Category: Health

Friendship Center Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — The Friendly Finch: September 2026

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I am writing this letter whilst attending the National Adult Day Services Association conference with our Program Director (recently promoted!), Nerely, and Lead Program Specialist/Volunteer Coordinator, Mary. We are thrilled to be here learning about ways to further improve and expand FC’s programs and services, but do forgive any lack of cohesion in this letter, as traveling to Providence took us more plane time than my trips to and from school in Australia. Four legs of flight, a cross-state-lines Uber, and we are here!

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Come Home to Friendship Center: Our 50th Anniversary Reunion

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Friendship Center is 50! Wow!

For 35 years this September, I have the joy of being part of this very special community. Many of you receiving this email, I know personally. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with so many members, families, and friends through my many roles at Friendship Center, from directing our buses and taking members on field trips to leading our Connections program, working at our Montecito and Goleta locations, running the Gold Program, and now serving as our Membership Liaison.

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Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) August 2026 newsletter

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Lea en español | Received this from a friend? Subscribe! eNewsletter | August 2026 Here’s to 56 years! This month, nearly 200 People’s team members from throughout the Central Coast came together to mark the milestone. Friend, The coming months will…

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Bilingual report — Three additional birds test positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that a bird collected in the city of Camarillo on August 1, 2026, and two birds collected in the city of Ventura on August 3, 2026, tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). All mosquito breeding sources in the area where the birds were collected will be inspected and treated if evidence of mosquito breeding is observed. Ventura County Public Health and Environmental Health are closely monitoring WNV activity, including the increase in WNV cases and the recent WNV-related death in Los Angeles County.

Public Health confirms that no human cases of WNV have been identified to date in 2026 in Ventura County.

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Leadership Ventura County unveils new identity, launches expanded programming across the county

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VENTURA COUNTY — Over 200 community leaders, alumni and partners gathered Thursday, Aug. 20th, at the Ventura County Office of Education for The Big Reveal Party, where the organization formerly known as Ventura County Leadership Academy introduced its new name, Leadership Ventura County, alongside an expanded slate of leadership programming built to reach more of Ventura County.

While Leadership Ventura County’s new identity marks a visible change, organization leaders say the programming behind it is the real story: a broader, more accessible approach to developing leaders across the region.

“Our new name, Leadership Ventura County, is really about access,” said Pattie Braga, Executive Director. “With Leadership Class, Leadership Explore, Leadership Elevate, and Leadership Connect, we now have programs tailored to where someone is at personally or within their career, whether that’s a nine-month deep dive or a first step into their community. This next chapter is about opening that door wider for more people across the county.”

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Santa Barbara to host Inaugural California Ocean Summit (on Dec. 9-11), uniting the State’s Top Ocean Scientists, Policymakers, Investors and Innovators

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SANTA BARBARA — Registration is now open for the inaugural California Ocean Summit, a landmark three-day convening taking place December 9–11, 2026, in Santa Barbara. Bringing together leading ocean scientists, policymakers, investors, innovators, and advocates from across California and beyond, the Summit will showcase solutions, mobilize capital toward ocean impact, and build the cross-sector relationships needed to turn shared ambition into coordinated ocean action.

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City of Santa Paula opens cooling center amid high temperatures

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SANTA PAULA — With temperatures expected to reach 90 degrees or higher for several consecutive days this week, the City of Santa Paula will open a cooling center at the Santa Paula Community Center to provide residents with a place to find relief from the heat.

