New research shows how moment-to-moment thought shapes what we remember.
Category: Local
Museum of Ventura County — You’re Invited to an opening reception for a new exhibition, more news
We invite you to join us for an opening reception celebrating Pages to Posters: The Visual Worlds of Simms Taback.
Friday, February 13
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street, Ventura
Guests will enjoy an early look at original artworks, posters, and more, as the exhibition reveals how Taback’s distinctive visual language shaped educational materials, commercial design, and storytelling for generations.
Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Only One Week Left to Join CEC Climate Stewards Winter 2026 Cohort!
The Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) Winter 2026 Climate Stewards cohort begins in just one week! This is your final opportunity to join a growing community of climate advocates turning concern for our planet into meaningful, local action. You don’t need a background in science, advocacy, or policy to join — just a desire to learn, connect, and collaborate to amplify climate action.
TOArts and SeeingHappy launch THRIVE: Ventura County, Inviting artists to capture what it means to thrive
“THRIVE reflects our belief that the arts are essential to a healthy, connected community, ” said Casey Comstock-Mills, Programs and Development Director at TOArts. “This project invites people of all ages and backgrounds to pause, reflect on what gives them hope, and share those moments with others—strengthening both personal well-being and community connection. ”
Ready, Set, Robot! Port of Hueneme powers up robotics season at Hueneme High
PORT HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme recently helped kick off an exciting new robotics season at Hueneme High School, joining students, educators, and families for the school’s FIRST Robotics Competition season launch: a celebration of innovation, teamwork, and hands-on STEM learning.
The Port is proud to sponsor Hueneme High School’s robotics team, the Thunder Vikes, as they prepare to compete in this year’s FIRST Robotics season. The sponsorship reflects the Port’s ongoing commitment to expanding STEM opportunities and building strong career pathways for local students.
During the kickoff event, Port Commissioners Mary Anne Rooney and Celina Zacarias together with CEO Kristin Decas presented the Port’s sponsorship check to the team, officially launching the partnership and underscoring the Port’s investment in education and workforce development.
Guide dog raised by Ventura Charter School Executive director graduates and begins life of service
VENTURA — Ventura Charter School is proud to announce that Tenny, a male black Labrador retriever, has graduated from his program at Guide Dogs for the Blind as part of Class CA1041. Tenny has officially completed his training and is now a certified guide dog, embarking on a new chapter supporting greater independence for his handler. Tenny was fostered by Lisa Hildebrand, Executive Director of Ventura Charter School, who served as Tenny’s official puppy raiser for 12 months. During the 2024–2025 school year, Tenny spent every day on campus, becoming a beloved presence among students and staff. His calm demeanor and friendly nature made him a source of comfort throughout the school.
UCSB — The Current — Scientists create a system for tracking underwater blackouts and more news, events
Marine science professor Bob Miller helped create the first framework to identify and compare marine blackouts, which can severely impact kelp forests, seagrass beds and other light-dependent marine life.
40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance to be held Oxnard
OXNARD — Ventura County gathers in unity. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Ventura County invites you to the 40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance, held in person on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 in Oxnard.
Theme:
A Living Legacy: Cultivating Compassion and Justice in Ventura County
ICE OUT 805 Solidarity Concert and March held in Santa Maria
SANTA MARIA — A community-led action brought together grassroots organizers, rapid response volunteers, youth leaders, and musicians to stand in solidarity against ongoing immigration enforcement violence across the Central Coast during the ICE OUT 805 Solidarity Concert/March on Jan. 15, 2025 in Santa Maria, representatives of the 805UNDOCFUND reported on their Facebook page.
Led by those carrying a banner that read “ICE OUT OF CALIFORNIA” the protesters marched down the residential streets in Santa Maria calling for the end of ICE activities in the region.
