Category: Government

CAL FIRE to Review VCFD Operations on wildfire that preceded Mountain Fire

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2026 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — Delivering on a commitment by Fire Chief Dustin Gardner, the Ventura County Fire Department has reached an agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for an independent review of VCFD’s operations during a wildfire that preceded and eventually led to the Mountain Fire.

“CAL FIRE is the nation’s leading expert on wildfire operations,” Chief Gardner said. “No agency is better prepared to conduct this type of review and provide recommendations to enhance our future work.”

The Balcom Fire was started by a tractor clearing brush in the Balcom Canyon area near Somis. Firefighters contained it at 1.8 acres.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Oak Park MAC Meeting Recap

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2026 • Comments Off

Last night’s Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council monthly meeting saw strong community engagement. Thank you to all those who attended or tuned in. I am pleased to announce the new leadership roles for 2026: Michelle Santucci will serve as Chair of the MAC and Brianna Adams will serve as Vice Chair.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura to begin waterline project on the Eastside to strengthen water reliability

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2026 • Comments Off

“The project includes upgrades to underground water lines along Foothill and Kimball roads and represents the second phase of constructing new transmission pipelines that improve efficiency throughout the City,” said Ventura Water Gina Dorrington. “This project reflects how local water rate dollars are used to maintain critical infrastructure and ensure reliable service for our customers.”

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County to receive $4.4 million from Prop 1 program

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has been notified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) that it has been awarded $4,406,179 from the final round of the Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) Matching Grant Program. This brings the organization’s total LHTF funding to $18,425,566 out of $25 million available since 2020. Housing Trust Fund VC was also awarded a $125,396.82 grant from the California Investment & Innovation Program (Cal IIP).

Historic Cañedo Adobe to Undergo Significant Roof Restoration Through Prop 68 Funding

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) is proud to announce the commencement of a critical roof replacement project at the historic Cañedo Adobe, located within El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. This essential preservation work is made possible by a specialized sub -grant administered by California State Parks. The funding originates from Proposition 68, the California Drought, Water, Parks, Public Access, and Environmental Resilience Act of 2018. $4,875,000 in funding was made available under Prop 68 for State Parks operated by nonprofit partners. Specifically, these funds were designated for nonprofit park operators , like SBTHP, to ensure the continued stewardship of California’s most cherished historical landmarks.

Bilingual report — Join us for the Feb. 3 County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2026 • Comments Off

The Board will consider placing a ballot measure before voters in the unincorporated areas of the County to impose a one percent transactions (sales) and use tax to generate ongoing General Fund revenue.

Bilingual report — Ventura Fire Department seeks community input on first-every Community Wildfire Protection Plan

by Community Contributor • January 29, 2026 • Comments Off

“As wildfire risks continue to grow, planning and prevention are more important than ever,” said Interim Fire Chief Kris McDonald. “This draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan reflects both data and local experience, but it is strongest when the community helps guide it. We encourage residents to review the plan, attend a workshop, and share their perspectives so we can truly meet Ventura’s needs.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder’s Office to hold special Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 14

by Community Contributor • January 28, 2026 • Comments Off

Recorder Ascencion. “When Valentine’s Day is during the week, we’ll have up to 40 couples come in to tie the knot at our office, many times more than our usual schedule of about 10 ceremonies on a regular day.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors honor long-serving employees at quarterly recognition ceremony

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2026 • Comments Off

“Public service is more than a job – it is a calling,” stated 2nd District Supervisor Jeff Gorell, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Employees who have dedicated 25 years or more to Ventura County reflect the heart of that calling through their steady service, care for others, and deep commitment to our communities. Their work has strengthened Ventura County, and the impact of their service will continue to shape and support our communities for years to come. I am thankful to each member of the County team celebrating this milestone and for their continued commitment to excellence in public service.”

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara — Join us for the January 27 Board of Supervisors Meeting

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2026 • Comments Off

View this email online

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — 53 Years Since Roe v. Wade

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2026 • Comments Off

This week marks 53 years since the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, a decision that reshaped our nation by affirming women’s autonomy over their bodies and their futures. In 2022, that progress was reversed when the Supreme Court overturned Roe in Dobbs v. Jackson — stripping away a fundamental freedom that generations of women relied upon.

