Category: Health

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics’ partnership with physician’s assistance program is growing the next generation of community healthcare healers

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The A.T. Still University Central Coast Physician Assistant (CCPA) program has two incoming students at Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics. (SBNC). The program seeks students who align with their mission and whose personal goals include serving diverse medically underserved populations and who are professional, culturally humble, and have a desire to serve these communities. Applicants who are first-generation college students will also be given special consideration in the review process.

Gabriel Estrada has gained firsthand medical experience as a medical assistant at Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics for three years. The UCSB graduate earned a degree in Biological Sciences in 2022. He learned that SBNC had become affiliated with the A.T. Still CCPA program and believed that, for him, the PA route was preferable to medical school.

County of Ventura Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Wildfire and Emergency Preparedness presentations — Are you ready?

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2025 • Comments Off

want to personally invite you to attend one of the Wildfire and Emergency Preparedness presentations I am offering across District 2. I have worked closely with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the Ventura County Fire Department to make sure these valuable presentations are available to the public — because when it comes to protecting our families and homes, preparedness truly saves lives.

These community presentations will cover key topics like wildfire risks in our area, how to create defensible space around your home, evacuation planning, emergency alerts, and other practical steps you can take now to be ready.

I am thankful to have Fire and Sheriff Emergency Service experts available to offer four opportunities for you to attend this same presentation, held at Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) meetings throughout District 2 on the following dates:

Friendship Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — Do you have a Deysi?

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2025 • Comments Off

While Deysi’s official title is Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (DEIA) & Wellness Coordinator, the work she does and love she shares with our programs impacts every aspect of Friendship Center! Born and raised in Colombia and trained as a professional educator and dancer (fun fact: she came to the US to study at the prestigious Julliard), Deysi shares her culture and multitude of talents with our members, caregivers, staff and the greater community. She recently celebrated the one year anniversary of her one of a kind program, Herencia Latina, that celebrates the heritage and experiences of Spanish-speaking Latino older adults while catering the activities to accommodate all cognitive and physical abilities in a dignified and respectful manner.

Bilingual report — Ribbon cutting ceremony highlights safer pedestrian access to El Rio neighborhood of Oxnard

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Supervisor Kelly Long’s Office and the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA), in collaboration with community partners and local leaders, celebrated the completion of the El Rio Pedestrian Improvements Project with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of El Rio.

The event brought together members of the Rio School District, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP), Nyeland Promise Advisory Board, Gold Coast Transit District, construction teams, residents, and other key stakeholders who contributed to the project’s success. The celebration featured performances from children of the Mariachi Academy and folklórico dancers from the Rio School District, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the El Rio community.

STRIKE AVERTED: Healthcare Workers at Six Planned Parenthood Central Coast Clinics Reach Tentative Contract Settlement

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2025 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) and Planned Parenthood California Central Coast (PPCCC) have reached a tentative agreement that both supports the clinical staff of the organization as well as positions the organization to face the challenges ahead.

Cloverlane Foundation launches Nurses Project for students at Allan Hancock College

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — The nonprofit Cloverlane Foundation announced the launch of the Nurses Project, a new program to provide textbooks and other educational resources for nursing students with the initial savings for students of $35,000. Allan Hancock College is the first school selected to participate in what is intended to become a multi-college program.

Bilingual report — VCAAA Advisory Council seeks new members

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s (VCAAA) Advisory Council has several openings for new members. The Advisory Council is a volunteer-based body of advocates who share a mission to create and sustain programs that positively impact the lives of older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers in Ventura County.

Applications are currently being accepted for two positions:

Veterans’ representative
Service provider

Ventura County Technical Guidance Manual for Stormwater Quality Control Measures 2025 Reissuance Released, Online and Effective

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program (VCSQMP) is pleased to announce the availability of the Ventura County Technical Guidance Manual for Stormwater Quality Control Measures 2025 Reissuance (2025 TGM). The 2025 TGM is a comprehensive resource that provides sizing and design guidance for post-construction stormwater quality control measures that comply with requirements in the Regional Phase I Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit for stormwater and non-stormwater discharges within the coastal watersheds of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties (CAS004004, Order No. R4-2021-0105, 2021 Regional MS4 Permit).

