Category: News

Ventura Housing helps students start the school year strong at Back-to-School Resource Fair

by Community Contributor • August 5, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura Housing on July 25 welcomed families from across the community to its Westview Property for its annual Back-to-School Resource Fair, providing free backpacks, school supplies, meals and entertainment alongside direct access to more than 20 community organizations to help students start the new school year prepared for success. Centered around the theme “Strong Families, Strong Futures,” the fair connected families with educational opportunities, health and wellness resources, workforce development programs, mental health services and youth enrichment activities. Participating partners included Ventura County Library, Ventura College, California Lutheran University, Clinicas del Camino Real, and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura, giving attendees direct access to programs and services that support student success long after the first day of school.

United Way’s Fun in the Sun Scholars join the Music Academy of the West

by Community Contributor • August 5, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — More than 350+ elementary school students enrolled in United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Fun in the Sun summer learning program participated in an arts education experience this week with a live performance of Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra by the Music Academy’s Chamber Orchestraconducted by William Long and featuring acting troupe Really Inventive Stuff, plus an instrument exploration station hosted by the Santa Barbara Symphony.

The field trip was made possible by the Music Academy of the West and sponsored by Montecito Bank & Trust and all partners of Santa Barbara County’s arts and education programs.

Ventura Harbor Village celebrates the Summer with waterfront & island adventures, live entertainment, whale watching, coastal dining, shopping & relaxation

by Community Contributor • August 5, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Summer is in full swing at Ventura Harbor Village, Southern California’s premier seaside destination where visitors can savor ocean breezes, fresh coastal cuisine, boutique shopping, family-friendly entertainment, and unforgettable adventures on the water. Whether planning a day trip or weekend getaway, Ventura Harbor Village offers the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation along Ventura’s picturesque waterfront. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Music Academy of the West — Announcing the Mariposa Concert Series 2026-27

by Community Contributor • August 5, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West proudly announces the 2026-2027 Mariposa Concert Series, a collection of intimate musical experiences held in Hahn Hall on the Academy’s Miraflores campus in Montecito. The series furthers the Academy’s mission to bring exceptional music to the community throughout the year by showcasing the artistry of esteemed Music Academy alums and world-renowned musicians.

California Lutheran University School of Management — Explore CESI’s Ventura County Social Issues Database

by Community Contributor • August 5, 2026 • Comments Off

Ventura County, like many other places in California, brings affluence and poverty together across its neighborhoods. Deep, persistent inequalities continue to threaten the future of Ventura County’s children and communities.

The following infographic data from the CESI Database exposes some of these critical gaps. Take a look at the information provided, and do not forget that poverty is a byproduct of our economic system and can be eliminated by investing in ourselves and, most importantly, in our children.

Bilingual report — August 2026 County of Santa Barbara Newsletter

by Community Contributor • August 5, 2026 • Comments Off

UCSB — The Current — ‘Christopher Costello recognized for his pioneering work in environmental markets’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • August 5, 2026 • Comments Off

The Distinguished Professor and emLab Director was just named a Fellow of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (AERE), the highest honor bestowed in the field of environmental and resource economics.

Guest commentary — Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) — Should you be concerned by the clear slowdown in labor force growth in Ventura County?

by Community Contributor • August 5, 2026 • Comments Off

The labor force represents all residents in the jurisdiction who voluntarily seek employment. Not all residents seek employment because they (1) are not of age, (2) are retired, (3) are not capable of working, or (4) simply choose not to participate in the workforce.

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.

Port of Hueneme — DOCK TALK – Community Newsletter – July 2026 Recap

by Community Contributor • August 3, 2026 • Comments Off

The Port of Hueneme was proud to co-host Stars, Stripes & Sounds: America 250 alongside the City of Oxnard and the Oxnard Downtowners Foundation at Plaza Park. The community celebration commemorated the nation’s 250th
anniversary with local bands, classic cars, and family activities.

Teatro de las Américas announces — Nube Obscura | Jumpers | Patty Soria En Concierto | Nos Traen Cortitios 2026

by Community Contributor • August 3, 2026 • Comments Off

Nube Obscura ¡El cortometraje realizado durante el Taller de Cine del Teatro de las Américas 2025 ya está disponible para verse en YouTube! The short film produced during the Teatro de las Américas 2025 Film Workshop is now available to…

Families invited to the YMCA Adventure Guides & Trailblazers Welcome BBQ, Aug. 15

by Community Contributor • August 3, 2026 • Comments Off

Adventure Guides & Trailblazers is a family-centered YMCA program for parents and their children (ages 5-11) in the Conejo and Simi valleys. Parent-child pairs join a Circle with families in their neighborhood or the school they attend. Adventure Guides is for children in kindergarten through second grade. Trailblazers is for children in third grade and up.

Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital’s Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp wraps up transformative week of sports, confidence and connection

by Community Contributor • August 3, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital recently concluded another successful Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp, bringing together youth with physical disabilities for a week of adapted sports and recreation at the UCSB Recreation Center. Held July 13-16, the camp welcomed approximately…

Ventura County Fire Department announces Kylie Tillema as Fire Marshal

by Community Contributor • August 3, 2026 • Comments Off

“Kylie brings outstanding technical expertise, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to public safety,” said Fire Chief Dustin Gardner. “Her experience in fire prevention, code enforcement, and community risk reduction, combined with her passion for developing future fire service professionals, makes her an exceptional addition to our leadership team. Fire prevention is one of the most effective ways we protect our communities, and I am confident Kylie will help us continue building a safer, more resilient Ventura County.”

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 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.”

One Step A La Vez in Fillmore — Back to School Backpack Drive

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2026 • Comments Off

… One Step A La Vez is passionate about serving the needs of our community, particularly those of underserved teens and families who may lack the necessary resources to excel in their education. With the new school year fast approaching, we are gearing up to provide backpacks filled with essential school supplies to teens in need. Our goal is not only to equip these children with the tools they need to succeed academically but also to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by their families.

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.

Rachel Guettler Joins California Lutheran University as Vice President for Growth and Advancement

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2026 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — For over 20 years, Rachel Guettler, Ed.D., has built her career in philanthropy, student enrollment and leadership coaching. She will bring this expertise to her new position as the vice president for growth and advancement at California Lutheran University. Guettler will start Aug. 17 as the senior leader responsible for advancing the university’s enrollment strategies and leading institutional growth through fundraising, partnerships and external engagement.

“A leader in development and growth in higher education, Rachel has a strong mission-driven approach and background in relationship-building that aligns with Cal Lutheran’s vision and values,” said Laureen Hill, M.D., MBA, chief strategy and growth officer.

LEAP — For Art’s Sake: Process Art builds lifelong skills for preschoolers

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2026 • Comments Off

GOLETA — Tiny hands covered in paint. A sculpture made of sticks, feathers, and toilet paper rolls. A masterpiece that looks nothing like anyone else’s. At LEAP’s Children’s Centers, this isn’t a random art activity—it’s a strategic approach to early childhood development.

On July 28, LEAP’s Process Art Show at its Phelps Children’s Center showcased artwork created by children ranging from two years old through Pre-K. Students experimented with materials, made their own choices, solved problems, and expressed their ideas freely—creating one-of-a-kind works of art.

At LEAP, children engage in both product art and process art, each offering unique opportunities for learning and development.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria adds new music toom to facilities

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2026 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is thrilled to announce the addition of a fully equipped music room to its campus facilities and extends its gratitude to local Montecito residents and singers/songwriters, Lila and Georgia MacPhail, for their generous contribution of this exciting new learning space.

The addition of this space for the creative arts allows the organization to expand its mission to offer girls abundant opportunities to learn and grow as they become the strong, smart, and bold leaders of tomorrow.

Friendship Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — You Helped Us Surpass Our Goal—Thank YOU!

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2026 • Comments Off

Thank you for making Friendship Center’s 50th Anniversary Summer Polo Soirée an incredible success!
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Together, our Summer Polo Soirée and Summer Campaign raised over $75,000, exceeding our fundraising goal and helping provide compassionate daytime care for older adults living with dementia in South Santa Barbara County.

Hospice Of Santa Barbara welcomes new board member, Mindy Denson

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is proud to welcome Mindy Denson as the newest member of its Board of Directors. Denson joins the leadership team with a long history of local engagement and a deep commitment to supporting the organization’s compassionate mission.

Mindy has spent more than 30 years in Santa Barbara working in substance abuse counseling and retail management. Moving from Cleveland, Ohio, Mindy attended UCSB and after completing graduate school, she worked for Santa Barbara and San Mateo Counties counseling individuals and groups with alcohol/drug problems.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Building a More Circular Central Coast. See upcoming events

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2026 • Comments Off

Discover how CEC is reducing waste at the source, and how you can help create a circular future.

Local high school artists take the stage at TOArts Creators Conservatory Showcase

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2026 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — TOArts invites the community to celebrate the next generation of local artists at the culminating showcase of its Creators Conservatory on Tuesday, August 4 at 1:00 p.m. in the Scherr Forum Theatre at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center.

