Category: Local

C.A.R.L. opens pet food pantry to assist Ventura County residents

by Community Contributor • September 29, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) announces the opening of its pet food bank, which will distribute food at no cost to residents. The Ventura-based C.A.R.L. Thrift Store, located at 2750 E. Main Street, Suite B, will serve as the hub for the pet food pantry. Its hours of operation will run from noon to 2 p.m., while supplies last, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

C.A.R.L. Governance Board President Claudia Hoste decided to launch a pet food pantry after attending an event that featured a local food bank. “I thought, ‘We need to do the same to support our animal community.’” Hoste has also seen several posts on social media, where people discussed how the rising cost of dog and cat food has challenged them to keep their beloved pets.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Fall arts abound across campus and community’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • September 29, 2026 • Comments Off

In a multinational megastudy, social psychologist Hongbo Yu and collaborators analyze gratitude practices across 34 countries, with findings that illustrate the importance of cultural context.

Ventura College to host Cash for College Workshops on Oct. 10

by Community Contributor • September 29, 2026 • Comments Off

“Understanding how to access financial aid can make a meaningful difference in a student’s ability to pursue their educational goals,” said Dr. Luca E. Lewis, Ventura College president. “We want to make sure students and families have the information and support they need to navigate the financial aid process and take full advantage of the resources available to them. At Ventura College, opportunity starts here, and we are committed to helping our students take that next step toward their future.”

Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital recognized among nation’s Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals for Patient Satisfaction

by Community Contributor • September 29, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY — Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital (SYVCH) has been recognized as a 2026 Top 20 Critical Access Hospital for Best Practice in Patient Satisfaction by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA).

The national designation recognizes SYVCH among the highest-performing critical access hospitals in the country for patient satisfaction. The recognition is based on data from the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™, which evaluates rural hospitals across key areas of performance.

Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — 25 Years strong thanks to you

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2026 • Comments Off

We are still still beaming with the warmth and beautiful show of support from so many of you last Thursday at Raising Justice!

Whether you joined us in person, invited a friend, or donated from near or from afar, THANK YOU!

Ventura County microbusinesses eligible for fully funded hiring and employee training programs

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) announced (on Sept. 25) the launch of a high-impact suite of workforce programs designed specifically to help local microenterprises scale without financial strain. Administered locally through America’s Job Center of California (AJCC), the initiative provides fully funded work experiences, hiring reimbursements, and subsidized training to sole proprietors, independent operators, and family-owned firms with fewer than five employees.

Designed to counter rising operational costs, these resources absorb the financial risks of onboarding and staff development for small employers that operate without dedicated HR departments or surplus working capital.

VCCF Power of Purpose – September 2026

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2026 • Comments Off

Dear Ventura County Community Foundation family,

Today I invite you to watch one of my favorite TED Talks of all time: Drew Dudley’s “Everyday Leadership.”

In just six minutes, Dudley reminds us that we are all leaders. We tend to associate leadership only with enormous achievements, defining moments or extraordinary individuals. When we do that, leadership starts to feel inaccessible, something reserved only for other people. But our capacity to change another person’s life, and our community’s future, is far greater than we realize.

CSUCI invites community to Dolphin Pantry Donation Drive and Free OLLI Seminar

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) is inviting the community to support students experiencing food and basic-needs insecurity during the CSUCI Dolphin Pantry Donation Drive on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at Studio Channel Islands Art Center, 2222 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo.

The event is presented through a collaboration among CSUCI Basic Needs, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSUCI, and Studio Channel Islands Art Center. The eventconnects a passion for lifelong learning with the shared purpose of supporting CSUCI students.

Moorpark College to premiere new temporary amphitheater with free concert

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2026 • Comments Off

MOORPARK — Moorpark College and the Moorpark College Foundation will kick off a year of celebrations marking the college’s 60th anniversary with Moorpark College Serenades: The Premiere, a free outdoor concert on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 4–6 p.m

Cottage Health hosts Sepsis Conference focused on early recognition and treatment

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health brought together physicians, nurses, pharmacists, respiratory care practitioners and other clinicians from across the region on Friday, Sept. 18, for the 2026 Sepsis Conference, a multidisciplinary educational event focused on the recognition, treatment and management of sepsis.