Bilingual commentary — Video Games: Digital Native vs. the “Dinosaur”
It’s 2026 now, and sometimes I want to feel smug about having watched technology blossom as I grew into adulthood. After all, I’ve seen tech evolve from vacuum tubes to transistors to integrated circuits to incredibly powerful central and graphics processing units to AI accelerators. So, I’m supposed to feel comfortable with technology, right?
Wrong, as I embarrassingly discovered when playing video games with my grandson Andrew, age 7, recently. He challenged my dignity…and won commandingly. Digital natives like him are light years beyond those of us “of a particular age” who used to think that holding a remote with a cord in our hand meant power.
TOArts expands board with three distinguished leaders from finance, arts, and education
THOUSAND OAKS — TOArts has appointed Victor Fakrogha, Aerin LeDuc-Gummeson, and Dr. Michael Hart to its Board of Directors, expanding the organization’s leadership with expertise spanning finance, arts advocacy, and higher education. The appointment reflects TOArts’ continued commitment to strengthening arts access, community engagement, and long-term organizational impact across the region.
Ventura County Leadership Academy announces 2026 honorees
• Business Leader of the Year – Nick Deitch, R.A., Principal, RRM Design Group
• Educational Leader of the Year – Dr. Cynthia Herrera, Vice Chancellor of Institutional Effectiveness, Ventura County Community College District
• Non-Profit Leader of the Year – Robin Britt (Cohort XXIV), Executive Director, Community Conscience
• Public Sector Leader of the Year – Mark Stadler (Cohort XXVII), Sr. Program Administrator, Crisis Intervention Training Program, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
• Alumna of the Year – Danielle Borja (Cohort XXIV), President/CEO, Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce
SBCC Shares Community Update on Physical Education & Athletics Building Replacement Project
the community regarding the Physical Education & Athletics Building Replacement Project. The project remains in the demolition phase, and shoring installation began on Monday, January 12, 2026, as the next step in construction.
“We are excited to see the progress of the Physical Education & Athletics Building Replacement project,” shared Vice President, Business Services, Chris Renbarger. “In just a few months, the building deconstruction has shifted the landscape of our Cliff Campus.”
Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing — Buellton Garden Apartments: Pre-applications available now | Presolicitudes disponibles ahora
Pre-applications available now at pshhc.org/BGA
Presolicitudes disponibles ahora en pshhc.org/BGA
Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors elects Chair and Vice Chair for 2026
VENTURA — At its first regular meeting of 2026, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors elected 2nd District Supervisor Jeff Gorell to serve as Chair of the Board of Supervisors and 5th District Supervisor Vianey Lopez to serve as Vice Chair.
Each January, the Board selects a Chair and Vice Chair from among its five members to serve one-year terms. The Chair presides over all Board meetings, helps set agendas in coordination with the County Executive Office, and represents the Board in ceremonial functions and intergovernmental matters. The Vice Chair serves in the Chair’s absence and supports leadership duties as needed.
Guest contribution — Ventura County Taxpayers Association — VCMS: A Cash Crisis Deepens
Oversight Warnings Ignored
The Ventura County Medical System (VCMS) — including Ventura County Medical Center, Santa Paula Hospital, and associated clinics — is a cornerstone of public healthcare in our community, delivering essential services like emergency care, inpatient treatment, and outpatient support. Yet, beneath this vital mission lies a mounting financial crisis that demands urgent attention from taxpayers and leaders alike.
The Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) has consistently sounded the alarm on VCMS’s deteriorating finances (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Recent events in 2025 and early 2026 have only amplified these concerns, exposing deeper issues in governance, leadership, and accountability.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Humidity worsens the impacts of heat exposure during pregnancy, quadrupling its effect on child health. By focusing on temperature only, we may be underestimating the true impacts of extreme weather’ and more news, events
Humidity worsens the impacts of heat exposure during pregnancy, quadrupling its effect on child health. By focusing on temperature only, we may be underestimating the true impacts of extreme weather.
