Category: Government

Ventura County expected to take part in national ‘No Kings III Protest’ on March 28

VENTURA COUNTY — On March 28, thousands of Ventura County neighbors will come together along with millions of Americans across the country in a nationwide day of nonviolent protest at the third No Kings National Day of Action. There are more than 3,000 events nationwide. 

Once again, the local coalition of pro-democracy organizers from Indivisible Ventura, Justice For All Ventura County, and 50501 VC are hosting the No Kings Ventura County event March 28, from 10 AM to Noon, at the Ventura County Government Center, on the corner of S. Victoria Ave. and Telegraph Rd. in Ventura.

Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Turn FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) Into Action

Ever felt FOMO watching millions take to the streets for change? Now’s your chance to lock in.

We’re building a space to turn local power into real impact – right here in our community. Join us to learn how we can connect national movements like No Kings Day and May Day, and take action for an economy and democracy that work for all of us – not just the wealthy few.

Join our prep meeting on Zoom this Thursday, March 26 at 6PM!

You’ll learn how to support upcoming national actions in ways that fit you – whether that’s creating posters, dropping off flyers at local businesses and community centers, or inviting friends to march alongside you.

No Kings Day | March 28, 2026

A day to stand together and defend our communities against unjust and harmful policies. Our country belongs to the people – not to strongmen, billionaires, or those who aim to rule through fear and division.

NO KINGS 3 Santa Barbara Rally and March to start at Alameda Park, Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — The NO KINGS 3 Santa Barbara will begin at 11 a.m. at , Alameda Park, 1400 Santa Barbara St. Primary speeches start at 12:30, and the march at around 1:30.

Prepare for warm weather: wear a hat, and carry plenty of water and sunscreen.

Our event is part of more than 3,000 rallies nationwide.

Port of Hueneme Dock Talk Community Newsletter — March 2026

The Oxnard Harbor District proudly celebrates the incredible women who help keep cargo moving every day.

From our dedicated Commissioners, Executive Leadership, and Port staff to the hardworking Longshore workers, Stevedores, and many others across our maritime community—your leadership, skill, and dedication make a lasting impact.

Thank you for all that you do!

Bilingual report — Need Capital? Camarillo Loan Fund Can Help

In partnership with the City of Camarillo, the Economic Development Collaborative has launched the City of Camarillo Business Assistance Loan Fund. This low-interest program is specifically designed to prioritize the vibrant business community in the City of Camarillo. Start-ups can get the necessary capital to launch their ventures and established businesses can secure funds to fuel their growth. With abundant opportunities for collaboration, a diverse customer base and an environment of innovation, Camarillo is a perfect place to start or grow your business.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk and Recorder’s Office highlights its Homeowner Protection Measures during Real Estate Fraud Prevention Month – March 2026

“As a safeguard to homeowner’s records, in 2013, the Ventura County Recorder’s office worked with the District Attorney’s office to identify the document types criminals typically use in committing real estate fraud. We began mailing out Fraud Prevention Advisory Notices to property owners immediately after one of those documents was recorded in our office, and we were one of the first counties in the entire state to do so,” said Michelle Ascencion, County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters. “We now mail on average over 4,000 notices a year.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura agencies deliver unified permitting reform update focused on faster service and clearer processes

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, on Tuesday, March 24, received an update from County agencies on a series of measures to improve customer service, modernize policies, and streamline the County’s permitting process. The goal of the improvements is to make it easier for residents and businesses to complete building projects while reducing delays and confusion. The report to the Board reflects an ongoing commitment to improving how the County delivers services that directly affect daily life.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves new program to support veterans and first responders

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved the establishment of a new program during its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24, with The Veteran Mentor Project, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides peer support and transition services for veterans and first responders. Ventura County Behavioral Health, in collaboration with The Veteran Mentor Project, will lead the program, with services scheduled to begin April 1, 2026, and continue through March 31, 2029. The partnership will support local veterans and first responders as they transition to civilian life through the Veterans Mentorship Program.