The cooling center will be located in the front lobby of the Santa Paula Community Center, 530 W. Main St., Santa Paula, and will be available Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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Hospice of Santa Barbara announces 2026 Heroes of Hospice Award recipients

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SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is honored to announce the 2026 Heroes of Hospice award recipients, recognized for their outstanding service and dedication to the health and well-being of our community. The honorees will be celebrated at Hospice of Santa Barbara’s 14th Annual Heroes of Hospice (HOH) luncheon on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. Inspired by poet Mary Oliver’s timeless question, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”, this year’s Heroes of Hospice luncheon will be a celebration of the people we love, the ordinary moments that give life meaning, and the simple joys that become our most treasured memories.  This year’s Heroes of Hospice Award recipients are:

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Bilingual report — VSP Eyes of Hope, SEE International provided free eye exams and glasses to more than 100 Santa Maria and Lompoc residents

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partnered with SEE International’s local SEE Vision Care program and the County of Santa Barbara Health Department to bring free eye exams and prescription glasses to over 100 Santa Maria and Lompoc residents without access to vision care. In recognition of National Eye Exam Month, a 40-foot VSP Eyes of Hope mobile clinic and volunteer eye doctors stopped at the Santa Maria Health Center on Aug. 20 and the Lompoc Health Center on Aug. 21, providing comprehensive exams and on-site eyewear selection at no cost to patients.

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Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics’ dental program marks landmark year in community health, saving thousands from emergency rooms and costly procedures

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) is highlighting a year of significant impact for its dental program, releasing 2025 data that underscores its role as a critical safety net for the region. With 23,846 patient encounters over the past year, the clinics provided everything from routine cleanings to advanced procedures such as root canal therapy and dental implants for nearly 6,800 unique patients.

In a community with high caries (cavity) risk and non-fluoridated water, SBNC has focused heavily on preventative care to break the cycle of lifelong dental decay. 

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Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital’s Brain & Spinal Tumor Program earns Joint Commission recertification

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital’s Brain & Spinal Tumor Program has earned recertification from The Joint Commission, maintaining its Gold Seal of Approval® for Brain Tumor Certification.

The certification recognizes healthcare organizations that provide clinical programs across the continuum of brain tumor care and use clinical outcomes and performance measures to identify opportunities to improve care, as well as to educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for discharge.

“For patients and their families, a brain or spinal tumor diagnosis can be an overwhelming experience,” said Nicole Moayeri, MD, Medical Director of Cottage Health’s Santa Barbara Neuroscience Institute. “This recertification reflects the quality, expertise and compassion we strive to provide and gives patients added confidence in the specialized care and support they receive.”

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Commununity Environmental Council (CEC) — Join CEC: We’re Hiring an Office Manager & Board Liaison

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If working in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, surrounded by climate changemakers, passionate board members and mission-driven organizations sounds like your kind of workplace, CEC may have the opportunity for you. We’re hiring an Office Manager & Board Liaison to play a central role in the day-to-day life of our organization and office.

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Port of Hueneme — Notice: Potential Delays on Hueneme Road

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PORT HUENEME — Please be aware that California Highway Patrol (CHP) is assisting the California Air Resources Board (CARB) with air quality monitoring and compliance inspections at three locations outside the Port.

These activities may cause delays on Hueneme Road.

We have been informed that the operations will take place (Aug. 25 and 26).

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Bilingual report — 8th Annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day (Sept. 19) brings farmers and the public together

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SANTA BARBARA — Ever wonder where great-tasting fruits and vegetables are grown? Find out at the 8th Annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day, Saturday, September 19. Visit farms in Santa Barbara County to learn how fruits, nuts, produce and wine are produced, harvested and delivered.

Twenty farms and agricultural organizations will open their doors from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during Santa Barbara Farm Day. Guests will experience behind-the-scenes farm tours, tractor rides, produce tastings and giveaways, and plenty of kid-friendly exhibits all at no cost.

Ag participants this year range from large, international agricultural operations to family-run, organic farms.

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Ventura County Animal Services — FREE PET Adoptions this Saturday! 1PM-6PM

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CAMARILLO — FREE ADOPTIONS this Saturday, August 22 at Ventura County Animal Services!  Browse our adoptable DOGS, CATS, and BUNNIES to see who you’d like to take home!

Adoption Appointments can be made online from 9:00am – 10:30am.  Shelter opens at 1:00pm sharp!  While walk-ins are welcome, appointments get priority.  Tap/click here to learn about our adoption process.

