Category: Locales

Bilingual commentary — That Special Morning Cup of Coffee

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2025 • Comments Off

There are retirees who believe that after decades of getting up before the sun rises to battle traffic and contend with the boss and other people at work, they deserve to awaken whenever they please, whether that means 8 a.m. or 12 noon. And if that is their choice, they’ve certainly earned it.

But I’m sure there are many like me for whom early rising is a lifetime habit that does not change. Even after several years of retirement, I look forward to rousing myself from sleep well before the first light of dawn can be discerned across the east horizon.

Bilingual report — Kaiser Permanente awards $315,000 to support health initiatives in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Kaiser Permanente began 2025 on a high note by awarding a total of $315,000 in community benefit funding to 15 nonprofit organizations in Ventura County.

These grants recognize the organizations’ commitment to improving local health. The grantees were recently celebrated at a reception held at California Lutheran University where each of the funded programs was highlighted.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosts dance, rodeo, film and family events March 27 through April 11

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2025 • Comments Off

These community events include a performance by the college’s Commercial Dance Team, a two-day rodeo event, movie screenings and a family-friendly “Spring Fling” hosted at Hancock’s Lompoc Valley Center (LVC) campus.

Bilingual report — Preparedness in action: Ventura’s Community Emergency Response Team training returns

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Recognizing the critical need for community members to be prepared and confident in taking appropriate action, the City of Ventura, in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the City of Santa Paula, is excited to announce the return of its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program in May 2025.

This free, hands-on program empowers 40 local residents with critical disaster response skills, preparing them to take action when it matters most. Applications are open to Ventura and Santa Paula residents and will be accepted through Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Bilingual report — New in-demand healthcare training program offered for 250 low-and middle-income Ventura County residents

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County is launching a groundbreaking initiative to train 250 low- and moderate-income individuals in healthcare occupations. The Ventura County Healthcare Employment Accelerator (VC Heal Healthcare Careers) program focuses on strengthening the county’s healthcare workforce and expanding career opportunities for residents. With nearly $7.5 million in funding, this program aims to improve healthcare infrastructure, support economic recovery after the 2018 wildfires, and promote overall community well-being.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Foundation welcomes new board members

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation announced the appointment of six accomplished community leaders to its Board of Directors.

The new members bring a wealth of experience in healthcare, business, finance, real estate and community engagement, further strengthening the Foundation’s ability to support Allan Hancock College and its students.?

The newly appointed directors include: Dr. Carolyn Baldiviez, Michael Boyer, Mike Brady, Michael Carroll, Katie Gorndt and Candice Monge.

Bilingual report — March News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2025 • Comments Off

… Please be assured that in partnership with our esteemed colleagues in the housing community across the nation, we are staying informed and engaged, and making our voice heard to both our federal and state elected officials. We encourage you to voice your support too wherever and however you can. Our newsletter The Blueprint is a great resource to learn more about what is happening to housing, and we continue to thank you for your advocacy.

Bilingual report — First Mountain Fire Properties Cleared for Rebuilding as Debris Removal Progresses

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Just over 100 days after the Mountain Fire began, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division and the Mountain Fire Incident Management Team are pleased to report substantial progress in recovery efforts. A total of 100 properties have completed…

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approve acceptance of grant to expand pet support program

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On Tuesday, March 18, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the acceptance of a grant provided in partnership from the Humane Society of the United States and the Ventura County Community Foundation to support and expand the Pets for Life program, an initiative through Ventura County Animals Services (VCAS). This funding will allow VCAS to continue providing essential services that help families in need keep their beloved pets at home, rather than surrender them due to financial hardship or housing instability.

Bilingual report — California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) to launch new bachelor’s degree offerings at Allan Hancock College

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College and California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo are partnering to significantly expand access to in-person baccalaureate degrees in northern Santa Barbara County.

Beginning in fall 2026, Cal Poly will offer a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Allan Hancock College’s Santa Maria campus, providing local students with access to a high-quality and affordable bachelor’s degree. Cal Poly is also committing to launching two additional yet-to-be-named bachelor’s degrees in 2028 and 2030.

