruition and enhance the quality of life for those in need.”

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — The Republican Agenda: An Attack on Women’s Health and Rights

President Trump and Republicans in Congress are advancing an onslaught of anti-woman, anti-reproductive freedom policies that dismantle women’s health care and strip away women’s rights. These policies that defund Planned Parenthood are effectively nothing less than a backdoor abortion ban and are part of a long-term agenda to shut down health centers, cut off access to birth control and cancer screenings, and ban abortion nationwide. If successful, these efforts will only worsen the abortion access crisis created by the Dobbs decision and state bans, making it harder for women everywhere to get the care they need, when they need it.

Bilingual report — Aug. 26 County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors Meeting. Topics Include: Retail Food Facility Fees, County Support for State Legislation Prohibiting Masking and Requiring Identification Displayed of Law Enforcement Officials, Open Space Element

The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 
9 a.m. Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government 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. 

The latest news from County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell

Dear Neighbors,

As a new school year begins, I want to wish our local students and families a wonderful start and remind everyone to stay safe on the roadways. In this newsletter, you’ll find important updates, resources, and details about upcoming community events—I hope you’ll join me.

Warm regards,
Jeff

Jeff Gorell, Ventura County Supervisor, District 2
SupevisorGorell@ventura.org

Bilingual report — Ventura County Medical Center Family Medicine Residency retains No. 2 ranking nationally in Doximity’s 2025–2026 Residency Navigator

“Our Family Medicine Residency stands out nationally because we train residents in the full scope of family medicine, including primary care, women’s health, emergency medicine, hospital care, surgery, trauma, and community outreach,” said Dr. Jacob David, Program Director. “We’ve launched innovative programs like palliative care and addiction medicine to fill critical gaps in local services, attracting mission-driven physicians committed to serving underserved communities.”

McCarthy Companies awarded preconstruction contract for a new affordable housing community for Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — McCarthy Companies has been selected by the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) to provide preconstruction services for the development of Monteria Village in Santa Barbara. The recently signed contract will lay the groundwork for a transformative affordable housing project that will replace a 28-unit HUD-assisted public housing development built in 1973 and add 52 new affordable apartments on Santa Barbara’s Westside for a total of 80 affordable multifamily units. The development leverages HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, which enabled HACSB to successfully reposition its entire HUD-assisted public housing inventory to access equity funding for rehabilitation and improvements.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Creek Flood Risk Management Project accepting public comments through Aug. 25

Santa Paula Creek is a tributary to the Santa Clara River located along the east side of the City of Santa Paula. The project aims to reduce flood risk and enhance community safety. Following two early public scoping meetings held in July, the public is encouraged to provide feedback to help guide the study’s scope, shape possible measures and alternatives, and assess potential environmental impacts.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Your electric vehicle tax credit disappears on Sept. 30

You have less than 50 days to lock in major savings on an electric vehicle before federal incentives disappear. Right now, you can get up to $7,500 off a new EV or plug-in hybrid, or up to $4,000 off a used one through IRS Clean Vehicle Tax Credits.

When Congress passed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” they slashed the program’s timeline, moving its expiration date up to September 30, 2025 instead of 2032. That means buyers only have a short window left to take advantage of these savings before they’re gone for good.

Ventura County Animal Services — Clear the Shelters — FREE adoptions this Saturday 8/23!

This Saturday is Clear the Shelters, our largest pet adoption event of the year!  Last year, 77 animals found loving homes, and were aiming to top that number this Saturday.  We’ll be opening extra early at 11:00am, with early-bird adoption sign-ups starting at 7:00am at the Camarillo Shelter.

Adoptions will be FREE, and adopters will go home with lots of free gifts from event sponsors.  Animals go home spayed or neutered, vaccinated, flea-treated, and come with a FREE first vet visit!

Browse the DOGS, CATS, and BUNNIES in our care to see who you’d like to take home this Saturday!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SBA: MYSBA CERTIFICATION TRAINING: NAVIGATING THE APPLICATION PROCESS

August 21 @ 11:00 am

This webinar will assist small business owners who have successfully submitted a MySBA certification application to navigate the application process. Presenters will discuss how to respond and resubmit an application that has been “Returned to Business”, responses to requests for information (RFI), and other frequently asked questions. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

17 teens graduate from Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s “Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura” (Preparation, Well-being and Culture) Program with a focus on career and college prep

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), in coordination with 2nd Story Associates, has completed its “Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura” (Preparation, Well-being and Culture) free four-week summer initiative focused on “life preparation” with 17 teens graduating from the program.

The program provides focused activities that promote educational opportunities, social-emotional support, and cultural awareness. The program allows students to participate in a variety of field trips, earn community service hours, participate in college tours, as well as receive a free backpack and school supplies. 

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula clarifies status on ACLU lawsuit participation) challenging the federal government’s immigration enforcement activities)

… To clarify, the City of Santa Paula was not invited to participate in the lawsuit. The most recent group of cities to join was added on August 8, 2025, and Santa Paula was not among them. The City is not privy to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s litigation strategy or procedural decisions.

We recognize that this is an important issue for many in our community, and Council has received messages from residents urging the City to join the lawsuit or take other related action. While the City is not a party to this case, Council continues to evaluate issues and opportunities related to protecting the rights and well-being of all Santa Paula residents.

Taking Flight: Port of Hueneme conducts aerial drone exercise to boost security

PORT HUENEME — Geopolitical tensions led to increased maritime security threats in 2024. Attacks, cyberthreats, extreme weather events, and other potential dangers underscore the critical importance of robust security training and strong emergency preparedness programs to safeguard global trade and ensure community safety.  

It was against this backdrop that officials from the Port of Hueneme recently conducted the organization’s Coastal Trident Security Exercise.

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter — Aug. 15, 2025

In previous issues we have examined the needs for housing for varied segments of our community and different approaches to solving them. This issue covers an at an often neglected area: the need for housing for at-risk young adults. 20% of those from the foster system experience homelessness the day they age out, and 50% experience homelessness within 18 months. Close to 60% of California’s community college students are housing insecure.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Behavioral Health alerts Board of Supervisors and public to dangers of kratom in the community

VENTURA — On Tuesday, August 12, Ventura County Behavioral Health briefed the Board of Supervisors on an emerging public health threat: kratom, an unregulated substance increasingly linked to overdoses and deaths in the county. The update was led by Dr. Tipu Khan of the Ventura County Medical Center’s Addiction Medicine program, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Christopher Young, Ventura County Behavioral Health’s Substance Use Services Medical Director Dr. Joseph Vlaskovits, and Public Health Officer Dr. Uldine Castel.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula’s regional influence grows as Mayor Chavez and city leaders secure key roles on countywide boards

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is proud to highlight the growing regional leadership of its elected officials as they continue to secure influential roles on countywide and regional boards, ensuring Santa Paula’s voice is strongly represented in critical policy decisions.