Category: Local

The Gallegly Center at California Lutheran University empowers students to become leaders in civic public discourse

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — We are excited about the opportunity for California Lutheran University to provide nonpartisan thought-leadership through the Elton and Janice Gallegly Center for Public Service and Civil Engagement on the main campus. This center will play a pivotal role in students’ collegiate experience by helping to develop the critical academic skills and broad perspectives necessary for constructive dialogue and civil public discourse. This scholarly engagement will empower them to pursue careers of meaningful public service and informed civic engagement.

Bilingual report — From College Tours to Cultural Immersions, REACH Fellows REACH New Heights

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — This summer marked another season of growth, adventure, and celebration for REACH. Fellows toured colleges across California, trekked into the Sierra Nevada on a record four backpacking trips, and immersed themselves in the cultures of Bolivia and Guatemala. Together, these experiences embody REACH’s mission: preparing first-generation students to thrive in higher education while cultivating the resilience, leadership, and vision necessary to succeed in life.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Power Climate Action: Host at CEC’s Environmental Hub

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2025 • Comments Off

Looking for an event venue that aligns with your values and amplifies your impact? The Community Environmental Council’s Environmental Hub offers versatile, eco-friendly spaces for every type of gathering.

Situated in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, The Hub embodies sustainability and community spirit. Beyond its green design, each event at the Hub supports CEC’s mission to advance bold, scalable solutions to the climate crisis. From intimate meetings and panel discussions to community workshops, networking mixers, and celebrations, your gathering becomes part of a larger movement toward climate resilience and local empowerment.

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) celebrates National Give to Women & Girls Day by honoring Gwyn Lurie and WEV’s League of Extraordinary Women

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) honored National Give to Women & Girls Day on Oct. 7 by celebrating its annual donors, members of the organization’s League of Extraordinary Women, at a luncheon at the Santa Barbara Club. The event brought together community leaders, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists united in the mission to strengthen women’s economic power.

Inaugural State of Ventura Housing Breakfast inspires hope and collaboration for a more affordable Ventura

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura Housing (formerly the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura) hosted its sold-out inaugural State of Ventura Housing breakfast on October 9th at The Livery at Rumfish y Vino. Nearly 200 community changemakers, civic leaders, housing champions, and local community partners gathered with a shared mission to ensure that every resident of Ventura has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. During the event, the agency also debuted its new name and visual identity, as the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura officially became Ventura Housing. The refreshed logo and color palette reflect a modern, approachable brand, and the new name aligns with how residents already refer to the organization, reinforcing its commitment to serving the community.

Volunteers honor veterans at Habitat Ventura’s Playhouse Build Blitz, Presented by Bank of America

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2025 • Comments Off

Our 2025 Playhouse Build Blitz will bring together more than 150 local volunteers to decorate custom playhouses to gift to local military and veteran families. This event provides volunteers a unique opportunity to celebrate Veterans Day by thanking military families for their service and helps raise funds for Habitat Ventura’s life-changing programs through sponsorships for the playhouses built by volunteers.

Law expands protecting Blue Whales & Blue Skies

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2025 • Comments Off

SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) on Oct. 15 celebrated the signing of Assembly Bill 14 — a landmark law creating the statewide California Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program.

F.T. “Ted” Muegenburg, Jr. named Lowthorp Richards estate planning chair

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2025 • Comments Off

OXNARD — F.T. “Ted” Muegenburg, Jr., an attorney with deep roots in Ventura County and vast expertise in business, estate planning, and tax law, has been named chair for the Lowthorp Richards, LLP Estate Planning Practice Group. He is one of 1,300 California attorneys certified by the California State Bar as a specialist in trust, estate planning and probate law.

Muegenburg will oversee the Lowthorp Richards team of esteemed estate planning attorneys, including Cristian Arrieta, Steven S. Feder, Brian C. Israel, Jeanne M. Kvale, , and Seth P. Shapiro.