Bilingual commentary — Trumpian Economics

by Community Contributor • March 13, 2025 • Comments Off

Along with some of the keenest minds in economics, I find myself shaking my head in disbelief at the economic gyrations that Donald Trump is concocting. As he announces punishing tariffs on our trading partners and allies, under the pretext of “fentanyl imports and illegal immigration,” we watch incredulously as the stock market jumps off a cliff.

American industry and businesses find themselves feeling their way in the dark as they attempt to plan for the future. Hiring and investing are likely going to stall as the uncertainty deepens. Economic policy seems to shift on a daily—and sometimes hourly—basis.

Much of the electorate “trusts in Trump” because he is, after all, “a businessman.”

But businessmen are not economists. …

Volunteers in Ventura County Help Those with Low-Moderate Incomes File for Available Tax Credits Through VITA Program

by Community Contributor • March 13, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Tax season is upon us and low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents are encouraged to take advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

Throughout March to April 30, 2024, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers will help working families and individuals file their state and federal tax return and access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Households earning up to $67,000 are eligible to use the free services.

To have your return prepared and e-filed VIRTUALLY by a tax preparation volunteer visit GetYourRefund.org/vcunitedway to upload tax documents using either computer or cell phone.

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Invites Community to Help Shape Council’s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan during series of meetings from March 19 through April 2

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2025 • Comments Off

The Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap, setting clear goals and guiding decisions that impact everyday life in Santa Paula. It ensures City resources are allocated effectively while fostering transparency and accountability. Building on the progress made through the 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, which addressed key areas such as infrastructure improvements, public safety, and economic development, the new plan will reflect evolving community needs and opportunities.

“Santa Paula is growing, evolving, and planning for the future—and your voice is essential in helping us shape community priorities,” said Mayor Pedro A. Chavez. “The 2025-2027 Strategic Plan is more than just a blueprint: it’s a shared vision built by the community, for the community. I invite you to join the conversation, share your ideas, and help set the course for a stronger, more economically prosperous Santa Paula. The future starts with us—so let’s plan it together!”

Bilingual report — Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara returns with three free performances by Las Guaracheras on March 14, 15, 16

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) returns with another exciting free community event. Enjoy three free exhilarating performances from female salsa sextet, Las Gauracheras.

Las Guaracheras

THREE FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES

Friday, March 14 | 7 PM | Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Rd, Goleta
Saturday, March 15 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St, Guadalupe, CA
Sunday, March 16 | 6 PM | The Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E Cota St, Santa Barbara
Las Guaracheras, originally from the Colombian city of Cali, embrace improvisation as an unpredictable musical tool, weaving it into the fabric of each song. This improvisational approach, inspired by Latin jazz, is woven throughout their performances, offering each instrument a chance to shine.

Bilingual report — Community Partners in Caring to present Santa Maria Valley Senior Expo on March 14

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Community Partners in Caring will present the Santa Maria Valley Senior Expo from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, March 14 at Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria, in the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium.

This event will connect the Santa Maria Valley residents to resources, products and services that will benefit those who are aging, are living with a disability or families caring for a loved one is in need of assistance. This is an opportunity to introduce the community to a variety of services all in one location, which may otherwise take them days to find.

Both for profit and non profit businesses are able to register as exhibitors and will be from a variety of industries including: health, legal, insurance, caregiving, medical devices, health checks, prosthetics, therapy, pet care, assisted and independent living facilities and so much more.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE EXHIBITOR REGISTRATON INFORMATION

Bilingual commentary — Living in Mexican America

by Community Contributor • March 7, 2025 • Comments Off

Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, had a derisive response to President Trump’s inane declaration that the Gulf of Mexico would be officially renamed the “Gulf of America.” She proposed, half-seriously, that henceforth the world could refer to the United States as “America Mexicana.” She suggested, whimsically, that the new label would “sound pretty.”

Join us for the March 11 Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting. Topics Include: Battery Energy Storage Systems, Jail Health Monitoring, Five Year Capital Improvement Program, Environmental Health Services Fees

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2025 • Comments Off

View this email online The next meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building Board Hearing Room 511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria The public may participate…

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit Program

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2025 • Comments Off

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment and strategic importance to the state or region.

Allan Hancock College hosts ‘Pathways to Success’ networking event

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2025 • Comments Off

The event aimed to strengthen relationships between educators and local employers, enhancing the college-to-workforce pipeline.