California Lutheran University professor earns top honors in international Choral Conductor Competition
THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University’s Franco Basili placed third in the 4th Romano Gandolfi International Competition for Choral Conductors, his first international competition strictly focused on conducting. Choral directors from around the world participated in the biennial competition held in Parma, Italy. It aims to spread the passion for choral music and help rising conductors establish an international conducting career.
“It is definitely an honor for me,” said Basili, DMA, an assistant music professor at Cal Lutheran and the director of Choral Activities. “The other competitors were fantastic. It has been a bucket list item to do one of these competitions to meet other conductors and see what I can learn from them.”
Jeff Gorell elected Chair of Ventura County Board of Supervisors
I wanted to share a quick update with you. At our first regular Board of Supervisors meeting of 2026, my colleagues on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors elected me to serve as Chair of the Board, and Supervisor Vianey Lopez was elected to serve as Vice Chair.
I am truly honored by the trust my colleagues have placed in me and grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role. I also want to thank Supervisor Janice Parvin for her leadership as Chair over the past year and for her continued service to our county.
Ventura County is an extraordinary place to call home—defined by breathtaking beauty from the mountains to the coast, recognized as one of the safest large counties in California, and strengthened by a growing and innovative economy, with our life-saving biotech sector at the forefront. Our County’s strong fiscal footing and dedicated public servants allow us to continue delivering essential services while planning responsibly for the future.
Bilingual report — City of Ventura launches housing workshop series
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is launching Ventura Housing Connections, a free workshop series that helps tenants, property owners, and property managers build informed, successful rental relationships.
The workshops will deliver clear, practical guidance on rental rights and responsibilities, housing standards, communication strategies, and local housing resources. Designed for both new and experienced renters and property owners, the series supports conflict prevention, stronger communication, and housing stability throughout Ventura.
Community Environmental Council recruits Winter Class of Climate Stewards
“At a time when federal support for climate action is shrinking, communities are increasingly being asked to lead,” said Kathi King, Course Instructor and CEC’s Director of Outreach and Education. “The Climate Stewards program builds the local capacity needed to meet the climate crisis head-on, empowering people to take meaningful action and drive solutions in their own communities.”
After 100 years of industrial use, Crooked Palm now permanently protected for recreation, ecological restoration
“Crooked Palm’s transformation from an abandoned industrial site to protected land is a victory for Ventura and all Californians. Restoring this land protects habitat, strengthens regional climate resilience, and opens healthy access to the outdoors in a community where it’s needed most,” said Guillermo Rodriguez, Vice President of the Pacific Region and California State Director for Trust for Public Land. “For the first time in more than a century, this land will increase connection to the Ventura River and provide the public with the physical and mental health benefits that come with close-to-home access to nature.”
Bilingual report — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! presents Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles through Jan. 18
SANTA BARBARA — Join ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) for free community performances by Mariachi Reyna. The performances are part of Viva’s mission to make world-class performing arts accessible to students, families, and underserved communities throughout Santa Barbara County.
FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES
Friday, January 16 | 7 PM Isla Vista Elementary
Saturday, January 17 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall
Sunday, January 18 | 6 PM | Marjorie Luke Theatre
Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles®, the first all-female mariachi in the United States, is that they have paved the way for other female mariachi groups to exist at the professional level. Reyna, which was formed in 1994, has truly broken the stereotypes surrounding Mariachi music. In a musical landscape of songs that are often written by men, and for men, Reyna has created their own history.
Teatro de las Américas — Adventures in Theater | Vision Board | Taller de Cine | Amorodio
Vision Board Workshop
With: Adriana Castro
Free workshop.
All materials included.