Westlake Village Mortgage lender Gayle Nagy adds Reverse Mortgage Expert Witness to her credentials

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2025 • Comments Off

“I enjoy counseling and guiding seniors to help them select the reverse mortgage product that is best suited for their goals and needs,” Nagy said. “Over the years, I have counseled hundreds of seniors about various reverse mortgage options. As my reputation has grown, becoming a reverse mortgage expert witness was a natural extension of my skills, especially as the amount of elder financial fraud litigation increases.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Probation Agency welcomes first K-9 officers and partners

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Probation Agency (VCPA) is proud to announce the assignment of two new K-9 Officers, Virna Mejia and Andy Bernal, and their specially trained K-9 partners, Inca and Koda. This marks a significant step forward in enhancing the agency’s safety protocols and community service capabilities.

The introduction of K-9 Officers and their canine partners is a strategic initiative designed to strengthen public safety and support probation supervision efforts. This highly skilled K-9 team will focus on detecting illegal substances and weapons during home visits and searches within juvenile facilities. Their presence not only acts as a powerful deterrent against criminal activity but also enhances officer safety and efficiency during field operations.

No Kings Day rallies planned on Oct. 18 throughout the 805 region

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2025 • Comments Off

No Kings Day rallies are planned throughout the Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties region on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in protest of the policies of the Trump Administration. The rallies are being organized by Indivisible and supported by a variety of organizations.

“In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings,” Indivisible stated in a variety of posts.

“Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.”

Please see links to local protests, news coverage in the region.

Bilingual report — Getting the flu vaccine is critically important this flu season

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2025 • Comments Off

By Kaiser Permanente

If you’re thinking about skipping the flu shot this year, you may want to reconsider!

Scientists and public health officials are preparing for a potentially active flu season in the United States in the coming months, based on recent trends and updated vaccine formulations. Here’s what they say the public should expect:

Bilingual report — Now’s the Time to Vote! Helpful Vote by Mail Information for the Nov. 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters is committed to “Preserving history and protecting democracy for the people of Ventura County, past, present, and future.” More information about the agency’s services is available 24/7 at ClerkRecorder.venturacounty.gov…

Local, grassroot Giving Circle reaches $100,000 in gifts to local, Latino-led or Latino-serving non-profit organizations

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Latino Community Foundation’s Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle (SBLGC) awarded Immigrant Legal Defense Center and 805undocufund a total of $32,000 during their annual Grants Night this month.

“Grants Night is the culmination and celebration of our circle’s annual grant cycle,” said Teresa Alvarez, co-founder of the SBLGC. “Our group’s collective funds are gifted to non-profits that our circle members nominated, elected based on our funding priorities which were Immigr ant Rights & Legal Services Power Building. In today’s climate, we are confident that ILDC and 805 Undocufund will maximize these funds immediately.”

Oxnard College marks 50 years of service to Ventura County with new programs, academic milestones and campus celebration

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2025 • Comments Off

OXNARD —Oxnard College is celebrating its 50th anniversary this academic year, reflecting on five decades of empowering students, shaping careers and strengthening Ventura County. The milestone was marked on September 25 with the unveiling of a new campus mural by alumna Elisa Torres and her team of student artists.

Funded by the Oxnard College Foundation, the mural depicts the people, places and traditions that have defined Oxnard and the college’s role in the community over the last half-century. The college first opened its doors in 1975 after local families, community leaders and activists came together to advocate for equitable access to higher education in Oxnard.

Santa Barbara community invited to sign petition by Oct. 21 for a ‘Balanced, Flexible Design for a Thriving State Street’

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Join the Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association (DSBIA) in advancing a Balanced, Flexible Design for a Thriving State Street!

The community is invited to sign the petition before the council meeting on Oct. 21.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors to meet on Oct. 21

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2025 • Comments Off

View this email online The next regular meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2025 County Administration Building Board Hearing Room, 4th Floor 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara The public may participate…

UCSB — The Current — ‘Hotshots, history and the human choices behind megafires,’ more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2025 • Comments Off

In his book “When It All Burns,” Jordan Thomas sets out to answer a straightforward question: What led to today’s megafires? What emerged was an immersive account of a changing world.