The conference offered a day of education highlighting evidence-based practices, emerging research and new approaches to caring for patients with sepsis.

Presentations addressed key areas in sepsis care, including maternal sepsis, antibiotic stewardship, the use of artificial intelligence in sepsis management and recent clinical research.

From Ventura County farmworker to business owner: Ochoa family celebrates 25 years of Sunrise Set LLC

by Community Contributor • September 25, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Sunrise Set LLC, a family-owned trucking and logistics company rooted in Ventura County agriculture, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month, marking a journey that began not behind the wheel of a truck, but in the fields of Oxnard.

Founded in 2001 by Francisco E. Ochoa and his son, Benjamin Ochoa, Sunrise Set grew from two bobtail trucks moving small shipments from local farms to shipping docks into a refrigerated freight company transporting fresh produce and agricultural products throughout California.

The family’s connection to Ventura County agriculture began decades earlier.

Bilingual commentary — Fiery Flamenco Dance in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • September 25, 2026 • Comments Off

In mid-September, I had the opportunity to enjoy watching some of the finest flamenco dancing I had ever seen. The event, dubbed “Danzas y Canciones” (“Dances and Songs”) was held on the campus of Oxnard College in its Performing Arts Building.

Anyone with curiosity who hears the passionate cries of a flamenco dancer and observes the intricacies of the step patterns and rhythms of the dancer’s feet will instinctively want to know something about the origins of this highly expressive art form.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Five Things Ventura County Residents Should Know

by Community Contributor • September 25, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase awareness about abuse, recognize the barriers survivors often face and remind our community that help is available. The Coalition for Family Harmony operates the only rape crisis center in Ventura County and provides services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout the county.

The Coalition’s services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, housing assistance and prevention services. In addition to operating the county’s only rape crisis center, the Coalition currently operates three domestic violence emergency shelters, including specialized shelter services designed to address the needs of Indigenous-language-speaking survivors and a newer emergency shelter located at the Ventura County Family Justice Center.

Pre-sale tickets end Sept. 30 for 4th annual Panteón Fest in Oxnard

by Community Contributor • September 25, 2026 • Comments Off

Panteón Fest – 4th Annual
Saturday, October 17, 2026 • 1:00–9:00 PM

Join us in Historic Heritage Square in Downtown Oxnard for the 4th Annual Panteón Fest, a celebration of Día de los Muertos through art, music, and culture. Enjoy eight hours of live performances, community altars, an art gallery, the Catrín & Catrina Contest, local vendors, delicious food, and drinks.

This year’s theme celebrates the world of Chespirito. Come dressed as your favorite Chespirito character and join us for a day of culture, nostalgia, and community as we honor Día de los Muertos together.

13th Annual Banana Festival returns to the Port of Hueneme Sept. 26

by Community Contributor • September 25, 2026 • Comments Off

… The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is expected to attract thousands of visitors for a full day of live entertainment, food, family activities, local vendors, and opportunities to experience the working Port up close through bus and boat tours. Admission and event parking are free. Guests are encouraged to park at Hueneme Beach.

The Banana Festival was created as a way to celebrate the Port’s role as a major gateway for imported bananas and other refrigerated agricultural products. The banana trade came to Hueneme in 1993 as the Port developed the largest cold storage capacity on the West Coast. Today, the Port of Hueneme ranks 5th in the nation for both automobiles and refrigerated cargo.While it imports 5 billion bananas per year, it also brings in Peruvian blueberries, avocados, mangos, and much more.

Ventura Music Festival announces ‘String Theory: The Fall Series’ (Oct. 11-18)

by Community Contributor • September 25, 2026 • Comments Off

There’s a common thread running through October: from the violin at the heart of Birth of Impressionism, putting you inside a revolution in musical history, to the genre-defying strings of TAKE3, where Bach sounds like a stadium show, to two fiddle legends performing in the open air at golden hour. The series then expands outward into a 19-piece big band paying tribute to one of the most restlessly creative minds in American music, and finally, at the very end of the year, twelve voices filling a sanctuary with five centuries of choral music. And it all begins with the return of a cherished VMF tradition: Tea & Trumpets on October 11th, the perfect opening note.