The Dobbs decision was an attack on women’s rights and on the freedom to make deeply personal health care decisions without government interference

Policies implemented by President Trump and Republicans in Congress have only exacerbated this attack, further gutting reproductive freedom and dismantling critical health care protections for women across the country.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Explorers achieve 1st and 2nd place awards in National Tactical Competition

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — On Jan. 17 and 18, 2026, Law Enforcement Explorers from Santa Paula Police Department Post 2350 participated in the “Chandler Tactical Competition” in Chandler, Arizona. There were eight Santa Paula Police Department Explorers who participated and competed with other explorer posts from across the Country. The young men and women from Santa Paula were successful, receiving a 1st place award and a 2nd place award. The national competition, hosted by the Chandler Police Department, included 42 explorer posts representing city, county and federal law enforcement agencies from California, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado.

Ventura County Taxpayers Association 2025 Annual Report Card

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2026 • Comments Off

READ THE FULL 2025 REPORT TICKETS Join the Club and get involved! MEMBERSHIP Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email About the Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) Formed in 1954, The Ventura County Taxpayers Association is a 501(c)4 nonprofit…

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Equity Conference, Student Civic Tour, Hackathon, and more

by Community Contributor • January 23, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Help remove barriers to learning and expand opportunities for all students by attending the 6th annual VCOE Equity conference on Tuesday, March 24, in Camarillo.

Attendees will get to choose from a variety of sessions on supporting immigrant families, meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ students, civic engagement, and much more. This year’s conference will feature an inspiring address from educator Monique Nunes, the First Lady of California Lutheran University.

Complimentary refreshments and language interpretation will be provided. Register for free by clicking here.
Attend the Equity Conference

Taking the Helm in 2026: Jason Hodge voted board president of the Oxnard Harbor District

by Community Contributor • January 23, 2026 • Comments Off

PORT HUENEME — The Oxnard Harbor District welcomed new leadership this week as the Board of Harbor Commissioners unanimously voted Commissioner Jason T. Hodge as Board President. Hodge will lead the board alongside Mary Anne Rooney, who was elected as Vice President, and Jess Herrera, who will serve as Secretary. Outgoing President Jess Ramirez will remain on the board as a Commissioner.

Hodge brings experience, institutional knowledge, and a steady leadership approach to the role. As Board President, he will preside over meetings, help set strategic priorities, and represent the Port in engagements with its partners.

E.P. Foster Library to temporarily close for renovations until fall 2027

by Community Contributor • January 22, 2026 • Comments Off

“We’re excited to bring these long-planned improvements to life,”?said Ventura County Library Director Nancy Schram.?”When the work is complete, E.P. Foster will offer more accessible spaces, enhanced technology, improved energy efficiency, and greater year-round comfort for everyone who uses the library. We look forward to welcoming the community back to a space that truly reflects their needs.”?

Allan Hancock College kicks-off Spring 2026 classes

by Community Contributor • January 22, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College welcomed thousands of students back to campus this week as spring 2026 classes began January 20 at the college’s Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center.

Both campuses were buzzing with activity as students arrived for the first week of the semester. More than 10,800 credit and noncredit students enrolled in spring classes at Hancock, a 7% increase from the 2025 spring semester.

“Our staff and faculty are excited welcome students to campus for spring classes,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Our students come to Hancock with big goals, and we are committed to providing the support, guidance, and resources they need to succeed from day one.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Old diseases return as settlement pushes into the Amazon rainforest’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • January 22, 2026 • Comments Off

The growing border between forested and urban areas is causing an alarming uptick in human cases of yellow fever, a disease that had become rare in South America.

Los Padres ForestWatch launches community science project to protect Central Coast wildlife

by Community Contributor • January 21, 2026 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — Los Padres ForestWatch is launching a new community science project, empowering residents to help protect wildlife across the Central Coast by documenting wildlife sightings and roadkill along local roads and highways.

