Category: Local

Community Colleges of Ventura County ranked among Top 25 in State for Student ROI

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — All three Community Colleges of Ventura County—Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura—ranked among the Top 25 in California for return on investment, according to a new College Futures Foundation report on economic mobility. The Golden Returnsreport, which measures how quickly students recoup educational costs through post-enrollment earnings, placed Moorpark at #7, Oxnard at #9 and Ventura at #19 statewide.

The analysis was conducted in partnership between the College Futures Foundation and the HEA group, a research and consulting agency focused on college access, value and economic mobility. The comparison covered 327 public, private nonprofit and for-profit community and career colleges across 12 California economic regions.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

SBA: MYSBA CERTIFICATION TRAINING: NAVIGATING THE APPLICATION PROCESS

August 21 @ 11:00 am

This webinar will assist small business owners who have successfully submitted a MySBA certification application to navigate the application process. Presenters will discuss how to respond and resubmit an application that has been “Returned to Business”, responses to requests for information (RFI), and other frequently asked questions.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

17 teens graduate from Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s “Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura” (Preparation, Well-being and Culture) Program with a focus on career and college prep

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), in coordination with 2nd Story Associates, has completed its “Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura” (Preparation, Well-being and Culture) free four-week summer initiative focused on “life preparation” with 17 teens graduating from the program.

The program provides focused activities that promote educational opportunities, social-emotional support, and cultural awareness. The program allows students to participate in a variety of field trips, earn community service hours, participate in college tours, as well as receive a free backpack and school supplies.

Bilingual commentary — The German Roots of Oxnard

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

Every city has its stories to tell, and Oxnard certainly has its share. When we think of Oxnard, at least here in this part of California, we might reflexively think of the Mexican, Chinese and Japanese immigrants who built the agricultural backbone of this region. Without their sweat, tears and blood, we would not be the agricultural powerhouse that we are today.

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula clarifies status on ACLU lawsuit participation) challenging the federal government’s immigration enforcement activities)

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

… To clarify, the City of Santa Paula was not invited to participate in the lawsuit. The most recent group of cities to join was added on August 8, 2025, and Santa Paula was not among them. The City is not privy to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s litigation strategy or procedural decisions.

We recognize that this is an important issue for many in our community, and Council has received messages from residents urging the City to join the lawsuit or take other related action. While the City is not a party to this case, Council continues to evaluate issues and opportunities related to protecting the rights and well-being of all Santa Paula residents.

El Concilio Family Services — Early Bird Price going fast!

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

Honoring 50 Years of Impact & Leadership

Taking Flight: Port of Hueneme conducts aerial drone exercise to boost security

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

PORT HUENEME — Geopolitical tensions led to increased maritime security threats in 2024. Attacks, cyberthreats, extreme weather events, and other potential dangers underscore the critical importance of robust security training and strong emergency preparedness programs to safeguard global trade and ensure community safety.

It was against this backdrop that officials from the Port of Hueneme recently conducted the organization’s Coastal Trident Security Exercise.

Bilingual report — New students get a warm welcome at ‘Hancock Hello’

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College invited more than 1,800 new students to attend a “Hancock Hello” orientation event on Aug. 12 at the Santa Maria campus.

During the event, the new Bulldog students and their parents were able to learn more about Hancock and the programs and support services the college offers. Attendees met faculty and staff, learned more about college departments and student clubs, and took campus tours.

“I really like Hancock Hello because you get to see all these new faces and help them feel welcome,” said Jaci Rayas, a Hancock student ambassador who worked the event. “It’s great for students and their parents to see everything that’s here for them and see that they have a support system here.”

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter — Aug. 15, 2025

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

In previous issues we have examined the needs for housing for varied segments of our community and different approaches to solving them. This issue covers an at an often neglected area: the need for housing for at-risk young adults. 20% of those from the foster system experience homelessness the day they age out, and 50% experience homelessness within 18 months. Close to 60% of California’s community college students are housing insecure.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Behavioral Health alerts Board of Supervisors and public to dangers of kratom in the community

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On Tuesday, August 12, Ventura County Behavioral Health briefed the Board of Supervisors on an emerging public health threat: kratom, an unregulated substance increasingly linked to overdoses and deaths in the county. The update was led by Dr. Tipu Khan of the Ventura County Medical Center’s Addiction Medicine program, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Christopher Young, Ventura County Behavioral Health’s Substance Use Services Medical Director Dr. Joseph Vlaskovits, and Public Health Officer Dr. Uldine Castel.

People Helping People announces 2025–2026 Board Leadership & new strategic priorities

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Becky Barieau will continue her dedicated service as Board President, bringing steady leadership and a deep commitment to community well-being. John Kuelbs, a longtime supporter and visionary philanthropist, will assume the role of Vice President. Joyce Talmadge will continue as Board Secretary, offering consistency and strong organizational stewardship, while Francisca Escobar will serve another term as Treasurer, providing thoughtful fiscal oversight during a time of growth and investment.