Humane Society of Ventura County welcomes Dr. Kusay to its veterinary team

by Community Contributor • September 24, 2026 • Comments Off

OJAI — The Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) is thrilled to welcome Dr. Kusay to its veterinary team. A shelter medicine and high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter veterinarian with more than five years of clinical experience and 15 plus years in animal rescue, Dr. Kusay brings both deep expertise and a lifelong dedication to animal welfare to HSVC.

“I became a veterinarian because I lost my first dog to a cancer that could have been caught and treated earlier,” Dr. Kusay said. “That experience is why I’ve dedicated my career to shelter medicine, and I’m excited to continue that work at HSVC — helping give animals and their families the care and the second chances they deserve.”

SBCC named among Top 25 Gilman Scholarship Community Colleges in the U.S.

by Community Contributor • September 24, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The U.S. Department of State recently announced that Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) ranked among the top 25 U.S. community colleges producing Gilman Scholars for the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. This year the Gilman Scholarship Program is celebrating its 25th anniversary of supporting American students to study abroad by providing scholarships up to $5,000 to students with high financial need to study or intern abroad.

Current students, including those from SBCC, have until Thursday, October 1, to apply for the current scholarship program, which would support Study Abroad programs in Spring, Summer and Fall of 2027. Students may learn more about the scholarship, Study Abroad in general, and upcoming trips, here: https://www.sbcc.edu/studyabroad/programs/.

Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital celebrates National Rehabilitation Awareness Week

by Community Contributor • September 24, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital (CRH) celebrated National Rehabilitation Awareness Week with a special event on September 15 recognizing patients, caregivers, clinicians, volunteers and community supporters who help make rehabilitation possible.

This year’s theme, “Building Futures Through Rehabilitation,” highlighted CRH’s commitment to helping patients regain independence and return to the activities that are most meaningful to them.

Commununity Environmental Council (CEC) — Help Shape CEC’s Climate Priorities: Take Our Survey

by Community Contributor • September 24, 2026 • Comments Off

Our community is at the heart of CEC’s climate work. As we look ahead, we want our work to reflect what matters most to Central Coast residents and create more accessible ways for everyone to get involved in climate action.

This short survey will help us better understand what our community cares about, needs, and wants to see more of from CEC. Your feedback helps us:

Senior Concerns’ ‘Par and Away’ Golf Tournament on Nov. 17 tees up critical support for local seniors and family caregivers

by Community Contributor • September 23, 2026 • Comments Off

“The need in our community is growing at a pace we haven’t seen before,” said Andrea Gallagher, president and CEO of Senior Concerns. “We used to receive one or two inquiries a week about Meals On Wheels. Now we’re receiving 10 to 12. At the same time, more older adults and family caregivers are reaching out to our case workers for guidance, resources and support. The funds raised through events like Par and Away help us respond when our neighbors need us most.”

Ventura County nonprofit serving 750+ brain injury survivors and families celebrates three local community leaders at annual fundraiser on Oct. 10

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2026 • Comments Off

‘An Evening of Magical Memories — 23rd Annual Fundraiser’ will be presented on Oct. 10 at Las Posas County Club. The event is a fundraiser for the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County.

Cottage Medical Group expands urology care with new Cottage Urology Clinic

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Medical Group (CMG) has expanded access to comprehensive urologic care with the addition of Cottage Urology Clinic, located at 5333 Hollister Avenue, Suite 275, in Goleta.

Cottage Urology Clinic provides evaluation and treatment for conditions affecting the urinary tract, male reproductive system, and female urologic and pelvic health, including kidney stones, urinary incontinence, enlarged prostate, erectile dysfunction and pelvic organ prolapse. The clinic also provides screening and treatment for prostate, bladder, kidney and other urologic cancers.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Ventura County Supervisors vote to pursue statewide legislation promoting dangerous dog transfers to rescues, and reducing animal euthanasia

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a measure from Supervisors Jeff Gorell and Matt LaVere to pursue state legislation establishing a conditional safe harbor for public agencies following the lawful transfer of potentially dangerous or vicious dogs to qualified nonprofit rescue organizations.

