Category: Local

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2025 • Comments Off

SCORE: FIVE COMMUNICATION MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN LEADING HIGH-PERFORMANCE GLOBAL TEAMS

August 27 @ 10:00 am

In this engaging, practical 75-minute workshop, you’ll learn the most critical communication mistakes that undermine trust and efficiency in your global teams — and how to avoid them, how to adapt to different communication styles to ensure every team member feels understood and empowered and proven techniques for ensuring you are an effective communicator—both as a speaker and as a listener. In today’s fast-paced, interconnected workplace, successful leaders must communicate clearly and inspire teams to work together toward common goals. Yet even experienced leaders can unintentionally create misunderstandings that slow progress, erode trust and impact performance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics hopes to acquire popular Integrated Medical Records System

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Many of us, in our own medical care in Santa Barbara, have come to rely on “MyChart by Epic” to keep track of appointments, view test results, and ask questions of our doctors. However, that is not an option for the thousands of patients who visit Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC). Adopting the MyChart system would benefit the patients and families who come to SBNC, allowing them to take charge of their healthcare information in English and in Spanish. It will also allow the Clinics to seamlessly and easily share vital information with Cottage Hospital, UCLA, and other providers. It’s a critical and overdue improvement.

Unite to Light to deploy innovative solar powerpoles in eight Santa Barbara Community resilience projects

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — From powering tsunami warning systems to supporting 24/7 food pantries, Unite To Light is pleased to announce eight new PowerPole installations which are set to transform how Santa Barbara County communities access reliable, renewable energy. Through a unique partnership with the James S. Bower Foundation and local battery tech startup Dragon Q Energy, the PowerPole is a compact, solar-integrated, off-grid solution providing electricity, battery storage, and internet connectivity, even in the harshest conditions.

Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County opens applications for free home repair program

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2025 • Comments Off

The program addresses urgent health and safety needs so that seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities can live independently and safely in their homes. Applications can be submitted online, by mail to Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County, 1850 Eastman Avenue, Oxnard, CA or by email to jamie@habitatventura.org. For details or to learn more, visit www.habitatventura.org.

The Oaks celebrates September with a food festival & community-focused events and programs

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The Oaks is bringing families and community members together this September with a lineup of exciting events. From culinary celebrations and family-friendly entertainment to school support initiatives, The Oaks continues its commitment to creating experiences that enrich the broader Conejo Valley community.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Behavioral Health invites community members to Town Halls (Sept. 16, 25; Oct. 7, 8, 16) to discuss Proposition 1 changes

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2025 • Comments Off

Proposition 1 aims to expand access to behavioral health care (mental health and substance use) and housing support, especially for individuals facing complex challenges such as housing instability and serious behavioral health conditions. As the State of California updates how behavioral health funding is prioritized, community voices will play a vital role in shaping local programs and services.

People’s Self-Help Housing awarded $34,000,000 from Federal Housing Accelerator Program

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2025 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has been awarded $34,049,563 from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) through its Disaster Recovery Multifamily Housing Accelerator Program (DR-ACCEL). These funds will be used to bring more housing to the city of Atascadero with PSHH’s Del Rio Ridge project.

DR-ACCEL bridges the gap in financing for projects ready to begin construction, but that are halted during periods of disaster. In this case, the impacts of the severe winter storms in December 2022 through April 2023 resulted in unmet recovery needs from the floods, in areas already suffering from a critical shortage of affordable housing. Del Rio Ridge was one of the developments to have paused during this time.

Learn about Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s youth & government programs at upcoming information meetings (Sept. 2, 3, 4)

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2025 • Comments Off

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Kick-off meetings are scheduled for the first week in September for the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s three Youth & Government Model Legislature & Court delegation programs.

Youth & Government is an opportunity for high school students to learn how government works and join over 60 Youth & Government delegations from around California in two statewide conferences culminating in the Model Legislative & Court Conference in the legislative chambers at the State Capitol in Sacramento.

Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing August 2025 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2025 • Comments Off

We recently learned of the passing of Jeanette Duncan, who, for nearly four decades, was the very heartbeat of our organization.

Joining not too long after our founding in 1970 by a few volunteer community members and on the heels of the Fair Housing Act, Jeanette began her time as our first Executive Director with People’s Self-Help Housing, supporting individuals and families to build their own houses and achieve their dream of home ownership. Coming alongside those spirited volunteers as their shovels broke ground on those first houses, she subsequently recruited a core of professionals whose dedication would see the work of People’s expanding to serve thousands spread across the tri-counties of the Central Coast.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College’s Community Education offering noncredit classes for Fall

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s Community Education is currently inviting Northern Santa Barbara County residents from all walks of life to register for noncredit classes.