People’s Self-Health Housing — The Blueprint – March 2026

Housing advocates nationally are hoping that 2026 will be the pivotal year for affordable housing.

The U.S. Senate has passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act with an overwhelming 89–10 bipartisan vote. This marks the most significant federal housing reform in decades and brings together the Housing for the 21st Century Act and the ROAD to Housing Act. Combined it has more than 40 provisions aimed at boosting supply, lowering costs, and modernizing how homes get built.

The new legislation directly addresses one of the biggest issues: we simply don’t have enough homes. Our nation needs housing of every kind — for renters, first?time buyers, families, seniors, and people with disabilities. The new bill aims to tackle this shortage by making it easier, faster, and less expensive to build.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. closes financing on Camino De Salud, bringing 49 units of supportive affordable housing to the Ojai Valley

OJAI — Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) announced today the successful closing of financing for Camino De Salud, a 49-unit supportive affordable housing development in the unincorporated Ojai Valley community of Mira Monte. Located at 11432 North Ventura Avenue, Camino De Salud will reserve half of its units for residents who are experiencing homelessness and have been high health users. The remaining units will serve low-income residents earning 50 percent or less of the area median income.

 “The data on housing affordability in Ventura County is sobering, but every statistic represents a real person striving for stability and dignity,” said Victoria Brady, Chief Executive Officer. “Our work is about creating places where people can access the care, support and opportunity they need to rebuild their lives. That has always been the heart of Cabrillo EDC.”

Port of Hueneme — Running on Sunshine: Sea Splash Color Dash 5k returns in full color

ORT HUENEME — The City of Port Hueneme and the Port of Hueneme successfully hosted their third annual Sea Splash Color Dash 5K this weekend, drawing a vibrant crowd of community members for a day centered on wellness, connection, and coastal fun.

More than 800 participants gathered at Hueneme Beach before setting off along the coastal scenic beachfront course, running, walking, and celebrating as they were doused in colorful powder along the route. The high-energy event brought together families, local organizations, and visitors of all ages.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: SMALL BUSINESS START-UP BASICS

March 25 @ 8:30 am

Join SCORE, City of Thousand Oaks, Economic Development Collaborative and Accelerate CA in this information-packed workshop that will help you assess whether starting a small business is right for you and consider the various options for starting a business, legal structures, and business plan basics. Address: City of Thousand Oaks, Oak & Park Room, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. The Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub (Accelerate CA Hub) is funded by the State of California and administered by CalOSBA. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Ventura County Continuum of Care announces 11.8% reduction in 2026 Homeless Point in Time Count

VENTURA — The Ventura County Continuum of Care (VC CoC) has reported preliminary results for the 2026 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count. Conducted on January 28, 2026, the count identified 1,755 individuals experiencing homelessness – a decrease of 235 people or 11.8% from 2024. Since 2023, homelessness in Ventura County has decreased by 28%.

The results reflect positive outcomes based on investments in permanent supportive housing, homelessness prevention programs, and encampment response efforts. The Ventura County Homelessness Plan (Plan) presented to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in December 2023 provides detailed action areas, goals, and objectives that support this continued progress in reducing homelessness.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — 28% Decrease in Homelessness Reported in Ventura County Since 2023

Encouraging progress in Ventura County. The 2026 Point-in-Time Count shows a 28% reduction in homelessness since 2023—a meaningful step forward driven by investments in housing, prevention, and coordinated community efforts.

Behind every number in this report is a person—someone whose life is changing for the better. This progress reflects a strong, community-wide commitment to expanding housing, strengthening prevention, and meeting people where they are. We’re grateful to the many partners making this work possible.

While encouraged by these results, we remain focused on the goal: ensuring every person in Ventura County has stability, dignity, and a place to call home.

Click here to learn more.

CSUCI to host 2026 Ventura County Agricultural Education Summit on March 27

CAMARILLO — Ventura County Farm to School will host the 2026 Agricultural Education Summit at CSU Channel Islands, bringing together educators, farmers, students, and community leaders for a day of learning, collaboration, and innovation focused on the region’s agriculture industry.