The action allows Ventura County to pursue sponsorship of legislation during the 2027 state legislative session or actively support a substantially equivalent measure introduced by another sponsor.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Physicists extend the search for quantum black holes’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2026 • Comments Off

The work by UC Santa Barbara’s Danyi Zhang and Tamas Vami demonstrates a novel method for searching for particles. The results will inform theories and future searches.

Fall/Winter 2026 & 2027 Exhibitions coming to Santa Barbara Museum of Art

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) has something for everyone over the next twelve months — from prints and pastel by American artist Mary Cassatt and her European contemporaries, and dramatic Pictorialist photography, to the joyful art installation and mid-career survey of FriendsWithYou and the cool and surreal paintings and drawings of the American dream by artist and actor Martin Mull.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — SBA offers relief to California small businesses and private nonprofits affected by the 2026 Plains Oil Spill

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2026 • Comments Off

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in California to offset economic losses caused by the 2026 Plains Oil Spill occurring May 22 – 28. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs on behalf of Governor Gavin Newsom on Sept. 17.

The disaster declaration covers the California counties of Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Ventura.

Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital receives Five-Star CMS Rating for cleanliness

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (GVCH) has received a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for hospital environment cleanliness, the highest rating available for this patient experience measure.

GVCH was among 381 hospitals nationwide receiving the five-star cleanliness rating and one of 19 hospitals in California included on the list.

The rating is based on patient responses to the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey, which measures patients’ experiences with different aspects of their hospital care. The results included in the latest CMS data reflect surveys completed between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025.

Ventura College Foundation accepting scholarship applications for 2027-28 School Year

by Community Contributor • September 21, 2026 • Comments Off

The scholarship application deadline for the Paramedic and Career Education programs is November 23. Students will be notified of their scholarship status by mid-December. The application deadline for all other scholarships is January 22, 2027. Students will be notified of their scholarship submission results by mid-April 2027. Scholarship award distributions will begin August 1.

Students currently enrolled at Ventura College in the 2026-2027 academic year and who have completed or are on track to complete at least six units in the semester are eligible to apply. Units earned in previous semesters at Ventura College count towards the unit requirement.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • September 21, 2026 • Comments Off

EN ESPAÑOL: PRODUCTIVIDAD, ADMINISTRACIÓN Y HERRAMIENTAS DE GOOGLE CON INTELIGENCIA ARTIFICIAL

21 de septiembre a las 6:00 pm

Las tareas administrativas suelen consumir tiempo valioso que podría dedicarse al crecimiento del negocio. Este taller explora cómo la Inteligencia Artificial y las herramientas de Google pueden mejorar la productividad mediante la gestión de correos electrónicos, creación de documentos, resúmenes de reuniones, organización de tareas y administración de información. Los participantes aprenderán formas prácticas de reducir trabajo repetitivo y mejorar la eficiencia. Precio: GRATIS.

HAGA CLIC PARA REGISTRARSE

Announcing VC’s Individual Artist Fellows | Ojai Arts Grants | Student Logo Competition | Poet Laureate Nominations

by Community Contributor • September 21, 2026 • Comments Off

Three local artists have been selected to receive funding from the California Arts Council’s Individual Artists Fellowship in recognition of their artistic practice, professional accomplishments, and community contributions. VCAC collaborated with five regional partners, led by Arts Council Santa Cruz County, to connect Central Coast artists with this opportunity as part of California’s ongoing investment in its creative workforce. Read more

Guest contribution — Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) — School Bonds Are Back on the November Ballot? Both of Them Get a NO VOTE from VCTA!

by Community Contributor • September 21, 2026 • Comments Off

Two school general-obligation bonds will appear on local November 3rd ballots. Rio Elementary Measure B and Santa Paula Unified Measure C asks K–12 taxpayers to take on decades of new property-tax debt for projects that look a lot like the last ask.

Santa Paula Measure C — $48.6 million. Voters already said NO.

