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Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura
Category: Government
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule
IN-PERSON EVENT: FROM SKILLED EMPLOYEE TO TEAM LEADER: SUPERVISORY & LEADERSHIP FUNDAMENTALS
February 25 @ 8:00 am
You were promoted because you’re great at your work. Now you’re responsible for making sure others do it well, and that requires a completely different skill set. Join the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and the Economic Development Collaborative for a focused, high-impact course designed for skilled employees who have recently moved into a supervisory role. This course bridges the gap between “doing the work” and “leading the work,” helping participants transition from operator to process leader. Check-in: 8:00 – 8:30 am. Address: Workforce Development Board of Ventura County Office, 3rd Floor, 2901 North Ventura Road, Oxnard. Price: FREE.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
805 UNCOCUFund — Two Violent Incidents in 30 Days — We Will Not Be Intimidated
In less than 30 days, our community has witnessed yet another violent physical attack against individuals bearing witness to ICE activity in Santa Barbara County.
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Fuel Your Business Growth with Simi Valley’s Low-Interest Loans!
Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — Holding ICE accountable
I am infuriated that ICE is using taxpayer dollars to brutalize and kill Americans. No one should have to live in fear.
I voted NO to granting ICE billions of taxpayer dollars without proper oversight, and now I am demanding that DHS implement common sense guardrails to protect the constitutional rights of all of us.
Union registered nurses across the country (including Ventura County) hold day of action TODAY to protest ICE as one of worst public health threats
Registered nurse members of National Nurses United, the nation’s largest union and professional association of RNs, are naming federal immigration enforcement agencies as among the country’s top public health threats, and demanding through national coordinated protests on Thursday, Feb. 19 that Congress stop funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and move to abolish ICE for the health and safety of patients and communities. Nurses also blame hospital executives for failing to clearly side with nurses and immigrant patients by acting to keep ICE out of hospitals.
Bilingual report — Join us for the Feb. 24 Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting
Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors’ meetings are available in Spanish. Watch live on our Spanish YouTube Channel, or Cable TV subscribers can access Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) in language settings.
Advance requests are still needed to interpret public comment originating in Spanish. To provide public comment in Spanish, contact the Clerk of the Board at (805) 568-2240, before 4:00 p.m. the Friday before the Board meeting.
Bilingual report — City of Ventura adopts emergency ordinance prohibiting the removal and trimming of trees within protected wildlife habitats
VENTURA — On Tuesday, February 10, the Ventura City Council adopted an emergency ordinance prohibiting the removal and trimming of trees within identified protected wildlife habitats. This ordinance only applies to trees within the protected areas.
Ventura County Arts Council — 23rd Annual Ventura County Employee, Retiree & Family Art Show: “What’s Your Happy?”
NEW AT THE ATRIUM GALLERY!
23rd Annual Ventura County Employee, Retiree & Family Art Show:
“What’s Your Happy?”
“What’s Your Happy?” is now open to the public at the Atrium Gallery and will have a free opening reception TOMORROW, Feb. 19, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — SBA Financial Assistance Now Available for businesses affected by the late December 2025 storms
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has declared a disaster for the late December 2025 storms, which occurred from December 16 to December 25, 2025. SBA now offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs, including faith-based organizations, with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.
View SBA’s disaster declaration HERE
UCSB — The Current — ‘Moving beyond money to measure the true value of Earth science information’ and more news, events
Researchers have mapped out methods for assessing its societal benefits, an effort that could lead to more effective uses of remote sensing technology while increasing benefits to people at large.
County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Direction to pause proposed transition of area Agency on aging administration & evaluate service options
Chair of the Board Jeff Gorell has placed an item on the upcoming Board of Supervisors agenda to preserve current senior programs and pause proposed transition of the Area Agency on Aging Administration while further evaluation takes place. The item will be on the March 3, 2026 Board of Supervisors Agenda.
Click here to read the full Board Letter.