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Trump Administration moves to eliminate Roadless Rule, threatening Los Padres National Forest

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CENTRAL COAST — The Trump administration has formally proposed
eliminating the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a move that could remove longstanding protections from more than 44 million acres of national forest lands across the country, including 635,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest.

On August 18, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that the U.S. Forest Service had filed a proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule in its entirety. A public comment period is open through September 21.

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Ventura County nurses and health care professionals to hold speak out to save Santa Paula Hospital

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VENTURA — Registered nurses and healthcare professionals at Santa Paula Hospital (SPH) in Santa Paula and Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) in Ventura will hold a speak out at Ventura County’s Board of Supervisors hearing on Tuesday, Aug. 18, to protest changes in services and possible closure of SPH proposed by Ventura County Healthcare Agency Administration and County Board of Supervisors. Nurses and health care workers at SPH and VCMC are represented by California Nurses Association/Caregivers and Healthcare Employees Union (CNA/CHEU), an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), the country’s largest nurses union.

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Port of Hueneme hosts regional dive teams for advanced maritime search-and-rescue training

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PORT HUENEME — Seven regional bomb squad and search-and-rescue dive teams including Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Bomb/Arson Unit and Search & Rescue, Los Angeles Police Department Bomb Squad, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue, Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office Search and Recovery, and Riverside County Sheriff Search and Rescue recently gathered at the Port of Hueneme for an Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX)-Coastal Trident Event DELTA, a four-day exercise focused on underwater operations and emerging technologies.

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Santa Barbara Breast Surgeon Dr. Rosa Choi joins Cottage Health to expand access to specialized breast care

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara breast surgeon Rosa Choi, MD, has joined Cottage Health to launch the Cottage Breast Health Clinic, located at 2400 Bath Street, Suite 102, in Santa Barbara.

Dr. Choi has more than two decades of experience in the community as a board-certified surgeon providing specialized care for patients with breast cancer, benign breast conditions and other breast health concerns.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue caring for patients through Cottage Health and to build a program centered on personalized breast care,” said Dr. Choi. “It is important for patients to understand their diagnosis, feel informed about their treatment options and have confidence in the decisions they make about their breast health.”

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Santa Paula Latino Town Hall — Please Join Us: Defend health care in the Santa Clara Valley – 10:30 am August 18

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You are invited to make public comment before the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and stand with our community in defending hospital-level health care in the Santa Clara Valley.

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 – 10:30 a.m.
Ventura County Board of Supervisors Meeting
Board of Supervisors Meeting Room
Hall of Administration
800 S. Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA 93009

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Bilingual commentary — The Magic Kingdom: A Utopian Blueprint

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Cities throughout the world have spent centuries trying to mold themselves into models of civic beauty, public safety, and high-functioning infrastructure that keeps its citizens happy and productive. Needless to say, most communities fall short of these aspirations. 

The larger cities here in Ventura County, such as Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo, and Thousand Oaks are typical American cities, continually struggling to balance their lofty ambitions with economic realities on the ground. Conflicting world views among a city’s leaders determine the direction of that city’s growth and development. Is there a common blueprint that cities such as ours can follow to maximize their potential?

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Guest contribution — Farmworkers and advocates, including legendary civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, rally at the State Capitol to demand accountability from California’s pesticide regulator

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The hearing room was full, with more than 110 Californians from across the state present, including those from the Central Coast. Many traveled hours from home, as far away as Ventura, taking a day from work and rising before dawn to attend the 2½ hour hearing. Community members called on lawmakers to confront the Dept. of Pesticide Regulation’s conflicts of interest and failure to protect the public.

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Guest commentary — Allá En El Rancho Grande: Ventura County, One Big Plantation

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The past, present, and future exist concurrently. History matters because the present and past manifest in the now. This is why historical events such as the 1942 Sleepy Lagoon Case of the Zoot Suiters and the Deportation Campaigns of the 1930s speak to us today in relation to the overcharging and over-sentencing of convicted ethnic Mexicans regarding the former and the vicious Gestapo kidnappings of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency with the latter.

