Category: Health

Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons joins Cottage Health Board of Directors

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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.

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

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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. 

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District 216 provides news updates, upcoming events

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.” 

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

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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

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

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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:

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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

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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.

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

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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.”

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

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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.

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

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“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.”

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Ventura EcoFest 2025 draws thousands to celebrate Earth Day and sustainability

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“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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From free film screenings and public talks to advocacy meetups, Community Environmental Council’s Environmental Hub is a space where community members can gather, learn, and lead

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Immerse yourself in an evening of Wild Hope.

Through captivating storytelling, the PBS series Wild Hope

explores bold climate solutions, showcases nature’s resilience, and sparks renewed hope for the future of our planet. We invite you to join us for special screenings and an evening of inspiration, emceed by local author and Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Humes.

Thursday, May 15, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

CEC’s Environmental Hub

1219 State St., Santa Barbara

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County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting of May 13 to discuss environmental health service fees, options to address emissions from oil & gas operations

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The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 
9 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, 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. 

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Cottage Health President Emeritus Ron Werft Honored with national award from American Hospital Association

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is proud to announce that Ron Werft, former President and CEO and now president emeritus has received the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) 2025 Board of Trustees Award. The national recognition honors individuals or groups who have made substantial and noteworthy contributions to the mission and work of the AHA on behalf of the hospital field. Werft was presented with the award on May 5 during the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura announces Mountain Fire Debris Removal Fully Complete for Properties Enrolled in the County-led Debris Removal Program

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“Our Environmental Health Division team, along with our hired contractors and State partners, approached this effort with great care as we managed the program and supported property owners throughout the process”, said Charles Genkel, Environmental Health Division Director. “This wasn’t just about clearing debris. It was about helping people take an important step toward healing and recovery. As we move into the rebuilding phase, the County remains committed to supporting property owners every step of the way.” 

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Ventura County Grand Jury announces release of its report Water Rates for the City of Ventura and the Underground Dam in Foster Park

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura supplies water to its residents from three main sources: the Ventura River, Lake Casitas, and three groundwater sources.

In the early 1900s, an underground dam was built across the Ventura River in Foster Park to supply water to the growing city of Ventura. However, construction of the dam was halted about 300 feet short of the design due to the increasing depth of bedrock and rising inflow of groundwater.

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Cottage Health partners with clearway health to launch specialty pharmacy program

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health has partnered with Clearway Health, a specialty pharmacy services company, to develop a specialty pharmacy program that enhances patient access to medications with concierge-level service at a lower cost. This collaboration brings personalized pharmacy support to Cottage Health’s specialty outpatient clinics, enhancing patient access to medications.

The program is designed to simplify the prescription process by assisting with insurance approvals, financial assistance, medication delivery, and ongoing support, making it easier for patients to manage their treatment without delays or added stress.

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Bilingual report — Ventura PD urges drivers to stay alert during National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

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VENTURA — With the return of warmer weather and an increase in motorcycles on the road, Ventura PD reminds drivers to share the road, reduce crashes, and help save lives throughout May, recognized nationally as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

“Motorcycles can easily be overlooked in traffic, making it essential to check your mirrors and blind spots carefully,” said Corporal David Curtis. “A simple second glance can prevent a tragedy. Unlike drivers in cars, motorcyclists lack the protection of a vehicle frame. We all share the responsibility to help keep our roads safe.”

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Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. — Safety Tips for Cinco De Mayo

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SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Department invites those who are attending festivities to celebrate responsibly during the weekend leading up to Cinco De Mayo, which is Monday, May 5th.

Residents, business owners, and drivers are encouraged to be vigilant and report drunk drivers by dialing 911. If you are driving to Cinco De May celebrations over the next several days, please make responsible choices and designate a sober driver to get you home. Rideshare and public transportation are also available.

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Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Felix Nuñez to Assume Permanent Role

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CAMARILLO  — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) announced the appointment of Dr. Felix Nuñez as Chief Executive Officer. A seasoned family physician and health care executive with nearly three decades of experience in managed care and health care delivery, Dr. Nuñez will lead GCHP’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, equitable care to more than 240,000 Medi-Cal members in Ventura County.

Dr. Nuñez joined GCHP in 2022 as associate chief medical officer and assumed the role of chief medical officer the following year. He assumes the CEO role following an eight-month tenure as Acting CEO. His three-year contract starts May 1, 2025, and runs through April 30, 2028.

“I have dedicated my life’s work to vulnerable populations and underserved communities, and I am happy that I can continue to lead that important work in Ventura County,” Dr. Nuñez said. “I look forward to strengthening GCHP’s partnerships, expanding access to high quality care for our members, and continuing to build a health plan that contributes to the overall health and wellbeing of our community.”

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Bilingual commentary — Helping Someone in Emotional Pain

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It is painful when we accompany someone who is in emotional pain. To some extent, we carry their pain along with them as they suffer. Watching someone we love or care about in the depths of hopelessness, worry or despair is emotionally taxing for us. This is compassion, something that the late Pope Francis tried to instill in us.