The summit will take place Friday, March 27, 2026, at CSU Channel Islands’ Grand Salon, featuring hands-on workshops, expert-led discussions, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen agricultural education across Ventura County.

Massive Central Coast Drilling Plan advances with more than 175,000 comments in opposition

CENTRAL COAST — The public comment period has closed on the Bureau of Land Management’s proposal to expand oil and gas leasing across Central California, drawing approximately 175,000 comments in opposition from community members, organizations, and local stakeholders.

The proposal would open up roughly 850,000 acres of public lands and federal mineral estate to potential oil drilling and fracking across Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Kern, and surrounding counties, including areas near neighborhoods, recreation lands, and critical water resources.

Guest contribution — New bill targets toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ on California Crops

AB 1603 sets a timeline to end PFAS pesticides by 2035. Group sights report that show counties at risk include Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties

SALINAS — Currently, an estimated 2.5 million pounds of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” pesticides are used annually on California crops, resulting in PFAS residues on produce consumed across the nation. California Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D–44) has introduced AB 1603, legislation to phase out PFAS pesticides. Co-sponsored by the Environmental Working Group, the statewide coalition Californians for Pesticide Reform, Pesticide Action & Agroecology Network, and the Center for Environmental Health, the bill would establish a progressive timeline to end use of PFAS pesticides in California by 2035, while giving growers time for transition to safer alternatives.

Ventura County Fire Dept. — Chuck Scherrei Promoted to Deputy Chief

THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) today announced the promotion of Chuck Scherrei to Deputy Fire Chief, a key leadership position responsible for day-to-day service delivery across the department.

Scherrei’s promotion marks a significant milestone in a distinguished career dedicated to public safety, leadership development, and service to the Ventura County community.

Oxnard joining other cities nationwide to rename annual César Chávez event on March 22 in light of allegations linked to the farm labor leader

Groups move swiftly nationwide to remove images, honors for César Chávez, while others promote access to sexual assault and mental health counseling services

By Frank X. Moraga • www.Amigos805.com © 2025

OXNARD — Oxnard is joining other cities nationwide in renaming their annual César Chávez celebration in light of the sexual assault allegations linked to the late farm labor leader.

“March for Justice! March for Farmworkers rights! Sunday March 22, 2026 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. The events starts at 3:30 pm.,” according to a Facebook post by Javier Gomez, founder of the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center in Oxnard.

Since early this month, cities across the nation either canceled or renamed their celebrations ahead of the labor leader’s birthday on March 31, 2026. Their actions followed news of a potential explosive story by a national publication that was first reported by the San Antonio Express-News on March 6, 2026. The reports focused on revelations of a “sensitive matter” involving Chavez.

Those reports were confirmed when an extensive story by the New York Times was published on March 18 detailing allegations of years of sexual abuse by Chavez of minors and sexual assault incidents involving farmworkers rights labor leader Dolores Huerta. Huerta confirmed those assaults in the story.

Bilingual commentary — Making America Lose the Race

Imagine a government that insists that we make America great again by driving updated, fancy versions of 1950s vehicles. By sabotaging the push to convert our transportation to electric-powered vehicles, the current administration in Washington, D.C., has, in effect, handed the keys of a prosperous kingdom to international competitors. 

Electric vehicles (EVs) are not just a “green fad” dreamt up by radical liberals. While the U.S. demurs, the rest of the world realizes that the future of the planet, and of industry, rests on its ability to advance in the production of reasonably priced EVs for the masses.

Statement from Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

VENTURA — The allegations that have emerged regarding Cesar Chavez are horrifying and heartbreaking. These revelations are painful for our community, and most importantly, for the survivors who have come forward. I want to begin by expressing my unwavering compassion and support for them. It takes extraordinary courage to speak out, and their voices must be heard, believed, and honored.