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Friendship Center Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — Throwback Thursday!

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This year, we’re celebrating 50 years of serving our community, and this week marks another special milestone in our journey.

Forty-seven years ago, Friendship Center officially became a registered nonprofit organization, laying the foundation for the organization we know and love today.

For five decades, Friendship Center has been a place of care, connection, and community for older adults living with dementia and their families. Through the years, our programs have grown and changed, but our commitment to creating a welcoming, compassionate, and dignified place for our members has remained at the heart of everything we do.

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Ventura County Animals Services (VCAS) — Clear the Shelters — FREE adoptions, Saturday 8-22-26!

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VCAS is participating in Clear the Shelters on Saturday, August 22nd, 2026. This nationwide event is our largest pet adoption event of the year. Adoptions will be FREE, and adopters will go home with lots of free gifts from event sponsors. Animals go home spayed or neutered, vaccinated, flea-treated, and come with a FREE first vet visit!

Browse the DOGS, CATS, and BUNNIES in our care to see who you’d like to take home Saturday, August 22nd!

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Bilingual report — CenCal Health recognizes local health centers for expanding access to care across the Central Coast

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SANTA BARBARA — From farmworker families and tribal communities to children receiving care at school and people facing housing challenges, federally qualified health centers across the Central Coast provide residents with essential health services. During National Health Center Week, Aug. 2-8, CenCal Health, the Medi-Cal managed care plan for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, is recognizing five health center partners whose work helps expand access to care across the region.

“Health centers are often the first place people turn when they need care, and for many families, they are a trusted ally at every stage of life,” said Marina Owen, CEO of CenCal Health. “Their work extends beyond the exam room, helping neighbors navigate health challenges, access supportive services and build a foundation for long-term well-being.”

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Planning Your Fall Meetings?

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Whether you’re planning a board meeting, strategic retreat, volunteer training, film screening, public forum, or year-end gathering, The Environmental Hub provides a welcoming space designed to help mission-driven organizations connect, collaborate, and inspire action.

Located on State Street in the heart of Santa Barbara, The Hub features flexible meeting spaces, built-in AV, a catering kitchen, and competitive non-profit pricing. Every booking also supports the Community Environmental Council’s work to advance climate solutions across the Central Coast.

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New York Times bestselling author to headline Hospice of Santa Barbara’s signature fundraising event on Sept. 27 celebrating ‘One Wild and Precious Life’

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Centered around the theme “One Wild and Precious Life,” this year’s event celebrates the everyday moments that quietly become life’s greatest treasures—and the people who make them unforgettable. Inspired by Mary Oliver’s timeless question, the luncheon invites guests to reflect on love, resilience, hope, and the everyday experiences that ultimately remind us what matters most. Few contemporary writers have explored those themes with more honesty and compassion than Cheryl Strayed.

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Cottage Health Emergency Departments earn prestigious Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award

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The Lantern Award honors emergency departments that foster collaboration and continuous improvement while maintaining high standards for patient care, safety and staff engagement. SBCH and SYVCH are among 126 emergency departments selected for the recognition this year.

“This recognition reflects the extraordinary skill, compassion and teamwork our emergency department staff bring to every patient, every day,” said Laura Canfield, Chief Nursing Officer at Cottage Health. “Their commitment to patients and to one another is reflected in the high-quality emergency care they provide every day.”

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Strengthening Our Team for the Work Ahead

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At the Community Environmental Council (CEC), our impact depends on people who bring the expertise, leadership, and commitment needed to advance practical climate solutions across the Central Coast.

We’re pleased to welcome two new members to CEC’s Board of Directors, Angela Antenore and Dr. Paasha Mahdavi. Together, they bring deep experience in environmental justice, public policy, governance, and organizational leadership that will help guide CEC’s work in the years ahead.

