VENTURA COUNTY — As California continues to see significantly more cases of tuberculosis (TB) than any other state in the nation, a local partnership in Ventura County is being recognized for helping buck that trend. Thanks in part to the dedicated efforts of American Medical Response Ventura County (AMR) and Gold Coast Ambulance (GCA), Ventura County’s TB rates remain below the state average — earning the agencies the distinction of being named TB Elimination Heroes, Class of 2026.
One of the great privileges of my work is the chance to speak with service members and military families. Each conversation reminds me just how often they are asked to uproot their lives: moving from base to base, state to state, sometimes across the world. Beyond the logistics of finding a new home, packing and unpacking boxes, the real disruptions run deeper. Every move means enrolling children in new schools, locating the nearest grocery store, finding a dentist who is taking new patients, discovering a new congregation, meeting new neighbors, finding where to get a haircut, identifying a reliable plumber, even deciding, once again, where to put the Christmas tree. Individually, these tasks may seem small, but repeatedly layered together, they can create isolation, instability, and lost opportunities. But these moves, at least, come with the support structures of the military.
THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University’s Board of Regents has appointed Attorney Melinda Guzman and longtime Ventura County nonprofit leader Kate McLean to its diverse board of thought leaders. The new members bring decades of legal, civic and nonprofit leadership experience to the university’s governing body.
“The Board of Regents’ focus is the success of Cal Lutheran and its students, faculty and staff,” Ann Boynton, chair of the Board of Regents, said. “Kate and Melinda bring a deep commitment and desire to use their skills and experiences to support our mission. I am so grateful to them for their enthusiasm and look forward to working closely with them.”
Housing advocates nationally are hoping that 2026 will be the pivotal year for affordable housing.
The U.S. Senate has passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act with an overwhelming 89–10 bipartisan vote. This marks the most significant federal housing reform in decades and brings together the Housing for the 21st Century Act and the ROAD to Housing Act. Combined it has more than 40 provisions aimed at boosting supply, lowering costs, and modernizing how homes get built.
The new legislation directly addresses one of the biggest issues: we simply don’t have enough homes. Our nation needs housing of every kind — for renters, first?time buyers, families, seniors, and people with disabilities. The new bill aims to tackle this shortage by making it easier, faster, and less expensive to build.
Researchers join an international effort to better understand early biological influences on neurodevelopment.
OJAI — Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) announced today the successful closing of financing for Camino De Salud, a 49-unit supportive affordable housing development in the unincorporated Ojai Valley community of Mira Monte. Located at 11432 North Ventura Avenue, Camino De Salud will reserve half of its units for residents who are experiencing homelessness and have been high health users. The remaining units will serve low-income residents earning 50 percent or less of the area median income.
“The data on housing affordability in Ventura County is sobering, but every statistic represents a real person striving for stability and dignity,” said Victoria Brady, Chief Executive Officer. “Our work is about creating places where people can access the care, support and opportunity they need to rebuild their lives. That has always been the heart of Cabrillo EDC.”
ORT HUENEME — The City of Port Hueneme and the Port of Hueneme successfully hosted their third annual Sea Splash Color Dash 5K this weekend, drawing a vibrant crowd of community members for a day centered on wellness, connection, and coastal fun.
More than 800 participants gathered at Hueneme Beach before setting off along the coastal scenic beachfront course, running, walking, and celebrating as they were doused in colorful powder along the route. The high-energy event brought together families, local organizations, and visitors of all ages.
IN-PERSON EVENT: SMALL BUSINESS START-UP BASICS
March 25 @ 8:30 am
Join SCORE, City of Thousand Oaks, Economic Development Collaborative and Accelerate CA in this information-packed workshop that will help you assess whether starting a small business is right for you and consider the various options for starting a business, legal structures, and business plan basics. Address: City of Thousand Oaks, Oak & Park Room, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. The Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub (Accelerate CA Hub) is funded by the State of California and administered by CalOSBA. Price: FREE.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
VENTURA — The Ventura County Continuum of Care (VC CoC) has reported preliminary results for the 2026 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count. Conducted on January 28, 2026, the count identified 1,755 individuals experiencing homelessness – a decrease of 235 people or 11.8% from 2024. Since 2023, homelessness in Ventura County has decreased by 28%.
