Category: Locales

Bilingual commentary — Staying Positive in a Sea of Chaos

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2026 • Comments Off

I think we can all agree that listening to the news makes us feel like we are being dragged into a roiling sea of chaos. Every day brings new challenges to our sense of right and wrong, our moral compass, our very understanding of what it means to treat each other humanely.

Your daily routine may be similar to mine. My alarm goes off and I almost want to avert my eyes as I scan the news that has already made headlines on the East Coast and overseas. I access my favorite and reliable radio news sources (I refuse to get the news on social media), only to get smacked by a relentless barrage of breaking news. Every day we must contend with the erratic decisions of a chaotic administration and attempt to process more political instability than I ever remember.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health confirms first Measles case in Ventura County since 2017

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) has confirmed a positive case of measles related to international travel. This is the first confirmed case in the county since 2017. VCPH is conducting a thorough investigation and working closely with healthcare providers and exposed contacts to prevent further transmission. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing, and airborne particles. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. Unvaccinated or undervaccinated individuals are especially at risk of infection. If you have been fully vaccinated or were born before 1957, your risk of infection is extremely low.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. — Back to School traffic safety awareness

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — As the beginning of the new school year approaches next 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 12, 2026. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be impacted during drop-off and pickup times. Here are helpful tips for back to school traffic safety:

Bilingual report — August 2026 County of Santa Barbara Newsletter

by Community Contributor • August 5, 2026 • Comments Off

Bilingual report — Astronaut Dr. José Hernández will be the special guest at the South Oxnard Library Block Party and Mural Celebration on Aug. 22

by Community Contributor • August 3, 2026 • Comments Off

Come celebrate South Oxnard’s newest mural.

Bilingual report — Santa Clara River Valley Communities to host Health Care Future Forum

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — As the Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA) approaches the August 18, 2026, Board of Supervisors meeting, HCA is finalizing its strategic review of continued health care service options for the Santa Clara River Valley (SCRV) and Santa Paula Hospital (SPH). With state-mandated 2030 seismic deadlines approaching, this work provides a timely opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery to be more sustainable, accessible, and responsive to residents.

HCA has engaged the consulting firm Health Management Associates (HMA) to support the health care planning for SCRV. HMA is a national independent research and consulting firm that focuses on publicly-financed health care.

Bilingual commentary — American Exceptionalism on the Soccer Field

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2026 • Comments Off

The results of Donald Trump’s latest venture as head referee at World Cup soccer matches prove that American soccer knows how to get tired of winning: just get the ref to issue an executive order when it looks like the American team is “being treated unfairly.” When your preferred team doesn’t like a lower referee’s call, all the head ref has to do is threaten to tariff the opponent’s soccer equipment and uniforms. This audacious merger of assertive diplomacy and international sports guarantees that if we can’t win on the field, we can at least tie things up in court for decades.

Bilingual guest commentary by Kaiser Permanente — Want your child to succeed in school? Start with these healthy habits

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2026 • Comments Off

As families across Ventura County prepare for the new school year, parents can take a few simple steps to help their children start strong both academically and emotionally, according to a local health expert.

“Getting ready for school is about more than buying supplies,” said Dr. Kristina Kang, a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente in Camarillo. “Healthy habits, routine medical care and open communication with your child’s doctor can make a big difference in their success throughout the new school year.”

Teatro de las Américas — Buy tickets now for Aug. 22 ‘Patty Soria En Concierto’

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2026 • Comments Off

Experience the magic of a live performance! Reserve your tickets for Patty Soria En Concierto. Don’t miss out on the excitement—book now and treat yourself to an unforgettable event.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Farmers’ Market Discount Cards Distribution begins in August

by Community Contributor • July 29, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency, is starting its annual distribution of discount cards to be used at participating Farmers’ Markets. Adults over the age of 60 who are on a limited income and meet the eligibility guidelines may receive this free benefit.