This fall, AHC Community Education is offering noncredit, tuition-free courses in a wide range of subjects, as well as affordable fee-based courses that offer everything from educational enrichment to job skill development and training. The classes are open to everyone, no matter their age, background, or educational level.

Guest commentary — Ventura County Taxpayers Association opposes County of Ventura Item 43 (Public Defender’s Immigrant Defense Fund)

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2025 • Comments Off

On Tuesday, August 26th, 2025, Supervisor Vianey Lopez will ask the Board of Supervisors to establish various programs to assist immigration-related proceedings at a cost of $6.3 million of taxpayer funds. The Supervisor is asking taxpayers to pay for an Immigration Legal Defense Fund for a team of lawyers in the Public Defender’s Immigrant Defense Unit and provide financial support for a “Migrant Education Program”.

The Ventura County Taxpayers Association opposes the proposed measures as misguided, fiscally irresponsible, and potentially exposing the County to significant legal and financial risks.

Farr Johnen & Associates celebrate 40 years of client service

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2025 • Comments Off

Prior to starting the firm in 1985, Gary had become a seasoned insurance professional with decades of experience and a strong network across Southern California. Glen graduated from USC in 1981 and started his career at Connecticut Mutual. By the time they moved to Ventura County and opened Farr Johnen & Associates, Glen had already earned a reputation as a leader in the life insurance marketplace. A few years later, Brenda Farr joined to launch the firm’s employee benefits practice, providing health insurance solutions for local businesses.

People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Four Students Receive John Fowler Scholarship Award Senior scholars to pursue higher education this fall

by Community Contributor • August 22, 2025 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has awarded four students with the John Fowler Scholarship Award: Alondra Zarate of Isla Vista, Gabbi Rangel and Luna Ramirez Solano of Goleta, and Fatima Orozco of Guadalupe.

The John Fowler Scholarship, named in recognition of former President & CEO of PSHH, was created to support PSHH students in their pursuit of higher education, vocational training, or trade schools. Since 2020, multiple $1,000 scholarships have been awarded each year to high school seniors who demonstrate a commitment to bettering their community, a strong motivation for excellence, and planned enrollment in a degree or certificate program. Each applicant displayed academic excellence in various ways through essay responses, report cards, their involvement in extracurricular activities, and support of their community, to include caring for family members.

Bilingual commentary — Does AI Portend the Death of Freelancing?

by Community Contributor • August 22, 2025 • Comments Off

Several years ago, I thought I would try my hand at freelancing. I took an online course on proofreading, passed the exam at the end of the course, and plunged into the gig economy.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) — Exciting Update on Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund (First round funding reaching families through MICOP, Westminster Free Clinic, 805 UndocuFund and Friends of Fieldworkers)

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2025 • Comments Off

Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,

There’s a beautiful word from Southern Africa—Ubuntu—that captures the heart of what we are doing together through the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund. Ubuntu means “I am because we are.” It reminds us that our lives are deeply connected, our humanity bound together. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu said:

“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”

Over the past three weeks, that spirit of Ubuntu has come alive in Ventura County. More than 100 households have already contributed over $136,000 (including $20,000 in pledges). Each gift is a powerful reminder that when one family struggles, the whole community feels it—and when one family is lifted up, we all rise.

Celebrating El Concilio’s 50th Anniversary — Sponsorship and 2025 Booklet advertisement available

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2025 • Comments Off

… We invite you to join us as a sponsor for our 50th Anniversary Gala & The Latino Leadership Awards, a milestone event that will bring together community leaders, advocates, and supporters to celebrate our legacy and raise vital funds to continue our work. The event will be held on September 25th, 2025, at the beautiful Museum of Ventura County.

This is our only annual fundraiser, and its success directly impacts our ability to serve thousands of individuals and families seeking a path to legal residency, citizenship, and a better future. Your sponsorship will not only support this critical mission but will also provide your organization with visibility among influential leaders and community members who share a commitment to social impact.

Teatro de las Américas — Sonidos de Ausencias | El Chavo de Ox | Nos Traen Cortitos 2025

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2025 • Comments Off

Sounds of Absences

What drives you to leave everything behind and emigrate?
Lives that cross paths without seeking each other.
Solitudes that brush against each other.
How far does your dream take you? And how much are you willing to lose?

PREMIERE AUGUST 29

You’re going to laugh, you’re going to be moved, and maybe… you’ll be silent for a long time.

RSVP NOW – The Port of Hueneme’s 3rd annual World Oceans Day Sustaining the Seas Summit

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2025 • Comments Off

Limited Spots Available
RSVP NOW!

Bilingual report — County of Ventura awarded nearly $28 million for permanent supportive housing development

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2025 • Comments Off

This substantial investment will create 88 permanent supportive housing units for individuals experiencing homelessness. In addition, one unit will be reserved for a resident property manager to provide on-site support and security. The development will also include community gathering spaces and offices for case managers and support staff, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for residents.

