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Category: Government
Through Oct. 3 — New Atrium Gallery Youth Exhibition: ‘Emotions on Display’ in Ventura
Oct. 9 — Ventura County Taxpayers Foundation to present 3rd annual Taxpayer Celebration Luncheon with keynote speaker Laura Logan
Bilingual report — Oct. 16 — Paseo Nuevo Redevelopment Open House!
Oct. 25 — Ventura County Community Development Corp. presenting ‘Disaster Preparedness Workshops’
Oct. 25 — County of Ventura departments host Halloween Fun
Nov. 4 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents political commentator and New York Times columnist Ezra Klein with his new book Abundance at the Arlington Theatre
Nov. 20 — VCFD and City of Moorpark Public Safety Expo
Bilingual report — Dec. 2 — City of Santa Paula Hosts Pavement Management Plan — Cycle II Presentation & Community Workshop
Bilingual report — Dec. 3 — Sweet conversations brew at Cocoa with a Cop
VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department invites community members to enjoy a warm cup of coffee or cocoa and casual conversation at Cocoa with a Cop on Wednesday, December 3, from 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. at Frontside Cafe, located at 1070 East Front Street.
The holiday season is a time for connection, and this event offers a relaxed way for residents to meet the officers who serve Ventura, ask questions, and share ideas about community safety.
Dec. 5 — Don’t Miss the Final Climate Fridays SB of 2025!
Through Dec. 5 — New Atrium Gallery exhibition: ‘Journey Through the Mind’ by Andrew Rodriguez at Ventura County Government Center
Bilingual report — Dec. 6 — Ventura County Animal Services present Santa Paws
Santa Paws is returning to Ventura County Animal Services on Saturday, December 6th, 2025 from 10am-12pm at the Camarillo Shelter! Get your professional holiday portrait with Santa. Come in cozy pajamas, holiday sweaters, or whatever makes your photo merry and bright!
Dec. 10 — Ventura County Taxpayers Association to present VTA Port District
Dec. 12 — Ventura Police Department announces DUI checkpoint
Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Last Chance to Make a Difference in 2024!
The clock is ticking! This is your last chance to donate in 2024 and support SBCFAN’s vital work to strengthen Santa Barbara County’s food system.
Every dollar counts, and your contribution goes directly toward building programs that empower our local food producers, tackle food inequity, and create a more resilient, sustainable future. With your help, we’ve already accomplished so much this year, and with your continued support, 2025 will be even brighter.
Ventura County Taxpayers Foundation — Taxpayers – You Can Make An Immediate Impact TODAY
We had a tremendous year in 2024, achieving significant victories for taxpayers like you. Yet, despite our successes, there is more work to do to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency in our local government. We’re calling on you for your financial support to continue this vital work.
In 2024, we made a real difference:
Amigos805 taking a break for the holiday season
Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday Season.
Amigos805.com will be taking a holiday vacation, off Monday, Dec. 23, 2024 and returning to work Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. Please submit all your news and events by 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19 for the last newsletter of the year.
Bilingual report — Mayor Pedro Chavez and Vice Mayor Carlos Juarez Assume Prominent Roles in Santa Paula City Council
SANTA PAULA — In a ceremonial meeting held on the evening of Dec. 11, 2024, the City of Santa Paula celebrated the appointment of Pedro Chavez as the City’s 123rd Mayor and Carlos Juarez as Vice Mayor. The meeting also marked the swearing-in of newly elected Councilmember Gabriela Ornelas, the election of Councilmember and former Mayor, Leslie Cornejo, and a heartfelt recognition of outgoing Councilmember and former Mayor Andy Sobel for his six years of dedicated service.
Well-known for his service to the city and his ties to the community, Mayor Chavez, who was appointed Vice Mayor in 2023, expressed his gratitude and vision for the future:
“Thank you to the People of Santa Paula for allowing me to serve as a Member of the Santa Paula City Council these past two years and my sincerest gratitude to my Council colleagues for electing me as the 123rd Mayor of this extraordinary City. My leadership, skills, and talents are built upon the foundation of thirty years of experience working in both the public and private sector and my journey as an immigrant in search of the American dream, so I’m deeply honored – as a public servant – to work collectively to revitalize Santa Paula and build its future through shared governance and community engagement.”
Bilingual commentary — The Devastating Costs of Mass Deportations
One of the factors that swept Donald Trump back into power and onto the world stage was his inexhaustible and malicious exaggeration of the “immigrant problem.” Images of immigrants eating pets and walking into kitchens and slitting our throats danced in his supporters’ heads as they marked their ballots last month.
Many of us realize, intuitively, that “mass deportation” of “all the illegals” is hardly possible without great damage to the American economy and to our personal lives.