There are right ways and there are wrong ways to try helping someone who is in emotional pain.

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Bilingual report — May is National Bicycle Safety Month: Ventura PD encourages safer streets for all

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To help protect bicyclists and pedestrians, the Ventura Police Department will conduct a focused traffic safety operation throughout the month, aimed at addressing violations that endanger people walking and biking. Enforcement efforts will focus on speeding, illegal turns, failure to yield, and stop sign or red light violations.

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UCSB — The Current — ALL-VIDEO EDITION: Press Play on Our Research Rewind

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Restoring Dunes to Protect Shores

Marine Science Institute researchers have found that restored dunes at Santa Monica Beach can help protect that section of California’s coast from the severe storms and sea-level rise that come with a warming ocean.

Watch to learn about dune restoration

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Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital earn an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH) and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (GVCH) both earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety.

Leapfrog assigns an “A,” through “F” grade to hospitals across the country based on over 30 quality and safety performance measures and the systems hospitals have in place to prevent patient harm.

“This recognition speaks to our team’s commitment to safety and excellence,” said Scott Wester, President & CEO of Cottage Health. “It is a reflection of our work to provide a safe and healing environment for patients.

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CSUCI awards area business and non-profit partners during Connections Breakfast

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CAMARILLO — Representatives from area businesses, the non-profit sector, the health industry, and a faculty member from the campus were recognized as valuable partners to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) during the annual CSUCI Connections Breakfast.

The sold-out event took place on campus where participants had a chance to mingle and look over student research projects on display before sitting down to breakfast and welcome remarks from CSUCI Vice President for Advancement Richard LeRoy and President Richard Yao.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura appoints Roger Robinson new Human Services Agency Director

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VENTURA — The County of Ventura has named Roger Robinson as the new director for the Ventura County Human Service Agency. Robinson was selected following an extensive recruitment process, which included both internal and external candidates. He steps into the role following the retirement of former director Melissa Livingston this month.

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Family Service Agency Event Highlights Critical Need for Youth Mental Health Support in Santa Maria

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SANTA MARIA —  More than 50 community leaders, school administrators, local government representatives, and concerned parents gathered on April 10th at the Santa Maria Public Library for Family Service Agency’s (FSA) impactful luncheon focused on youth mental health. The event showcased FSA’s comprehensive approach to supporting youth mental health across Santa Barbara County and highlighted the organization’s significant impact in the community.

“We all need help sometimes, and FSA is universal in their approach in that FSA serves the entire county and communities in which they live, meaning there is ‘no wrong door’ to access services for anyone in need,” said Teressa Johnes, FSA board member, during her opening remarks. Johnes emphasized FSA’s unique ability to serve individuals across the entire lifespan, from prenatal care to senior services for those in their golden years.

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Port of Hueneme, shipping lines, corporate leaders receive awards

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VENTURA — International industry leaders came together at Alta Sea at the Port of Los Angeles April 16 for the annual Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) Awards Ceremony, which recognized the top-performing shipping lines for the 2024 season and celebrated 10 seasons of the program. 

The busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere offered a fitting place to recognize shipping industry leaders who move cargo all over the globe for their exemplary efforts in the most impactful BWBS season yet. 

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Bilingual reports — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — GRANT OPPORTUNITY for California Restaurants, Food Trucks and Caterers

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RESTAURANTS CARE RESILIENCE FUND

Restaurants Care, a nonprofit program of the California Restaurant Foundation, has awarded $7.3 million in grants to 1,603 independent restaurants across California—supporting burger joints, taquerias, bakeries and more. In 2025, Restaurants Care is offering two grant opportunities to help restaurants thrive: $10,000 grants for LA County restaurants and food trucks impacted by the 2025 LA Fires and $5,000 grants for restaurants and commercial caterers in select CA counties (including Ventura & Santa Barbara!) to build resilience. Restaurants Care was created in 2017 as a safety net for food and beverage workers. To learn more about their fund for food and beverage workers, click here.

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VCFD Junior Fire Academy registration opens May 1 – May 8

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CAMARILLO — Ventura County Fire Department will accept registrations for our Junior Fire Academy from 9am May 1, 2025 to 5pm May 8, 2025 (or earlier if all spots are filled).

The department will offer three, five-day sessions for girls and boys ages 13 to 15. Sessions are taught by firefighters and include hands-on activities, interactive learning, and field trips. Each session is limited to 30 spaces, which will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants will be able to register for the program starting on May 1st, 2025 at https://vcfd.org/junior-fire-academy

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UCSB — The Current — Giovanni Batz wins book prize for ‘The Fourth Invasion’ for more news, events

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Distilling more than a decade of ethnographic research, the book examines ongoing resource exploitation in Guatemala by multinational corporations that fund and operate hydroelectric projects.

Read more about the “invasion”

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Ventura County Community Foundation — April 2025

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Last month, the Isabella Project was delighted to unveil our murals at Glen City Elementary to the Santa Paula community. The art celebrates the importance of highest-quality early childhood education in our community, and we are so grateful to everyone who joined us for such a special occasion. Watch the highlight reel and view the photo gallery below!