We’re also excited to welcome three new staff members whose expertise will strengthen programs and partnerships across our region: Development Officer Renee Freeman, Climate-Smart Agriculture Program Manager Brian Sweeney, and Climate Projects Associate Sachi Shiroma.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health confirms first Measles case in Ventura County since 2017

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VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) has confirmed a positive case of measles related to international travel. This is the first confirmed case in the county since 2017. VCPH is conducting a thorough investigation and working closely with healthcare providers and exposed contacts to prevent further transmission. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing, and airborne particles. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. Unvaccinated or undervaccinated individuals are especially at risk of infection. If you have been fully vaccinated or were born before 1957, your risk of infection is extremely low.

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Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. — Back to School traffic safety awareness

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SANTA PAULA — As the beginning of the new school year approaches next week, the Santa Paula Police Department reminds residents, parents, students, and school staff to practice caution and safety in observance of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and school buses.

The first day of school is August 12, 2026. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be impacted during drop-off and pickup times. Here are helpful tips for back to school traffic safety:

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Friendship Adult Day Care Center — The Friendly Finch — August 2026

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Three years, woohoo!

On July 17th, I celebrated my third anniversary as Executive Director of Friendship Center. Fittingly, it was spent surrounded by longtime friends, new supporters, our remarkable staff and Board, and so many of you at our second annual Summer Polo Soirée. It was a fabulous afternoon and a wonderful reminder of just how much this community believes in our mission. Thank you for making it such a joyful success!

The three-year mark in my role, and almost ninth year of being as part of the Friendship Center family, has me feeling particularly reflective about how I first showed up here.

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Community Environmental Council (CEC)’s Fall Climate Stewards course starts Sept. 15, more upcoming events

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Since launching the course, CEC has certified 256 CEC Climate Stewards — a growing, interconnected network of alumni who are putting what they’ve learned into practice. This diverse mix of educators, non-profit leaders, students, retirees, business owners, and climate allies are tackling challenges ranging from local policy change to plastic pollution to wildfire resilience.

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Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital’s Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp wraps up transformative week of sports, confidence and connection

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital recently concluded another successful Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp, bringing together youth with physical disabilities for a week of adapted sports and recreation at the UCSB Recreation Center. Held July 13-16, the camp welcomed approximately…

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Bilingual report — Santa Clara River Valley Communities to host Health Care Future Forum

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VENTURA — As the Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA) approaches the August 18, 2026, Board of Supervisors meeting, HCA is finalizing its strategic review of continued health care service options for the Santa Clara River Valley (SCRV) and Santa Paula Hospital (SPH). With state-mandated 2030 seismic deadlines approaching, this work provides a timely opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery to be more sustainable, accessible, and responsive to residents.

HCA has engaged the consulting firm Health Management Associates (HMA) to support the health care planning for SCRV.  HMA is a national independent research and consulting firm that focuses on publicly-financed health care.

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Bilingual guest commentary by Kaiser Permanente — Want your child to succeed in school? Start with these healthy habits

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As families across Ventura County prepare for the new school year, parents can take a few simple steps to help their children start strong both academically and emotionally, according to a local health expert.

“Getting ready for school is about more than buying supplies,” said Dr. Kristina Kang, a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente in Camarillo. “Healthy habits, routine medical care and open communication with your child’s doctor can make a big difference in their success throughout the new school year.”

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Hospice Of Santa Barbara welcomes new board member, Mindy Denson

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SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is proud to welcome Mindy Denson as the newest member of its Board of Directors. Denson joins the leadership team with a long history of local engagement and a deep commitment to supporting the organization’s compassionate mission. 

Mindy has spent more than 30 years in Santa Barbara working in substance abuse counseling and retail management. Moving from Cleveland, Ohio, Mindy attended UCSB and after completing graduate school, she worked for Santa Barbara and San Mateo Counties counseling individuals and groups with alcohol/drug problems.