Cards are only available while supplies last at each distribution point. They can be used to purchase up to $50 in fresh, nutritious, unprocessed, locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs.

Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing July 2026 e-newsletter

by Community Contributor • July 29, 2026 • Comments Off

The overwhelmingly bipartisan supported and much awaited 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is now law and with it comes a raft of improved regulations and access to financing fit, as the name implies, for this century. Those provisions include:

Billions of dollars of unlocked bank equity allowed to invest in low-income housing tax credit funded projects

Reauthorization and reforms of housing production programs.

Increases to FHA multifamily statutory loan limits.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Department of Child Support Services celebrates Child Support Awareness Month with ‘Strong Families Start with Support’

by Community Contributor • July 27, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Department of Child Support Services (VCDCSS) invites the community to celebrate Child Support Awareness Month throughout August with this year’s theme, “Strong Families Start with Support.” As part of the celebration, VCDCSS will host Family Connections Day on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the VCDCSS parking lot.

Hosted by the Ventura County Department of Child Support, this free event will bring together families for educational workshops, community resources, and family-friendly activities that promote financial well-being, child safety, and strong family connections. The event reflects VCDCSS’s ongoing commitment to supporting parents, strengthening families, and helping children thrive.

Allan Hancock College Community Education launches tuition-free barbering program

by Community Contributor • July 27, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College Community Education is opening the door to a new career with the launch of its tuition-free barbering program this fall. The new program will provide aspiring barbers with an accessible, affordable pathway into one of California’s most sought-after skilled professions. An interest list for the program is currently open for potential students.

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

by Community Contributor • July 27, 2026 • 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 commentary — A New Economic Weapon: Taxing Natural Disasters

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2026 • Comments Off

Finally, Mother Nature will be held accountable for not respecting international borders. The White House, never one to accept “unfair treatment,” has decided to launch a courageous new economic weapon against our former friend, Canada. Since “meteorological” is a big word, Trump is calling this weapon “weather tariffs.”

A recent series of blistering Truth Social posts excoriated Canada for “actively wafting” filthy, polluted, unhealthy air from their wildfires across the border into the U.S. Never mind that the Canadians “wafted” their soldiers into Afghanistan to help us with the war on terror in 2001. Never mind that when we have wildfires, Canada sends help.

Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) renews support for llan Hancock College’s Fire Academy

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — For a second consecutive year, Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy will receive $50,000 through the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) to provide protective equipment and scholarships, helping reduce financial barriers for students pursuing careers in firefighting.

“Programs like the Metallica Scholars Initiative continue to create meaningful opportunities for our students while helping address California’s workforce needs,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “This continued investment helps ensure more students can complete their training and begin careers serving their communities.”

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2026 • Comments Off

Looking for your next career opportunity? Join us for the 2026 County of Ventura Career & Resource Expo + Candidate Connect on Wednesday, August 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Government Center Courtyard between the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Justice.

This free event is open to everyone and offers the chance to explore careers in technology, public safety, healthcare, engineering, environmental services and many other fields.

Meet representatives from County departments and agencies, learn about current job opportunities and, new this year, visit the Candidate Connect booth to speak directly with County recruiters and get your questions answered.

Whether you’re considering a career change, entering the workforce or looking for your next opportunity in public service, this event is a great place to start.

Ventura County Probation Agency celebrates Probation Services Week 2026

by Community Contributor • July 20, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — In recognition of Probation Services Week, observed July 19–25, 2026, the Ventura County Probation Agency is honoring the officers and staff who work every day to strengthen public safety, support victims, promote accountability, and help rehabilitate individuals in the justice system.

Every day across California, probation professionals work behind the scenes supervising justice-involved individuals, responding to crises, supporting victims and families, and connecting people to the services and resources they need to successfully rebuild their lives. As California’s justice system continues to evolve, probation departments play an increasingly important role in balancing accountability, rehabilitation, and long-term community safety.

