Category: Government

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula welcomes new deputy city manager

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SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is pleased to announce the appointment of Aminah Mears, DPA, as the City’s new Deputy City Manager, effective Monday, January 12, 2026.

“Aminah’s experience, professionalism, and dedication to public service will be a tremendous asset to the City of Santa Paula,” said City Manager Dan Singer. “We are excited to welcome her to our leadership team and look forward to the positive contributions she will make working for the City and for our community.”

Following her appointment, Aminah will service in a key leadership role supporting city operations and strategic initiatives. In her role as Deputy City Manager, Aminah will support City Manager Singer, oversee the City’s successful fellowship program, and will join the City’s Executive Management Team. She will assist with the implementation of City Council policies and programs that serve the Santa Paula community.  

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Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara January 13 Board of Supervisors Meeting

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The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026
County Administration Building, Fourth Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.

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Ventura County Taxpayers Association — 2026 New CA Laws

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Affordability for Ventura County residents will be the focus of most people’s attention this year. Although we have identified no new countywide taxes or major local sales tax changes for 2026, many of the new laws impose mandates that raise living costs without direct taxpayer approval.

Several new state laws and adjustments take effect in 2026 that will impact your wallet—through higher costs, increased business expenses (often passed to consumers), or direct taxpayer-funded programs. 

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HRCC graduation video “Your Future Starts Here” receives major award on behalf of the Tri-Counties HRCC program

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The video celebrates the accomplishments of graduates from the High Road Construction Careers (HRCC) program — a pre-apprenticeship pathway supported and funded by the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) in coordination with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) through annual state fund allocations. HRCC is a three-county program uniting local building and construction trades councils, workforce development boards, educational partners, and community-based organizations across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties to deliver structured training, a standard core curriculum, and direct pathways into state-certified apprenticeships.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces free event and webinar schedule

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SBA: HOW TO START A BUSINESS

January 12 @ 10:00 am

Are you interested in starting a business? If you are please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to learn about SBA’s 10 Step Guide on How to Start a Business. This virtual workshop targeted to new entrepreneurs, covers topics from creating a business plan, finding capital, registering your business, getting necessary permits and/or licenses and getting a business bank account. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you. This webinar will be held online via Microsoft Teams. Please register to obtain the login information. Please note, if you are planning to use a mobile device or tablet to access this webinar, you must first download the Teams app to your device. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance. Price: Free.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Community Alert: Escalating ICE raids across the Central Coast 805. UndocuFund issues urgent call for Community and Financial Support

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CENTRAL COAST —  805UndocuFund is urgently alerting the community to a devastating escalation in immigration enforcement activity across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties over the past several days. These actions are causing profound harm to immigrant families, workers, and entire communities, with lasting consequences for public health, safety, and the regional economy.

Over the weekend alone, 805UndocuFund’s 805 Rapid Response Network alongside autonomous community patrol and defense groups SBResiste, and Carpinteria Sin Fronteras, documented 58 ICE kidnappings across the Central Coast:

• Saturday, December 27, 2025:

35 total — 33 in Santa Maria and 2 in San Luis Obispo

• Sunday, December 28, 2025:

23 total — 13 in Lompoc, 8 in Santa Maria, and 2 in Santa Barbara

• Monday, December 29, 2025, ICE continues operations in Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo, terrorizing residents, destabilizing workplaces, and leaving families in crisis.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) reminder applications deadlines for California Competes Tax Credit Program

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The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment and strategic importance to the state or region.

Application Period Timeline: For fiscal year 2025-2026, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during:

January 5, 2026 – January 26, 2026
March 2, 2026 – March 16, 2026

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Bilingual report — 2025: A Year in Review from People’s Self-Help Housing

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As we reflect on the past year, we’ve compiled some of the top stories that highlight what we were able to accomplish together. These stories were made possible by strong partnerships and visionary investments from people like you. Thank you for your advocacy, goodwill, and generous support every step of the way! 