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Guest commentary — Trump Administration proposal would slash oil industry cleanup protections and put public lands at risk

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Proposed rollback comes as BLM considers leasing 36,000 acres in California, including lands bordering Carrizo Plain National Monument. (Public comment due Aug. 24).

CENTRAL COAST — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing changes to federal oil and gas leasing regulations that would sharply reduce the financial assurances, or bonding, requirements for drilling companies and expand opportunities to lease public lands for development.

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Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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Looking for your next career opportunity? Join us for the 2026 County of Ventura Career & Resource Expo + Candidate Connect on Wednesday, August 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Government Center Courtyard between the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Justice.

This free event is open to everyone and offers the chance to explore careers in technology, public safety, healthcare, engineering, environmental services and many other fields.

Meet representatives from County departments and agencies, learn about current job opportunities and, new this year, visit the Candidate Connect booth to speak directly with County recruiters and get your questions answered.

Whether you’re considering a career change, entering the workforce or looking for your next opportunity in public service, this event is a great place to start.

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Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) — Power of Purpose — July 2026 Newsletter

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I am reminded every day just how much we are all part of the fabric of our Ventura County community, and how much good happens when we support one another and do it together.

In May, I attended the League of California Community Foundations’ Spring Convening along with VCCF President & CEO Vanessa Bechtel. There, we met with legislators on topics like access to highest-quality early childhood education through the Isabella Project, disaster resilience and support for our neighbors through the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund and more. I also got to exchange ideas with other community foundation board chairs, learn from their experiences and see what is applicable here in Ventura County.

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Guest contribution — A local family finds solace and support through Hospice of Santa Barbara’s Children and Family Services

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SANTA BARBARA — Owen Bailey met Laurie in December 1989 when she was 22 years old and was beginning the MFA theater program at the University of Connecticut. Owen was a senior.  Together, they left after a year to work at a small regional theater near Portsmouth, New Hampshire, producing a play each month. It was a bohemian, romantic life filled with creativity, ambition, friendship, and just enough macaroni and cheese to sustain two young actors chasing their dreams.

Their shared passion for storytelling eventually took them to New York City, London, and finally Los Angeles, where Owen discovered his true calling as an environmental advocate. Laurie moved behind the camera and built a career in photography. Together they raised two children, Ben and Nicola, while balancing careers, family life, and a shared desire to make a positive impact on the world.

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Bilingual report — Third Local Bird Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County

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VENTURA —The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that a bird collected on July 2nd, 2026, from the city of Thousand Oaks, tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected.Ventura County Public Health confirms that no human cases have been identified to date in 2026.

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Bilingual report — Extreme heat warning within Ventura County

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VENTURA COUNTY — The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a widespread extreme heat warning for … through Thursday, July 16, 2026. Temperatures in the interior valleys and mountain areas are expected to exceed the 100-degree mark for a prolonged period, with relatively poor overnight recovery in the mountains and foothills. A heat advisory has been issued for the coastal plains, where temperatures are expected to reach between 90 and 100 degrees.

High temperatures may create a dangerous situation in which heat-related illness is possible. Residents are encouraged to: drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, check on relatives and neighbors, take extra precautions if working or spending time outside, and wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

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Ventura County Fire Department awarded Fire Risk Reduction Community recognition

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THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) has been awarded a renewed Fire Risk Reduction Community recognition from the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.

This designation recognizes best practices in fire risk planning and mitigation, and VCFD was one of more than 50 agencies, counties, and cities across California to receive this status. VCFD was previously recognized as a Fire Risk Reduction Community in 2024, and the designation will last another 2 years.

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Final State Budget brings $5M for new behavioral health pilot to Central Coast

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SANTA BARBARA — The Central Coast healthcare community is poised to advance behavioral health innovation following the approval of California’s 2026–27 state budget. The budget includes a one-time $5 million investment for CenCal Health and the behavioral health departments of both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties to launch a groundbreaking behavioral health pilot focused on supporting individuals living with severe schizophrenia and anosognosia. The funding marks a significant milestone for CenCal Health and its community partners in a promising step forward to expand effective, community-based behavioral health care across the region.