Bilingual report — Third Local Bird Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • July 20, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA —The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that a bird collected on July 2nd, 2026, from the city of Thousand Oaks, tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected.Ventura County Public Health confirms that no human cases have been identified to date in 2026.

Ventura County Assessor sends 2026 Annual Value Notices to property owners

by Community Contributor • July 20, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Assessor’s Office has begun mailing approximately 250,000 Annual Value Notices to property owners. These notices inform recipients of their property’s assessed value as of the lien date, January 1, 2026.

Of the total notices being sent, approximately 206,000 property owners will receive postcards that reflect the standard 2% increase in assessed value in accordance with Proposition 13. In addition, more than 6,500 owners will receive letter notices informing them that their property’s market value is lower than its Proposition 13 factored base year value, indicating a temporary reduction in assessed value.

Bilingual report — Extreme heat warning within Ventura County

by Community Contributor • July 15, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a widespread extreme heat warning for … through Thursday, July 16, 2026. Temperatures in the interior valleys and mountain areas are expected to exceed the 100-degree mark for a prolonged period, with relatively poor overnight recovery in the mountains and foothills. A heat advisory has been issued for the coastal plains, where temperatures are expected to reach between 90 and 100 degrees.

High temperatures may create a dangerous situation in which heat-related illness is possible. Residents are encouraged to: drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, check on relatives and neighbors, take extra precautions if working or spending time outside, and wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Final State Budget brings $5M for new behavioral health pilot to Central Coast

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Central Coast healthcare community is poised to advance behavioral health innovation following the approval of California’s 2026–27 state budget. The budget includes a one-time $5 million investment for CenCal Health and the behavioral health departments of both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties to launch a groundbreaking behavioral health pilot focused on supporting individuals living with severe schizophrenia and anosognosia. The funding marks a significant milestone for CenCal Health and its community partners in a promising step forward to expand effective, community-based behavioral health care across the region.

Bilingual report — Candidate nomination period opens July 13 for November General Municipal Election

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The candidate nomination period for the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election will officially open on Monday, July 13, 2026. Voters in the City of Ventura will elect City Councilmembers representing Districts 1, 4, 5, and 6.

To be eligible to run for City Council, a candidate must:

Be a resident of the City of Ventura;

Be a registered voter; and

Be eligible to vote in the City Council district they seek to represent.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura opens applications for inaugural citywide Community Academy

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is now accepting applications for its inaugural citywide Community Academy, a free eight-week program designed to give community members an inside look at how local government works and the people behind the services that keep Ventura running.

Participants will visit City facilities, hear directly from City staff, leadership, and elected officials, and gain a deeper understanding of the programs, services, and decisions that shape the Ventura community.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC — Get the Capital You Need to Move Your Business Forward

by Community Contributor • July 13, 2026 • Comments Off

Designed to pair you with the financial expertise and right amount of capital you need to move your business forward, the Economic Development Collaborative works with more than 30 professional advisors and a full-time loan fund director, available to local businesses at no cost.
The EDC’s Business Development Loan Fund stimulates job creation and economic activity by providing small businesses with greater access to capital and specialized technical business assistance. The fund is open to businesses in all industry sectors and is supported by funds from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the cities and County of Ventura, and private capital. This loan fund makes available long-term, affordable financing to new and existing businesses throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara County.

Bilingual commentary — Mount Trumpmore, or Mount Trumpless?

by Community Contributor • July 10, 2026 • Comments Off

We can never accuse President Trump of having small ambitions. After all, he recently sought a Nobel Peace Prize, though to no avail. But even more monumentally, so to speak, he has not denied seeking to have his visage carved into and enshrined forever on Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota.

In 2018, Trump undertook what he considered a serious conversation with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem about that very possibility. That friendly chat has blown up to become one of MAGA’s highest aspirations.

