Category: Locales

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • March 30, 2026 • Comments Off

County of Ventura appoints new Director of the Health Care Agency

Dr. John Fankhauser has been appointed Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency. Fankhauser has served as the Interim Director for the Health Care Agency since January 2026. Prior to his role as Interim Director for the Health Care Agency, Fankhauser served as Chief Executive Officer for the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and Santa Paula Hospital since 2019, a role he continued to hold while also serving as the Interim Director.

“Dr. Fankhauser has consistently shown a deep commitment to public service, paired with the depth of expertise needed to lead complex medical systems,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “His leadership in managing large-scale health care operations and his deep commitment to addressing community needs positions Dr. Fankhauser to make a meaningful and continued positive impact on our health care system. His record of strong health care leadership and experience make him exceptionally well-prepared to serve as the Director for the Health Care Agency.”

Bilingual commentary — Voice-to-Text Faux Pas: Testing Our Relationships

by Community Contributor • March 27, 2026 • Comments Off

About 10 years ago, we were promised a hands-free existence in our interactions with technology. No longer would we have to use our nimble fingers to laboriously type text into keyboards, either digital or physical, they told us. Now, the tech bros assured us, we would be able to use our voices to provide input to the vast network of devices in our homes, at work, or on the road.

Bilingual report — Need Capital? Camarillo Loan Fund Can Help

by Community Contributor • March 27, 2026 • Comments Off

In partnership with the City of Camarillo, the Economic Development Collaborative has launched the City of Camarillo Business Assistance Loan Fund. This low-interest program is specifically designed to prioritize the vibrant business community in the City of Camarillo. Start-ups can get the necessary capital to launch their ventures and established businesses can secure funds to fuel their growth. With abundant opportunities for collaboration, a diverse customer base and an environment of innovation, Camarillo is a perfect place to start or grow your business.

Santa Barbara duo wins international competition, Allan Hancock College faculty among winners

by Community Contributor • March 27, 2026 • Comments Off

Click here for the entire media release en español SANTA MARIA — An Allan Hancock College piano faculty member is taking her talents to one of the world’s most prestigious stages after winning an international music competition with a fellow…

Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk and Recorder’s Office highlights its Homeowner Protection Measures during Real Estate Fraud Prevention Month – March 2026

by Community Contributor • March 27, 2026 • Comments Off

“As a safeguard to homeowner’s records, in 2013, the Ventura County Recorder’s office worked with the District Attorney’s office to identify the document types criminals typically use in committing real estate fraud. We began mailing out Fraud Prevention Advisory Notices to property owners immediately after one of those documents was recorded in our office, and we were one of the first counties in the entire state to do so,” said Michelle Ascencion, County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters. “We now mail on average over 4,000 notices a year.”

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara’s Summer exhibitions — Arte del Pueblo: Open call for Artists / Convocatoria Abierta para Artistas

by Community Contributor • March 26, 2026 • Comments Off

We are thrilled to announce that Arte del Pueblo is returning to the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara for its third year and this summer, we are going bigger than ever.

Estamos emocionados de anunciar que Arte del Pueblo regresa al Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Santa Barbara para su tercer año ¡y este verano lo haremos más grande que nunca!

Bilingual report — County of Ventura agencies deliver unified permitting reform update focused on faster service and clearer processes

by Community Contributor • March 26, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, on Tuesday, March 24, received an update from County agencies on a series of measures to improve customer service, modernize policies, and streamline the County’s permitting process. The goal of the improvements is to make it easier for residents and businesses to complete building projects while reducing delays and confusion. The report to the Board reflects an ongoing commitment to improving how the County delivers services that directly affect daily life.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves new program to support veterans and first responders

by Community Contributor • March 26, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved the establishment of a new program during its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24, with The Veteran Mentor Project, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides peer support and transition services for veterans and first responders. Ventura County Behavioral Health, in collaboration with The Veteran Mentor Project, will lead the program, with services scheduled to begin April 1, 2026, and continue through March 31, 2029. The partnership will support local veterans and first responders as they transition to civilian life through the Veterans Mentorship Program.

