“Our goal is to strengthen connections within your team and inspire collaboration among new ones,” said Recreation Supervisor Tyler Nelson. “Together, you’ll gain a renewed sense of unity both on and off the field.”
On view now through January 11, 2026
Harvey Cusworth fell in love with drawing and illustration at the age of eleven. Born and raised in West Los Angeles, Cusworth earned a BFA in illustration and graphic design from Brigham Young University in Utah and later an MFA from California State University, Long Beach. After starting a family and helping grow the family construction business, Harvey set his sights on teaching.
For nearly two decades, Cusworth taught Advanced
VENTURA — Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) is excited to announce its upcoming Holiday Heroes Rappel event for pediatric patients. On Monday, Dec. 15, members of the Urban Search and Rescue Regional Task Force, including firefighters from Oxnard, Ventura City, and Ventura County, will dress as Santa Claus and beloved holiday characters such as elves and rappel from the hospital roof to the pediatric unit playground.
SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the October Round-Up Campaign hosted by the Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center. Over the course of the 33-day campaign, customers were invited to round up their purchases at checkout or make an additional donation, directly benefiting Hospice of Santa Barbara’s services.
The campaign successfully raised an impressive $10,000 for Hospice of Santa Barbara. This significant total was achieved through the generosity of approximately 20,000 customers, highlighting the community-wide reach of the effort. 100% of the funds benefit Hospice of Santa Barbara services, which are provided at no cost.
“We are deeply grateful to Gary Simpson and the entire Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center team for their continued generosity and for hosting this successful campaign,” said David Selberg, Hospice of Santa Barbara CEO.
OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) is excited to announce the official launch of its 2025 Holiday Bus, The Holiday Express: Ride into the Magic. Inspired by the timeless Polar Express Christmas story, this year’s festive bus invites riders of all ages to step aboard and experience the wonder of the season.
GCTD hosted a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, December 3rd, where community members, staff, and local leaders gathered to witness the unveiling of the transformed bus. Wrapped in winter scenery, twinkling lights and whimsical holiday illustrations, The Holiday Express sets the stage for a magical ride throughout Ventura County.
VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department invites local teens to step behind the scenes of real police work as applications open for the Teen Explorer Program. Designed for high school students ages 14–18, the program offers a rare, hands-on look at law enforcement while helping young people build confidence, leadership skills, and lasting connections in their community.
CENTRAL COAST — NOAA’s Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applications to fill seven seats on its advisory council. The Sanctuary Advisory Council ensures public participation in sanctuary matters and provides advice on sanctuary management.
VENTURA — In October, the City of Ventura mailed Proposition 218 notices to all Ventura Water customers and property owners to inform them about proposed adjustments to water and wastewater rates. These adjustments are needed to ensure that Ventura Water is able to upgrade aging infrastructure, meet stricter state and federal requirements, and continue to provide reliable service for years to come.
SCORE: BUSINESS LAW AND RELATED TAX TOPICS FOR EMERGING BUSINESS
December 8 @ 8:00 am
SCORE KC’s Business Law and Related Tax Topics for Emerging Businesses webinar will help you decide when and how to utilize legal advice, such as forming your business, operating your business, growing your business, addressing related business law issues, and understanding related tax law issues. Price: $10.00.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
OJAI — The City of Ojai has partnered with Agromin, California’s largest organics recycler, to provide residents with free compost and mulch through a new coupon program.
The program helps the city comply with Senate Bill 1383’s greenhouse gas reduction requirements while offering residents high-quality soil amendments at no cost.
Residents can order bagged or bulk materials directly from Agromin at www.shop.agromin.com by selecting their products and entering the corresponding coupon code at checkout.
Pickup is available at Agromin (201 Kinetic Drive, Oxnard) or Aqua-Flo Ojai (1940 E Ojai Ave., Ojai). Delivery is available for a fee.
VENTURA — Ventura College is proud to announce that its Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program has been ranked first in the state of California and in the nation for its exceptional National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) first-time pass rate, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
OXNARD — Celebrate the season on Sat., Dec. 6th, at the Oxnard Christmas Parade. This year’s theme “A Storybook Christmas” will showcase creative floats, colorful marching bands, equestrian units, local school groups, and the man of the hour – Santa! This year’s Grand Marshal is Anderson .Paak. It all begins at 10:00 a.m. on Sat., Dec. 6th. Stake out your viewing spot on the route on A Street from 9th to 5th and north on C Streets in Downtown Oxnard.
As a boy, I found myself drawn to the magnificence of the sun. However, having grown up in Los Angeles, we often lived under a smoggy sun. But we and our plants and animals soaked in whatever sunlight we could get to nourish and animate our souls.
