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Category: Government
Bilingual report — April 30 — Local Business Roundtable in Santa Paula present Health Care & Workforce: What’s Ahead for local business
May 1 — Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Powering a Fossil-Fuel-Free County at Climate Fridays Santa Barbara
May 2 — Bilingual report — El Concilio Family Services to present FREE Citizenship Fair
Bilingual report — May 5 — County of Santa Barbara — Join Board of Supervisors Meeting
May 7 — County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell to present 2nd annual District 2 Supervisorial Leadership & Excellence Awards
May 7 — City of Ventura to host open house for Municipal Clerks Week
May 9 — District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — You’re Invited – Santa Rosa Valley Firewise Event
May 9 — Public is invited to attend the Santa Paula Police Memorial Event
Bilingual report — May 12 — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors Meeting
May 15 — Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Oil & Water Lecture: Policy, Progress, and the Path Forward
Bilingual report — May 16 — County Of Ventura invites community to participate in Moon Ditch Mural Paint Days
May 18 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — FREE Workshop: Build Your Coffee Brand
May 19 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — In-Person Event: Small Business Roundtable: Hiring and Workforce Needs
May 20 — Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) to present ‘The Hive that drives economic vitality’
Bilingual report — May 20 — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing — We’re celebrating new affordable housing in Grover Beach – Cleaver & Clark Commons!
Bilingual report — May 26 — ‘Santa Paula Hospital Forum — Your Voice. Our Community. Our Healthcare’
May 28 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — FREE Webinar: Employee Recruitment, Retention, and Culture
June 3 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — NO-COST In-Person Workshop: Small Business Start-up Basics in Agoura Hills
June 6 — Ventura County Homebuying Conference to be held in Oxnard
June 11 — West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) to present Oxnard Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur’s 2026 State of the City address
June 11 — Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) to present 2026 Taxpayer Focus on Public Safety
June 24 — Ventura County Fire Dept. to hold ribbon cutting, open house for new live fire training building
Through June 30 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — ‘Work Smarter, Grow Stronger with AI webinar series for small businesses
Bilingual report — 2025: A Year in Review from People’s Self-Help Housing
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!
Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — 2025 by the Numbers
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.
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
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
Port of Hueneme Dock Talk — Thank you to all of our customers who help make our cargo move!
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.
Bilingual report — Flood Watch in effect as storm prompts Evacuation Order and pier closure in Ventura. Please see related Central Coast stories
• 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.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule including Dec. 30 event
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
Bilingual report — Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report: Potential storm water runoff contamination
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.?
Ventura County Emergency Information website update
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.
Bilingual report — EVACUATION WARNING Issued for Identified Properties in Santa Barbara County Associated with the Lake Fire
EVACUATION WARNING Issued for Identified Properties in Santa Barbara County Associated with the Lake Fire
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ADVERTENCIA DE EVACUACIÓN emitida para propiedades identificadas en el Condado de Santa Barbara asociadas con el Incendio Lake
Read More | Lea Más
City of San Luis Obispo — Five Ways to Prepare for the Upcoming Storm
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.
Bilingual report — Major Storm Forecasted for Santa Barbara County (Dec. 23-25)
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.
Escalating enforcement violence across the Central Coast underscores the critical role of community-based alert systems and rapid response networks
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.
SBCC’s Statement on recent (ICE) law enforcement activities on campus
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.
Bilingual report — City of Ventura activates Foul Weather Shelter on Dec. 23 due to inclement weather
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.
Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) Board Elects Leadership for New Year
“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.”
Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura
Thank you for staying up-to-date on news at the County of Ventura! Want to sign up for our newsletter?
Community members who are not already subscribed may sign up to receive our newsletter in English here and in Spanish here.
Biligual report — December News from People’s Self-Help Housing
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.
Bilingual report — Unmet transit need survey being conducted in Ventura County
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.
Community Environmental Council (CEC) — From the Birthplace of Earth Day: A Warning and a Way Forward
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
Community Environmental Council (CEC) — A personal note from Nadra: Help fill the gap
This holiday season, I’m proud to support the Community Environmental Council in protecting the Central Coast. But federal rollbacks have created a $1.5 million funding gap, threatening programs that keep our air clean, food systems resilient, and communities prepared. And with new proposals to expand offshore drilling along our coastline, it’s clear we must do more than simply fight back — we must strengthen the community-led solutions generations have worked to build.
Bilingual report — Ventura offers fifth Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class
VENTURA — The City of Ventura, in partnership with the City of Santa Paula and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is excited to announce its fifth Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training class, now offering its second Spanish-language session.
The CERT program is a free, 24-hour training opportunity open to 40 residents from Ventura and Santa Paula. Participants learn how to safely and effectively respond to local emergencies, including reducing fire hazards, providing basic medical care, assisting professional responders, conducting light search and rescue, and more. Graduates receive a certificate of completion, a training manual, and a disaster start-up kit with a helmet, gloves, vest, and safety goggles.
Bilingual report — The County of Ventura Resource Management Agency appoints new Code Compliance Director
“Jonathan brings a broad base of experience, strong customer service values, and a collaborative, problem-solving approach to Code Compliance,” said Rob Mullane, Director of the Resource Management Agency. “His passion for public service, thoughtful approach to resolving challenges, and familiarity with Ventura County will be a tremendous asset to our agency and the County as he helps advance key initiatives and strives for service excellence for the community.”
Groundbreaking ceremony marks start of construction for Jacaranda Court – 63 new affordable workforce homes coming to Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), joined by city officials, project partners, and community members, celebrated the official groundbreaking of Jacaranda Court, a new 63-unit affordable rental community designed to serve Santa Barbara’s…
Bilingual report — Ventura Police urge responsible celebrations this holiday season
VENTURA — As holiday celebrations ramp up, so does the risk on our roads. In December 2023, 1,038 people across the U.S. lost their lives in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Ventura Police Department joins agencies statewide in urging drivers to celebrate responsibly and keep impaired driving out of their holiday plans.
Tthrough New Year’s Day, Ventura Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule
SCORE: ACCESSING CAPITAL FOR SMALL BUSINESS
December 16 @ 8:00 am
Join Brande Stitt, Program Director for the Women’s Business Center, as she walks through where entrepreneurs get their money. Learn what types of businesses are launched, and how they were funded. You will learn to ask yourself these important questions: how much money do I need, what type of business do I have and what type of capital is most appropriate. You will learn how to prepare to raise debt (borrow money) or equity capital (give up a share of your business.) Brande Stitt currently serves as Program Director for the Women’s Business Center in Fairway, Kansas. The WBC helps develop, mentor and fund women-led businesses. She previously served as the Network Builder for KCSourceLink and Director of Small Business & Entrepreneurship for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Brande received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Drury University in Springfield, Mo., and a Master of Education in community/agency counseling from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Please connect at least 5 minutes in advance to ensure you have a stable connection. The webinar begins promptly at 10:00 AM CT/ 9AM MT/ 8AM PT and concludes by 12:00 PM CT/ 11AM MT/ 10AM PT. Price: $10.00.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Holiday message from Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools
As we bring this calendar year to a close, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a joyful and restorative holiday season. This year has moved quickly, and I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished together. Ventura County schools are making gains in student achievement while offering outstanding programs before, during, and after school.
I’m especially grateful for everyone who strengthens our education community—teachers and staff at our districts and charter schools, families, community partners, and all who support our students inside and outside the classroom. In a year with its share of challenges, Ventura County schools have stepped up to support families facing immigration concerns and disruptions to CalFresh benefits. In difficult moments, I’m so proud that VCOE has remained a source of stability, compassion, and hope.