Bilingual report — People’s Self-Health Housing eNewsletter – March 2026

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2026 • Comments Off

One of the great privileges of my work is the chance to speak with service members and military families. Each conversation reminds me just how often they are asked to uproot their lives: moving from base to base, state to state, sometimes across the world. Beyond the logistics of finding a new home, packing and unpacking boxes, the real disruptions run deeper. Every move means enrolling children in new schools, locating the nearest grocery store, finding a dentist who is taking new patients, discovering a new congregation, meeting new neighbors, finding where to get a haircut, identifying a reliable plumber, even deciding, once again, where to put the Christmas tree. Individually, these tasks may seem small, but repeatedly layered together, they can create isolation, instability, and lost opportunities. But these moves, at least, come with the support structures of the military.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Continuum of Care announces 11.8% reduction in 2026 Homeless Point in Time Count

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Continuum of Care (VC CoC) has reported preliminary results for the 2026 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count. Conducted on January 28, 2026, the count identified 1,755 individuals experiencing homelessness – a decrease of 235 people or 11.8% from 2024. Since 2023, homelessness in Ventura County has decreased by 28%.

The results reflect positive outcomes based on investments in permanent supportive housing, homelessness prevention programs, and encampment response efforts. The Ventura County Homelessness Plan (Plan) presented to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in December 2023 provides detailed action areas, goals, and objectives that support this continued progress in reducing homelessness.

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.

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.

9/11 Survivor and wellness visionary Ana Maria Lugo to co-host ‘Rooted: A Wellness Summit” in Oxnard

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — On Sunday, May 3, 2026, OPAC (the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit) in partnership with Raising Mami Alchemy, Inc., will host Rooted: A Wellness Summit, a first-of-its-kind immersive gathering designed to bridge indigenous culture, mental health, and somatic healing. The summit is co-led by Ana Maria Lugo, a wellness educator and holistic practitioner whose personal journey from 9/11 survivor to community healer has transformed wellness access for thousands in Ventura County.

Bilingual report — Ventura’s Summer Activity Guide has arrived!

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Parks & Recreation Summer Activity Guide is available online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide. Registration begins Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. and will be available online, over the phone, or in person at City Hall, Room 226, 501 Poli Street. Registration information and policies are on page 7.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Probation Agency and Ventura County Library expand access to literacy programs for youth in custody

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Probation Agency and the Ventura County Library have launched an innovative partnership to bring tailored library services directly into the County’s Juvenile Facilities through the new Next Chapter Library. This pilot initiative marks a significant step toward expanding educational access and literacy opportunities for youth under custodial supervision.

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula breaks ground on Santa Paula Creek Bridge Project

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula marked an important milestone on March 3 with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Santa Paula Creek Bridge, a project that will improve access, connectivity, and safety while establishing a connection over the Santa Paula Creek.

Mayor Carlos Juarez, Vice Mayor Jenny Crosswhite, Councilmember Pedro Chavez, City Manager Dan Singer, and Deputy City Manager Aminah Mears were in attendance to celebrate the start of construction, along with City of Santa Paula department directors, staff members, project partners, and community members.

Bilingual commentary — The ‘Mooch’ and Other Measures of Time

by Community Contributor • March 13, 2026 • Comments Off

I used to enjoy most of my classes in college. But I also found myself sitting through some agonizingly dull 50-minute lectures on obscure topics. John von Neumann, a Hungarian and American mathematician of prodigious talent and insight, coined a name for that measure of time. He stated that the average college lecture lasted 52.6 minutes, which is a millionth of a century—that is, a “microcentury.”

No boring minutes and seconds for us (except for math and physics homework)! This comical chronometry allowed my nerdy engineering classmates and I to go around saying things such as, “I saw a movie that lasted four and a half microcenturies.” After all, we were used to doing time conversions in our head. But students in other majors who overheard us would just shake their heads and roll their eyes.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura launches local coastal program update to strengthen coastal resilience

by Community Contributor • March 12, 2026 • Comments Off

Click here for the entire media release en español VENTURA — The City of Ventura is beginning an update to its Local Coastal Program (LCP), the long-range plan that guides land use, development, and resource protection within Ventura’s Coastal Zone.…

Ventura County Office of Education — LAST CHANCE to register for the VCOE Equity Conference

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2026 • Comments Off

Help increase opportunities and remove obstacles for students by attending the 6th annual Equity Conference at the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Educators, families, and community members are invited to register today for this free event, which will feature a variety of speakers and workshops in English and Spanish. Food, drinks, and language interpretation will be provided.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura awarded $5.6 Million through State Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura and the Ventura County Continuum of Care have been awarded $5.6 million through Round 6 of California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program, a statewide effort to support regional strategies that prevent and end homelessness. The award was announced on March 2 by Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The County of Ventura was among 20 regions statewide included in this latest round of awards.