Saturday, January 17, 2026
From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Teatro de las Américas
321 W. 6th Street, Oxnard, CA
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule
SBA: HOW TO START A BUSINESS
January 12 @ 10:00 am
Are you interested in starting a business? If you are please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to learn about SBA’s 10 Step Guide on How to Start a Business. This virtual workshop targeted to new entrepreneurs, covers topics from creating a business plan, finding capital, registering your business, getting necessary permits and/or licenses and getting a business bank account. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you. This webinar will be held online via Microsoft Teams. Please register to obtain the login information. Please note, if you are planning to use a mobile device or tablet to access this webinar, you must first download the Teams app to your device. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance. Price: Free.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Announcing the Music Academy’s 2026 Board Officers and Directors
SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West proudly announces its 2026 Board officers and welcomes six members of the community to the board. This remarkable group will help grow the Music Academy’s mission to provide musicians and audiences alike with transformative music experiences through public performances and community programs. Board officers and members began their terms on January 1, 2026, and September 16, 2025, respectively.
Welcoming Returning Board Officers
We take great pride in announcing the Music Academy’s 2026 Board officers, now in their second year of service, whose guidance will help the Music Academy’s future. With their deep commitment to music education, they bring a wealth of expertise and a shared passion for the arts:
Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Grateful for you and the community power we’re building
As the year comes to a close, we want to pause and say thank you.
(2025) brought real challenges – and even in just the last few days, ICE has once again caused real fear and harm in our communities. Neighbors are showing up for one another with care, courage, and solidarity, reminding us that safety and resilience come from deep community organizing and connection.
This year you and your CAUSE staff, leaders, and coalition partners were able to meet this moment – showing up alongside families, tenants, farmworkers, and youth when it mattered most, while continuing to strengthen our organizing and shared values.
Bilingual commentary — A Shift in Vocabulary to Diffuse Tensions
Several weeks ago, I had the chance to practice a skill that has greatly benefited me several times throughout my life: choosing nonconfrontational language over words that bring out the knives.
I was doubting the fairness of a bill sent to me by a home service provider. I didn’t think it was justified, given the circumstances, but I was willing to talk with the billing department and hear their perspective. After all, I reasoned, it was entirely possible that they deserved to be paid every cent they were charging me
Guest commentary — Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Rest in Power Renee Nicole Good
Dear Community,
We mourn the loss of Renee Nicole Good at the hands of ICE agents in Minneapolis. Our thoughts are with her children and family. In her, we see the countless legal observers and rapid responders here in our own hometowns who have selflessly volunteered and courageously risked their own lives to defend our immigrant community from the inhumane raids of this administration.
There is no justification for federal agents killing a woman exercising her legal right to observe their actions. This is the horrific result of a widespread pattern of ICE agents threatening, arresting, and using physical force against concerned community members, regardless of citizenship status. It is clear from our own experience in the Central Coast of California, and across the country, that this is not an isolated incident or the bad behavior of one officer. Excessive use of violent force, disrespect for due process and civil liberties, and aggressive militarized tactics are rooted in ICE’s training and culture. This entire agency, “Border Czar” Tom Homan, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and President Donald Trump must be held accountable for turning cities and towns across the United States into war zones for political theater.
Southeast Ventura County YMCA served over 34,000 people and provided $439,797 in financial assistance In 2025
“Our financial assistance program ensures everyone has access to after-school care, swim lessons, youth programming and facility memberships regardless of income status,” says Ronnie Stone, Southeast Ventura County YMCA president and CEO. “From these foundational YMCA programs to our community outreach, we remain dedicated to changing lives and fostering growth in every generation we serve.”
Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula welcomes new deputy city manager
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is pleased to announce the appointment of Aminah Mears, DPA, as the City’s new Deputy City Manager, effective Monday, January 12, 2026.
“Aminah’s experience, professionalism, and dedication to public service will be a tremendous asset to the City of Santa Paula,” said City Manager Dan Singer. “We are excited to welcome her to our leadership team and look forward to the positive contributions she will make working for the City and for our community.”
Following her appointment, Aminah will service in a key leadership role supporting city operations and strategic initiatives. In her role as Deputy City Manager, Aminah will support City Manager Singer, oversee the City’s successful fellowship program, and will join the City’s Executive Management Team. She will assist with the implementation of City Council policies and programs that serve the Santa Paula community.
Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara January 2026 Newsletter
UCSB — The Current — ‘$750,000 Schmidt Sciences grant uses AI to transform Black press archives’ and more news, events
While searching for exoplanets, scientists observe the first-ever impacts between large objects in a nearby star system.
Read more about the discovery
Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara January 13 Board of Supervisors Meeting
The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026
County Administration Building, Fourth Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.
Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Host your 2026 event at a venue driving climate progress
The new year welcomes new goals, fresh momentum, and the chance to plan out your events with intention. At CEC’s Environmental Hub (1219 State St., Santa Barbara), you can host your 2026 gatherings in a space that’s both memorable and meaningful, while simultaneously supporting a climate-safe future for the Central Coast. Every booking powers CEC’s critical work to protect our region from climate impacts.
Ventura County Taxpayers Association — 2026 New CA Laws
Affordability for Ventura County residents will be the focus of most people’s attention this year. Although we have identified no new countywide taxes or major local sales tax changes for 2026, many of the new laws impose mandates that raise living costs without direct taxpayer approval.
Several new state laws and adjustments take effect in 2026 that will impact your wallet—through higher costs, increased business expenses (often passed to consumers), or direct taxpayer-funded programs.
Women’s Economic Ventures names Amgen’s DeAnna Steiger, Ph.D. as Board Chair
CENTRAL COAST — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has named DeAnna Steiger, Ph.D. as its Board Chair, effective January 1, 2026, as the non-profit enters its 35thyear of serving women and entrepreneurs in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
Steiger will serve a two-year term and succeeds Melissa Livingston, retired Director of the Ventura County Human Services Agency and a longtime WEV Board member. Livingston will remain on the Board for one additional year.
Steiger has served on WEV’s Board since 2022 and most recently chaired the organization’s Development Committee. During that time, WEV strengthened its fundraising strategy and grew participation in the League of Extraordinary Women, the organization’s annual giving circle. The organization also expanded donor engagement and stewardship through major fundraising efforts tied to International Women’s Day and National Give to Women and Girls Day.
Friendship Center Adult Day Care Center— The Friendly Finch: January 2026
It’s 2026! I don’t know about you, but I was ready for 2025 to come to a close. Something about the end of the year always makes me a little antsy; and this year especially, as we step into something monumental here at Friendship Center: 2026 is our 50th anniversary year.
It’s incredible, and honestly a wee bit impossible, to imagine the thousands of people who have been reconnected to our community through our programs, the families who have found relief, and the moments of pure joy that mattered more than anyone could have known at the time. We aren’t taking this anniversary year as an opportunity to only look back, but rather as a chance to honor the love and care that built something lasting, something that continues to endure.
UCSB — The Current — A stormy ocean voyage yields insights on the global carbon cycle
Scientists overcame storms and bureaucratic setbacks to investigate the ocean’s carbon cycle, revealing more about how tiny organic particles, known as marine snow, transport carbon.
HRCC graduation video “Your Future Starts Here” receives major award on behalf of the Tri-Counties HRCC program
The video celebrates the accomplishments of graduates from the High Road Construction Careers (HRCC) program — a pre-apprenticeship pathway supported and funded by the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) in coordination with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) through annual state fund allocations. HRCC is a three-county program uniting local building and construction trades councils, workforce development boards, educational partners, and community-based organizations across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties to deliver structured training, a standard core curriculum, and direct pathways into state-certified apprenticeships.
Cottage Health’s Grotenhuis Pediatric Clinics move to New Santa Barbara location
“With all specialties under one roof and expanded space, this new clinic strengthens collaboration among our teams,” said Chief Pediatric Medical Officer Dr. Miriam Parsa. “Being right across from the hospital also supports smoother coordination when children require other services.”
Museum of Ventura County — Free Admission for All in January
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time for something new! Throughout January, enjoy FREE admission for all at the Museum of Ventura County. Join us to explore, reflect, and connect.