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Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — 2025 by the Numbers

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This year has been especially difficult for working families across the country, and my focus has been on delivering real support here at home. From reckless and aggressive immigration operations in our communities, to massive disruptions to the federal workforce caused by a record-breaking government shutdown, to the erosion of judicial independence, to the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, to an all-out assault on healthcare affordability and food assistance, our community has endured challenge after challenge.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule including ‘SCORE: INCREASE SALES AND PROFITS WITH PRICING AND DISTRIBUTION STRATEGIES’ at 1 p.m., Dec. 30

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You’ve developed a wonderful new product or service and understand the costs, but how should you price it? This workshop is part of SCORE’s Small Business Essentials series. SCORE will start by reviewing different distribution and channel strategies and help you choose the method that best gets your product or service in front of your satisfied customers. The rest of the workshop focuses on pricing and will begin by covering some basic pricing concepts. Then SCORE will review a detailed process to help you determine the price of your product. Since pricing a service differs from pricing a product, there will be a special section that covers the separate process for pricing your services. Price: $10.00. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Port of Hueneme Dock Talk — Thank you to all of our customers who help make our cargo move!

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As I reflect on this past year serving as your President of the Oxnard Harbor District, I am filled with deep pride and sincere gratitude. The progress we have made together is a direct result of the dedication, collaboration, and shared commitment of so many individuals who believe in the strength of this port and the community it serves. Truly, none of this work happens alone.

This year, our connection with the community continued to grow stronger. Our team was proud to support, sponsor, and volunteer at numerous community events, conferences, and initiatives throughout the year- creating meaningful opportunities to engage with residents, partners, and stakeholders across Ventura County. These moments of connection help guide our work and reinforce the importance of listening, learning, and leading with purpose.

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Bilingual report — Flood Watch in effect as storm prompts Evacuation Order and pier closure in Ventura. Please see related Central Coast stories

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• Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report: Potential storm water runoff contamination
• Ventura County Emergency Information website update
• Bilingual report — EVACUATION WARNING Issued for Identified Properties in Santa Barbara County Associated with the Lake Fire
• City of San Luis Obispo — Five Ways to Prepare for the Upcoming Storm
• Bilingual report — Major Storm Forecasted for Santa Barbara County (Dec. 23-25)
• Bilingual report — City of Ventura activates Foul Weather Shelter on Dec. 23 due to inclement weather

VENTURA — A Flood Watch is in effect for the City of Ventura from 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, through 10:00 p.m. Thursday, December 25, as an Atmospheric River storm system is expected to bring prolonged and heavy rainfall to the area. Total rainfall amounts of 5 to 6 inches are possible in Ventura. 

A High Surf Advisory is also in effect from 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, through 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 27, and a Wind Advisory is in effect from 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, through 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 25. 

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule including Dec. 30 event

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SCORE: INCREASE SALES AND PROFITS WITH PRICING AND DISTRIBUTION STRATEGIES

December 30 @ 1:00 pm

You’ve developed a wonderful new product or service and understand the costs, but how should you price it? This workshop is part of SCORE’s Small Business Essentials series. SCORE will start by reviewing different distribution and channel strategies and help you choose the method that best gets your product or service in front of your satisfied customers. The rest of the workshop focuses on pricing and will begin by covering some basic pricing concepts. Then SCORE will review a detailed process to help you determine the price of your product. Since pricing a service differs from pricing a product, there will be a special section that covers the separate process for pricing your services. Price: $10.00. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Bilingual report — Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report: Potential storm water runoff contamination

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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.? 

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Ventura County Emergency Information website update

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Winter Storm Information

Ventura County Sheriff Emergency Services and the National Weather Service are monitoring a significant storm forecast to bring up rainfall totals up to 4.00 inches in coasts and valleys and 8.00 in mountain areas of Ventura County Tuesday evening through Thursday. 

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Bilingual report — EVACUATION WARNING Issued for Identified Properties in Santa Barbara County Associated with the Lake Fire

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EVACUATION WARNING Issued for Identified Properties in Santa Barbara County Associated with the Lake Fire  

***

ADVERTENCIA DE EVACUACIÓN emitida para propiedades identificadas en el Condado de Santa Barbara asociadas con el Incendio Lake

Read More | Lea Más

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City of San Luis Obispo — Five Ways to Prepare for the Upcoming Storm

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The National Weather Service is forecasting a moderate to strong storm that will impact San Luis Obispo County from Tuesday, December 23 through Saturday, December 27. Heavy rainfall is expected with high rainfall rates and high winds.

A Flood Watch is in effect from Tuesday, December 23 at 4 PM until Thursday, December 25 at 10 PM and a High Wind Watch in effect from Tuesday, December 23 at 12 PM until Thursday, December 25 at 3 PM.

