Category: Local

Oxnard joining other cities nationwide to rename annual César Chávez event on March 22 in light of allegations linked to the farm labor leader

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2026 • Comments Off

Groups move swiftly nationwide to remove images, honors for César Chávez, while others promote access to sexual assault and mental health counseling services

OXNARD — Oxnard is joining other cities nationwide in renaming their annual César Chávez celebration in light of the sexual assault allegations linked to the late farm labor leader.

“March for Justice! March for Farmworkers rights! Sunday March 22, 2026 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. The events starts at 3:30 pm.,” according to a Facebook post by Javier Gomez, founder of the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center in Oxnard.

Since early this month, cities across the nation either canceled or renamed their celebrations ahead of the labor leader’s birthday on March 31, 2026. Their actions followed news of a potential explosive story by a national publication that was first reported by the San Antonio Express-News on March 6, 2026. The reports focused on revelations of a “sensitive matter” involving Chavez.

Those reports were confirmed when an extensive story by the New York Times was published on March 18 detailing allegations of years of sexual abuse by Chavez of minors and sexual assault incidents involving farmworkers rights labor leader Dolores Huerta. Huerta confirmed those assaults in the story.

Bilingual commentary — Making America Lose the Race

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2026 • Comments Off

Imagine a government that insists that we make America great again by driving updated, fancy versions of 1950s vehicles. By sabotaging the push to convert our transportation to electric-powered vehicles, the current administration in Washington, D.C., has, in effect, handed the keys of a prosperous kingdom to international competitors.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are not just a “green fad” dreamt up by radical liberals. While the U.S. demurs, the rest of the world realizes that the future of the planet, and of industry, rests on its ability to advance in the production of reasonably priced EVs for the masses.

Statement from Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The allegations that have emerged regarding Cesar Chavez are horrifying and heartbreaking. These revelations are painful for our community, and most importantly, for the survivors who have come forward. I want to begin by expressing my unwavering compassion and support for them. It takes extraordinary courage to speak out, and their voices must be heard, believed, and honored.

As a father of a young daughter, this issue is profoundly personal to me. I want my child and every child to grow up in a world where abuse like this no longer occurs, where young people feel safe, respected, and protected. That responsibility rests with all of us, especially those who dedicate our careers to education and public service.

Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — CAUSE Stands with Survivors in the Farmworker Movement. Please see related stories

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2026 • Comments Off

We are heartbroken feeling the profound grief in our communities from the emerging allegations of sexual abuse by Cesar Chavez. We stand with all of the survivors, from Dolores Huerta herself to those whose names we may never know. Far too many women are harmed by powerful men while giving their blood, sweat, and tears to social movements, and choose silence in order to protect the work they have dedicated their lives to. These revelations are even more hurtful as they run contrary to the very spirit of worker organizations which exist to harness the collective power of workers against those who use their power to cause harm. We must all recommit ourselves to the work of making our movements safe places to call home and condemn leaders abusing their power in all forms.

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Statement on Cesar Chavez

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2026 • Comments Off

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) unequivocally condemns any form of sexual violence against women and minors and strongly denounces the actions alleged involving the late Cesar Chavez. No individual, regardless of stature or legacy, is above accountability when it comes to protecting and upholding the dignity of others. LULAC stands with all victims of sexual abuse and affirms that no one has the right to exploit or harm children or women under any circumstances. We extend our deepest concern and solidarity to those who have suffered.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — Need a Passport? Join me at the Passport Fair in Camarillo on Sat., April 11

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2026 • Comments Off

Helping residents across Ventura County and the Conejo Valley access federal services is one of the most important parts of my work in Congress. If you are considering traveling abroad, it is imperative that you keep your passport up to date. It’s important to note that some countries require that your passport be valid six months beyond the date of your trip.

I want to make sure that obtaining or renewing a passport is made as easy as possible. For that reason, I am hosting a Passport Fair on Saturday, April 11, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at the Ventura County Office of Education, located at 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo, CA 93012.

Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — New Housing Protections in Ventura County: Know Your Rights

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2026 • Comments Off

Our tenant organizing in Ventura County has led to exciting wins to protect renters in our communities.

Many tenants are forced to live with unsafe or poor conditions as if it’s normal. Small issues – like a broken stove or a leaking faucet – often go unrepaired, even after being reported multiple times. Over time, these problems get worse and can make a home unsafe, putting families’ health at risk.

Women’s Economic Ventures celebrates International Women’s Day with community eaders, Entrepreneur Story, and Trailblazer Award

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA & SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES — In celebration of International Women’s Day, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) brought together community leaders, entrepreneurs, donors, and partners for a special event honoring women’s leadership and the power of investing in women’s economic opportunity.

Held on March 5 at Spanish Hills Club in Camarillo, the gathering highlighted WEV’s mission to support women facing barriers to financial self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship and financial education. The program also recognized the organization’s 35th anniversary and the ongoing impact of investing in women and women-led businesses.

Senate Leader Monique Limón recognizes Elena Brokaw as 2026 Woman of the Year

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Board Chair Elena Brokaw has been recognized by Senate Leader Monique Limón as one of Ventura County’s 2026 Women of the Year. The recognition honors Brokaw’s leadership and her contributions to strengthening cultural engagement, community connection, and regional collaboration across Ventura County.

Brokaw serves as the Barbara Barnard Smith Chief Executive Officer of the Museum of Ventura County, where she has helped expand access to arts, history, and educational programming while building partnerships with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses. Her leadership has supported increased community participation in cultural initiatives and enhanced opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with Ventura County’s heritage.

Asm. Bennett announces UFW Leader, housing attorney Barbara Macri-Ortiz as 2026 Woman of the Year

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2026 • Comments Off

SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Oxnard) announces (March 16) that he has selected Barbara Macri-Ortiz as his 2026 Woman of the Year. In observation of Women’s History Month, the California Legislative Women’s Caucus allows state legislators to select a Woman of the Year. Accompanied by her son, Macri-Ortiz joins Asm. Bennett today in Sacramento for the Woman of the Year floor ceremony.

An attorney in private practice in Oxnard, Macri-Ortiz specializes in all aspects of affordable housing development, land use, and landlord-tenant law. Throughout her 39-year legal career she has focused on issues of importance to farm workers and other low wage workers.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson named 42nd District’s 2026 Woman of the Year

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson has been honored as the 2026 Woman of the Year by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. She was recognized by the 42nd District Assemblymember for being part of “Women Making History”.

Bilingual report — Downtown Oxnard Cultural District takes center stage at Arts, Culture & Creativity Month kick-off on April 1

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The Oxnard arts community will launch Arts, Culture & Creativity Month this April with a vibrant celebration of the newly designated Downtown Oxnard Cultural District, bringing together artists, cultural leaders, and community stakeholders for a dynamic public kickoff event.

Hosted by the City of Oxnard, the Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association (DOIA), and the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit (OPAC), the event will take place at the John C. Zaragoza Transit Center is an inspired and accessible venue that reflects the district’s creativity through large-scale murals, interactive pop-up art experiences, and locally crafted offerings, including bespoke coffee from Dolce Vita.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Regional leaders discuss education, industry, energy and housing’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2026 • Comments Off

At a partnership summit hosted by the nonprofit REACH, leaders from across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties convened on campus with an eye toward collaboration and innovation.

Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara announces new artistic leadership to guide next era of growth

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2026 • Comments Off

Creative & Artistic Advisor Conor Hanick and Vice President of Artistic Planning Indigo Fischer to support long-range artistic planning ahead of the Academy’s 80th Anniversary and new Music Education Center

United Way of Ventura County — The latest news for you

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2026 • Comments Off

Will you join us to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors? Make your gift today !80 for $80