Bilingual report — Driving the Future: Ventura County launches ‘Workforce on Wheels’ (WOW)

by Community Contributor • March 9, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Rain didn’t dampen the spirits in Camarillo this past Thursday as the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) officially cut the ribbon on its most ambitious project yet: Workforce on Wheels (WOW). This state-of-the-art mobile career training lab represents a pivotal shift in how our community tackles the healthcare labor shortage—by bringing the workforce services directly to the neighborhood.

List of elected offices in extended nomination period for June 2, 2026 Statewide Primary Election

by Community Contributor • March 9, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the extension of the nomination period for the following County offices that are scheduled to be voted on in the June 2, 2026 Statewide Primary Election.

Bilingual commentary — Passing Down the Puzzle Torch

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

Seventy years ago, my father invited me to sit down with him to assemble a simple jigsaw puzzle of maybe about 50 pieces. It was the first of many. He eventually graduated me up to the 500- and then 1000-piece puzzles. The images on the boxes for these puzzles consisted of things like people, houses, skies, forests, farms, waterfalls, plants, and animals.

He was very logical when it came to puzzles. He taught me that the first thing we had to do when starting a puzzle was to spread out the pieces and ensure that they were all face-up. Once that was accomplished, our mission was to establish the frame—that is, fit all the pieces that make up the perimeter of the puzzle. This was serious business. We finished the frame together with the gravity of two men diffusing a bomb.

Bilingual report — Cloverlane Foundation funds new ‘Jaws of Life’ for Allan Hancock College Fire Academy

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

“This investment by the Cloverlane Foundation will make a real difference in how we prepare students for the field,” said Fire Academy Coordinator Leonard Champion. “Access to professional-grade equipment like this elevates the quality of our program and gives our students a meaningful advantage when they enter the workforce.”

Bilingual report — Overnight parking limits on Santa Susana Pass Road adopted by Ventura County Board of Supervisors

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, during their regular meeting on March 3, adopted a resolution establishing overnight parking restrictions along a portion of Santa Susana Pass Road in the unincorporated Simi Valley area. The new regulation prohibits parking between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. on both sides of Santa Susana Pass Road from 220 feet northwest of Katherine Road to 75 feet east of Lilac Lane.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves acceptance of $250,000 donation to support E.P. Foster Library Renovation Project

by Community Contributor • March 5, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, during their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 3, unanimously approved the acceptance of a $250,000 donation from the Ventura Friends of the Library (VFOL) to support the E.P. Foster Library Building Forward Grant Project. The donation will help meet required local matching funds for the state-funded renovation project at the E.P. Foster Library in downtown Ventura. As part of the action, the Board also authorized the necessary budget adjustments to formally receive and allocate the funds, with no additional cost to the County’s General Fund.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Grow Your Child Care Business with WEV’s Emprendedoras de Guardería Program

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2026 • Comments Off

Emprendedoras de Guardería is Women’s Economic Ventures’ (WEV) NO-COST 8-week Spanish business training program designed for licensed, home-based child care providers in Ventura County. The program supports providers in growing and strengthening their businesses through culturally responsive training, coaching and peer support.

Participants will also have the opportunity to apply for a $5,000 stipend to invest in their child care business.

WEV is currently inviting interested providers to complete their Spanish interest form HERE.

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan launches second year of grants to fund community driven solutions to Safeguard Medi-Cal coverage

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) today announced that applications are now open for the second year of its Resilience, Innovation, Sustainability & Equity (RISE) Grant Program. GCHP will award one-year grants of up to $400,000 to help providers and community-based organizations support Medi-Cal members in navigating federal changes to coverage requirements.

Allan Hancock College announces line up for Spring concerts

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is inviting the community to enjoy a series of live musical performances this spring featuring student musicians, faculty artists, and special guest performers in Boyd Concert Hall (bldg. F) on the Santa Maria campus.