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Bilingual report — Major Storm Forecasted for Santa Barbara County (Dec. 23-25)

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The National Weather Service is forecasting a major storm for Santa Barbara County that is expected to occur Tuesday, December 23, 2025, through Thursday, December 25, 2025. Light rain is possible on Sunday, December 21, 2025, and Monday, December 22, 2025. Flooding in low-lying areas, flash flooding, and strong winds are possible.

There are no evacuations in place at this time. If you are concerned that this storm may cause unsafe conditions at your home, leave the area before the rain starts.  Do not wait for an official evacuation notification to leave. 

Public safety officials are monitoring the incoming storm and will continue to assess if protective actions, such as an evacuation warning, evacuation order, or shelter in place, are necessary. 

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Escalating enforcement violence across the Central Coast underscores the critical role of community-based alert systems and rapid response networks

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CENTRAL COAST  — As immigration enforcement activity intensifies across the Central Coast, 805UndocuFund is raising urgent concerns about the growing normalization of aggressive enforcement tactics, the visible presence of ICE in public and private spaces, and the extraordinary courage demonstrated by community members, staff, and volunteers who continue to show up—often at personal risk—to protect immigrant families. Across the region, these individuals have stepped forward with clarity, discipline, and resolve to ensure families are not left isolated or uninformed.

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SBCC’s Statement on recent (ICE) law enforcement activities on campus

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College would like to take a moment to acknowledge the fear, stress, and anxiety experienced by the Santa Barbara and SBCC communities including students and employees (faculty and staff) regarding recent events with law enforcement/ICE on Cliff campus. We want to ensure that our SBCC campuses remain safe places that prioritize learning, with dignity and respect. 

The series of events that occurred last week at SBCC are very concerning. SBCC was not informed in advance of law enforcement activities on our campuses, including the Department of Homeland Security’s visit to Antioch University (who rents facilities at SBCC), ICE staging in the SBCC West Cliff Campus parking lot, or the dignitary training by the County of Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office.

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Bilingual report — City of Ventura activates Foul Weather Shelter on Dec. 23 due to inclement weather

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura, in partnership with River Community Church, has activated the Foul Weather Shelter Program on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, in response to forecasted rainfall of at least one-half inch.

As part of this activation, 40 motel rooms have been reserved at a local motel for individuals 62 years and older and/or with those with chronic medical conditions. Rooms are limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals who are not placed in a motel room will receive a stay-warm kit.

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Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) Board Elects Leadership for New Year

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“I’m honored to continue serving as Board Chair and to uphold our district’s commitment to student equity, inclusion, and access,” said Torres. “Every student deserves to feel a sense of belonging and to have the opportunity to thrive, and I look forward to working alongside my fellow trustees and our community to support that vision. Our strength as a district comes from listening to and learning from the diverse voices we serve.”

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Biligual report — December News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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As we approach December 21, the longest night of the year, I am reminded of the profound significance this season holds for those of us committed to ending homelessness. The winter solstice is a natural pause, a moment to reflect on the stark reality faced by individuals who endure these long nights without the comfort of shelter.

While many of us live by calendars, alarms, and screens, the sun remains the oldest measure of time. In these days of deep darkness and cold, I encourage you to take a moment to consider what these hours mean for those without warmth, food, or safety.

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Bilingual report — Unmet transit need survey being conducted in Ventura County

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VENTURA COUNTY — We want to know if bus, paratransit, dial-a-ride, on-demand, or rail services are meeting your needs.

Your local transit operators are looking for comments and suggestions that will help to plan and improve transit services in Ventura County. You can share your comments in a few ways.

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — From the Birthplace of Earth Day: A Warning and a Way Forward

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Last month, CEC convened environmental leaders from across the Central Coast with Congressman Salud Carbajal to discuss how federal climate rollbacks are affecting our region.

The resulting op-ed, “From the Birthplace of Earth Day: A Warning and a Way Forward,” co-authored by Congressman Carbajal and Sigrid Wright, CEC’s CEO, outlines what we heard and offers a blueprint for resilient, community-centered climate action.

Key takeaways from the op-ed:
• Abrupt federal funding losses are disrupting local climate projects
• Policy instability creates barriers to progress and planning
• Local partnerships are stepping up to fill gaps and protect communities
• The Central Coast offers a model for innovative, durable climate leadership

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