Category: Local

VCFD Dedicates New Fire Station in Thousand Oaks

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THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department, in partnership with local officials and community members, celebrated the official dedication of the new Fire Station 34 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 11. Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to tour the state-of-the-art facility.

Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner was joined by Supervisor Jeff Gorell, Board Chair Janice Parvin, County CEO Dr. Sevet Johnson, Thousand Oaks Mayor David Newman, Pastor Eric Goehner of Trinity Lutheran Church, Congresswoman Julia Brownley, representatives from RRM Design Group, and local firefighters and dignitaries to commemorate the event.

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Bilingual report — City of Ventura announces free speaker series for seniors focused on health, safety, and well-being on June 17, July 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites residents aged 50 and older to participate in a free monthly Ventura Council for Seniors (VCS) Speaker Series, running from June through November 2025. Each session is designed to empower seniors and caregivers with valuable information on health, safety, and well-being.

“This series is all about supporting our older adult community with tools to live independently, safely, and confidently,” said Janine Cobian, Recreation Supervisor. “Whether you’re navigating Medicare, making your home safer, or just looking to stay informed, there’s something for everyone.”

Meetings are held in-person on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from

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Oxnard Film Society announces upcoming screenings June 16; July 7, 14, 21

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On Monday, June 16, we present NYTimes Crirtics’ Pick, SANTOSH screening at 3:30pm and 6:30pm. “As well as working rivetingly as a procedural thriller and a psychological study, Santosh has a hard, documentary-like edge, exploring Indian social phenomena with intense analytical focus.”

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Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: Anne Ward’s ‘Painted Seasons’

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On view now through July 6, 2025

Anne Ward grew up in the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, wanting to be an artist. She was always painting and drawing and was given her first set of oil paints by her Aunt Peg at age 13. After completing a degree in history at UCLA, Ward went to work as an assistant to the director on films like “Wyatt Earp” and “French Kiss.” While working in France, Anne discovered the thrill of painting outdoors and returned home fully devoted to the pursuit of painting.

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Bilingual report — Twenty-one recruits graduate from Allan Hancock College’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy

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SANTA MARIA — Twenty-one recruits graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy on June 11 during a ceremony at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.

The graduating recruits of Class #25-129 celebrated the completion of an intensive 872-hour California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) course, which prepares them for careers as peace officers. The program emphasizes professionalism, integrity, and public service, with training in community policing, search and seizure, firearms, ethics, investigation procedures, physical training, and emergency vehicle operations.

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Meadowlark Service League distributes more than $315K to local charities

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CAMARILLO — Representatives from 37 charities across Ventura County gathered to celebrate community along with the hard-working ladies of the Meadowlark Service League on Thursday, June 6th at the Las Posas Country Club. 

The charities that are supported by the Meadowlark Service League impact the elderly, youth/children, the arts, the homeless, the disabled, veterans, hospice, health, feeding the needy, community services, and education. In addition, $15,000 in scholarships will be given to new and continuing college students. 

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services

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Dear dog and cat parents,   REMINDER:  $10 Rabies Vaccination Clinic is TOMORROW, Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 from 5:00pm – 6:00pm in Fillmore: Fire Station 27 133 C. Street Fillmore, CA 93015 See flyer for additional details! Ventura County Animal…

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Ventura County Grand Jury announces release of its report prioritizing Best Practice Street Maintenance

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VENTURA COUNTY — Streets are a vital part of a city’s infrastructure, enabling commerce, emergency services, and recreation. They often make up the bulk of a city’s assets and are costly to maintain. Streets not kept in a best practice condition are costlier to maintain. Neglected streets also cause extra wear on the vehicles that use them.

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Bilingual report —City of Ventura encourages community input on future of Downtown through Main Street Moves questionnaire

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites community members to help shape the future of downtown by participating in the Main Street Moves Questionnaire, available online through June 30, 2025. The questionnaire offers a valuable opportunity for residents, property owners, business owners, and visitors to share input on the future design and use of Main Street.

The questionnaire follows the overwhelmingly positive turnout at the Main Street Moves Visioning Session hosted on May 31, 2025. More than 100 residents participated in the event, offering thoughtful ideas and feedback on potential streetscape design improvements, accessibility upgrades, landscaping, public art, and downtown programming.

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STRIKE AVERTED: Healthcare Workers at Six Planned Parenthood Central Coast Clinics Reach Tentative Contract Settlement

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CENTRAL COAST — SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) and Planned Parenthood California Central Coast (PPCCC) have reached a tentative agreement that both supports the clinical staff of the organization as well as positions the organization to face the challenges ahead.