Approximately 300 attendees participated, including representatives from 16 industry sectors, Hancock faculty and staff, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Committee members, area high school educators and other community members.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Businesses invited to provide feedback for City’s Strategic Plan Update

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2025 • Comments Off

This session is specifically designed for businesses located along Harvard Blvd., but all Santa Paula businesses are welcome to attend. The feedback gathered during this discussion will be presented to the City Council as they consider updates to the Santa Paula Strategic Plan, which outlines the City’s vision and goals for the next two years, guiding decisions on economic development, infrastructure improvements, public safety, and community programs.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College offers short-term Spring classes

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is encouraging students to earn additional college credits by enrolling in?short-term?spring?classes, which start on March 24.

Registration is underway for?short-term?spring?classes?in English, mathematics, history, anthropology, art appreciation, and more. Many of the?classes?are offered online and can be completed in just eight weeks.??

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • February 28, 2025 • Comments Off

Thank you for staying up-to-date on news at the County of Ventura! Want to sign up for our newsletter?

Community members who are not already subscribed may sign up to receive our newsletter in English here and in Spanish here.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting on March 4 — Topics Include: Task Force for Roadside Vending; Arroyo Hondo Bridge as a County Historic Landmark; Budget Status Report

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2025 • Comments Off

The next meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
The public may participate virtually, or in person at the County Board Hearing Room in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.

Bilingual report — February News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2025 • Comments Off

This year’s Black History Month has once again provided many opportunities to pause, reflect and learn more about the incomparable contributions made by African Americans in all spheres of life. And as it pertains to housing, while many will be aware of the ‘GI Bill’, perhaps not so many will be aware of its stark inequities which continue to have profound effects on the lack of intergenerational wealth building through homeownership.

For veterans coming home after brave and honorable service in World War II, The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 – better known as the GI Bill – was envisioned as a pathway back and up into society for the millions returning to civilian life. One of the best-known components of that leveling up legislation was access to low interest financing. But for 1.3M African American heroes, the promise of homeownership was a dream denied with less than 1% successfully securing those life changing down payments and mortgages.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — City of Simi Valley Business Assistance Loan Fund

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2025 • Comments Off

The City of Simi Valley Loan Fund is a low-interest loan program that’s designed to help businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Available through the Economic Development Collaborative and funded by the City of Simi Valley, small business owners who have had difficulty obtaining pandemic resources and traditional bank lending can now access local, professional assistance and capital.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — February 2025 update

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2025 • Comments Off

On March 11, the Ventura County Office of Education will present our 5th annual Equity Conference. Since we launched the event in 2021, its purpose has been to ensure that all students can use the power of education to build a foundation for a happy and successful life. Opening the door to that opportunity requires acknowledging that students come to our classrooms with a variety of challenges based on their family backgrounds and life experiences. In many cases, they need additional help and support to thrive in school and beyond.

Bilingual report — New Services Announced at Ventura County Clerk and Recorder Office in Thousand Oaks

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — Michelle Ascencion, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, has announced the expansion of services at the Clerk and Recorder East County Office in Thousand Oaks.

Along with the existing services typically provided by the County Clerk – including vital records, marriage licenses and ceremonies, and fictitious business names – County Recorder services are also now available. Customers will now be able to record deeds, mortgage documents, and court decrees at the Thousand Oaks office, as well as file California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents such as environmental impact reports, mitigated negative declarations, notices of determination/exemption, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife receipts.

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Designates Historic Tower Theater as a City Landmark

by Community Contributor • February 21, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula proudly announces the official designation of the Tower Theater, located at 982 E. Main Street, as a City Historic Landmark. The Santa Paula City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1341 following a unanimous vote on February 19, 2025, recognizing the Tower Theater’s rich history and architectural significance.

First opened as the Elektra Theatre in 1911, the Tower Theater has served as a cornerstone of Santa Paula’s cultural and entertainment history. The building, Ventura County’s oldest purpose-built movie theater, has undergone various transformations, including its time as the Mission Theatre, Columbia Theatre, and Lyric Theatre, before being rebranded as the Tower Theater in 1940. Over the years, it played a pivotal role in providing Spanish-language programming for Santa Paula’s Mexican-origin community, making it a symbol of inclusivity and cultural representation.