The showcase will feature original adaptations of The Day the Crayons Quit, the bestselling children’s book written by local author Drew Daywalt, alongside musical theatre selections students have developed throughout the program.

Guest commentary — Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) — ‘Why Ventura County Must Vote Yes on Proposition 43’

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2026 • Comments Off

For nearly half a century, Proposition 13 has served as California’s bedrock defense against unsustainable taxation and fiscal overreach. By capping property tax rates and establishing clear supermajority vote requirements for special taxes, voters created a stable framework designed to keep homeowners in their homes and ensure local governments live within their means.

However, over the past decade, judicial rulings have eroded these core taxpayer protections.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Deborah Williams joins Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame for decades of trailblazing public service’ and more news

by Community Contributor • July 29, 2026 • Comments Off

The lecturer successfully advanced public health, environmental conservation, community infrastructure and youth empowerment across the Last Frontier

Ventura College Foundation raises $7.1 million during ‘Invest in Success’ fundraising campaign

by Community Contributor • July 29, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation announced it surpassed the $7 million goal of its “Invest in Success” fundraising campaign by $117,289.

The Invest in Success campaign was launched when the Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors approved a plan to sustain the long-term future of the VC Promise Program and Basic Needs Centers.

“Ventura College exists because our community believes that education has the power to transform lives. The outstanding success of the Invest in Success campaign is a powerful reflection of that shared commitment in action. Together, Ventura College, the Ventura College Foundation, and our generous donors are ensuring that financial hardship doesn’t stand between a student and the opportunity to access education and pursue their educational goals,” says Dr. Luca E. Lewis, Ventura College president.

Moorpark College Theatre Arts announces auditions for Thornton Wilder’s Classic ‘Our Town’

by Community Contributor • July 29, 2026 • Comments Off

MOORPARK — The Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department is pleased to announce auditions for its upcoming Fall 2026 production of Thornton Wilder’s ”Our Town.” This production revisits the first play performed in the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center as a part of the college’s 60thanniversary celebration.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) — Culture & Creativity : Arte del Pueblo & 3 Solo Shows Highlights

by Community Contributor • July 29, 2026 • Comments Off

More than 200 local artists, three powerful solo exhibitions, and a community that keeps showing up.

Guest commentary — Trump Administration proposal would slash oil industry cleanup protections and put public lands at risk

by Community Contributor • July 29, 2026 • Comments Off

Proposed rollback comes as BLM considers leasing 36,000 acres in California, including lands bordering Carrizo Plain National Monument. (Public comment due Aug. 24).

CENTRAL COAST — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing changes to federal oil and gas leasing regulations that would sharply reduce the financial assurances, or bonding, requirements for drilling companies and expand opportunities to lease public lands for development.

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.

City Impact in Oxnard opens call for exhibitors at Thrive Together 2026

by Community Contributor • July 29, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — City Impact, Inc., a Ventura County-based nonprofit dedicated to serving at-promise youth and families since 1995, today announced that exhibitor tables are now available for local small businesses and vendors at the Thrive Together Awards 2026, the organization’s signature annual celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation and community impact.

The Thrive Together Awards will take place on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5:00–9:00 PM at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura.

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.

Reicker, Pfau, Pyle & McRoy in Santa Barbara welcomes Attorney Hillary Leffue

by Community Contributor • July 29, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Reicker, Pfau, Pyle & McRoy is pleased to announce that attorney Hillary Leffue has joined the firm, bringing extensive experience in litigation, internal investigations, and alternative dispute resolution.

Leffue has built her practice helping businesses navigate high-stakes moments, including shareholder disputes, sensitive internal investigations, and government enforcement actions. She advises clients on a wide range of commercial disputes, including breach of contract, intellectual property, fraud, and consumer protection matters. She has litigated cases in state and federal courts and arbitration proceedings throughout the United States.

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.

SBCC’s Dual Enrollment Summer Bridge Program introduces more than 100 rising ninth graders to college

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — This summer, Santa Barbara City College’s (SBCC) Dual Enrollment Summer Bridge Program welcomed more than 100 rising ninth-grade students from the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) and Carpinteria Unified School District (CUSD) for an immersive week-long college experience designed to inspire confidence, build a sense of belonging, and encourage students to pursue higher education.

Presented through SBCC’s Dual Enrollment Program, in partnership with SBUSD PEAC Program (see below) and supported by the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College, the Dual Enrollment Summer Bridge provides first-generation and historically underrepresented students with an early introduction to college life before they begin high school. Throughout the week of June 22-26, students earned one unit of transferable college credit while developing the academic, personal, and social skills needed for future success inside and outside of the classroom.