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Ventura Music Festival — Calling all songwriters!, more news, events

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VMF’s Songcraft Summer Camp
July 14-18, 2025
Ages 12-19
Ojai Underground

This five-day immersive summer camp introduces students to the creative and professional world of the music business. Each day focuses on a different aspect of being an artist—from songwriting and performance to branding and production. Students will collaborate, create original music, explore recording techniques, build stage presence, and leave with real-world tools to share their voice with the world. The week culminates in a live performance.
Learn More

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Cloverlane Foundation launches Nurses Project for students at Allan Hancock College

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SANTA MARIA — The nonprofit Cloverlane Foundation announced the launch of the Nurses Project, a new program to provide textbooks and other educational resources for nursing students with the initial savings for students of $35,000. Allan Hancock College is the first school selected to participate in what is intended to become a multi-college program.

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Grace Housing Inc. to announce 15 local nonprofits receiving funds during its 10th annual grant recipient reception

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The reception celebrates the 2025 recipients of Grace Housing Inc.’s charitable grants, which empower local organizations to meet the community’s most urgent needs. Since its inception in 2015, GHI has distributed over $1.25 million in charitable grants, continuing the legacy of service established by Grace Lutheran Church, which donated the land that made this mission possible.

Grace Housing Inc. operates with a commitment to sustaining and expanding the impact of Grace Lutheran’s charitable work. Beyond managing affordable housing properties, GHI actively seeks to fund initiatives that address Santa Barbara’s community needs. Its charitable grant program supports organizations focused on essential services, including food security, healthcare access, and housing solutions for vulnerable populations. By reinvesting rental income from its properties, Grace Housing Inc. maintains a steady source of funding that ensures long-term support for Santa Barbara’s most pressing social challenges.

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Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Calling all fashion designers, models, and fashion lovers!

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Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) is thrilled to welcome our inaugural community artist in residence, Jodi De Marcos, for a four month studio residency offering her a shared creative workspace within the museum offices for her creative practice. De Marcos will co-produce with the museum two, six week courses of fashion focused classes this summer with proceeds to benefit future MCASB programs. Her residency will culminate with a dynamic multimedia art, fashion, and music experience, the details of which will be announced shortly.

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Museum of Ventura County — It’s beginning to feel a lot like Summer!

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NOW OPEN – Picturing the Past: How Photography Tells Our Stories

How do we truly know what happened in the past? History is a collection of stories—interwoven, evolving, and shaped by the evidence left behind. Photographs are one of the many tools that help us understand the past, capturing faces, places, and moments frozen in time. But do they always tell the full story?
This engaging exhibition explores the power of photography to record our history. Through images, artifacts, and interactive displays, visitors will discover how historians use photographs to uncover hidden narratives, challenge assumptions, and bring history to life. Join us in exploring the early history of photography in Ventura County, how photos shape our understanding of the past, and how the photos we take today tell tomorrow’s story. More information HERE!

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CSUCI Entrepreneurship & Small Business Institute helps launch award-winning student startups

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s director of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Entrepreneurship & Small Business Institute (ESBI), Associate Professor of Management Maria Ballesteros-Sola helps students discover their inner entrepreneur.

“Our mission is to nurture entrepreneurship in our students – many who don’t see themselves as entrepreneurs, but they are running these successful side hustles,” Ballesteros-Sola said. “They’ll say ‘I’m helping my parents with the family business,’ and I will tell them ‘You are being very entrepreneurial.’”

The ESBI marked several successes during the spring semester, not the least of which was winning an award at the New Venture Fair held at Cal Lutheran University in May. CSUCI Environmental Science & Resource Management (ESRM) major Austin Dent won a $1,000 award in the “Startup for Good” category for a nonprofit he launched called CalThrive Community Agriculture. CSUCI was among 65 competing teams from local high schools and colleges.

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Transformative youth program receives $75,000 boost from Ventura County Credit Union

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VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) continues its milestone “Year of Giving” with its 4th $75,000 donation in celebration of its 75th anniversary. The latest organization supported through this momentous giving campaign is the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation (VCFJCF) — the charitable arm of the Ventura County Family Justice Center (VCJFC) — who was presented with the check at the foundation’s annual Voices of Hope gala, held on May 29, 2025, at The Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark.