Measure C would issue $48.6 million at about $27.98 per $100,000 of assessed value to rebuild a gymnasium, build community swimming-pool facilities, and modernize vocational and performing-arts space. It needs 55 percent.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula residents invited to National Night Out on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Veterans Memorial Park

by Community Contributor • September 21, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — Residents from neighborhoods throughout Santa Paula are invited to join in the National Night Out Event Thursday, September 24, 2026, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Veterans Memorial Park located at 114 S. 10th St. in Santa Paula. The event is sponsored by the Santa Paula Police K9 Foundation and the Santa Paula Police Officers Association. The event is free and residents from the City of Santa Paula are welcome to attend.

There will be information booths from our community partners & social services, jolly jump & wagon train for the kids, along with food and refreshments. There will be vehicle displays from area public safety partners as well as several raffle prizes from local sponsors.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan goes to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on 9-22-2026

by Community Contributor • September 21, 2026 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura’s Planning Division is presenting the following item to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 8:30 am (Item #51, on the Regular Agenda).

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria plans expansion into Ventura County, welcomes new Director of Partnerships & Expansion

by Community Contributor • September 18, 2026 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is thrilled to unveil plans to bring their proven model for intentional, girl-centered programming back to Ventura County. We are pleased to welcome a new Director of Partnerships and Expansion to our administrative team to aid with the growth initiative and building partnerships throughout the region.

The expansion back into Ventura County marks a momentous leap towards Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s three-year goal to significantly expand its reach and double its impact along the central coast. Their holistic, researched-informed programming will bring mentorship, leadership development, college and career readiness, and STEM-based curriculum to Ventura County, with programs serving girls and young women ages 4-24.

Ventura County voter registration deadline is Oct. 19. More information

by Community Contributor • September 18, 2026 • Comments Off

Get ready for the November 3, 2026 General Election. Register now for the first time, pre-register if you are 16 or 17, check that your registration is up to date. Go to vote.venturacounty.gov today!

Bilingual commentary — Swinging Through Life

by Community Contributor • September 18, 2026 • Comments Off

When I came up with the title for this article, I was immediately concerned that adult minds might very well go where I did not want them to go. But I’m going to talk here about entirely different kinds of “swing.”

I’ve had different kinds of “swing” in my life. Each cycle of “swing” taught me something about balance, momentum, and joy.

In the more vibrant phase of my life as a young man, “swinging” meant high-energy balance and precision on the dance floor.

Guest commentary — Ventura County’s AI push needs a skills ladder

by Amigos805.com • September 18, 2026 • Comments Off

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By Gleb Tsipursky, PhD, Ventura…

Museum of Ventura County — Taste of History Photos + Free admission through September + October Events

by Community Contributor • September 18, 2026 • Comments Off

I want to personally thank you for your incredible support of our third annual Taste of History Gala. It was truly a magical evening, and its success would not have been possible without all of you.

Whether you supported Taste of History as an event sponsor, through an in-kind or live auction donation, by purchasing tickets, raising a paddle, or simply joining us for the evening—thank you. Your generosity brought us incredibly close to our fundraising goal and, most importantly, directly supports the Museum of Ventura County and the work we do to preserve and share the history, art, and culture of our community.

To our wonderful sponsors, an additional thank you for your partnership and generosity. And stay tuned—a little treat is in store!

Teatro de las Américas — Last Weekend- Obras de Un Acto | Herbert Siguenza-One Night Only: Diego Rivera: His Story

by Community Contributor • September 18, 2026 • Comments Off

Sept. 18 & 19 7:00 P.M.

Sept. 20 2:00 P.M.

Last Weekend for Our One Acts, Featuring Brand New Directors!

Teatro de las Américas celebrates the final weekend of our One Acts Festival, showcasing three original pieces directed by emerging artists from our community. Each work offers a fresh, bold, and deeply human perspective, highlighting the talent growing within our Teatro.

Ventura Land Trust — A small gift. A lasting impact

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2026 • Comments Off

Every day, people enjoy the lands that Ventura Land Trust has worked so hard to protect—hiking the trails, exploring with their families, watching wildlife, or simply taking a few quiet moments outside.