Bilingual report — Mosquito sample tests positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • July 10, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that mosquitoes collected from the City of Fillmore on June 17th, 2026, tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected. This is the first mosquito sample collected in 2026 from Ventura County to test positive for WNV. Ventura County Public Health confirms that no human cases have been identified to date in 2026.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura releases Fall Parks and Recreation Activity Guide

by Community Contributor • July 9, 2026 • Comments Off

The City of Ventura Parks and Recreation Department’s Fall Activity Guide is now available, featuring hundreds of classes, programs, and events taking place from September through January.

Registration opens Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Residents can register online, by phone, or in person at Ventura City Hall (501 Poli Street, Room 226). Registration information and policies are available on page 43 of the guide.

The Fall Activity Guide offers activities for all ages and interests, including ceramics, cooking, creative writing, parent-and-child classes, pet wellness, fitness, sports, and more. Check out several free new workshops focused on Financial Literacy and Health and Safety on pages 10-11.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Summer Reading, Constitution Day, Civic Tours, and More

by Community Contributor • July 8, 2026 • Comments Off

Get fun summer reading ideas, activities, and more from the VCOE Library’s Summer Reading Extravaganza. Click here to check out local libraries’ summer reading programs and get online access to free full-length young adult novels. Also, find out how summer readers can earn free ride tickets for the Ventura County Fair.

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District — $1.97M available for heavy-duty electric trucks

by Community Contributor • July 8, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Nearly $2 million in grant funding is available to help replace heavy-duty diesel trucks based in Ventura County with equivalent battery-electric models and install charging stations.

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District was awarded $1.97 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Program to help fund replacement projects. Recipients need to cover at least half of the project costs.

Bilingual report — Behind the pour at Allan Hancock College annual West Coast College & University Wine Festival

by Community Contributor • July 7, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — When Allan Hancock College Winery operations specialist Grace Wearda arrived at the college just days before its West Coast College & University Wine Festival last year, she had little time to experience the planning behind one of the college’s signature events. This year, she led months of planning for the fourth annual festival, coordinating everything from participating wineries and vendors to volunteers and event logistics.

Held June 13 on the Santa Maria campus, The West Coast College & University Wine Festival brought together college and university winemaking programs from across the region alongside local wineries, food vendors and community partners. The festival gives students an opportunity to showcase wines they’ve helped produce, receive professional feedback and connect with industry professionals while introducing the public to collegiate winemaking.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Parks announces launch of new reservation management website and policy updates

by Community Contributor • July 7, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura County Parks is excited to announce major improvements for park visitors with the launch of a new reservation management website. These updates make booking easier, offer longer advance windows for popular sites, and introduce new self-service options for Day Use and Community Center reservations. New features for our guests include online booking for Distinguished Veterans, extended 180-day windows for Rincon Parkway, and streamlined self-service for Day Use and Community Centers. These enhancements are designed to make planning visits more convenient and accessible.

Ventura updates Short-Term Rental Ordinance: Renew by August 31, Apply by July 13

by Community Contributor • July 7, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura has finalized an updated Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Ordinance with two critical deadlines property owners need to know:

Existing Permit Holders: August 31, 2026, renewal deadline

New Applicants: July 13, 2026, application opening date

Current STVR permit holders have until August 31, 2026, to renew their permits, or their permits will be canceled. The City is guaranteeing renewal for existing permit holders under a grandfathering provision, provided they meet updated requirements and submit applications on time through Ventura Online Permit Services (OPS).

Bilingual report — Ventura County Assessor certifies 2026-27 Annual Assessment Roll at $194.4 Billion

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — County Assessor Keith Taylor certified and delivered the 2026–27 Annual Assessment Roll to the Auditor-Controller’s Office on June 26, 2026, ahead of the July 1 requirement, marking a key step in the preparation of annual property tax bills for Ventura County property owners. The certified roll reflects a net assessed value of $194.4 billion after exemptions are applied, which is an increase of 3.95%.