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Rotary Club of Montecito honors 11 SBCC students with scholarships

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MONTECITO — The Rotary Club of Montecito has awarded scholarships to 11 high-achieving students at Santa Barbara City College studying for vocational and technical careers.

Rotary club members presented the Career Technical and Vocational Scholarships during a ceremony on April 15 that included remarks from club President Kim Stone, Rotary Club of Montecito Foundation President Tony Morris, several SBCC faculty and students, and SBCC Foundation CEO Bobbi Abram. The scholarships honored students for their accomplishments and aspirations in diverse technical and vocational fields, including nursing, early childhood education, journalism and construction technology.

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New Junior Lifeguard training programs at the Simi Valley and Yarrow YMCAs

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Those interested in becoming lifeguards can take the first step by enrolling in one of the YMCA’s new Junior Guards programs. The programs provide an introduction to basic lifeguard and leadership skills training. Two summer sessions are available and take place at the Simi Valley Family YMCA and the Yarrow Family YMCA (in Westlake Village).

Participants learn water safety, hands-on CPR, first aid, emergency response and small craft and open water safety. Classes are three times a week. An Intro to Junior Guards program is for ages 9 through 12 years old and a Junior Guards program is for ages 13 through 15.

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Bilingual report — VCAAA Advisory Council seeks new members

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s (VCAAA) Advisory Council has several openings for new members. 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 are currently being accepted for two positions:

Veterans’ representative
Service provider

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Courtney DeSoto of Channel Islands Fiduciary Group earns Trust and Estate Practitioner designation

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Courtney DeSoto, a professional fiduciary and the founder of Channel Islands Fiduciary Group, has earned the sought-after Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) credential, certifying her as an internationally recognized expert in her field.

DeSoto, who holds several other professional credentials including a law degree, received the TEP designation from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), a global professional body that works to ensure fiduciaries and other practitioners who offer inheritance and succession planning meet the highest standards. The organization has more than 22,000 members globally, including lawyers, accountants and financial advisors.

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Ventura County Technical Guidance Manual for Stormwater Quality Control Measures 2025 Reissuance Released, Online and Effective

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VENTURA — The Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program (VCSQMP) is pleased to announce the availability of the Ventura County Technical Guidance Manual for Stormwater Quality Control Measures 2025 Reissuance (2025 TGM). The 2025 TGM is a comprehensive resource that provides sizing and design guidance for post-construction stormwater quality control measures that comply with requirements in the Regional Phase I Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit for stormwater and non-stormwater discharges within the coastal watersheds of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties (CAS004004, Order No. R4-2021-0105, 2021 Regional MS4 Permit). 

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Lumina Alliance opens girst transitional housing site for survivors in North County

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This milestone will be marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Paso Robles. The event is hosted in partnership with the Paso Robles & Templeton Chamber of Commerce and will include a brief program, a tour of the site, and recognition of key community partners.

The property was originally donated to Lumina Alliance in 2000 by Noreen Martin, her late husband Tom Martin, of Martin Resorts, and their family. Their generous gift laid the foundation for what has now become a vital resource for survivors in the North County. Ms. Martin will be attending the ceremony and offering a short speech in honor of this transformational milestone.

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Bilingual report — Nominations open for Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s LEGACY Awards

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VENTURA — The nomination period for the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s LEGACY Awards is now open. These awards recognize the contributions of Ventura County residents and businesses that are dedicated to helping older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers, to live optimally.

The deadline for submitting nominations is Monday, September 1, 2025. The winners will be announced in November. The nomination packet is attached.

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Bilingual commentary — The attacks on Jill Biden are attacks on women

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Around mid-May last month, former president Joe Biden’s office announced his prostate cancer diagnosis. The Trump family, in an astonishing lack of class even for them, unleashed their cruelty even as Mr. Biden was jolted into confronting his mortality. 

Donald Trump Jr. did not hesitate to launch a typically vicious tweet, questioning why “Doctor” Jill Biden had not issued her own diagnosis much earlier. Because, according to him, she is, after all, a “doctor.”

As anyone with any education or knowledge of the world knows, Dr. Jill Biden has the privilege of using that honorific because she earned that title in academia—not because she is a medical doctor. 

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Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department opens applications for 2025 Community Academy

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VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department is now accepting applications for the 2025 Community Academy, a free program for 30 Ventura residents and business owners. Participants will gain an inside look at local policing through interactive classes, ride-alongs, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Applications are open through Friday, July 4, 2025. 