The results reflect positive outcomes based on investments in permanent supportive housing, homelessness prevention programs, and encampment response efforts. The Ventura County Homelessness Plan (Plan) presented to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in December 2023 provides detailed action areas, goals, and objectives that support this continued progress in reducing homelessness.
Encouraging progress in Ventura County. The 2026 Point-in-Time Count shows a 28% reduction in homelessness since 2023—a meaningful step forward driven by investments in housing, prevention, and coordinated community efforts.
Behind every number in this report is a person—someone whose life is changing for the better. This progress reflects a strong, community-wide commitment to expanding housing, strengthening prevention, and meeting people where they are. We’re grateful to the many partners making this work possible.
While encouraged by these results, we remain focused on the goal: ensuring every person in Ventura County has stability, dignity, and a place to call home.
Click here to learn more.
CAMARILLO — Ventura County Farm to School will host the 2026 Agricultural Education Summit at CSU Channel Islands, bringing together educators, farmers, students, and community leaders for a day of learning, collaboration, and innovation focused on the region’s agriculture industry.
The summit will take place Friday, March 27, 2026, at CSU Channel Islands’ Grand Salon, featuring hands-on workshops, expert-led discussions, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen agricultural education across Ventura County.
CENTRAL COAST — The public comment period has closed on the Bureau of Land Management’s proposal to expand oil and gas leasing across Central California, drawing approximately 175,000 comments in opposition from community members, organizations, and local stakeholders.
The proposal would open up roughly 850,000 acres of public lands and federal mineral estate to potential oil drilling and fracking across Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Kern, and surrounding counties, including areas near neighborhoods, recreation lands, and critical water resources.
AB 1603 sets a timeline to end PFAS pesticides by 2035. Group sights report that show counties at risk include Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties
SALINAS — Currently, an estimated 2.5 million pounds of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” pesticides are used annually on California crops, resulting in PFAS residues on produce consumed across the nation. California Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D–44) has introduced AB 1603, legislation to phase out PFAS pesticides. Co-sponsored by the Environmental Working Group, the statewide coalition Californians for Pesticide Reform, Pesticide Action & Agroecology Network, and the Center for Environmental Health, the bill would establish a progressive timeline to end use of PFAS pesticides in California by 2035, while giving growers time for transition to safer alternatives.
THOUSAND OAKS — From coastal landscapes to quiet family moments, 150 photographs submitted by residents across Ventura County and neighboring communities will debut this month in THRIVE: Ventura County, a community photography exhibition exploring themes of hope, connection, and well-being across the region. Selected from more than 250 submissions by photographers of all ages and backgrounds, the exhibition offers a collective portrait of what it means to thrive in our communities.
Presented by TOArts in partnership with SeeingHappy, a global nonprofit that uses photography and positive psychology to foster belonging and well-being, THRIVE: Ventura County is designed as a true community collaboration—bringing together artists, residents, nonprofit organizations, libraries, local businesses, and cultural partners to celebrate creativity as a pathway to connection and well-being. The initiative is also TOArts’ first fully bilingual (English-Spanish) arts project, expanding participation and accessibility across the region’s diverse communities.
VENTURA — Nate’s Place, A Wellness and Recovery Center, a nonprofit serving youth and young adults across Ventura County, has been awarded a $5.71 million grant through the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) to build a significantly expanded youth wellness and recovery campus.
THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) today announced the promotion of Chuck Scherrei to Deputy Fire Chief, a key leadership position responsible for day-to-day service delivery across the department.
Scherrei’s promotion marks a significant milestone in a distinguished career dedicated to public safety, leadership development, and service to the Ventura County community.
Groups move swiftly nationwide to remove images, honors for César Chávez, while others promote access to sexual assault and mental health counseling services
By Frank X. Moraga • www.Amigos805.com © 2025
OXNARD — Oxnard is joining other cities nationwide in renaming their annual César Chávez celebration in light of the sexual assault allegations linked to the late farm labor leader.
“March for Justice! March for Farmworkers rights! Sunday March 22, 2026 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. The events starts at 3:30 pm.,” according to a Facebook post by Javier Gomez, founder of the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center in Oxnard.