County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Storm update
Ventura County will see multiple storm systems this week, bringing periods of rain, colder temperatures, and possible travel impacts. The first storm has already moved through, with 0.75–2.5 inches of rain recorded. Light, intermittent showers may continue through Tuesday afternoon. A second, colder system arrives Tuesday evening, bringing about 0.5 inch of rain locally (up to 1.5 inches in foothills and mountains). Snow levels may drop to 3,000 feet, with 1–3 inches of snow possible along the Grapevine, which could impact travel. A final storm is expected Thursday, with 0.5–1 inch of additional rain.
For the latest updates, visit the National Weather Service website.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule
IN-PERSON EVENT: CITY OF MOORPARK: READY • SET • GROW: SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES
February 19 @ 8:00 am
Join the City of Moorpark and Economic Development Collaborative for a 3-part series to help business owners improve legal compliance, financial planning and marketing. Participants will receive hands-on, practical training to achieve real results, such as official registration, funding readiness, and customer growth. This 3-workshop series will be conducted in English, with the option to answer questions in Spanish. Hands-on materials will be provided in both languages. Address: Moorpark City Council Chamber, 323 Science Drive, Moorpark, CA 93021. Price: FREE.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Bilingual report — City of Ventura celebrates completion of Cabrillo Village Multi-Use Path
“This project is more than just a bike and pedestrian path. It’s about connectivity, sustainability, and enhancing quality of life,” said Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios. “By investing in accessible transportation options, we’re creating dedicated corridors where residents can walk, bike, and roll through our city in ways that support their well-being.”
Ventura County Civic Alliance Livable Communities Newsletter – February 15, 2026
The Ventura County Civic Alliance’s most recent State of the Region Report released in November 2025 omitted our Key Statistics section. The data for that section comes from the U.S. Census website which was unavailable during the government shutdown in October 2025.
Our first article, based on data since collected from the U.S. Census American Community Survey 5 years (Table S0101), will give you our current status and highlights three cities where population growth is bucking the downward county trend.
The last two articles focus on the needs of our population and the nonprofits that serve them.
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara names Foodbank of Santa Barbara County ‘Partner Organization of the Year’
This annual award is selected by Housing Authority staff and recognizes a partner organization whose work has made the most meaningful, measurable difference for the people and communities the Authority serves.
“Stable housing is essential — but housing alone is not enough,” said Rob Fredericks, Executive Director/CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara. “Food security is absolutely foundational to health, stability, and dignity. The Foodbank’s work ensures that families, seniors, and individuals don’t have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. Their impact is profound, especially during times of economic uncertainty.”
ICE OUT OF (U.S. 101) 805 BRIDGE BRIGADE protest in Ventura/Santa Barbara counties to be held Feb. 14
This Valentine’s Day, nine communities are gathering at local overpasses to peacefully declare their support for their immigrant neighbors, for democracy, and for the just America our country has the potential to be.
All events start at 11:00 am. Bring your signs and flags! Meet your neighbors and make new friends.
Here are the nine locations. (This post’s listed address is just for the Ventura site, as Mobilize only allows one location per post.)
Union registered nurses across the country (including Ventura County) to hold day of action Feb. 19 to protest ICE as one of worst public health threats
Ventura
Ventura County
800 S Victoria Ave
Ventura, CA 93009
Location: Corner of Victoria and Telephone Ave
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. PT
Bilingual report – Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report: Potential storm water runoff contamination in Ventura County
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.
Santa Barbara’s Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens & Chung residence nominated to the National Register of Historic Places
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) is pleased to announce that at its February 6, 2026 meeting, the California State Historical Resources Commission voted to add Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens, along with the adjacent Chung family house associated with the property, to the National Register of Historic Places (National Register). The National Register is the official list of the Nation’s cultural resources worthy of recognition and preservation. The nomination marks an important milestone in recognizing the cultural and historic significance of this beloved local landmark.
Center Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — (Tuesday, Feb. 10) Ventura City Council Has a Choice
For too long, bad landlords have used harassment and intimidation to push people out of their homes. Tomorrow, Ventura City Council has a choice.