“This funding marks an important milestone in our efforts to address homelessness in Ventura County by providing safe, stable, and supportive housing for vulnerable residents,” said Supervisor Janice Parvin, Chair of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. “We remain dedicated to working closely with our partners to bring this project to fruition and enhance the quality of life for those in need.”

Pacific Wildlife Care begins construction on new Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in San Luis Obispo

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2025 • Comments Off

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Pacific Wildlife Care (PWC) is thrilled to announce that construction has officially begun on the Kim and Derrel Ridenour Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at 385 Buckley Road, San Luis Obispo. This marks the next major milestone following the successful Phase One of the Campaign for Wildlife, which raised more than $11.7 million to establish a permanent home for wildlife care and ensure long-term sustainability for wildlife care.

The start of construction is the culmination of more than five years of planning, collaboration, and community support. Phase I of the project includes:

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — The Republican Agenda: An Attack on Women’s Health and Rights

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2025 • Comments Off

President Trump and Republicans in Congress are advancing an onslaught of anti-woman, anti-reproductive freedom policies that dismantle women’s health care and strip away women’s rights. These policies that defund Planned Parenthood are effectively nothing less than a backdoor abortion ban and are part of a long-term agenda to shut down health centers, cut off access to birth control and cancer screenings, and ban abortion nationwide. If successful, these efforts will only worsen the abortion access crisis created by the Dobbs decision and state bans, making it harder for women everywhere to get the care they need, when they need it.

Bilingual report — Aug. 26 County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors Meeting. Topics Include: Retail Food Facility Fees, County Support for State Legislation Prohibiting Masking and Requiring Identification Displayed of Law Enforcement Officials, Open Space Element

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2025 • Comments Off

The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building
Board Hearing Room
511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.

Cal Lutheran begins 2025-26 Academic Year with improved student experience

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The 2025-2026 school year begins at California Lutheran University on Aug. 25 with over 1,000 incoming undergraduate and graduate students.

To better serve students and their families by connecting some of the most critical campus offices that support student enrollment and graduation needs, the university has established a new Student Central.This convenient location brings together Academic and Registrar Services, Student Accounts and Financial Aid, all under one roof where students can register for classes and check financial aid and account balances.

The latest news from County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2025 • Comments Off

Dear Neighbors,

As a new school year begins, I want to wish our local students and families a wonderful start and remind everyone to stay safe on the roadways. In this newsletter, you’ll find important updates, resources, and details about upcoming community events—I hope you’ll join me.

Warm regards,
Jeff

Jeff Gorell, Ventura County Supervisor, District 2
SupevisorGorell@ventura.org

Ventura Harbor Village — Late Summer Must-Do’s at the Harbor

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2025 • Comments Off

From blissful beach days to boba breaks, here’s everything you’ll want on your late summer list at Ventura Harbor Village. See what’s waiting by the water before the season slips away…

Bilingual report — Ventura County Medical Center Family Medicine Residency retains No. 2 ranking nationally in Doximity’s 2025–2026 Residency Navigator

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2025 • Comments Off

“Our Family Medicine Residency stands out nationally because we train residents in the full scope of family medicine, including primary care, women’s health, emergency medicine, hospital care, surgery, trauma, and community outreach,” said Dr. Jacob David, Program Director. “We’ve launched innovative programs like palliative care and addiction medicine to fill critical gaps in local services, attracting mission-driven physicians committed to serving underserved communities.”

McCarthy Companies awarded preconstruction contract for a new affordable housing community for Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — McCarthy Companies has been selected by the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) to provide preconstruction services for the development of Monteria Village in Santa Barbara. The recently signed contract will lay the groundwork for a transformative affordable housing project that will replace a 28-unit HUD-assisted public housing development built in 1973 and add 52 new affordable apartments on Santa Barbara’s Westside for a total of 80 affordable multifamily units. The development leverages HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, which enabled HACSB to successfully reposition its entire HUD-assisted public housing inventory to access equity funding for rehabilitation and improvements.

Museum of Ventura County — Tractors, Traditions & Family Fun This Labor Day!

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

Join us for the Agriculture Museum’s 10th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair on September 1st, immediately following the Santa Paula Parade. This beloved community event celebrates Santa Paula’s rich agricultural heritage with family-friendly activities, live music by the Van Allen Twins, captivating presentations and tours, and a deep appreciation for our local farming culture.

The fair offers a fresh perspective on bridging farming’s past, present, and future through engaging exhibits and interactive activities. It aims to unite our community, promote sustainable farming practices, and inspire the next generation to explore rewarding careers in agriculture.