Bilingual report — Nominations open for Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s LEGACY Awards

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The nomination period for the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s LEGACY Awards is now open. These awards recognize the contributions of Ventura County residents and businesses that are dedicated to helping older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers, to live optimally.

The deadline for submitting nominations is Monday, September 1, 2025. The winners will be announced in November. The nomination packet is attached.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Celebrate Summer, Skip the Plastic

by Community Contributor • June 5, 2025 • Comments Off

From ocean gyres to grocery aisles, plastic is all around us, and it puts our communities and planet at risk. This summer, we invite you to connect with local activists, explore bold solutions, and take action to reduce your plastic footprint. Join our June and July events at CEC’s Environmental Hub and kick off the season in plastic-free style!

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara June 10 Board of Supervisors meeting — Topics Include: Mental Health Services Act Update, Homelessness Update, Williamson Act Overview

by Community Contributor • June 5, 2025 • Comments Off

The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building
Board Hearing Room
511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.

Registration is open for free YMCA Safety Around Water Classes

by Community Contributor • June 4, 2025 • Comments Off

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Registration is open for the YMCA’s Safety Around Water (SAW) classes. The free, seven-session program provides water safety and basic swimming skills to youth and adults ages 5 and older with little or no water experience.

Weekly classes run from June 16 through August 9. Lessons are held during the late afternoon and early evening. SAW classes take place in the Simi Valley Family YMCA (3200 Cochran Street) and Yarrow Family YMCA (31105 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village) indoor swimming pools.

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

by Community Contributor • June 4, 2025 • Comments Off

… Did you know many employers will match your donation to Friendship Center? ?
That means your gift could go twice as far! Check with your HR department to see if your company matches charitable donations, then follow their process to request the match.

Nate’s Place awarded MHSA funding from Ventura County Behavioral Health to support teen-centered initiatives

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Nate’s Place – A Wellness and Recovery Center (Nate’s Place), a 501c3 nonprofit whose unique “recovery recipe” program is designed to support teens and young adults at risk of substance use and/or mental health challenges, is giving its teen drop-in center a new boost of programming and activities designed to provide enrolled teens with well-rounded mental health and wellness support after Ventura County Behavioral Health awarded the nonprofit a 12-month contract, effective July 1, 2025, toward this effort.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police ignite Flame of Hope for Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run on June 5

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2025 • Comments Off

This annual, non-competitive relay kicks off at historic Ventura City Hall, making its way east through the community. Ventura PD will then pass the torch to the Ventura Harbor Patrol, continuing the flame’s journey through Ventura County and toward the Southern California Summer Games in Long Beach, June 6–8, 2025.

“The Flame of Hope represents the courage and perseverance of Special Olympics athletes,” said Sergeant Ryan Reynosa, Special Olympics Liaison for the Ventura Police Department. “Team Ventura PD is honored to carry the torch, support fundraising, and champion inclusion and awareness for these inspiring individuals.”

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College, California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) announce new bachelor of science in nursing partnership

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2025 • Comments Off

“This collaboration with CSU Channel Islands is another example of how Hancock is working to remove barriers and create seamless pathways for students to pursue higher education and meaningful careers,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Nurses are in high demand across the state, and this program will help our students advance their careers while serving their communities.”

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) breaks ground May 30 at new flagship westside medical facility

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics has announced finalized plans to build a new Westside Clinic near the location of its current Westside Neighborhood Clinic. This facility will provide expanded medical services to more than 8,300 local children, adults and seniors annually.

Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) hiring team members in Oxnard

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2025 • Comments Off

We’re building power – and we’re building our team.

CAUSE is excited to announce that we’re hiring two new team members in Oxnard to grow our environmental justice organizing and advocacy work.