When you give monthly to Ventura Land Trust, you become part of the community that makes this work possible, all year long. Your steady support helps us care for the places we’ve already protected, restore native habitat, maintain trails, and seize new opportunities to protect Ventura County’s wild and beautiful places.

Music Academy of the West holding Groundbreaking of ‘The Muse’ on Oct. 15

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West and Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association (DSBIA) invite the community for a ceremonial groundbreaking marking an exciting new chapter for arts education and performance in downtown Santa Barbara. The event will take place on Thursday, October 15, at 5:00 PM at 901 State Street, the future home of the Music Academy’s Music Education Center, The Muse.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — We Want to Hear From You: Help Inform CEC’s Critical Climate Work, upcoming events

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2026 • Comments Off

At the Community Environmental Council (CEC), we believe effective climate action is best informed by the people and communities we serve and protect. Your perspective can help us better understand what matters most to our community and ensure CEC’s work continues to meet the needs of Central Coast residents.

Bilingual report — Increase rabies-positive bats in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2026 • Comments Off

Ventura County Public Health and Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) are reminding residents to avoid contact with bats and other wildlife amid an increase in rabies-positive bats in Ventura County.

As of September 16, 2026, 27 bats in Ventura County have tested positive for rabies, with a little less than 4 months still remaining in the year.

Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — See you in Just an Hour (Sept. 17) – Celebrating our 25th Year of Organizing at Raising Justice!

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2026 • Comments Off

We cannot wait to see so many of you so soon at our 20th Raising Justice Community Celebration & Fundraiser! (4 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17)

If you’re on your way or chipped in from afar, if you’re one of the many generous Sponsors, or volunteered your time to put this event together, we’re so grateful for each and all of you!

If you’re planning on joining us in person — wonderful! — please know there’s no need to bring a ticket, just bring yourself!

Food and drinks are ready — and we’ve got an inspiring line up of speakers on a historic moment in our environmental justice campaign:

Commununity Environmental Council (CEC) — SUCCESS: Santa Barbara County votes to stop new oil and gas wells

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2026 • Comments Off

On September 15, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to approve amendments to the Land Use and Development Code (LUDC) and Coastal Zoning Ordinance (CZO) that prohibit new onshore oil and gas wells countywide. This marks a major milestone for public health, environmental protection, and climate action in Santa Barbara and affirms that local governments can lead when federal protections fall short.

Registration closes Oct. 18 for YMCA Adventure Guides in Simi Valley, Conejo Valley

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2026 • Comments Off

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Registration closes Oct. 18 for families wanting to participate in the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Adventure Guides/Y-Trailblazers programs in the Simi and Conejo valleys for the 2026-27 school year.

Organized through the Simi Valley Family YMCA and the Yarrow Family YMCA branches, YMCA Adventure Guides/Y-Trailblazers programs are for parents and their children, ages 5–11. The program runs through June 2027.

Explore Lompoc — Fall in love with Lompoc, California’s Harvest & Halloween events

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2026 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — Fall looks good on Lompoc.

Cooler days, vineyard views, pumpkins, seasonal treats, and just the right amount of spooky make this an especially fun time to visit.

Whether you’re planning a weekend in wine country, a family getaway, or simply looking for a reason to hit the road, Lompoc has plenty of ways to make the most of the season.

Bilingual report — Oxnard Fire Chief Alexander Hamilton announces retirement; Battalion Chief John Albin appointed next Fire Chief

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2026 • Comments Off

“Even before Alex became Oxnard’s Fire Chief, he was bringing innovation to the department, especially for increased awareness around cancer-causing conditions and prevention, and mental health and suicide prevention care for public safety personnel,” said Nguyen. “As Oxnard’s Chief, one of his highlights is advocating for the creation of Oxnard’s EMS Corps program, which will serve our community for generations to come.”

Albin brings over three decades of fire service experience to the role, including 28 years with the Oxnard Fire Department. He joined the department as a firefighter in 1998 and rose through the ranks, promoting from Firefighter to Fire Engineer in 2002, Fire Captain in 2011 and Battalion Chief in 2025, when he was selected to establish and lead the department’s newly created Support Services Division, which manages fleet, facilities, technology, logistics, purchasing, and peer support.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s (VCAAA) Advisory Council seeks Veterans’ representative

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s (VCAAA) Advisory Council has an opening for a veterans’ representative. The Advisory Council is a volunteer-based body of advocates who share a mission to create and sustain programs that positively impact the lives of older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers in Ventura County.