Since early this month, cities across the nation either canceled or renamed their celebrations ahead of the labor leader’s birthday on March 31, 2026. Their actions followed news of a potential explosive story by a national publication that was first reported by the San Antonio Express-News on March 6, 2026. The reports focused on revelations of a “sensitive matter” involving Chavez.
Those reports were confirmed when an extensive story by the New York Times was published on March 18 detailing allegations of years of sexual abuse by Chavez of minors and sexual assault incidents involving farmworkers rights labor leader Dolores Huerta. Huerta confirmed those assaults in the story.
Imagine a government that insists that we make America great again by driving updated, fancy versions of 1950s vehicles. By sabotaging the push to convert our transportation to electric-powered vehicles, the current administration in Washington, D.C., has, in effect, handed the keys of a prosperous kingdom to international competitors.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are not just a “green fad” dreamt up by radical liberals. While the U.S. demurs, the rest of the world realizes that the future of the planet, and of industry, rests on its ability to advance in the production of reasonably priced EVs for the masses.
VENTURA — The allegations that have emerged regarding Cesar Chavez are horrifying and heartbreaking. These revelations are painful for our community, and most importantly, for the survivors who have come forward. I want to begin by expressing my unwavering compassion and support for them. It takes extraordinary courage to speak out, and their voices must be heard, believed, and honored.
As a father of a young daughter, this issue is profoundly personal to me. I want my child and every child to grow up in a world where abuse like this no longer occurs, where young people feel safe, respected, and protected. That responsibility rests with all of us, especially those who dedicate our careers to education and public service.
We are heartbroken feeling the profound grief in our communities from the emerging allegations of sexual abuse by Cesar Chavez. We stand with all of the survivors, from Dolores Huerta herself to those whose names we may never know. Far too many women are harmed by powerful men while giving their blood, sweat, and tears to social movements, and choose silence in order to protect the work they have dedicated their lives to. These revelations are even more hurtful as they run contrary to the very spirit of worker organizations which exist to harness the collective power of workers against those who use their power to cause harm. We must all recommit ourselves to the work of making our movements safe places to call home and condemn leaders abusing their power in all forms.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) unequivocally condemns any form of sexual violence against women and minors and strongly denounces the actions alleged involving the late Cesar Chavez. No individual, regardless of stature or legacy, is above accountability when it comes to protecting and upholding the dignity of others. LULAC stands with all victims of sexual abuse and affirms that no one has the right to exploit or harm children or women under any circumstances. We extend our deepest concern and solidarity to those who have suffered.
Helping residents across Ventura County and the Conejo Valley access federal services is one of the most important parts of my work in Congress. If you are considering traveling abroad, it is imperative that you keep your passport up to date. It’s important to note that some countries require that your passport be valid six months beyond the date of your trip.
I want to make sure that obtaining or renewing a passport is made as easy as possible. For that reason, I am hosting a Passport Fair on Saturday, April 11, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at the Ventura County Office of Education, located at 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo, CA 93012.
Our tenant organizing in Ventura County has led to exciting wins to protect renters in our communities.
Many tenants are forced to live with unsafe or poor conditions as if it’s normal. Small issues – like a broken stove or a leaking faucet – often go unrepaired, even after being reported multiple times. Over time, these problems get worse and can make a home unsafe, putting families’ health at risk.
VENTURA & SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES — In celebration of International Women’s Day, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) brought together community leaders, entrepreneurs, donors, and partners for a special event honoring women’s leadership and the power of investing in women’s economic opportunity.
Held on March 5 at Spanish Hills Club in Camarillo, the gathering highlighted WEV’s mission to support women facing barriers to financial self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship and financial education. The program also recognized the organization’s 35th anniversary and the ongoing impact of investing in women and women-led businesses.
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Board Chair Elena Brokaw has been recognized by Senate Leader Monique Limón as one of Ventura County’s 2026 Women of the Year. The recognition honors Brokaw’s leadership and her contributions to strengthening cultural engagement, community connection, and regional collaboration across Ventura County.
Brokaw serves as the Barbara Barnard Smith Chief Executive Officer of the Museum of Ventura County, where she has helped expand access to arts, history, and educational programming while building partnerships with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses. Her leadership has supported increased community participation in cultural initiatives and enhanced opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with Ventura County’s heritage.
SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Oxnard) announces (March 16) that he has selected Barbara Macri-Ortiz as his 2026 Woman of the Year. In observation of Women’s History Month, the California Legislative Women’s Caucus allows state legislators to select a Woman of the Year. Accompanied by her son, Macri-Ortiz joins Asm. Bennett today in Sacramento for the Woman of the Year floor ceremony.
An attorney in private practice in Oxnard, Macri-Ortiz specializes in all aspects of affordable housing development, land use, and landlord-tenant law. Throughout her 39-year legal career she has focused on issues of importance to farm workers and other low wage workers.
VENTURA — Ventura County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson has been honored as the 2026 Woman of the Year by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. She was recognized by the 42nd District Assemblymember for being part of “Women Making History”.
OXNARD — The Oxnard arts community will launch Arts, Culture & Creativity Month this April with a vibrant celebration of the newly designated Downtown Oxnard Cultural District, bringing together artists, cultural leaders, and community stakeholders for a dynamic public kickoff event.
Hosted by the City of Oxnard, the Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association (DOIA), and the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit (OPAC), the event will take place at the John C. Zaragoza Transit Center is an inspired and accessible venue that reflects the district’s creativity through large-scale murals, interactive pop-up art experiences, and locally crafted offerings, including bespoke coffee from Dolce Vita.
At a partnership summit hosted by the nonprofit REACH, leaders from across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties convened on campus with an eye toward collaboration and innovation.
Creative & Artistic Advisor Conor Hanick and Vice President of Artistic Planning Indigo Fischer to support long-range artistic planning ahead of the Academy’s 80th Anniversary and new Music Education Center
Will you join us to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors? Make your gift today !80 for $80
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, Public Health Office, and the National Weather Service are monitoring a prolonged heat event through Friday, March 20.
?? Temperatures are expected to be up to 25° above normal, with inland areas reaching the 90s and even 100s.
SANTA BARBARA —A study by an international team of researchers led by Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Psychology Department Chair Leida Tolentino was recently published in the International Journal of Public Health (IJPH) titled “Movement Disorders in Cabo Verde: Epidemiology, Access Barriers, and Public Health Implications in an Aging Island Population.” The country-level study is the first to estimate the prevalence and incidence of movement disorders—primarily Parkinson’s disease—in the island country of Cabo Verde, to identify at-risk groups, and to document significant barriers to diagnosis and care. Read about the published study.
The findings reveal growing demographic vulnerability, especially among men and those aged 60 and older, and suggest that national public health strategies should prioritize integrating neurological disorders into broader Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) and aging policies. The widely-observed access barriers and inequities in care delivery further signal an urgent need for decentralized services and public health system strengthening. The results of this study may inform public health policy in other low- and middle-income countries facing similar challenges.
SANTA BARBARA — Dr. Douglas E. Ney, a board-certified neurologist and neuro-oncologist, has joined the Cottage Neurosciences Clinic, expanding access to specialized neuro-oncology care for patients across the Central Coast.
Dr. Ney specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors and neurologic complications of cancer and works closely with multidisciplinary teams to support coordinated care. He will practice alongside Dr. Richard Chung, Dr. Nicole Moayeri, Dr. Brian Walcott, and physician assistant David Barsky.
NEWBURY PARK — Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County (Habitat Ventura) brought together more than 70 volunteers this International Women’s Day weekend for its annual Women Build event presented by Bank of America. On Saturday, March 7, volunteers gathered at a senior mobile home park in Newbury Park to complete critical repairs on six mobile homes for the senior community. Throughout the day, volunteers worked side-by-side completing interior and exterior repairs, painting, replacing stairs, and addressing any additional needs that required support.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health has appointed Ryan Kelly, Ph.D., as its first Chief Innovation Officer, a newly established role designed to advance innovation across the health system and strengthen strategic partnerships.
OXNARD — On Sunday, May 3, 2026, OPAC (the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit) in partnership with Raising Mami Alchemy, Inc., will host Rooted: A Wellness Summit, a first-of-its-kind immersive gathering designed to bridge indigenous culture, mental health, and somatic healing. The summit is co-led by Ana Maria Lugo, a wellness educator and holistic practitioner whose personal journey from 9/11 survivor to community healer has transformed wellness access for thousands in Ventura County.