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Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula to Celebrate grand opening of Santa Paula Creek Sports Park on May 3

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The Grand Opening Celebration will offer a full afternoon of fun and excitement for the whole family. Guests will enjoy live drills and demonstrations by Santa Paula’s talented youth softball and soccer teams, showcasing the community’s athletic spirit. A live band will take the stage at the new amphitheater, filling the park with music and energy.

Food lovers can grab a bite from a selection of local food trucks, while kids explore the Parks & Recreation equipment displays or hop aboard a charming kids’ train ride. The celebration will also feature interactive booths hosted by community-based organizations, offering educational resources and hands-on activities.

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Ventura County jurisdictions provide 40 tons of Agromin Compost and mulch to local schools during fourth quarter 2024 at no cost to schools

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OXNARD — The cities of Oxnard and Ventura, along with the County of Ventura, enlisted the help of Agromin, California’s largest organics recycler and manufacturer of environmentally friendly soil products, to distribute 40 tons of compost and mulch to local schools during the last quarter of 2024. This distribution was coordinated by Ventura County Farm to School, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting environmental, agricultural and nutrition education.

Schools receiving compost and mulch for their school gardens included Haycox Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, Mesa High School, Oxnard High School, Rio Del Norte Elementary School, Rio Del Sol STEAM School, Rio Del Valle Middle School, Rio Real Elementary, Tierra Vista Elementary, and Sunset Elementary School.

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Ventura College Opens Lokahi Lab in Santa Paula, Part of Veterinary Technology Program

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SANTA PAULA — Ventura College’s Veterinary Technology (Vet Tech) program recently began using the Lokahi Lab, a new 2,000-square-foot teaching space built to support veterinary hands-on skills training. The lab is in Santa Paula, adjacent to Ventura College’s East Campus.

The lab was built with donations to the Lokahi Foundation, a Ventura-based nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the veterinary workforce.

Lokahi Foundation founders Dr. Janis Shinkawa and Dr. Jill Muraoka are two of the founding partners of Ohana Pet Hospital, with locations in Ventura, Santa Paula, and Agoura Hills. In 2017, the two veterinarians collaborated with Ventura College to develop a start-up Vet Tech program to help fulfill the growing need for Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) and qualified veterinary assistants in Ventura County. 

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Bilingual report — Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival takes over Alameda Park April 26 & 27, 2025

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Now in its 55th year, the community-organized festival is one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country and is one of the largest Earth Day festivals on the West Coast. Presented by the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and produced by longtime festival partner, CarpEvents, the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival continues to serve as a beacon for environmental advocacy and education.

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Ventura County Fire Dept. paramedics administer first whole blood transfusion in the field, a Statewide First!

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VENTURA COUNTY — In a landmark moment for emergency medical services, Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) paramedics assigned to Rescue Ambulance 50 administered the first-ever prehospital whole blood transfusion in the state of California during a response in the City of Oxnard last night.

The historic incident underscores the success of a highly coordinated, multi-agency effort involving the Ventura County Fire Department, the Ventura County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency, and Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) — all working together to bring this advanced lifesaving capability to the field.

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — WE WON’T STOP

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We get it. The daily barrage of bad news punctuated by heartbreaking environmental crises is enough to make anyone want to shut down.

But the Community Environmental Council’s team of 28 Board and Staff members are not tuning out. We are still very much in this — working every day to ensure that the California Central Coast is a tangible, real-world model of what healthy, equitable, climate-safe communities can look like.

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Last Chance! Register now for CEC’s Climate Stewards Course

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Are you ready to lead grassroots climate action?
CEC’s Spring Climate Stewards Course begins April 16.
CEC Climate Stewards are leading a groundswell of Climate Action across California’s central coast. If you are looking for ways to have a positive impact in your community, CEC’s Climate Stewards certification program can equip you with the skills and confidence to take individual and collective action.

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Dr. Amir Jalilian Joins Cottage Primary Care–Goleta

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Dr. Jalilian is board-certified in family medicine and a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Iran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services in Tehran, Iran where he also served as a primary care and emergency medicine physician. Dr. Jalilian completed his family medicine residency at University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa and went on to practice medicine at Peace Health Medical Group in Florence, Oregon. Prior to joining Cottage Health, he cared for patients at Santa Barbara Health Care Center, a public health clinic under the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.

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Lumina Alliance launches ‘Light the Way’ lifeline vampaign to dustain vital services for survivors

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SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance has launched the Light the Way lifeline campaign, a bold three-year, $5 million fundraising initiative to ensure that survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence in San Luis Obispo County continue to have access to life-saving resources. With nearly half of the organization’s funding at risk due to potential federal funding cuts, vital services—including emergency shelter, therapy, and crisis intervention—are in jeopardy.

“For thousands of survivors in San Luis Obispo County, Lumina Alliance is their only lifeline,” said Jennifer Adams, CEO of Lumina Alliance. “Without urgent funding, we risk losing the essential services that help survivors heal and rebuild their lives.”

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