Bilingual commentary — Who Represents the Spirit of California?

by Community Contributor • February 21, 2025 • Comments Off

We might find ourselves asking, “What is this ‘Spirit of California’” we hear about sometimes? We might surmise that the Spirit of California is the melting pot of our cultures, ideas, perspectives, and dreams. Indeed, we are a unique tapestry woven together by the threads of our diversity and progressive and dynamic history.

But it might be more accurate for us to ask, “Who is the Spirit of California?”

The Spirit of California is actually the embodiment of a mythology that reaches back into the mists of time and has surprising origins, especially considering the history of California.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police to hold DUI checkpoint on Friday, Feb. 21

by Community Contributor • February 20, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department Traffic Unit will conduct a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

DUI checkpoint locations are chosen based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring residents from driving impaired. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Bilingual report — Educators, families, and members of the community are invited to attend the Ventura County Office of Education Equity Conference on March 11

by Community Contributor • February 18, 2025 • Comments Off

This free event will feature a variety of speakers and workshops in English and Spanish on increasing opportunities and removing obstacles for all students. Food, drinks, and language interpretation will be provided.

Keynote Presentation

We are thrilled to have a keynote presentation from Shane Safir and Dr. Jamila Dugan, the authors of Street Data, the landmark book about rethinking the ways data can be used to promote equity in schools.

Bilingual report — Ventura celebrates Marina Park Playground groundbreaking

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is thrilled to announce the official groundbreaking for Marina Park’s new playground. This project represents a key milestone in the revitalization of one of Ventura’s most treasured parks, delivering a modern and thoughtfully designed play space for the Pierpont Bay community and surrounding areas.

In 2022, the original playground was removed due to structural deterioration after years of exposure to seaside conditions. Plans were immediately made to replace the equipment with a more resilient design using traditional wood materials, better suited for the coastal environment.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College offers help with financial aid applications at ‘Cash for College’ workshops on Feb. 22

by Community Contributor • February 11, 2025 • Comments Off

?During the workshop, Hancock staff will be available to help participating students and their parents fill out a FAFSA (Free Application?for?Federal Student Aid) or a California Dream Act application. Students will also be able to apply?for?state and federal grants, including a Cal Grant, which offers?cash?for?college?and does not have to be repaid.?The application process takes about one hour to complete. Spanish-speaking staff will also be available.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College students connect with peers, faculty and resources at Bulldog Bow-WOW event

by Community Contributor • February 6, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College invited students taking spring classes to a fun and informative Bulldog Bow-WOW welcome event on Feb. 5 at the college’s Santa Maria campus.

Students who attended the event had the opportunity to meet faculty and staff, learn about support services such as counseling and financial aid, and explore various academic and career pathways. Attendees also enjoyed free food, music, and giveaways while engaging with the college’s many student clubs and organizations.

“This is a great way to get out and let students know about what our club does and what we are about,” said Emily Limon, a Hancock student and member of the college’s Fashion and Design Club. “For new students, joining a club can break the ice and also open them up to trying new things.”

Bilingual report — Explore Ventura’s public art with new virtual tour

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City recently launched a new geographic information system (GIS) map to showcase Ventura’s expansive public art pieces. Discover over 240 pieces of public art by more than 80 artists across town. Since 1991, the City’s Public Art Program has integrated different art forms into city landscapes, including murals, mosaics, sculptures, and more.

“There’s a story behind each piece, and this tool makes it easier than ever to connect the public to these works of art and the artists who created them,” said Recreation Supervisor Elena Waller. “It’s possible people have walked right past them and didn’t realize what was hidden in plain sight.”

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan among state’s top performers for Outstanding Health Care Quality

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) connected more Medi-Cal members with vital health care screenings and immunizations in 2023, surpassing regulatory health care quality metrics and ranking it as one of only four managed care plans in the state to meet required performance levels.

The state Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), the agency that oversees the Medi-Cal program, requires managed care plans like GCHP to report annually on a set of health care quality performance measures known as the Managed Care Accountability Set (MCAS). Health plans are evaluated in 18 measures in four key health categories: children’s health, reproductive health and cancer prevention, chronic disease management, and behavioral health.