Applications for the veterans’ representative must be received by November 1.

Ventura Music Festival — A night of legend: A Tribute to Quincy Jones, more October events

by Amigos805.com • September 16, 2026 • Comments Off

A Tribute to Quincy Jones Sunday, October 18th — 3 PM Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center GET TICKETS There’s a moment in every great concert when the music stops being something you listen to, and becomes something you feel. On…

Santa Paula Art Museum — ‘Gail Faulkner: A Lasting Impression; Opens Saturday

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2026 • Comments Off

Let’s Go Back to School!

After a career in the medical field, Ventura watercolorist Gail Faulkner (1947-2023) enrolled in art school in her 30s, proving it’s never too late to go back to school—or try something new.

Scroll down to learn about our new exhibition honoring Gail, get to know Museum Educator Janice Allen, check out our fall-themed art classes, and more.

SBCC Board of Trustees name the “Michael A. Goldberg Physical Education Building” and the “Kathleen ‘Kathy’ O’Connor Gymnasium” in their honor

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2026 • Comments Off

“We are beyond thrilled about the generous donation from Cheryl Goldberg and I also wanted to honor the work of Kathy O’Connor, who is the impetus for the new building,” shared Superintendent/President Dr. Erika Endrijonas. “Scheduled for completion in late spring of 2028, the new building provides state-of-the-art classrooms, event spaces, a new home for the SBCC Life Fitness Center, offices, and more in half the footprint of the existing building.”

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2026 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost events and webinars. Space is limited. Register today!

Plan ahead! Our full EDC and partner event schedule is updated at the start of each month.

UCSB — The Current — ‘New fund supports student projects connecting Indigenous studies and environmental action’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2026 • Comments Off

The Kenneth Robert Lincoln Indigenous Environmental Projects Fund will make grants of up to $1,000 available to students enrolled in the Environmental Leadership Incubator.

Trusted Legal elevates Natasha Bhushan to managing attorney

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2026 • Comments Off

Bhushan joined Trusted Legal in 2025 as a senior attorney, bringing more than a decade of experience advising businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and private clients. Since then, she has quickly become an integral part of the firm and its work with clients navigating business formation and governance, transitions, real estate transactions, and other complex legal matters.

United Way of Ventura County seeking volunteers to provide free tax preparation for low-income earners

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2026 • Comments Off

Join like-minded people interested in making a difference!
Free training.

Explore Lompoc — News From Santa Barbara County: Experience the ultimate wine tour

by Community Contributor • September 14, 2026 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — Everyone knows California is wine country. But have you heard about Lompoc?

This laid-back Central Coast wine destination is the perfect place to sip small-production wines, meet the makers, and explore a wine scene that feels refreshingly unhurried.Add beautiful vineyard views, cool coastal temps, and plenty of chances to discover a new favorite, and you’ve got the makings of a seriously good wine weekend.

SB Museum of Art — Discover the World of Mary Cassatt, more events

by Community Contributor • September 14, 2026 • Comments Off

Get ready to see Mary Cassatt in a new light. Cassatt & Friends opens this Sunday at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, bringing together the work of the pioneering American Impressionist and the artists who shaped her world. Celebrated for her intimate, luminous depictions of women and children, Cassatt was also a daring innovator in pastel, drawing, and printmaking. Featuring a remarkable counterproof from SBMA’s collection alongside works by Berthe Morisot, Édouard Manet, Paul Cézanne, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, the exhibition captures the energy, experimentation, and creative exchange of a transformative moment in art history.

Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — A historic victory — and a keynote you won’t want to miss on Thursday, Sept. 17 in Ventura

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — We hope we’ll see you in just one week at our big community celebration and fundraiser, Raising Justice! And this year, we have a historic victory to celebrate — This year’s celebration feels especially meaningful — not only because we’re marking 25 years of organizing for justice across Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, but — because we’re celebrating a historic victory that you helped make possible:

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