These performances are open to the public on the following dates, times, and locations:

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Fuel Your Business Growth with Simi Valley’s Low-Interest Loans!

by Community Contributor • February 23, 2026 • Comments Off

City of Simi Valley Assistance Loan Fund

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — SBA Financial Assistance Now Available for businesses affected by the late December 2025 storms

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has declared a disaster for the late December 2025 storms, which occurred from December 16 to December 25, 2025. SBA now offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs, including faith-based organizations, with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

View SBA’s disaster declaration HERE

Bilingual report — Wilderness Youth Project & Sea League launch ‘Big Blue Bridge’ Spring Break Camp in Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Wilderness Youth Project (WYP) and Sea League are partnering this spring break to offer the Big Blue Bridge Spring Break Camp, a week-long program designed to build water safety, swim confidence, and belonging for 24 students, ages 6-12, with priority registration for low-income families from Franklin and Adelante Elementary Schools.

The camp will take place March 30–April 3 and combines WYP’s small-group, nature-based mentoring model with Sea League’s beginner-centered swim instruction at the Santa Barbara High School pool.

Bilingual commentary — ‘I Just Know’

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2026 • Comments Off

Coming from an artistic family, I knew in my youth that one day I’d want to see some of the world-renowned art in Paris. In 2004, I set out to do just that.

After taking several semesters of French at Ventura College, I felt confident enough, though with some trepidation, to face the well-known linguistic judgment (if not the disdain) of the French people.

Bilingual report – Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report: Potential storm water runoff contamination in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — As part of the Ventura County Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Program, the Environmental Health Division (Division) is providing the following precautionary information to the public. Rainfall that is significant enough to result in runoff can flow into storm drains, channels, creeks, and rivers that empty onto the beaches of Ventura County.
In general, 0.2 inches (2 tenths of an inch) of rainfall may be enough to create significant runoff conditions.

Bilingual commentary — Classical Music, Jazz and Latin Influence

by Community Contributor • February 6, 2026 • Comments Off

Much like the great religions of the world, the institution of classical music is rooted in centuries of tradition and culture. For me, attending a classical music event in some ways feels the same as attending a Catholic Mass.

The “priest” during a classical musical event is the conductor. We may not applaud during a Mass, or kneel during an orchestra’s performance, but we do rise, sit, and applaud at prescribed times throughout a classical music performance that conceivably dates back several centuries.

Bilingual report — Food Share Ventura County building new food bank for the future

by Community Contributor • February 6, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Food Share of Ventura County announces the launch of Feeding Our Future, a capital campaign project to build a new 85,000-square-foot food bank in Oxnard, CA.With a 12-acre parcel already secured, the new facility is designed to meet the growing demand and strengthen the region’s hunger-relief infrastructure for the long term.

Demand for food assistance in Ventura County has tripled since 2019. Food Share currently serves more than 250,000 neighbors each yearthrough a network of 200 nonprofit and community partners operating 335 distribution sites countywide. Today, Food Share operates out of three separate warehouses to distribute 21 million pounds of food annually.

Nomination Period Announced for offices in the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the February 9, 2026 opening of the nomination period for the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election. Those who are interested in running for office should make an appointment to obtain their candidate filing documents from the Ventura County Elections Division for the following offices:

Bilingual report — Deadline Extended to Feb. 10: Buellton Garden Apartments Pre-Applications

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2026 • Comments Off

Pre-applications due this Tuesday, February 3 at 5PM
La fecha límite para entregar las presolicitudes es este martes 3 de febrero a las 5:00 pm.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura to begin waterline project on the Eastside to strengthen water reliability

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2026 • Comments Off

“The project includes upgrades to underground water lines along Foothill and Kimball roads and represents the second phase of constructing new transmission pipelines that improve efficiency throughout the City,” said Ventura Water Gina Dorrington. “This project reflects how local water rate dollars are used to maintain critical infrastructure and ensure reliable service for our customers.”

Ventura’s 4th of July Street Fair seeking artisan vendors

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is seeking artisan vendor applications for the annual 4th of July Street Fair. This annual event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the 4th of July in Ventura’s Downtown District and attracts more than 15,000 attendees. This year will feature additional events and activities celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence.

Bilingual commentary — More Masculinity—As If We Didn’t Have Enough Already

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2026 • Comments Off

More In Common US, a nonpartisan nonprofit that studies the roots of division in our society, recently interviewed 10,000 Trump voters over 10 months. The result was an eye-opening “Beyond MAGA” report that shed light on Americans’ attitudes regarding patriarchy and women.