As a father of a young daughter, this issue is profoundly personal to me. I want my child and every child to grow up in a world where abuse like this no longer occurs, where young people feel safe, respected, and protected. That responsibility rests with all of us, especially those who dedicate our careers to education and public service.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — Need a Passport? Join me at the Passport Fair in Camarillo on Sat., April 11

Helping residents across Ventura County and the Conejo Valley access federal services is one of the most important parts of my work in Congress. If you are considering traveling abroad, it is imperative that you keep your passport up to date. It’s important to note that some countries require that your passport be valid six months beyond the date of your trip.

I want to make sure that obtaining or renewing a passport is made as easy as possible. For that reason, I am hosting a Passport Fair on Saturday, April 11, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at the Ventura County Office of Education, located at 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo, CA 93012.

Senate Leader Monique Limón recognizes Elena Brokaw as 2026 Woman of the Year

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Board Chair Elena Brokaw has been recognized by Senate Leader Monique Limón as one of Ventura County’s 2026 Women of the Year. The recognition honors Brokaw’s leadership and her contributions to strengthening cultural engagement, community connection, and regional collaboration across Ventura County.

Brokaw serves as the Barbara Barnard Smith Chief Executive Officer of the Museum of Ventura County, where she has helped expand access to arts, history, and educational programming while building partnerships with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses. Her leadership has supported increased community participation in cultural initiatives and enhanced opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with Ventura County’s heritage.

Asm. Bennett announces UFW Leader, housing attorney Barbara Macri-Ortiz as 2026 Woman of the Year

SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Oxnard) announces (March 16)  that he has selected Barbara Macri-Ortiz as his 2026 Woman of the Year. In observation of Women’s History Month, the California Legislative Women’s Caucus allows state legislators to select a Woman of the Year. Accompanied by her son, Macri-Ortiz joins Asm. Bennett today in Sacramento for the Woman of the Year floor ceremony. 

An attorney in private practice in Oxnard, Macri-Ortiz specializes in all aspects of affordable housing development, land use, and landlord-tenant law. Throughout her 39-year legal career she has focused on issues of importance to farm workers and other low wage workers.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson named 42nd District’s 2026 Woman of the Year

VENTURA — Ventura County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson has been honored as the 2026 Woman of the Year by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. She was recognized by the 42nd District Assemblymember for being part of “Women Making History”.

Bilingual report — Downtown Oxnard Cultural District takes center stage at Arts, Culture & Creativity Month kick-off on April 1

OXNARD — The Oxnard arts community will launch Arts, Culture & Creativity Month this April with a vibrant celebration of the newly designated Downtown Oxnard Cultural District, bringing together artists, cultural leaders, and community stakeholders for a dynamic public kickoff event.

Hosted by the City of Oxnard, the Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association (DOIA), and the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit (OPAC), the event will take place at the John C. Zaragoza Transit Center is an inspired and accessible venue that reflects the district’s creativity through large-scale murals, interactive pop-up art experiences, and locally crafted offerings, including bespoke coffee from Dolce Vita.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Heat advisory for Ventura County through Friday

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, Public Health Office, and the National Weather Service are monitoring a prolonged heat event through Friday, March 20.

?? Temperatures are expected to be up to 25° above normal, with inland areas reaching the 90s and even 100s.

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara celebrates 23 Family Self-Sufficiency graduates

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) recently celebrated 23 graduates who completed the organization’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. These 23 graduates have a combined escrow of $578,608.93 and an average income increase of $43,007. Of this group, seven are no longer receiving housing assistance.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: SMALL BUSINESS START-UP BASICS

March 25 @ 8:30 am

Join SCORE, City of Thousand Oaks, Economic Development Collaborative and Accelerate CA in this information-packed workshop that will help you assess whether starting a small business is right for you and consider the various options for starting a business, legal structures, and business plan basics. Address: City of Thousand Oaks, Oak & Park Room, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. The Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub (Accelerate CA Hub) is funded by the State of California and administered by CalOSBA. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — County of Ventura partners with Naval Base Ventura County to relocate Purple Heart monument

VENTURA —  A partnership between the County of Ventura and Naval Base Ventura County has led to the successful relocation and installation of the Military Order of the Purple Heart monument to the Veterans Memorial at the Ventura County Government Center, creating a prominent public space to honor service members wounded or killed in combat.