Assessor Taylor noted that the overall increase is primarily on the Secured Roll which was driven by two primary factors: reassessments resulting from changes in property ownership, and the annual inflation adjustment applied under Proposition 13. Under Proposition 13, assessed values for properties that have not changed ownership are adjusted annually by the California Consumer Price Index (CPI), capped at a maximum of 2% per year.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura invites public review of Draft Prohousing Designation Application

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is inviting community members to review and comment on its draft application for the State of California’s Prohousing Designation Program. The public comment period will be open from July 8 through August 8, 2026, providing residents and stakeholders an opportunity to review the application and share feedback before it is considered by the City Council and submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas — Bilingual stop-motion animation workshop for children (July 6-24)

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2026 • Comments Off

Bilingual stop-motion animation workshop for children. *** Taller bilingüe de animación cuadro por cuadro para niños.

Bilingual commentary — Are Latinos “White”?

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2026 • Comments Off

I had a moment of angst three years ago as I filled out the 2020 U.S. Census form. I froze in my tracks, just as I had with employment forms in the past, when I saw a question asking me to denote my race. I am thoroughly aware that much of the U.S. population, especially in the more conservative states, would not consider me “white.”

Their assessment is based solely on my appearance. I’m not particularly dark, but neither am I of “fair skin.”

In light of recent developments in our country, I am now less willing to declare myself as of the “white” race on any form inquiring about my ancestral background. However, in the following Census question inquiring about my ethnicity (as opposed to “race”), selecting “Hispanic or Latino” was an obvious choice.

Bilingual guest commentary by Kaiser Permanente — From fireworks to heat waves: Health expert outlines July 4 safety MustKnows

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2026 • Comments Off

As Fourth of July celebrations approach across Southern California, families are preparing for a day filled with barbecues, pool parties and fireworks—traditions many look forward to all year.

But health experts are reminding the public that the holiday also brings a spike in preventable injuries.

“People love this holiday because it brings everyone together,” said Dr. Kimberly Petrick, a family medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Still, a little caution goes a long way in keeping the day festive instead of stressful.”

Bilingual report — Santa Paula City Council charts new path forward with the announcement of a leadership change

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — One of the most critical decisions a locally elected body exercises as part of their governance and oversight responsibility is the selection and tenure of its City Manager. Recently, the Santa Paula City Council assessed the existing contract with the City Manager and honored its existing agreed upon terms which sunsets June 30, 2027. Mr. Singer graciously agreed to complete his remaining term and service to the community and reaffirms his commitment to projects that benefit Santa Paula.

By providing a full year to make these changes, the Council will ensure a more efficient and seamless transition period.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara July 2026 Newsletter — Keep your Pets Safe This Fourth of July, more news

by Community Contributor • July 1, 2026 • Comments Off

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Financing available for child care providers

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2026 • Comments Off

Supporting our county’s future and the next generation’s education and career success starts with quality preschool programs. Historically, Ventura County has had too few licensed commercial child care and preschool spaces to meet demand. The Economic Development Collaborative and First 5 Ventura County are committed to building more child care and early childhood education capacity in our community through the Child Care Investment Loan Fund.

Bilingual report — Eight cadets graduate from Allan Hancock College’s CORE Custody Academy

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2026 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — Eight cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s CORE Custody Academy June 26 during a ceremony held at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.?

“This is some of the most important work we do at Hancock, training public servants,” said AHC Associate Superintendent/Vice President of Academic Affairs Robert Curry, Ph.D.

All eight graduates of CORE Academy Class #21 completed a comprehensive California Standards and Training for Corrections course consisting of 260 hours of instruction.

Ventura County Health Care Agency reminds community to be aware of health care-related scams

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA) is sharing important information with patients, families, and community members about a health care payment scam that has affected hospital patients and families.