Not wanting to rely on my “intuition,” I searched online for some hard numbers. The information I uncovered was shocking. A “special report” by the American Immigration Council (AIC) laid out the devastating consequences of such a massive operation.
Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Week in Immigration
Biden makes critical last-minute change to help combat USCIS backlogs. More options available. Immigrant farmworkers make our holiday meals possible
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President Biden has just over one month left in office. He can still take decisive action to protect people at risk of indiscriminate immigration enforcement.
Among other priorities, the Council encourages the administration to protect DACA recipients; extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status for certain countries; and rescind remaining Trump-era immigration regulations.
Read more: Urgent Last Requests for the Biden Administration
State announces new rule requiring advance notice of agricultural pesticide use
“We’ve been fighting for better protections from hazardous pesticides for many years, including the simple right to know about planned chemical use in our neighborhoods,” said Noemi Chico, a teacher’s assistant in Salinas. “California has taken a step in the right direction, but what we really need to know is whether an application is planned for next door or a mile across town.”
Bilingual report — Santa Barbara farming family dedicates lands to support recovery of iconic endangered Gaviota Coast plant
SANTA BARBARA — When the Harris family’s real estate agent unexpectedly disclosed the presence of Gaviota tarplant, a federally endangered plant, on the property of their potential dream farm back in 2021, they had to make a choice: should they look elsewhere or embrace it?
“Part of me thought it was pretty scary having an endangered species on the property, but then the other part of me thought about how exciting it was,” said Craig Harris, as he recounted the important decision he and his wife, Aira, had to make about whether or not to move forward with the purchase of the property north of Arroyo Hondo Creek off U.S. Highway 101. “In the end, we embraced the journey and said, alright, let’s do this.”
Assemblymember Irwin receives ‘Policy Legacy Award’ from The Campaign for College Opportunity
“In this milestone year, we are honored to celebrate those who have shared our vision of achieving student-centered transformation in higher education. Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin is one of these fearless leaders,” said Jessie Ryan, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity. “Assemblymember Irwin has stood courageously to end exclusionary remedial course placement practices that were derailing the college dreams of many community college students. She has held the line over the past decade to close equity gaps, ensuring that all students have access and succeed in the transfer-level courses that support their college dreams.”
UCSB — The Current — ‘Season’s greetings from our home to yours’
Wishing you gorgeous sunsets and bright horizons
Before signing off for the year, check out our Most Viewed Stories of 2024. Then meet us right back here on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, when The Current will return to your inbox with more research news, features and exciting UC Santa Barbara content.
SBCC Celebrates a Year of Outstanding Success in 2024
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is proud to announce the “2024 Best of SBCC,” reflecting on a year marked by significant achievements, innovation, and community engagement. As a cornerstone of this celebration, SBCC is thrilled to highlight the passing of the Measure P Bond extension, ensuring the continued excellence and modernization of our facilities and programs.
Measure P Bond Extension: Building the Future
The Measure P Bond extension represents a historic investment in SBCC’s mission to provide exceptional education and resources. This extension secures funding for critical infrastructure upgrades, campus sustainability projects, and expanded access to state-of-the-art learning environments. This achievement underscores the community’s unwavering support for SBCC and its role as a leading educational institution.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Board of Supervisors approve expansion of Land Conservation Act Program to offer tax relief to agricultural landowners
“We’re excited to expand this program and offer more agricultural landowners the chance to benefit from lower property taxes,” said 3rd District Supervisor, Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This will be an incentive to continue to generate thriving agricultural production in Ventura County and show our strong support for ag producers. Through this action, we are indicating that we understand the need to provide opportunities for agricultural landowners to save money while continuing to support farming and wildlife conservation in our community.
Community Environmental Council — Let’s do work for tomorrow, today
When it comes to climate change, I believe it’s up to my generation to come up with new ideas and build momentum for change. We need to collaborate with everyone, and come together to make a positive impact.
The Community Environmental Council has been pivotal in my learning and activism. They’ve inspired me to step up, turn ideas into a reality, and have given me opportunities to make a difference.
We have so many solutions right at hand, including climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and climate leadership programs just to name a few. These are the types of solutions CEC educates, advocates, and pioneers for every day. This is the web of interconnecting positive solutions that we need now.
Bilingual report — Ventura Police to hold DUI Checkpoint on Friday, Dec. 20
VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The checkpoint will be held at an undisclosed location within the City of Ventura.
Carefully chosen based on data reflecting incidents of impaired driving-related crashes, DUI checkpoints play a pivotal role in enhancing public safety by removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.