The monument, originally located on the golf course at Naval Base Ventura County, recognizes Purple Heart recipients, however the location of the installation provided limited visibility to the broader community. To expand public access, the Military Order of the Purple Heart offered to donate the monument to the County so it could be relocated to a more accessible location.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Probation Agency and Ventura County Library expand access to literacy programs for youth in custody

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Probation Agency and the Ventura County Library have launched an innovative partnership to bring tailored library services directly into the County’s Juvenile Facilities through the new Next Chapter Library. This pilot initiative marks a significant step toward expanding educational access and literacy opportunities for youth under custodial supervision.

Ventura County Arts Council (VCAC) — CALL TO ARTISTS: Mo(u)rning Earth at the Atrium Gallery

“Mo(u)rning Earth,” featuring lead artist Vanessa Morrow, is one in a series of art exhibitions addressing mental health that is part of VibeWell Ventura County, a county-wide initiative that uses art and culture to raise awareness of mental health conditions. This show’s theme invites artists to consider the/their physical environment and the idea that processing grief or loss through arts can transform “mourning” into the “morning” of a new dawn/day. 

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula breaks ground on Santa Paula Creek Bridge Project

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula marked an important milestone on March 3 with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Santa Paula Creek Bridge, a project that will improve access, connectivity, and safety while establishing a connection over the Santa Paula Creek. 

Mayor Carlos Juarez, Vice Mayor Jenny Crosswhite, Councilmember Pedro Chavez, City Manager Dan Singer, and Deputy City Manager Aminah Mears were in attendance to celebrate the start of construction, along with City of Santa Paula department directors, staff members, project partners, and community members.

Bilingual commentary — The ‘Mooch’ and Other Measures of Time

I used to enjoy most of my classes in college. But I also found myself sitting through some agonizingly dull 50-minute lectures on obscure topics. John von Neumann, a Hungarian and American mathematician of prodigious talent and insight, coined a name for that measure of time. He stated that the average college lecture lasted 52.6 minutes, which is a millionth of a century—that is, a “microcentury.” 

No boring minutes and seconds for us (except for math and physics homework)! This comical chronometry allowed my nerdy engineering classmates and I to go around saying things such as, “I saw a movie that lasted four and a half microcenturies.” After all, we were used to doing time conversions in our head. But students in other majors who overheard us would just shake their heads and roll their eyes. 

Bilingual report — County of Ventura announces artist team (Elisa Torres) for landmark Moon Ditch Mural Project

VENTURA — The County of Ventura, in partnership with Studio Channel Islands Art Center, is proud to announce the selection of the lead artist and artist team for the Moon Ditch Mural Project, a public art initiative that will transform a nearly mile-long flood control channel into one of the largest murals in Ventura County. Elisa Torres, an accomplished Oxnard-based muralist, painter, and cultural strategist has been selected to lead artistic work on the project. Visible from Highway 101 and passenger rail lines, the Moon Ditch mural will be seen by tens of thousands daily and serve as a cultural landmark for years to come.

Ventura County Community Foundation presenting ‘Isabella Project’ Lunch & Learn on March 26

The Ventura County Community Foundation is collaborating with over 150 community partners for our Highest-Quality Early Childhood Education initiative in Santa Paula, known as the “Isabella Project.” We invite you to learn more about the different committee members and groups dedicated to removing all barriers to accessing highest-quality early childhood education in our community. 

Bilingual report — City of Ventura launches local coastal program update to strengthen coastal resilience

Click here for the entire media release en español VENTURA  —  The City of Ventura is beginning an update to its Local Coastal Program (LCP), the long-range plan that guides land use, development, and resource protection within Ventura’s Coastal Zone.…

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Calling all California business owners: Verizon has a $5,000 grant opportunity for you!

To complement the hundreds of FREE resources available through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, Verizon, in partnership with LISC, is awarding $5,000 grants to 25 small businesses based in California to help them sustain and grow their businesses. The grant will be awarded directly to selected business owners and does not need to be repaid.