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) recently celebrated 23 graduates who completed the organization’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. These 23 graduates have a combined escrow of $578,608.93 and an average income increase of $43,007. Of this group, seven are no longer receiving housing assistance.
SANTA BARBARA — Knight Real Estate Group, one of Santa Barbara’s top producing real estate teams and an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, has announced that longtime real estate professional Mike Day has joined the firm as Director of Operations.
Day brings nearly three decades of real estate industry experience to the role, along with a strong background in technology and operational leadership. In his position with Knight Real Estate Group, he will oversee team operations, marketing systems, and business infrastructure while also working directly with buyers and sellers throughout Santa Barbara County.
VENTURA — The Parks & Recreation Summer Activity Guide is available online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide. Registration begins Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. and will be available online, over the phone, or in person at City Hall, Room 226, 501 Poli Street. Registration information and policies are on page 7.
The Santa Barbara County Active Transportation Dashboard brings together bike and pedestrian safety data to reveal patterns, trends and hotspots for collisions and near-misses across the county.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Gayle Nagy, an expert mortgage lender with deep ties to the Central Coast, has joined Gem Mortgage, a division of Golden Empire Mortgage, Inc.
Nagy, who has been working in real estate since 1980, works with her clients to find the right financing solutions for them. While that includes conventional, FHA and VA loans, Nagy can also broker “niche” loan products for clients with more specialized mortgage needs.
The Museum of Ventura County’s Board of Directors and staff are proud to celebrate two remarkable women whose leadership and dedication strengthen our organization and community. Dr. Sevet Johnson, MVC Board Member, and Elena Brokaw, MVC’s Barbara Barnard Smith CEO, have each been recognized as 2026 Women of the Year.
IN-PERSON EVENT: SMALL BUSINESS START-UP BASICS
March 25 @ 8:30 am
Join SCORE, City of Thousand Oaks, Economic Development Collaborative and Accelerate CA in this information-packed workshop that will help you assess whether starting a small business is right for you and consider the various options for starting a business, legal structures, and business plan basics. Address: City of Thousand Oaks, Oak & Park Room, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. The Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub (Accelerate CA Hub) is funded by the State of California and administered by CalOSBA. Price: FREE.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Join us at Repair Cafe Santa Barbara to give your broken items a second life. This is a simple, but impactful way to take meaningful climate action that benefits you and the planet. By making small, conscious choices, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.
VENTURA — A partnership between the County of Ventura and Naval Base Ventura County has led to the successful relocation and installation of the Military Order of the Purple Heart monument to the Veterans Memorial at the Ventura County Government Center, creating a prominent public space to honor service members wounded or killed in combat.
The monument, originally located on the golf course at Naval Base Ventura County, recognizes Purple Heart recipients, however the location of the installation provided limited visibility to the broader community. To expand public access, the Military Order of the Purple Heart offered to donate the monument to the County so it could be relocated to a more accessible location.
View in Browser Music Academy of the West announces 2026 Summer Music Festival & School American Mosaic: The 79th annual Summer Music Festival celebrates American voices, June 17–August 8 in Santa Barbara Subscriptions on sale April 9 Individual tickets…
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Probation Agency and the Ventura County Library have launched an innovative partnership to bring tailored library services directly into the County’s Juvenile Facilities through the new Next Chapter Library. This pilot initiative marks a significant step toward expanding educational access and literacy opportunities for youth under custodial supervision.
“Mo(u)rning Earth,” featuring lead artist Vanessa Morrow, is one in a series of art exhibitions addressing mental health that is part of VibeWell Ventura County, a county-wide initiative that uses art and culture to raise awareness of mental health conditions. This show’s theme invites artists to consider the/their physical environment and the idea that processing grief or loss through arts can transform “mourning” into the “morning” of a new dawn/day.
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula marked an important milestone on March 3 with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Santa Paula Creek Bridge, a project that will improve access, connectivity, and safety while establishing a connection over the Santa Paula Creek.