If the City Council acts, they can put real protections in place so tenants aren’t bullied, threatened, or forced out just for standing their ground. In Oxnard, this policy is already doing what it’s meant to do: protecting tenants who speak up and shutting down landlords who try to terrorize families by threatening to call ICE.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule
IN-PERSON EVENT: CITY OF MOORPARK: READY • SET • GROW: SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES
February 12 and 19 @ 8:00 am
Join the City of Moorpark and Economic Development Collaborative for a 3-part series to help business owners improve legal compliance, financial planning and marketing. Participants will receive hands-on, practical training to achieve real results, such as official registration, funding readiness, and customer growth. This 3-workshop series will be conducted in English, with the option to answer questions in Spanish. Hands-on materials will be provided in both languages. Address: Moorpark City Council Chamber, 323 Science Drive, Moorpark, CA 93021. Price: FREE.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Community Environmental Council (CEC) — No new drilling: Why energy policy is really about power
Sigrid Wright and Joan Hartmann unpack why oil isn’t security — and what real energy leadership looks like for California and the nation.
Port of Hueneme DOCK TALK January 2026 Community Newsletter
View this email in your browser January 2026 Taking the Helm in 2026: Jason Hodge Voted Board President of the Oxnard Harbor District Congratulations to Commissioner Jason Hodge on his appointment as President of the Oxnard Harbor District! Hodge brings…
West Ventura County Business Alliance forms partnership with City of Port Hueneme
OXNARD — The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the City of Port Hueneme. Through the partnership, WVCBA will help promote Port Hueneme businesses and City initiatives, host networking events and business forums in the community, and provide advocacy on issues that affect local employers.
“Having many of the larger businesses in Port Hueneme already as WVCBA members, we’re excited to introduce ourselves the business community as a whole and be a resource for them, as well as establishing a deeper connection with the City of Port Hueneme,” says WVCBA President & CEO Andy Conli. “Not only does this partnership expand our reach, it reinforces our position as advocates for the business community and regional economy.”
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Join us for a NO-COST workshop series for businesses on Feb. 12, 19
Join the City of Moorpark, Accelerate CA and EDC for this workshop series, which has been developed to help advance business formalization, financial resilience and strategic visibility among small businesses in Ventura County. It addresses core areas where entrepreneurs often face barriers—legal compliance, financial planning, and marketing execution—offering hands-on, actionable training that leads to real outcomes: formal registration, funding readiness and customer growth.
Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara — County of Santa Barbara February 2026 Newsletter
Center Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Santa Paula residents urged to address City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb 4
The fight for housing justice in Santa Paula is reaching a breaking point – and City Council must decide who they stand with.
For over a year, mobile home residents in Santa Paula have been living under constant threat of displacement, all because a corporate landlord is trying again and again to squeeze more profit out of our working class community.
Here’s what residents have endured over the last year:
Nomination Period Announced for offices in the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election
VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the February 9, 2026 opening of the nomination period for the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election. Those who are interested in running for office should make an appointment to obtain their candidate filing documents from the Ventura County Elections Division for the following offices:
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule
IN-PERSON EVENT: CITY OF MOORPARK: READY • SET • GROW: SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES
February 5, 12 and 19 @ 8:00 am
Join the City of Moorpark and Economic Development Collaborative for a 3-part series to help business owners improve legal compliance, financial planning and marketing. Participants will receive hands-on, practical training to achieve real results, such as official registration, funding readiness, and customer growth. This 3-workshop series will be conducted in English, with the option to answer questions in Spanish. Hands-on materials will be provided in both languages. Address: Moorpark City Council Chamber 323 Science Drive, Moorpark, CA 93021
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Bilingual report — Call to artists for Surfers Point Public Art Tiled Sculpture
This opportunity is open to artists residing and working in the State of California. Special consideration will be given to those based in Ventura County and Santa Barbara County.
Based on community surveys and workshops, the project theme has been identified as a combination of Marine Life and Surf & Beach Culture. The artwork should serve as a cultural and ecological narrative, visually connecting visitors to the coastal marine life, beach and surf culture with a color palette of natural coastal tones
CAL FIRE to Review VCFD Operations on wildfire that preceded Mountain Fire
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
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
“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
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
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
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
“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
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
“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
Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — 53 Years Since Roe v. Wade
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
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
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
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
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
“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
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
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.