Who Can Apply?

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit Program

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.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura awarded $5.6 Million through State Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program

VENTURA — The County of Ventura and the Ventura County Continuum of Care have been awarded $5.6 million through Round 6 of California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program, a statewide effort to support regional strategies that prevent and end homelessness. The award was announced on March 2 by Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The County of Ventura was among 20 regions statewide included in this latest round of awards.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura invites community input on Arts & Culture policies

Community feedback will help inform the development of new arts and culture policies, updates to City grant programs, and a five-year plan to implement the goals of the Arts and Culture Element. Residents are encouraged to participate by attending a public meeting, joining a pop-up activity, or completing an online survey.

Wired for Innovation: FIRST Robotics Competition brings California talent to the Port of Hueneme

PORT HUENEME —?It was a weekend of gears, grit, and glory as the Port of Hueneme proudly welcomed the annual?FIRST?Robotics Competition for the fifth year in a row. This exciting two-day event is held inside the FATHOMWERX lab — a dynamic space for innovation and technology transfer between the Port of Hueneme, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), the Economic Development Collaborative, and Matter Labs. 

SBCC’s Science Discovery Day on March 14 calls on all budding scientists

SANTA BARBARA — Stargazing, chemistry lab fun and so much more are waiting for community members of all ages at Santa Barbara City College’s Science Discovery Day, Saturday, March 14, from 1-4 p.m. on SBCC’s East Cliff Campus. 

Presented by the SBCC STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Transfer Program, Science Discovery Day is a FREE family event, created by SBCC students and faculty to showcase the wonders of the world, with interactive displays and hands-on activities for the whole family.

Volunteers in Ventura County help those with low-moderate incomes file for available tax credits through VITA program

VENTURA — Tax season is upon us and low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents are encouraged to take advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

Throughout February to April 30, 2026, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers will help working families and individuals file their state and federal tax return and access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Households earning up to $69,000 are eligible to use the free services.

Bilingual report — Driving the Future: Ventura County launches ‘Workforce on Wheels’ (WOW)

VENTURA COUNTY — Rain didn’t dampen the spirits in Camarillo this past Thursday as the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) officially cut the ribbon on its most ambitious project yet: Workforce on Wheels (WOW). This state-of-the-art mobile career training lab represents a pivotal shift in how our community tackles the healthcare labor shortage—by bringing the workforce services directly to the neighborhood.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: SMALL BUSINESS START-UP BASICS

March 25 @ 8:30 am

Join SCORE, City of Thousand Oaks, Economic Development Collaborative and Accelerate CA in this information-packed workshop that will help you assess whether starting a small business is right for you and consider the various options for starting a business, legal structures, and business plan basics. Address: City of Thousand Oaks, Oak & Park Room, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. The Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub (Accelerate CA Hub) is funded by the State of California and administered by CalOSBA. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

List of elected offices in extended nomination period for June 2, 2026 Statewide Primary Election

VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the extension of the nomination period for the following County offices that are scheduled to be voted on in the June 2, 2026 Statewide Primary Election.

Leadership Lived: Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) recognizes Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Celina Zacarias

PORT HUENEME — Influence, inspiration, and impact took center stage on Wednesday in Camarillo as people from across the region gathered to help Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) mark its 35th anniversary year with a special luncheon in honor of International Women’s Day. The event celebrated women whose leadership has strengthened local communities, including Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Celina Zacaraias, who received WEV’s 2026 Trailblazer award.

“I’m so fortunate to work alongside amazing and inspiring women such as our Port CEO Kristin Decas and CSUCI President Susan Andrzejewski, who are trailblazers in their respective careers,” Zacarias said.

Port of Hueneme DOCK TALK Community Newsletter — Feb. 2026

The Port of Hueneme is excited to once again host (it’s first annual Robatics Competition) that is free and open to the public to attend. Click the button to learn more about the competition schedule.

March 7-8, 2026
The Port of Hueneme
333 Ponoma St. Port Hueneme