Mayor Carlos Juarez, Vice Mayor Jenny Crosswhite, Councilmember Pedro Chavez, City Manager Dan Singer, and Deputy City Manager Aminah Mears were in attendance to celebrate the start of construction, along with City of Santa Paula department directors, staff members, project partners, and community members.
Have you heard the buzz about Teatro De Las Americas’s spectacular production of Manifest Destinitis? (The political comedy satire) is an event you absolutely can’t miss! Secure your seat today by grabbing your tickets online. Join us for an unforgettable experience!
I used to enjoy most of my classes in college. But I also found myself sitting through some agonizingly dull 50-minute lectures on obscure topics. John von Neumann, a Hungarian and American mathematician of prodigious talent and insight, coined a name for that measure of time. He stated that the average college lecture lasted 52.6 minutes, which is a millionth of a century—that is, a “microcentury.”
No boring minutes and seconds for us (except for math and physics homework)! This comical chronometry allowed my nerdy engineering classmates and I to go around saying things such as, “I saw a movie that lasted four and a half microcenturies.” After all, we were used to doing time conversions in our head. But students in other majors who overheard us would just shake their heads and roll their eyes.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura, in partnership with Studio Channel Islands Art Center, is proud to announce the selection of the lead artist and artist team for the Moon Ditch Mural Project, a public art initiative that will transform a nearly mile-long flood control channel into one of the largest murals in Ventura County. Elisa Torres, an accomplished Oxnard-based muralist, painter, and cultural strategist has been selected to lead artistic work on the project. Visible from Highway 101 and passenger rail lines, the Moon Ditch mural will be seen by tens of thousands daily and serve as a cultural landmark for years to come.
Be the first to see our all-new exhibit on Saturday, March 14! Santa Paula artist Cornelis Botke (1887-1954) is best remembered as a master etcher whose work earned international acclaim and entered the collections of the California State Library, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Institution. Yet from childhood, Botke’s greatest ambition was to be a painter.
The Ventura County Community Foundation is collaborating with over 150 community partners for our Highest-Quality Early Childhood Education initiative in Santa Paula, known as the “Isabella Project.” We invite you to learn more about the different committee members and groups dedicated to removing all barriers to accessing highest-quality early childhood education in our community.
Click here for the entire media release en español VENTURA — The City of Ventura is beginning an update to its Local Coastal Program (LCP), the long-range plan that guides land use, development, and resource protection within Ventura’s Coastal Zone.…
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation (SBCHF) held its annual Party of the Year on March 7, 2026, at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Goleta. With more than 500 guests in attendance, the black-tie event raised over $810,000 in support of Cottage Children’s Medical Center.
The Party of the Year recognizes healthcare professionals and celebrates donors whose generosity strengthens high?quality pediatric care across the region. The event’s program featured remarks from Heather Hambleton and Lisa Iscovich, the Party of the Year event co-chairs; Eric Seale, Chair of the Cottage Health Board of Directors; Scott Wester, President and CEO of Cottage Health; and Dr. Miriam Parsa, Chief Pediatric Medical Officer for Cottage Children’s Medical Center. Guests also enjoyed an enchanting performance by State Street Ballet.
The first comprehensive museum survey of the Vietnamese American artist brings together more than 70 works spanning 25 years of research-driven practice.
Read more about the exhibition
VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village announces a wave of new visitor amenities in 2026. Situated just off scenic Highway 1 and the 101 freeway, the waterfront destination invites locals and travelers alike to take in the views and soak up the waterfront lifestyle with expanded dining, new artsy retailers and wine releases, beauty collaborations and more, making Ventura Harbor Village a must-visit coastal hotspot.
“These exciting additions reflect the spirit of Ventura Harbor Village – creative, welcoming, and deeply connected to the coastal experience,” said Brian Pendleton, Ventura Port District General Manager. “In 2026, we’re delighted to offer even more ways for guests to eat, sip, relax, and enjoy the Harbor seaside.”
To complement the hundreds of FREE resources available through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, Verizon, in partnership with LISC, is awarding $5,000 grants to 25 small businesses based in California to help them sustain and grow their businesses. The grant will be awarded directly to selected business owners and does not need to be repaid.
Who Can Apply?