Participants download a free mobile survey and upload observations during their daily routines and commutes, compiling critical data that will help guide conservation and land-use planning efforts throughout the region. Volunteers can participate by collecting data opportunistically or by committing to regular wildlife surveys along local roads and highways.

City of Santa Paula invites residents to apply for the second cohort of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy

by Community Contributor • January 21, 2026 • Comments Off

he City of Santa Paula is pleased to announce the return of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy and invites residents and local businesses to apply for Cohort II. This nine-week civic leadership program is designed to educate and engage community members by providing an in-depth look at City government, operations, and local decision-making.

Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, the Academy offers participants a unique opportunity to connect directly with City leadership and staff while learning how municipal services are delivered and how policy decisions are made. The program aims to strengthen civic knowledge, promote transparency, and foster meaningful relationships between the City and the community it serves.

Ready, Set, Robot! Port of Hueneme powers up robotics season at Hueneme High

by Community Contributor • January 20, 2026 • Comments Off

PORT HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme recently helped kick off an exciting new robotics season at Hueneme High School, joining students, educators, and families for the school’s FIRST Robotics Competition season launch: a celebration of innovation, teamwork, and hands-on STEM learning.

The Port is proud to sponsor Hueneme High School’s robotics team, the Thunder Vikes, as they prepare to compete in this year’s FIRST Robotics season. The sponsorship reflects the Port’s ongoing commitment to expanding STEM opportunities and building strong career pathways for local students.

During the kickoff event, Port Commissioners Mary Anne Rooney and Celina Zacarias together with CEO Kristin Decas presented the Port’s sponsorship check to the team, officially launching the partnership and underscoring the Port’s investment in education and workforce development.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors elects Chair and Vice Chair for 2026

by Community Contributor • January 14, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — At its first regular meeting of 2026, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors elected 2nd District Supervisor Jeff Gorell to serve as Chair of the Board of Supervisors and 5th District Supervisor Vianey Lopez to serve as Vice Chair.

Each January, the Board selects a Chair and Vice Chair from among its five members to serve one-year terms. The Chair presides over all Board meetings, helps set agendas in coordination with the County Executive Office, and represents the Board in ceremonial functions and intergovernmental matters. The Vice Chair serves in the Chair’s absence and supports leadership duties as needed.

Guest contribution — Ventura County Taxpayers Association — VCMS: A Cash Crisis Deepens

by Community Contributor • January 14, 2026 • Comments Off

Oversight Warnings Ignored

The Ventura County Medical System (VCMS) — including Ventura County Medical Center, Santa Paula Hospital, and associated clinics — is a cornerstone of public healthcare in our community, delivering essential services like emergency care, inpatient treatment, and outpatient support. Yet, beneath this vital mission lies a mounting financial crisis that demands urgent attention from taxpayers and leaders alike.

The Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) has consistently sounded the alarm on VCMS’s deteriorating finances (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Recent events in 2025 and early 2026 have only amplified these concerns, exposing deeper issues in governance, leadership, and accountability.

Jeff Gorell elected Chair of Ventura County Board of Supervisors

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2026 • Comments Off

I wanted to share a quick update with you. At our first regular Board of Supervisors meeting of 2026, my colleagues on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors elected me to serve as Chair of the Board, and Supervisor Vianey Lopez was elected to serve as Vice Chair.

I am truly honored by the trust my colleagues have placed in me and grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role. I also want to thank Supervisor Janice Parvin for her leadership as Chair over the past year and for her continued service to our county.

Ventura County is an extraordinary place to call home—defined by breathtaking beauty from the mountains to the coast, recognized as one of the safest large counties in California, and strengthened by a growing and innovative economy, with our life-saving biotech sector at the forefront. Our County’s strong fiscal footing and dedicated public servants allow us to continue delivering essential services while planning responsibly for the future.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura launches housing workshop series

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is launching Ventura Housing Connections, a free workshop series that helps tenants, property owners, and property managers build informed, successful rental relationships.

The workshops will deliver clear, practical guidance on rental rights and responsibilities, housing standards, communication strategies, and local housing resources. Designed for both new and experienced renters and property owners, the series supports conflict prevention, stronger communication, and housing stability throughout Ventura.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • January 12, 2026 • Comments Off

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