In these scams, an individual falsely claiming to be a representative of a hospital contacts a patient or patient’s family member and requests immediate payment for a medical service, patient transfer, or other health care-related expenses. These calls and situations can be stressful and may be designed to create a sense of urgency during an already difficult time for families.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Certifies the June 2, 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the final certification of Ventura County’s results for the June 2, 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election. The local results will be included in the California Secretary of State’s final certification of statewide election results on July 10, 2026.

Voting began May 4 with the mailing of vote-by-mail ballots to all active registered voters and the opening of early voting at the Ventura County Government Center. Countywide in-person voting began May 23 with the opening of 11 vote centers, including the Elections Office at the Ventura County Government Center. An additional 42 vote centers opened May 30.

Allan Hancock College and Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board to open GED testing Center in Santa Maria

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Residents?seeking?to earn their high school equivalency credential now have a local?option?thanks to a partnership between Allan Hancock College and the Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board.?

The new GED Testing Center,?located?at the Workforce Resource Center at 1410 S. Broadway in Santa Maria, provides Northern Santa Barbara County residents with a convenient location to complete GED testing closer to home.?

The testing center was?established?through a collaborative effort between Allan Hancock College and the Workforce Development Board to help remove barriers to educational attainment and workforce advancement. Prior to the opening of the Santa Maria location, many residents?were required?to travel to testing centers in Santa Barbara or Paso Robles to complete their exams.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard hosts groundbreaking ceremony for the Campus Park Activation Project on June 26

by Amigos805.com • June 26, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard will celebrate the groundbreaking of the Campus Park Activation Project on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the future Campus Park site, located at 350 S. K St. on the former Oxnard High School campus—marking a major milestone in the transformation of this long-anticipated community space.

“This groundbreaking achievement is a significant milestone made possible through years of collaboration, the involvement of community members who never gave up, and the City’s dedication to securing grant funding and bringing this project to life,” said Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur. “Today, we celebrate the start of a long-awaited investment in our community that will deliver lasting benefits for our youth and future generations.”

Bilingual commentary — Why Latinos Must Embrace AI

by Community Contributor • June 26, 2026 • Comments Off

As a boomer who started working toward the end of the Industrial Revolution and then well into the digital age, I find myself fumbling my way into the AI Era that is suddenly at our doorstep. Now it occurs to me that although it behooves young people to get on board with AI for the sake of their futures, Latinos, specifically, should seriously consider the benefits that are possible for them.

For important reasons, Latinos stand to benefit enormously by upgrading their skills.

Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing June 2026 eNewsletter

by Community Contributor • June 26, 2026 • Comments Off

In 1970, when People’s Self-Help Housing was founded, our work began with a simple but powerful idea: as our name indicates, help people build their own homes. Through this mutual self-help model, we have worked alongside 1,200 amazing families who built their own homes. But as the needs of our communities evolved, so did we. In the mid-80s we moved into developing multifamily housing for rent and since then have constructed 63 vibrant neighborhoods throughout the Central Coast.

Bilingual report — SEE International celebrates $100,000 endowment gift from Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2026 • Comments Off

GOLETA — Local nonprofit SEE International celebrated on June 23 a $100,000 endowed gift from the Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club during a community event held at the organization’s SEE Vision Care clinic in Goleta.

The gift will support SEE Vision Care (SVC), SEE International’s local program providing free eye care services to uninsured and underinsured individuals throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Through five clinic locations, a mobile vision clinic, and community outreach events, SVC provides vision screenings, comprehensive eye exams, prescription glasses, and sight-restoring surgeries at no cost to qualifying patients.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura invites public to celebrate (on June 27) completion of landmark Moon Ditch Mural

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura invites the public to celebrate the completion of the Moon Ditch Mural, a landmark public art project that has transformed a flood control channel into one of the largest murals in the United States. Spanning approximately 3,400 linear feet (about two-thirds of a mile), the project was created through a partnership of local artists, volunteers, community organizations, and County agencies, demonstrating how participation in the arts can foster connection, support mental well-being, and inspire environmental stewardship.

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