In my high school years, I often went to the beach with friends. It felt wonderful to be out body-surfing the waves that were themselves powered by the light of the sun. On the other hand, there was scant awareness back then about the dangers of excessive exposure to sunlight. I’ve been lucky. Only one surgery, so far at least, to remove a spot of basal cell carcinoma on my nose.
Through the initiative, VCL is inviting residents across Ventura County to share their ideas and feedback to help ensure that the library continues to meet the evolving needs of its diverse communities.
The planning effort will gather public input to:
• Identify community needs and opportunities
• Provide optimum access to resources and technology
• Design innovative programs that inspire and empower
• Create inclusive and welcoming library spaces
• Ensure alignment with the County of Ventura Strategic Plan
CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) recently discovered that one of its contracted business partners suffered a cyberattack that resulted in the potential disclosure of member information to an unauthorized third party.
Conduent Business Solutions, a longtime administrative services vendor for GCHP, reported that the cyberattack compromised a single employee’s email account, permitting the attacker to gain access to some files between Oct. 21, 2024, and Jan. 13, 2025. Upon discovery of the incident on Jan. 13, 2025, Conduent immediately safeguarded its systems and started an investigation. Conduent notified law enforcement of the incident and engaged a leading cybersecurity firm to assess the potential disclosure of protected health information.
SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is honored to invite the community to its 42nd Annual Light Up a Life ceremonies. This cherished holiday tradition returns to offer a warm, uniting space for the communities of Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Carpinteria to remember and honor the loved ones whose absence is felt during the holiday season. The ceremonies are free and open to the public.
While the holiday season is often associated with joy, it frequently stirs a complex mix of feelings. For individuals navigating this time while grieving a loss, the emotions can be especially raw. HSB understands that this period requires both remembrance and support, which is why we proudly host Light Up a Life annually to honor those who are deeply missed.
Application Period Timeline: For fiscal year 2025-2026, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during:
January 5, 2026 – January 26, 2026
March 2, 2026 – March 16, 2026
“Today is the day you’ve been eagerly waiting for after more than a year,” Guadalupe Police Chief Michael Cash told the graduating recruits. “You have overcome every obstacle presented to you to get to this moment.”
“As we close out this Special Election, I want to thank our voters and our dedicated election workers,” said Registrar Michelle Ascencion. “Even with a compressed timeline, the community showed its commitment to participating in and supporting the election process. I’m grateful for everyone who took the time to vote, and of course for our election workers and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure every legal ballot was validated and counted with care.”
VENTURA — Celebrate the holiday season with family and friends aboard Island Packers, (the official concessionaire to the Channel Islands) as part of company’s seasonal offerings, including a holiday caroling cruises, Ventura Harbor 49th Annual Parade of Lights & Fireworks Cruise with select weekly departures from Ventura Harbor, and winter whale watching www.islandpackers.com Seasonal options include:
One-hour Holiday Caroling Cruise in Ventura Harbor on selected dates between December 5 – December 23, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Enjoy a cruise through the harbor to view holiday lights in the main channels of the marinas. Listen or sing to seasonal music. Dates are December 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23. The fare is $24 per adult, $ 22 per senior (55+), and $18 per child.
The Art, Design & Architecture Museum hosts a celebration of the late artist’s legacy and his impact on the Chicano Art Movement in California.
VENTURA — This week marks the eighth anniversary of the Thomas Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in California history. Since 2017, the City of Ventura has remained focused on supporting impacted homeowners, strengthening wildfire preparedness, and improving the transparency of the rebuilding process.
As of November 2025, 404 homes have been completely rebuilt and approved for occupancy, 31 permits are under active construction, and another 18 more are under plan review. The City’s Thomas Fire Rebuild Overlay Zone, established in 2018 to support recovery by reducing fees, simplifying development standards, and providing greater design flexibility, will expire on December 31, 2025. Property owners who wish to rebuild under these provisions must submit a complete and substantial building permit application, including all required plans, before the expiration date.
View this email online The next regular meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2025 County Administration Building Board Hearing Room, 4th Floor 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara The public may participate…
As we imagine the future of music, community, and creative belonging in Santa Barbara, I’m thrilled to share an exciting update on the Academy’s Music Education Center. This visionary new hub at 901 State Street—made possible by a landmark $20 million commitment from Academy Board Member and Music Education Center Founding Contributor Cheryl Goldberg—reflects the Music Academy’s belief in music as a powerful force for connection, inspiration, and the cultural vitality of our city.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is seeking holiday gift donations for those impacted by the Mountain and Los Angeles Fires. Its Gifts of Hope holiday shopping experience is on December 10 at the Yarrow Family YMCA. It will provide parents and guardians who lost their homes in the fires an opportunity to “shop” for new, donated gifts for their children at no cost.