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Lumina Alliance welcomes three new board bembers, Honors outgoing Leaders for Years of Service

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SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors while recognizing four outgoing board members whose leadership helped guide the organization through one of the most transformative periods in its history.

Joining the Board of Directors are:

• Adrienne Dodd, Human Resources Director, CommonSpirit Health

• Heather Muran, Director of Portfolio Strategy & Marketing, Covelop Inc.

• Meghan Shoven, Director, Adventist Health Central Coast Foundation

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Bilingual report — Mosquito sample tests positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that mosquitoes collected from the City of Fillmore on June 17th, 2026, tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected. This is the first mosquito sample collected in 2026 from Ventura County to test positive for WNV. Ventura County Public Health confirms that no human cases have been identified to date in 2026.

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Ventura County Animal Services — $10,000 grant funds low-cost spay and neuter surgeries on July 14-15

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VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) has received a $10,000 grant from Wings of Rescue to help provide low-cost spay and neuter surgeries to the pets of families living within VCAS’ contracted cities.

The two-day event, taking place July 14-15, is funded entirely by the grant and will be performed by the Spay Neuter Imperative Project (SNIP).  The SNIP Team will bring a fully equipped mobile veterinary hospital to perform the surgeries.  The event will take place near the Camarillo Animal Shelter.

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Bilingual report — City of Ventura releases Fall Parks and Recreation Activity Guide

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The City of Ventura Parks and Recreation Department’s Fall Activity Guide is now available, featuring hundreds of classes, programs, and events taking place from September through January.

Registration opens Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Residents can register online, by phone, or in person at Ventura City Hall (501 Poli Street, Room 226). Registration information and policies are available on page 43 of the guide.

The Fall Activity Guide offers activities for all ages and interests, including ceramics, cooking, creative writing, parent-and-child classes, pet wellness, fitness, sports, and more. Check out several free new workshops focused on Financial Literacy and Health and Safety on pages 10-11.

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Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics expands affordable behavioral health services for Santa Barbara County residents

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) is strengthening access to comprehensive Behavioral Health Services for individuals and families throughout Santa Barbara County through an integrated, whole-person care model designed to address both physical and mental health needs.

Santa Barbara County has significant community behavioral health needs that extend beyond the publicly funded specialty mental health system. Many residents experience challenges accessing timely outpatient mental health services due to insurance, cost, and provider availability. Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics helps address these gaps by providing integrated, community-based behavioral health services for individuals and families who might otherwise experience barriers to care.

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Trump Administration to auction lands near Carrizo Plain in SLO for oil drilling

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CENTRAL COAST — Last week, the Trump administration announced plans to auction nearly 36,000 acres of federal public land and mineral estate in four California counties to oil companies. The parcels cover thousands of acres adjacent to Carrizo Plain National Monument in San Luis Obispo and western Kern counties.

A public comment period on the proposal closes on August 1.

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Guest contribution — Cancer-Causing Pesticide (including Santa Maria )exceeds California’s Own Safety Trigger, requiring state to act

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“Once again, DPR is sitting on bad news instead of telling the people breathing this air,” said Angel Garcia, co-director of the statewide coalition Californians for Pesticide Reform. “The Department loves a press release when a number goes down. When a number blows past their own safety trigger, they bury it in a spreadsheet and hope nobody notices. That’s not regulation — that’s public relations for the pesticide industry.”

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Bilingual guest commentary by Kaiser Permanente — From fireworks to heat waves: Health expert outlines July 4 safety MustKnows

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As Fourth of July celebrations approach across Southern California, families are preparing for a day filled with barbecues, pool parties and fireworks—traditions many look forward to all year. 

But health experts are reminding the public that the holiday also brings a spike in preventable injuries.

“People love this holiday because it brings everyone together,” said Dr. Kimberly Petrick, a family medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Still, a little caution goes a long way in keeping the day festive instead of stressful.”

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