Right now, powerful industries are trying to turn our communities into sacrifice zones – polluting our air, threatening our health, and putting profit over people. And with growing attacks from the federal level, we know we need bold, grassroots leadership now more than ever. That’s why we’re expanding our team to meet this moment.

Moorpark College joins forces with Lifetech Resources to supports student well-being

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2025 • Comments Off

“At Moorpark College, we believe that student success begins with meeting their basic needs,” said Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College. “This generous contribution from Lifetech Resources allows us to further remove barriers to education by ensuring our students have access to essential hygiene products. We are grateful for this partnership and the shared commitment to uplifting our community.”

Guest contribution — Planned Parenthood California Central Coast Workers announce two-day strike over unfair labor practices

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2025 • Comments Off

CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST – Frontline Healthcare workers at six Planned Parenthood California Central Coast (PPCCC) clinics in Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and San Luis Obispo, have announced they will go on a two-day strike on June 10 and 11 in response to management’s continued unfair labor practices and refusal to address a deepening staffing crisis. The announcement follows nine months of attempted bargaining and a unanimous vote to authorize the strike earlier this month.

“We don’t want to go on strike, but we feel like we have to,” said Emily Medal, a Clinician at Planned Parenthood Santa Barbara. “We need management to stop bargaining in bad faith so that we can finally address short staffing. Our patients wait for weeks for an appointment, rearrange their whole day, often arranging childcare or missing work, and they can’t even get seen, or are rushed through. That’s not care. That’s a crisis.”

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • May 29, 2025 • Comments Off

Memorial Rose Garden Unveiled at the Government Center Honoring Supervisor Carmen Ramirez …

Recently close friends and family gathered at the Ventura County Government Center to honor the legacy of Supervisor Carmen Ramirez with the unveiling of a new rose garden in her memory.

Located between the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Justice, the garden, constructed by our General Services Agency, features vibrant roses and peaceful benches, offering a space to reflect on Supervisor Ramirez’s lifelong dedication to justice and public service.

May her memory continue to inspire our community.

Ventura County Public Health, VC-ASH, and Tobacco Cessation Programs Mark World No Tobacco Day 2025 on May 31

by Community Contributor • May 29, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Health, in partnership with Ventura County Action on Smoking and Health (VC-ASH) proudly joins the global community in recognizing World No Tobacco Day on May 31. This day, established by the World Health Organization, raises awareness about the health and environmental harms caused by tobacco use and highlights efforts to promote tobacco-free living.

The 2025 theme, “Unmasking the Appeal,” focuses on exposing the tactics tobacco companies use to attract youth through flavored products and marketing strategies. These deceptive appeals contribute to tobacco’s status as the leading cause of preventable disease and death worldwide.

“Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness worldwide,” said Vicky Gonzales of Ventura County Public Health. “We are committed to empowering Ventura County residents with the information and resources they need to quit and to protect our youth from the harmful influence of tobacco and nicotine products.”

Ventura County Fire Dept. to conduct prescribed burn in Adams Canyon

by Community Contributor • May 29, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) plans to conduct a prescribed burn in Adams Canyon, north of Santa Paula, on June 3rd, 4thor 5th weather permitting. This controlled burn is part of ongoing efforts to improve ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk. A window of 3 days is provided to ensure the safest weather conditions are used, and the burn will be conducted on only one of the 3 days listed.

Adams Canyon is located north of Santa Paula, south of Thomas Aquinas College, and west of Steckel Park. Firefighters will utilize hand-ignition techniques to carefully burn up to 100 acres. A small test burn will be conducted beforehand to confirm optimal conditions before proceeding with the full burn.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura and ForeFront Power complete citywide solar portfolio

by Community Contributor • May 29, 2025 • Comments Off

New solar canopies support Ventura’s Climate Action Plan and will save $2.3 million in energy costs

VENTURA — The City of Ventura held a ribbon-cutting ceremony (May 29) celebrating the completion of a new 900 kilowatt-DC solar portfolio, marking a major milestone in the City’s commitment to sustainability and long-term cost savings. Developed in partnership with ForeFront Power, the project features solar parking canopies at two high-usage facilities: the Ventura Police and Fire Headquarters and Ventura Community Park.