Open Thursday to Sunday
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
100 East Main Street, Ventura
Free admission is made possible by the generous support of Bill and Elise Kearney.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces free event and webinar schedule
SBA: HOW TO START A BUSINESS
January 12 @ 10:00 am
Are you interested in starting a business? If you are please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to learn about SBA’s 10 Step Guide on How to Start a Business. This virtual workshop targeted to new entrepreneurs, covers topics from creating a business plan, finding capital, registering your business, getting necessary permits and/or licenses and getting a business bank account. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you. This webinar will be held online via Microsoft Teams. Please register to obtain the login information. Please note, if you are planning to use a mobile device or tablet to access this webinar, you must first download the Teams app to your device. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance. Price: Free.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Cottage Health welcomes its first baby of 2026
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital welcomed its first baby of the new year.
New parents, Jessica and Laurence welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Isla, at 4:41 am on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH).
Weighing 8 pounds and 16 ounces and measuring 20.5 inches, Baby Isla’s arrival marked an exciting start to the new year.
As the family begins this new chapter, a sentiment they shared felt especially fitting: “A beginning is the time for taking the most delicate care.” — Frank Herbert, Dune
Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC) — Celebrations, Transitions, Holiday Wishes
Justice in Motion – Celebrating Our Fellows: Part 1
Thanks to everyone who attended “Celebrate on November 8” at Studio Channel Islands Camarillo!
New 2025 Social Justice Fellows Julio Alcala, Shantel Ortiz, and Jon Cesario shared their inspirational messages of fairness, equity, human rights, and hope, including an impassioned call to action for justice for at-risk youth from Jon, who went off script.
Ventura Music Festival — When was the last time…?
If you are a Ventura Music Festival family member, some of our 2025 concerts are surely on your list.
While tradition says, “celebrate your 30th wedding anniversary with pearls,” the Ventura Music Festival presented or cosponsored its most ambitious ever 30th season in 2025 — with a string of 30 treasured performances over eight months for audiences of every music taste in a dazzling array of music styles.
Friendship Center — You did this!
Thank you from all of us at Friendship Center for an incredibly impactful 2025.
We look forward to celebrating 2026
(our 50th Anniversary Year!)
with you.
My Way Home (Doing business as Ventura County Community Development Corp.) — Thank you for an impactful 2025!
As we come to the close of 2025, I want to begin by saying thank you for being part of our community.
We were able to accomplish a lot of great things in 2025, including:
Assisting 265+ families in achieving or preserving homeownership
Providing 1,130+ individuals with free homeownership and financial education
Providing 515+ families with access to free financial coaching
Financing $15M+ in first mortgages for low- and moderate- income families for the purchase of safe and affordable homes
Awarding or facilitating $1.4M+ in down payment and closing cost assistance for low- and moderate- income families
Casa De Vida Inc. — Looking ahead with gratitude
As we near the end of another year, we want to take a moment to say thank you. Your generosity, prayers, and encouragement have meant more to us than we can fully express.
This year brought its share of challenges for Casa De Vida. There were moments of uncertainty that tested our faith and endurance. Yet through it all, God remained faithful, and our community continued to stand with us.
As we reach the end of this final quarter, we are grateful to share that things are beginning to improve. Support has increased, stability is returning, and we are entering the new year with renewed hope. Your belief in this mission has helped us make that progress.
House Farm Workers congratulates local advocate and attorney Barbara Macri-Ortiz
VENTURA COUNTY — Nov. 15, 2025, was a rainy, dark night, especially since the power at the Four Points by Sheraton in Ventura was out. Guests arrived unaware of the power outage and ran from their cars into the hotel lobby to shelter from the rain, ready to warm up and enjoy the Ventura County Bar Association’s Awards Dinner, only to find a dark room with a small table staffed by a kind VCBA member and a tiny battery-operated light.
Attendees did not scare away, and spirits did not fall; everyone embraced the low-lit event, as it was still a grand celebration of Barbara Macri-Ortiz, who would be honored with the Ben E. Nordman Public Service Award.