Santa Paula Art Museum — The Art Auction is Saturday, Aug. 16!

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at the Santa Paula Art Museum’s 15th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16! Dozens of stunning artworks by historic and contemporary California artists will be up for bid, including museum-worthy pieces by Meredith Brooks Abbott, Jessie and Cornelis Botke, Robert Clunie, Paul Grimm, Douglas Shively, and many more. Plus, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Parque 1055 while you browse.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara August 2025 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Gifford Fire Update —
Stay informed about the latest developments in fire containment, current evacuation orders and warnings in Santa Barbara County, and available resources for affected communities.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula’s regional influence grows as Mayor Chavez and city leaders secure key roles on countywide boards

by Community Contributor • August 13, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is proud to highlight the growing regional leadership of its elected officials as they continue to secure influential roles on countywide and regional boards, ensuring Santa Paula’s voice is strongly represented in critical policy decisions.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police join national ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign to prevent drunk driving crashes

by Community Contributor • August 13, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Starting August 13 and running through September 1, the Ventura Police Department will participate in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

This high-visibility campaign focuses on stopping impaired drivers and preventing the types of deadly crashes often seen over Labor Day weekend. Additional officers will be on patrol looking for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Some young suns are aligned with their planet-forming disks, others are born tilted’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • August 13, 2025 • Comments Off

“All young stars have these disks, but we’ve known little about their orientations with respect to the spin axis of the host stars,” said associate physics professor Brendan Bowler, senior author of a study published in Nature.

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary’s New Rector is California Lutheran University Spiritual Leader

by Community Contributor • August 13, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The Rev. Colleen Windham-Hughes, Ph.D., a longtime professor and spiritual leader at California Lutheran University, has been appointed the rector of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS), part of Cal Lutheran. PLTS is the only Lutheran Evangelical Lutheran Church in America seminary in the western half of the United States and a founding member of the Graduate Theological Union.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara announces the Call for Entries Winners 2025-2026!

by Community Contributor • August 13, 2025 • Comments Off

Congratulations to:

Godofredo Astudillo & Dannah Mari Hidalgo

Their exhibition will be on view at our satellite location, The Riviera Beach House. We look forward to share their powerful and evocative work with the public.

Bilingual report — MICOP — Ventura County Residents to Urge Board of Supervisors to Support Immigrant Families Following ICE Raids

by Community Contributor • August 12, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On Tuesday, August 12, immigrant and farmworker rights organizers, advocates, and community members will rally at the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting to call for the county to invest in legal support for the immigrant community following the recent ICE raids at the Glass House facility in Camarillo.

Residents are urging the Board to adopt two key proposals backed by 805 Immigrant:

$1 million for Ventura County residents facing deportation to keep families together
$1 million in legal support for eligible immigrant families seeking to adjust their status

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

IN-PERSON EVENT: INSURANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

August 13 @ 8:30 am

Join SCORE Ventura County, City of Thousand Oaks and Economic Development Collaborative to learn about insurance from somebody who is not trying to sell you something! Insurance contracts are written by attorneys, but not all insurance agents can explain them in simple terms. In layman’s terms, this workshop will briefly overview the types of coverages available and what most businesses need. Address: Thousand Oaks City Hall, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Air Quality Alert issued for Ventura County on Aug. 8

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is issuing an Air Quality Alert because of unhealthy air quality conditions caused by the Canyon Fire. Impacted areas may include, but are not limited to, Piru, Fillmore and Santa Paula.

Smoke from the Canyon Fire has caused air quality to fall into the unhealthy range for the general population, as measured by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Air Quality Index (AQI). Smoke and ash from wildfires contain very small particles — particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less — that can harm the lungs and heart.

Preserving History with a New Vision: SBTHP Reveals Updated Brand

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) is pleased to announce some exciting news. We’ve embarked on a journey to refresh our brand identity, and we’re excited to unveil a new look that better reflects our evolving mission and celebrates the rich history and cultures of Santa Barbara County.

This rebrand isn’t just about a new logo; it’s about breathing new life into our visual presence to create a timeless, enduring, and inclusive brand. Our goal is to inspire a new generation of preservation advocates and connect with a wider audience, from lifelong history enthusiasts to those just discovering Santa Barbara’s past and ongoing cultural heritage.

Bilingual report — Back to School Traffic Safety Awareness

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — As the beginning of the new school year approaches this week, the Santa Paula Police Department reminds residents, parents, students, and school staff to practice caution and safety in observance of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and school buses.