Ventura County Public Works Agency completes El Rio Pedestrian Improvements Project. Ribbon cutting on June 2

by Community Contributor • May 29, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Supervisor Kelly Long’s Office and the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the El Rio Pedestrian Improvements Project on Monday, June 2 at 12:00 p.m. The event will take place in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church of El Rio, 2857 Cortez St., Oxnard.

The pedestrian improvements – which began in July 2024 — closes sidewalk gaps within the El Rio community, providing accessible pedestrian walkways along three residential roadways: Stroube Street, Walnut Drive and a portion of Cortez Street.

Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons joins Cottage Health Board of Directors

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health has elected Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons to its Board of Directors. A respected physician leader with nearly two decades of clinical and administrative experience, Dr. Fitzgibbons brings deep expertise in infectious diseases, public health and medical education.

She serves as Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and holds multiple medical directorships within Cottage Health, including for Infection Prevention and Control and the Cottage Center for Population Health. Dr. Fitzgibbons is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. A proud alumnus of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), she is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at UCSB. Throughout her career, Dr. Fitzgibbons has led local pandemic responses, directed quality initiatives and championed equitable, community-based care.

Bilingual commentary — Ventura County: ‘God’s Country’

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2025 • Comments Off

My extended family consists of about 60 cousins and an untold number of their children. My paternal grandparents had 14 children, and one of those children had 14 children. Sometimes I think I must be related to half the population of Los Angeles.

We cousins are scattered all over the map. I grew up next door to five of them, all brothers. One lives in Tokyo, Japan. Another is in Manchester, England. Two are near Seattle, Washington. One remains in Los Angeles.

District 216 provides news updates, upcoming events

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2025 • Comments Off

Topic: “Surviving Chronic Pain Through Psychedelic Therapy”

Description: A long and beautiful life opened by psychedelics led Paul to gurus, God, volunteering in India and Guatemala and so many other amazing planes. But NOTHING has opened him like being in chronic pain, and he swore when he got out that he would share his experience and help others. We will start the evening with an interactive element before the interview.

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District — New website improves access to air quality info

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District has launched a new website that makes it much easier for the public to access information and services and connect with district staff.

Rebuilt from the ground up to replace the district’s original 2006 website, the new digital hub at vcacpd.org also streamlines the process for staff to keep it updated.

Among the new features are colorful dials on the homepage that provide real-time air quality data from the district’s monitoring stations in El Rio, Ojai, Piru, Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks.

Local Medi-Cal health plan earns accreditation from National Committee for Quality Assurance

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — CenCal Health, the Medi-Cal managed care plan for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, announced that it has received accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for its Medi-Cal (Medicaid HMO) program on the Central Coast. By successfully demonstrating its commitment to high-quality healthcare, operational efficiency and member experience, CenCal Health earned accreditation for its quality of managed care operations.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosts fire and EMS Graduations in Lompoc

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2025 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — Allan Hancock College celebrated a new crop of first responders on May 16 as a combined 68 cadets graduated from the college’s fire and emergency medical services (EMS) academies.?

The graduates were honored during two ceremonies at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC) in Lompoc.??

“This graduating class embodies the future of public safety,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “They’ve undergone rigorous training and are ready to step into their roles as first responders, serving and protecting our communities.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services — Free dog adoptions for dogs in our care for 100+ days

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2025 • Comments Off

Over 50 amazing dogs have been in our care for more than 100 days! To help them find loving homes, we’re offering a fee-waived adoption promotion for these long-stay pets.

Please note: All adoption procedures still apply despite promotions.

Adoption Hours: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Tuesday – Sunday
Locations: Camarillo & Simi Valley Animal Shelters
View Available Animals: www.vcas.us/pets
Learn About the Adoption Process: www.vcas.us/adopt

Friendship Center in Santa Barbara — The Friendly Finch: Spring Special!