Southeast Ventura County YMCA launches Thanksgiving Food Drive to Serve 300 Families

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2025 • Comments Off

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is collecting donations to provide Thanksgiving dinners to 300 families facing financial hardship, including families whose children participate in the YMCA’s Find My Genius program and those affected by recent wildfires.

Each family will receive a box filled with food items such as cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, chicken stock and turkey gravy, plus a $60 Ralph’s gift card for a turkey or ham. The YMCA has already identified 100 families to receive Thanksgiving boxes.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) October/November free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2025 • Comments Off

IN-PERSON EVENT: HOLIDAY MARKETING MADE SIMPLE!

October 23 @ 8:30 am

Join SCORE Ventura County, City of Agoura Hills and Economic Development Collaborative at the Holiday Marketing Made Simple in-person event! The holiday season is the most significant sales opportunity of the year, but without a plan, it can quickly become overwhelming. From social media to printing and email campaigns, the right strategy can help you stand out, attract more customers and boost sales during the busiest shopping months. In this practical and action-focused workshop, we will guide you step by step on how to create a simple holiday marketing plan that saves time and drives results. You’ll walk away with clear strategies to keep your promotions organized, stress-free, and effective, so you can make this your most successful holiday season yet. Address: Agoura Hills Recreation and Event Center, 29900 Ladyface Ct., Agoura Hills, CA 91301.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ventura County cities commit $700,000 to Housing Trust Fund Ventura County to support affordable housing

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) secured regional support as four cities in Ventura County have allocated $700,000 in funding over 2025 and 2026 towards Housing Trust Fund VC’s Revolving Loan Fund. The four cities are Moorpark, Ventura, Fillmore, and Santa Paula. These commitments are a demonstration of each city’s dedication to housing affordability for all residents in Ventura County and trust in Housing Trust Fund VC’s vision for the future of affordable housing. Since 2013, all ten cities in Ventura County have pledged or contributed to Housing Trust Fund VC or their sister organization, Housing Land Trust Ventura County.

Cal State Channel Islands earns new Intentionally Thriving Institution Designation of the Seal of Excelencia for impact in preparing and connecting students to the workforce

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Excelencia in Education, a national leader in catalyzing institutional transformation for student success in higher education, announced that California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) has earned the new Intentionally Thriving Institution (ITI) designation of the Seal of Excelencia. Cal State Channel Islands is one of the first institutions to earn the ITI designation, which extends impact beyond the educational pathway and recognizes positive impact in preparing students for, and connecting them to, the workforce.

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan launches Total Care Advantage: A new plan for people with both Medi-Cal and Medicare

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Starting (Oct. 1), Ventura County residents with both Medi-Cal and Medicare coverage will be able to choose to have their care coordinated under one integrated plan from Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP).

GCHP Total Care Advantage (HMO D-SNP) is a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan for low-income seniors and people with disabilities who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal – known as Medi-Medi members. Total Care Advantage is designed to support members by offering care coordination to help with accessing needed services, scheduling appointments, and managing chronic conditions.

CSUCI/Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) announces Fall classes

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Experience the Joy of Learning with OLLI at CSUCI

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Cal State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) is dedicated to enriching the lives of lifelong learners by providing opportunities for intellectual stimulation and social connection designed for adults aged 50+. We are thrilled to announce our Fall II catalog, featuring a fascinating selection of nine 6-week courses. Dive into a diverse range of topics, from health and longevity to international relations, art history, literature, anthropology, and more!

Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Together we made Raising Justice possible!

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2025 • Comments Off

Our growing base of community champions – YOU! – raised more funds than ever at our annual community celebration and fundraiser!

Raising Justice showed us what a vibrant community of movement friends can do when we come together to uplift housing justice, environmental justice, and fight for immigrant worker power.

No one can do this work alone. Each year Raising Justice plays a central role in uplifting the organizing our region deserves — and this year’s success belongs to all of us.

Whether you joined us in person or chipped from afar — whether you’re an event sponsor, donor, grassroots leaders, partner, staff, volunteer, or table host — YOU truly help make it all happen – T H A N K Y O U!

The beautiful array of community contributions we witnessed at Raising Justice are what keep our grassroots organizing strong at a time when we need it most.

With gratitude for the grassroots,