Each year, the academy provides participants the opportunity to learn firsthand about the diverse operations of the Ventura Police Department. The program features a variety of topics, including patrol operations, investigations, crisis negotiations, K9 deployment, DUI checkpoints, and community outreach initiatives. Each night features a new topic with different speakers, demonstrations, and discussions. 

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Museum of Ventura County — Experience Art & History: Join us for a special opening night of two new exhibits!

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Picturing the Past, How Photography Tells Our Stories invites you to reflect on how we come to understand history. Photographs are among the many tools we use to piece together the past—capturing faces, places, and fleeting moments. But do they tell the whole story? This exhibition explores the evolving, interwoven nature of historical narratives and the role of photography in shaping what we remember.

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Ventura County Credit Union strengthens tech leadership with new CIO and Internal Promotion

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VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) is proud to announce the appointment of Richard Lipari as the organization’s new Chief Information Officer (CIO). With more than two decades of experience leading technology, operations, and innovation within the credit union industry, Lipari brings a proven track record of driving digital transformation and operational excellence.

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Celebrate Summer, Skip the Plastic

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From ocean gyres to grocery aisles, plastic is all around us, and it puts our communities and planet at risk. This summer, we invite you to connect with local activists, explore bold solutions, and take action to reduce your plastic footprint. Join our June and July events at CEC’s Environmental Hub and kick off the season in plastic-free style!

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Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara June 10 Board of Supervisors meeting — Topics Include: Mental Health Services Act Update, Homelessness Update, Williamson Act Overview

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The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 
9 a.m. Tuesday, June 10, 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. 

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A decade of HOPE: Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation celebrates 10 years and raises record-breaking $305,827 for Camp HOPE

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VENTURA — A decade of healing, hope, and resilience was celebrated under the stars on May 29th, as the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation (VCFJC Foundation) set a new fundraising record at its annual Voices of Hope celebration. This year’s theme, Celebrating a Decade of Camp Hope, raised $305,827 to support Camp HOPE along with a generous surprise $75,000 from Ventura County Credit Union to celebrate their 75th anniversary. VCFJC Foundation was one of 10 organizations selected to receive this generous donation. During the celebration three community leaders were honored for their contributions to family justice in Ventura County – Greg Totten, Dr.Graal Diaz and Reins of H.O.P.E. The event brought together over 230 community members, leaders, and supporters for an evening filled with purpose, celebration, and camp-themed fun.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘The atmosphere’s growing thirst is making droughts worse, even where it rains’ and more news, events

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Warmer air can suck up more moisture in dry regions and dump more rain in wet regions. New research reveals that the atmosphere’s drying capacity is outpacing increases in rainfall.

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Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department launches first Mounted Patrol Unit to enhance community engagement and public safety

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VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever Mounted Patrol Unit, featuring four trained horses and experienced officer riders. This new initiative aims to strengthen community engagement while enhancing public safety in high-traffic areas throughout the city.

The Mounted Patrol Unit will be deployed for proactive patrols focused on crime deterrence, crowd management, special events, and parades. Residents and visitors can expect to periodically see mounted officers in key locations such as Downtown Ventura, the Ventura Promenade, the Ventura Harbor, and local parks, both during the day and at night. In addition to their operational value, mounted officers foster more approachable, face-to-face interactions with the public.

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Music Academy of the West acquires downtown Santa Barbara property to launch Music Education Center

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New downtown Music Education Center will expand access to music education, foster year-round artistic innovation, and serve as a cultural anchor in Santa Barbara—strengthening community connection and shaping the future of the performing arts.

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Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Our Youth Fellowship Quinceañera

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As a supporter, you know that we care deeply about investing in the next generation of movement leaders.

And next month, we’re proud to share that we’ll be kicking off our 15th year of the CAUSE Summer Youth Fellowship!

Consider making a gift of $15, $25, $50, $100, or more in honor of our Summer Youth Fellowships Quincenera!

Some of you have been building this program with us since the very beginning. Some of you know our graduates well or are alums yourselves!

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FREE pet adoptions this Saturday only! Camarillo & Simi Valley Shelters

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FREE ADOPTIONS this Saturday!  Ventura County Animal Services is participating in California Adopt-a-Pet Day, a statewide pet adoption event organized by CalAnimalsand sponsored by the ASPCA! The event is this Saturday, June 7th, 2025 at both the Camarillo and Simi Valley Animal Shelters from 1:00pm – 6:00pm.

All adopted animals will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before going home.  Each adopter will receive a special FREE Adoption Gift Bagcourtesy of Supervisor Janice Parvin!

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