Almost 50% of members of Gen Z who took the survey want Trump to serve a third term. That the Constitution prohibits this authoritarian maneuver doesn’t appear to dissuade them.

Furthermore, a disheartening 26% of young Trump voters believe that “men should lead, and women should follow,” an outlook that appears to be fueled by the “trad wife” movement, which encourages women to marry into a “traditional” lifestyle that diminishes their autonomy and relinquishes them to subservient roles in service to their husbands.

Bilingual report — Join us for the Feb. 3 County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2026 • Comments Off

The Board will consider placing a ballot measure before voters in the unincorporated areas of the County to impose a one percent transactions (sales) and use tax to generate ongoing General Fund revenue.

Bilingual report — Ventura Fire Department seeks community input on first-every Community Wildfire Protection Plan

by Community Contributor • January 29, 2026 • Comments Off

“As wildfire risks continue to grow, planning and prevention are more important than ever,” said Interim Fire Chief Kris McDonald. “This draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan reflects both data and local experience, but it is strongest when the community helps guide it. We encourage residents to review the plan, attend a workshop, and share their perspectives so we can truly meet Ventura’s needs.”

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Explorers achieve 1st and 2nd place awards in National Tactical Competition

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — On Jan. 17 and 18, 2026, Law Enforcement Explorers from Santa Paula Police Department Post 2350 participated in the “Chandler Tactical Competition” in Chandler, Arizona. There were eight Santa Paula Police Department Explorers who participated and competed with other explorer posts from across the Country. The young men and women from Santa Paula were successful, receiving a 1st place award and a 2nd place award. The national competition, hosted by the Chandler Police Department, included 42 explorer posts representing city, county and federal law enforcement agencies from California, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Equity Conference, Student Civic Tour, Hackathon, and more

by Community Contributor • January 23, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Help remove barriers to learning and expand opportunities for all students by attending the 6th annual VCOE Equity conference on Tuesday, March 24, in Camarillo.

Attendees will get to choose from a variety of sessions on supporting immigrant families, meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ students, civic engagement, and much more. This year’s conference will feature an inspiring address from educator Monique Nunes, the First Lady of California Lutheran University.

Complimentary refreshments and language interpretation will be provided. Register for free by clicking here.
Attend the Equity Conference

Bilingual commentary — Comparing Ourselves

by Community Contributor • January 23, 2026 • Comments Off

In news stories every day, the lives of the rich and famous are shoved in our faces. Any envy we might feel for their unimaginable wealth must be tempered by an awareness of the living hell many of them endure every day: the paparazzi, the stalkers, the swindlers, the addictions, the threats and the experience of living in a bubble, exposed (sometimes literally) for all the world to see, all the time.

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan earns NCQA Plan Accreditation

by Community Contributor • January 23, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) (on Jan. 22) announced it has earned Health Plan Accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality.

NCQA Health Plan Accreditation is a widely recognized, evidence-based program dedicated to quality improvement and measurement. It provides a comprehensive framework for organizations to align and improve operations in areas that are most important to states, employers and consumers. It’s the only evaluation program that bases results on actual measurement of clinical performance (HEDIS® measures) and consumer experience (CAHPS® measures).

Allan Hancock College kicks-off Spring 2026 classes

by Community Contributor • January 22, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College welcomed thousands of students back to campus this week as spring 2026 classes began January 20 at the college’s Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center.

Both campuses were buzzing with activity as students arrived for the first week of the semester. More than 10,800 credit and noncredit students enrolled in spring classes at Hancock, a 7% increase from the 2025 spring semester.

“Our staff and faculty are excited welcome students to campus for spring classes,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Our students come to Hancock with big goals, and we are committed to providing the support, guidance, and resources they need to succeed from day one.”

Bilingual report — Guest contribution — From receptionist to vice president: Ventura County native Desiree Rangel’s rise to the top of Sleep Medicine

by Community Contributor • January 21, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — What began as an 18-year-old’s first job at a front desk has become one of Ventura County’s most inspiring healthcare success stories. Desiree Rangel, a 2009 graduate of Oxnard High School, has risen from receptionist to Vice President of Sleep Disorder Center, a leader in modern sleep diagnostics and telehealth.

Rangel joined the independent sleep laboratory in 2010, mastering every department—scheduling, supervision, marketing, and operations—while helping the company grow from a single-insurance clinic to a fully licensed, multi-state home-testing facility.

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