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.

SEEAG to create Farm Lab Hub at La Colina Junior High School in partnership with Santa Barbara Unified School District

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Students for Eco-Education andAgriculture (SEEAG) and the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) entered into an agreement in which SEEAG will educate elementary and junior high school students about the origins of food, sustainable farming practices, and potential careers in agriculture at La Colina Junior High School in Santa Barbara.

The programs will begin at the start of the 2026-27 school year.

La Colina will host a regional SEEAG Farm Lab Hub, bringing togetherstudents of multiple age groups for hands-on agricultural and environmental education. Third graders from nearby schools in the district will explorewater, plant, and soil science through SEEAG’s Farm Lab field trips in theexisting garden space, while seventh- and eighth-grade students will engage in advanced STEM investigations within two new learningenvironments: an Agricultural Innovation & STEM Discovery Lab and aCalifornia Climate Resilience & Conservation Learning Lab.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County receives more than $1 million to expand affordable housing

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced (on June 20) it has received a $1 million Equity Equivalent Investment from City National Bank. The organization also received $50,000 from U.S. Bank, with an additional $50,000 awarded to its sister organization, Housing Land Trust Ventura County (Housing Land Trust VC), a combined $100,000 investment in affordable housing across Ventura County made through U.S. Bank’s Community Possible Home program. These investments arrive as the cost of building and preserving affordable housing in the region continues to climb and will strengthen both organizations’ work to bring that cost down.

“U.S. Bank’s investment strengthens both sides of our work: the loans that help get affordable homes built and the land that keeps them affordable for generations,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund Ventura County and Housing Land Trust Ventura County. “The challenges facing working families in Ventura County are real, but so is the impact we can make when partners like U.S. Bank and City National Bank invest in this community.”

Valerie Rachelle named new artistic director, dean of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA)

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Valerie Rachelle has been announced as the new Artistic Director and Dean of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA). We’re pleased to welcome back a familiar face to the nationally recognized conservatory after her years of leading professional theatre organizations across the country.

Rachelle’s appointment, which was approved by the AHC Board of Trustees at its July 21 meeting, marks a homecoming for the accomplished theatre professional, who previously served PCPA as an actor, casting director, resident director and choreographer, and movement instructor in the conservatory’s professional actor training program.

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 Community Foundation (VCCF) — Power of Purpose — July 2026 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2026 • Comments Off

I am reminded every day just how much we are all part of the fabric of our Ventura County community, and how much good happens when we support one another and do it together.

In May, I attended the League of California Community Foundations’ Spring Convening along with VCCF President & CEO Vanessa Bechtel. There, we met with legislators on topics like access to highest-quality early childhood education through the Isabella Project, disaster resilience and support for our neighbors through the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund and more. I also got to exchange ideas with other community foundation board chairs, learn from their experiences and see what is applicable here in Ventura County.

Ventura Music Festival to hold Ivor Davis Memorial Concert on July 26, more events

by Community Contributor • July 23, 2026 • Comments Off

Friends of VMF, please join us this Sunday, July 26th for a concert honoring the memory of our friend, Ivor Davis. Chosen by his family, this program will be performed by the fantastic Akropolis Reed Quintet as we celebrate his legacy. Please stay after the concert for a reception in his honor.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria welcomes new board members

by Community Contributor • July 22, 2026 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is thrilled to welcome Das Williams, Ashley Smith Fraser, and Danielle Bordenave to its Board of Directors, effective July 2026. …

“We are so pleased to welcome Das, Ashley, and Danielle to our board,” said Executive Director Jamie Collins. “Each brings with them a unique perspective that deepens our leadership’s understanding of how to best serve youth in our community and strengthen our mission of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.”

Triunfo Water & Sanitation District fills board vacancy

by Community Contributor • July 22, 2026 • Comments Off

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — At its July 15 meeting, the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD) board of directors appointed Marc Rashba to fill a board vacancy which resulted from Director Ray Tjulander’s resignation. Rashba will serve through December 4. A new board member will be elected via the November 3 general election.

Rashba, a 34-year Oak Park resident who has volunteered in the community, was one of seven applicants for the board position. Interviews were conducted during the July 15 special board meeting. Rashba was interviewed and, following his selection, sworn in.

Guest contribution — Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) — Higher Grocery Bills Starting August 3rd

by Community Contributor • July 22, 2026 • Comments Off

When state lawmakers pass complex environmental mandates in Sacramento, they rarely frame them as tax hikes. Instead, they use promises of “producer responsibility” and “sustainability.” But when the bill comes due, it is always California taxpayers and everyday consumers who end up footing the tab.

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