UCSB — The Current — ‘University of California Annual Commitment to Address Discrimination and Harassment’ and more information

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

President James B. Milliken shares a message with the UC community.

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC) — Justice in Motion – Fellows Get It Done!

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, October 11, 2025; 11am – 2pm

Thanking 2024 Fellows! | Welcoming 2025 Fellows!

Studio Channel Islands – Camarillo

Details to follow.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Creek Flood Risk Management Project accepting public comments through Aug. 25

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

Santa Paula Creek is a tributary to the Santa Clara River located along the east side of the City of Santa Paula. The project aims to reduce flood risk and enhance community safety. Following two early public scoping meetings held in July, the public is encouraged to provide feedback to help guide the study’s scope, shape possible measures and alternatives, and assess potential environmental impacts.

Ventura Music Festival returns Oct. 12 through 19

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

Tickets are already selling fast, and many concerts are expected to sell out! Don’t miss the last concerts of Ventura Music Festival’s 30 for 30 – a celebration of the music and community we’ve shared with Ventura since our debut festival in 1995! Take a look at the October lineup below and order your tickets today.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Your electric vehicle tax credit disappears on Sept. 30

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

You have less than 50 days to lock in major savings on an electric vehicle before federal incentives disappear. Right now, you can get up to $7,500 off a new EV or plug-in hybrid, or up to $4,000 off a used one through IRS Clean Vehicle Tax Credits.

When Congress passed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” they slashed the program’s timeline, moving its expiration date up to September 30, 2025 instead of 2032. That means buyers only have a short window left to take advantage of these savings before they’re gone for good.

13th Annual luncheon to honor community award recipients and feature Keynote speaker David Kessler at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

“CenCal Health is an incredible partner to Hospice of Santa Barbara and provides access to high-quality health services, along with education and outreach, for thousands of low-income and marginalized families in Santa Barbara County,” said David Selberg, CEO of HSB. “They know that our entire community thrives when we all achieve optimal health together.”

People’s Self-Help Housing Celebrates 55th Anniversary

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — This month, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) celebrated 55 years as an organization. To commemorate this historic milestone, staff gathered to reminisce on past achievements and to look forward to the next half century.
“What a privilege for an organization to celebrate 55 years,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO & President. “From our origins on the heels of the seminal Fair Housing Act of 1968 to today, we have been proud to participate in the numerous partnerships that have brought tens of thousands of units of affordable housing to the Central Coast.”

Pete Parker named Ventura College Foundation director of development

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

“While the Ventura College Foundation has created a significant impact, needs continue to grow,” says Parker. “Students seek financial support at a high rate, and campus programs are continually expanded. The foundation must regularly generate new support to help fund current initiatives and pave the way toward future special campaigns. Every person, company, community group, and foundation is a potential donor. My job is to connect as many as possible to Ventura College.”

Canine Adoption and Rescue League returns to Ventura Harbor Village for 25th Annual Pooch Parade on Aug. 24

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) says “howdy” to dog lovers from across Ventura County and beyond and invites them to the 2025 C.A.R.L. Pooch Parade. This year’s theme is “Rescue Roundup,” so attendees and their four-legged friends can wear western-themed costumes, including bandanas and cowboy hats. The 2025 Pooch Parade takes place at Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura (grassy area) on Sunday, August 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Back to School Message, Logo Contest, Constitution Day, and more…

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

As the 2025–2026 school year gets underway, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to every student and family in Ventura County. This is an exciting time for students to reunite with friends, meet new teachers, and pursue fresh opportunities for growth and learning. But for many families, this year begins not only with hope, but with anxiety and fear.

Our message to all families is simple: We are ready for you. We welcome you. We stand with you. Our staff are trained to protect your children and connect your family to critical resources.

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara and 2nd Story Associates provided school supplies to low-income youth and their families

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), in partnership with its nonprofit affiliate, 2nd Story Associates, hosted its 13th Annual Tools for School event on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Presidio Springs Community Room (721 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara). At this year’s event, HACSB distributed around 400 backpacks filled with school supplies to approximately 200 families, ensuring local students had the resources they need to start the school year prepared.

Good Samaritan Shelter deploys street outreach teams to combat high heat in Santa Barbara County

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

All Good Samaritan Shelter street outreach teams will be deployed to distribute essential cooling supplies to the homeless population across the county. The outreach teams will provide water, cooling towels, electrolytes, water bottles, ice packs, and informational materials on the signs of heat stroke and exhaustion. This initiative aims to ensure the health and safety of vulnerable individuals who are exposed to extreme heat conditions. “We are committed to protecting our community’s most vulnerable during these high temperatures,” said Kirsten Cahoon, Director of Homeless Services at Good Samaritan Shelter. “Our teams are prepared to offer crucial supplies and information to prevent heat-related illnesses and provide relief.”

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