VENTURA COUNTY — Passionate about fostering creativity and community through improvisational comedy, Ventura Improv Company has been bringing laughter to Ventura County since 1989. Ventura Improv Company is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Slated for summer 2028, in the runup to the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, the team’s Preparation Camp at UCSB is expected to be one of its largest ever.
THOUSAND OAKS — Senior Concerns, a leading nonprofit serving older adults and family caregivers throughout western Los Angeles and eastern Ventura counties, held its 4th Annual “Par and Away” Golf Tournament presented by Logix Federal Credit Union on November 18 at Moorpark Country Club.
More than 200 golfers, sponsors, and supporters participated to raise critical funds for programs that support seniors across the region.
The tournament featured breakfast, the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders, a putting contest, on-course games and activities, and exceptional food and drink vendors throughout the day. An awards dinner with former Los Angeles Dodgers catcher and two-time World Series Champion, and former manager of the Los Angeles Angels, Mike Scioscia, and auctioneer Zack Krone led the live auction.
How is it December… who did this?!? Between the holiday closures and the quick pace of this past month, it felt like we blinked and it was over. With three program closure days in November, and three again in December, I know how challenging that change in schedule can be for caregivers juggling a hundred things at once. That’s why I’m especially proud that this month, we’re once again offering three free Saturday respite days as a holiday gift to caregivers: a gift of time.
SANTA PAULA — The season of giving has officially begun at Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.). Last week, the charity hosted its third annual “Pupsgiving,” whereby C.A.R.L. supporters donated $25 each for a Thanksgiving meal for the non-profit’s 50-plus dogs currently available for adoption at its Santa Paula-based sanctuary.
Canines housed at C.A.R.L. had a healthy heaping of turkey, mashed potatoes and carrots with peas, which the new Governance Board members at C.A.R.L. personally delivered to each dog.
SCORE: STRATEGIES TO IDENTIFY AND REACH YOUR TARGET CUSTOMERS
December 2 @ 9:00 am
In this Marketing workshop, SCORE will start by helping you identify your target market.
VENTURA — To prepare for upcoming winter weather, the City of Ventura has reactivated its Foul Weather Shelter Plan to provide temporary shelter and “stay warm” packs to Ventura’s most vulnerable residents during extreme weather events, such as severe rain, high winds, or low temperatures. Effective December 1, 2025, the The Foul Weather Shelter Plan will run through March 31, 2026.
To date, more than 4,650 meals have been provided, 280 stay warm packs distributed, and over 435 individuals have received shelter through the program.
“Ventura has an active community of local social service providers and nonprofits that work together to serve the needs of our most vulnerable population,” said Housing Services Manager Leona Rollins. “This program is needed now more than ever to help protect those who face the harshest impacts of winter weather.”
Dear Animal Lover,
We’re asking for your support this Giving Tuesday. Your local donation to Ventura County Animal Services funds countless lifesaving programs and initiatives.
Your gift directly impacts thousands of animals in our care and in the community.
Thank you for your support,
Ventura County Animal Services
SANTA BARBARA —Santa Barbara Estate Planning Council is pleased to announce the recent election of two new leaders. Justin Anderson, CFP, CLU, CRC, partner of Santa Barbara-based Channel Wealth, has been elected President. Anderson, who previously served as the Council’s…
CENTRAL COAST — Pre-applications will soon be available for Buellton Garden Apartments: new affordable housing from People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH). The pre-application will be available beginning 9am Tuesday, January 13 and will be accessible in English and Spanish at pshhc.org/BGA.?
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) School of Extended Learning is excited to announce that a number of previously offered fee-based classes are now FREE! The long-standing fee-based program is transitioning to a fully free noncredit model. This change means that many of the same high-quality classes students have enjoyed for years will now be available at no cost.
Many of these classes are now part of the Wellness for Older Adults program, which is open to students 18 years or older and focuses on health and lifelong learning. Students will continue to enjoy the same engaging instructors and community connections, now with expanded access for all.
Season’s Greetings!
We’re feeling extra thankful after November’s premiere party for The 16th Art About Agriculture Exhibition, which drew 200 guests despite the rain. We’re also delighted to share that seven artworks sold during the exhibit’s opening week! You can see the show now through March 8, 2026.
This year has been the Museum’s busiest yet thanks to the support of our donors, members, and volunteers, and we’re excited to close 2025 with some extra-special events. Scroll down to learn more.