Ventura County Public Works Agency brings on new leadership to Watershed Protection District and Engineering Services
VENTURA — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is pleased to announce the addition of two new Department Directors to its leadership team. Now a few months into their respective roles, Jeff Palmer oversees the Watershed Protection District and Anastasia Seims leads Engineering Services, both bringing a variety of professional experience and expertise that will enable the agency to continue providing preventative and proactive support —as well as emergency response — to help keep Ventura County safe.
Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors appoint Dr. Uldine Castel as Public Health Officer
VENTURA — Dr. Uldine Castel has been selected as the new Health Officer for Ventura County Public Health. The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process, which included both internal and external candidates. Castel succeeds Dr. Robert Levin who retired from the position in June.
“We’re pleased to have Dr. Castel step into the Health Officer role based on her broad experience in public health and primary care,” stated Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Kelly Long. “Since assuming the interim role as Health Officer, she has demonstrated her ability to lead with enthusiasm and compassion. Her extensive background in medical leadership and direct patient care, combined with a proven track record of quality public health service positions her as the ideal candidate to guide Ventura County through current and future public health issues”.
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — UPDATED: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents Affected by the Mountain Fire
Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí. UPDATED: SBA OFFERS DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE MOUNTAIN FIRE Apply Now for Future Funding!* *Funding for the U.S. Small…
2024 County of Santa Barbara Holiday Closures
(Siga hacia abajo para ver en español)
2024 County of Santa Barbara
Holiday Closure Schedule
In observance of the upcoming holidays, please note that some Santa Barbara County offices will be closed or have modified hours from Wednesday, December 25, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The following County offices will have modified hours that week, as noted below.
All emergency services will remain open.
Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College celebrates safety and nursing graduations
public servants from its public safety and nursing programs.
The college celebrated the achievements of these highly skilled graduates during several ceremonies for its law enforcement, fire, custody, and emergency medical services academies, as well as its vocational and registered nursing programs.
“One of the college’s most important missions is training new first responders and public servants,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “These graduates are ready to go out and help keep their communities safe and healthy.”
Bilingual report — City of Ventura announces Ventura’s Spring 2025 Activity Guide is live!
VENTURA — The Spring 2025 Parks and Recreation Activity Guide is now available. Explore 300+ upcoming classes, programs, and events slated February through May 2025 at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 12 p.m. and is available online, by mail, or in person at City Hall in Room 226, located at 501 Poli Street. Find registration information and policies on page 45 of the guide.
Every Ventura resident will receive a printed copy of the Activity Guide in the mail. Additional copies are available for pick-up at City Hall and other City facilities during business hours, including the Westpark Community Center, Barranca Vista Community Center, Ventura Aquatics Center, and Ventura Avenue Adult Center.
Ventura County Air Pollution Control District records now online
VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District has launched a searchable online database that provides the public with information on Ventura County facilities that are permitted, registered or the subject of complaints.
The district’s Public Data Portal offers direct access to records that previously needed to be provided by staff. It is searchable by address, city, company name and type of facility or complaint. The data is updated weekly on Thursdays. Some search results can be downloaded in a spreadsheet.
Bilingual report — Auditor – Controller’s Internal Audit Division receives highest opinion from peer review
VENTURA — The County of Ventura Auditor-Controller’s Internal Audit Division (IAD) received the highest possible opinion from a recent peer review conducted for the five-year period July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2024.
Specifically, the peer reviewers found that the IAD’s internal quality control system was suitably designed and operating effectively to provide reasonable assurance of conformance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards) issued by The Institute of Internal Auditors for the period under review.
Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council announces get up to $2,000 for an E-Bike
The California E-Bike Incentive Project is a statewide program making eco-friendly transportation more affordable and accessible. Eligible applicants can receive up to $2,000 toward the purchase of an e-bike. Applications open December 18, 2024 at 6 p.m.
County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Happy Holidays!
As we wrap up this year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the community for entrusting me to serve as your representative for District 2. It has been a wonderful year of working together to improve County services, support and attract local businesses, expand hiking trails and environmental initiatives for clean air, enhance public safety efforts, assist with fire response and recovery and celebrate forward progress on the Family Justice Center.
I want to especially thank those I have appointed to serve on special districts, committees and councils. Your tireless work and dedication to the betterment of our County are truly commendable and greatly appreciated.
Bilingual report — December News from People’s Self-Help Housing
As the year comes to a close, many of us will find ourselves both looking back over the past twelve months and, perhaps with some hesitancy, looking ahead to the next. At People’s, we are readying for change and please be confident along with me that together we will stay on the path forward, that our mission will continue to be served, and that many on our staggeringly long waitlists will find a place to call home.
Many believe in a certain story where a couple, soon-to-be parents, sought shelter after a long and tiring journey. It was the generosity of a stranger that housed the family that night, finding room for them when seemingly none could be found. We are all strangers until we meet, and it is in that precious space where we become neighbors and friends.