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2025 • Comments Off

While spring is in full bloom and our days are buzzing with activity at Friendship Center, I’m writing with a sincere request: we need your help.

This week marks the launch of our Spring Appeal, and we’re working toward raising $50,000 to support the rapidly growing needs of our senior members living with dementia—and the family caregivers who rely on us to provide safe, engaging, and expert care.

If you’ve been following our journey, you’ve seen how quickly we’re growing. Since the start of 2025 we have:

County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting of May 20 to discuss Emergency Shelters Zoning Ordinance Amendments, Prohousing Designation, Public Safety Realignment Plan, Grand Jury Epidemic Response

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Senior Concerns in Thousand Oaks honors 150 Family Caregivers at annual recognition event

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — On Tuesday, May 6, Senior Concerns hosted 150 family caregivers at Caregiver Recognition Day at Los Robles Greens in Thousand Oaks.

This at-capacity event, themed “Invigorating Your Caregiver Power,” offered a restorative and empowering experience for attendees, who are often the silent heroes behind the health and well-being of aging loved ones. Caregivers enjoyed a complimentary lunch, motivating presentations, and thoughtful gifts.

“So many family caregivers noted that they arrived feeling overwhelmed and fatigued,” said Martha Shapiro, director of programs at Senior Concerns. “At the end of the event, most attendees reported feeling inspired and appreciated. This event is our way of wrapping them with care and giving them tools and encouragement to keep going.”

Community Environmental Council (CEC)— Santa Barbara County votes to phase out oil drilling

by Community Contributor • May 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Thanks to your support, on Tuesday, May 13, the County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors voted to direct county staff to develop an oil phaseout ordinance. More than two dozen community members attended in-person or virtually to provide public comment, mostly in support of ending oil drilling and phasing out existing wells. The Community Environmental Council (CEC) partnered with the Sierra Club Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, the Environmental Defense Center, Climate First: Replacing Oil & Gas (CFROG) and more than 50 other organizations on this call to action.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Dept. — “Click It or Ticket” campaign reminds Californians to always buckle up

by Community Contributor • May 14, 2025 • Comments Off

“Buckling up takes seconds, but it can save your life,” said Corporal David Curtis. “Every person in every vehicle — no matter their age or where they’re sitting — deserves that protection. Wearing a seat belt should be second nature, every trip, every time.”

Speak Out on May 13 to Support Climate Action and Ensure Oil Drilling Has an End Date

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2025 • Comments Off

On Tuesday, May 13, the County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors will hear a staff presentation on the potential to prohibit new oil drilling and phase out oil operations in Santa Barbara County. This is a critical opportunity to advocate for a cleaner future for the California Central Coast.

By pledging to phase out oil drilling, Santa Barbara has the chance to be a climate leader and demonstrate a clear commitment to a healthier, cleaner county for all. Help us ensure oil drilling in our county has an end date.

To learn more about the hearing, explore the agenda here and the staff report here. Our agenda item, Address Emissions from Oil and Gas Operations, is the eighth and final item on the agenda. See the Learn More section below for additional background information and resources.

Guest contribution — Planned Parenthood California Central Coast Workers vote to authorize a strike over unfair labor practices

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2025 • Comments Off

CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST – Frontline healthcare workers at Planned Parenthood California Central Coast (PPCCC) have voted to authorize a strike over management’s unfair labor practices and refusal to address the urgent short-staffing crisis. The workers overwhelmingly approved the strike with a 100% vote following months of failed negotiations and continued bad-faith bargaining by Planned Parenthood management.

Ventura EcoFest 2025 draws thousands to celebrate Earth Day and sustainability

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2025 • Comments Off

“We’re grateful to our incredible community for showing up and showing heart,” said Lisa Hildebrand, Executive Director, Ventura Charter School. “EcoFest is more than just a celebration, it’s a powerful reminder of how small actions, taken together, can shape a more sustainable future.” Guests of all ages enjoyed a rich array of experiences, including:

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