The first day of school is August 11, 2025. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be impacted during drop-off and pickup times. Here are helpful tips for back to school traffic safety:

Farm Bureau of Ventura County — Have you registered to attend 2025 Agri-Tech Fair on Sept. 23

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

Have You Registered To Attend? Our 2025 Ventura County Agri-Tech Fair is just over a month away. It will take place on September 23, 2025, at The Holiday Inn North Oxnard (formerly the Marriott). The VC Agri-Tech Fair is the…

Community Environmental Council recruits Fall Class of Climate Stewards

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

“We need local climate leaders — now more than ever,” said Kathi King, Course Instructor and CEC’s Director of Outreach and Education. “The Climate Stewards Course provides the perfect avenue for impassioned individuals to start making change in their community, workplace, or school. The course truly has something for everyone because anyone can propel the climate movement — students, non-profit staff, entrepreneurs, retirees, teachers, community members, and many others. Our community holds immense power to create a groundswell of change, and our Climate Stewards program fosters the connection, confidence, and inspiration needed to unleash it.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Community Foundation — Exciting Update on Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2025 • Comments Off

This simple truth is at the heart of the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund. It reflects our core belief that every person matters, and that even the smallest act of kindness can spark hope and make a meaningful difference in the life of another.

Since launching this collaborative effort with our partners just one week ago, we have seen an outpouring of love and support. Because of you, more than $105,000 has already been donated (including pledges) to help our neighbors. We have also received heartfelt messages filled with encouragement, personal stories of resilience, and moving affirmations that this fund is both timely and deeply needed. Your generosity is not only financial, but also a powerful reminder that we are not alone, and that our community stands together.

El Concilio Family Services — 50th Anniversary Early Bird Ticket Price ~10 days left

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2025 • Comments Off

Don’t miss your chance to secure the early bird price for a seat at our upcoming Fundraiser, celebrating our 50th Anniversary and the 35th Latino Leadership Awards! Reserve your spot today and join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, recognition, and community. Act now—early bird pricing ends soon!

Single tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures 2025-2026 season go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m.

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

UCSB Arts & Lectures presents its 66th season of world-class cultural and artistic events, from stimulating lectures and animated conversations with today’s thought leaders to brilliant performances by the world’s most accomplished dancers, singers, musicians and performers. Single (non-subscription) tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2025-2026 season go on sale Tuesday, August 19 at 10 a.m.

United Way of Ventura County — Spirit Awards early bird ticket Price

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

Join us in celebrating United Way of Ventura County’s Spirit Award recipients and our 80th Anniversary!

Only one more day to take advantage of the early bird ticket price! After Friday, August 8 the ticket price is $250.

How to revitalize your soil and landscape after a fire

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

Homeowners and businesses whose landscapes were damaged or destroyed by the recent wildfires should begin taking steps to prevent erosion before fall and winter rains by repairing the soil and adding nutrients to promote plant growth, says Rick Wilson, Ph.D., chief science officer at Agromin, the largest organic waste recycler and compost and mulch producer in California.

Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) — Power of Purpose – August 2025

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

Summer Greetings from the VCCF Scholarship Program!

We’re thrilled to share that 2025 has been another record-breaking year for the VCCF Scholarship Program. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we awarded 569 scholarships to 412 students, totaling $1,838,986.60 — the highest amount ever granted. More than 30 awardees received the maximum scholarship of $10,000, paving the way for them to fully pursue their dreams.

Ventura County Arts Council announces grant opportunity for Arts Orgs: VibeWell Ventura County Arts & Mental Health

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

The VibeWell VC grant program supports Ventura County-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in delivering programs that increase mental health awareness through creative experiences. Priority funding goes to arts organizations with explicit arts missions, though other nonprofits may apply if partnering with local arts organizations or artists.

Cottage Children’s Medical Center and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles announce collaboration to expand access to pediatric care for Central Coast families

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

“Our focus at CCMC is high quality care for our pediatric patients locally. This affiliation is a huge leap forward in reducing the burden placed on families to travel multiple times a year for a chronic condition that requires a large academic center like CHLA,” says Miriam Parsa, MD, MPH, Chief Pediatric Medical Officer of Cottage Children’s Medical Center.

The Friendship Center Adult Day Services – The Friendly Finch August newsletter

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

Dear Families & Friends,

Friendship Center has felt especially home-y lately. Spending more time with the family members who bring their loved ones to the Center has only deepened our “family feel” in the most meaningful way. Even after just hitting my two-year mark as Executive Director, I’m still pinching myself that this is where I get to spend my days and pour my energy.

Guest commentary — When love meets the law: Why premarital and postmarital agreements matter more than ever

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2025 • Comments Off

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — In an era where personal relationships and financial lives are increasingly complex, attorney Richard F. Sperling urges couples to think ahead when it comes to protecting their assets and intentions through thoughtfully crafted premarital and post-marital agreements.

Sperling, a seasoned family law attorney and mediator based in Westlake Village, has seen first-hand how misunderstandings, lack of adequate legal counsel and even a simple failure to double-check a document can have lasting consequences. A high-profile case he wrote about for the San Fernando Valley Bar Association,?Estate of Eskra, highlights the stakes.