Category: News

CSUCI students gain hands-on industry experience through new biotechnology internship pilot

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CAMARILLO — Three CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) undergraduates were selected to participate in a new biotechnology internship pilot developed in collaboration with Amgen, providing hands-on research experience at the company’s Thousand Oaks headquarters.

Part of the Amgen-CSURF (California State University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships) initiative, the program is designed to increase access to industry training for students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. The students are paired with scientists and gain exposure to real-world applications in laboratory science and drug discovery over two summers. The program kicked off at the Thousand Oaks headquarters in summer 2025 and will return in the summer of 2026.

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Leadership Lived: Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) recognizes Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Celina Zacarias

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PORT HUENEME — Influence, inspiration, and impact took center stage on Wednesday in Camarillo as people from across the region gathered to help Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) mark its 35th anniversary year with a special luncheon in honor of International Women’s Day. The event celebrated women whose leadership has strengthened local communities, including Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Celina Zacaraias, who received WEV’s 2026 Trailblazer award.

“I’m so fortunate to work alongside amazing and inspiring women such as our Port CEO Kristin Decas and CSUCI President Susan Andrzejewski, who are trailblazers in their respective careers,” Zacarias said.

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Bilingual commentary — Passing Down the Puzzle Torch

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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. 

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Teatro de las Américas — Heard the buzz about Teatro De Las Americas’s production of Manifest Destinitis? March 13 through 29

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(The political comedy satire) is an event you absolutely can’t miss! Secure your seat today by grabbing your tickets online. Join us for an unforgettable experience!

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Port of Hueneme DOCK TALK Community Newsletter — Feb. 2026

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The Port of Hueneme is excited to once again host (it’s first annual Robatics Competition) that is free and open to the public to attend. Click the button to learn more about the competition schedule.

March 7-8, 2026
The Port of Hueneme
333 Ponoma St. Port Hueneme

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Spirit of Japan Ventura 2026 returns (April 18-19) with authentic Japanese food, culture and family fun

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VENTURA — Spirit of Japan Ventura returns for its second year, bringing a vibrant celebration of Japanese food, culture, and community to Ventura County. The two-day outdoor festival will take place Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2026, welcoming…

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Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s 27th Annual National Day of Prayer Breakfast seeks sponsors

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THOUSAND OAKS — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA seeks sponsors for its 27th Annual National Day of Prayer Breakfast. The breakfast is on Thursday, May 7, at CLU’s Gilbert Sports Center in Thousand Oaks. The breakfast brings together all faiths to pray for friends, family, government leaders, the nation and the world. The theme this year is “Hope & Peace.”

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

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“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.” 

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Habitat Ventura brings affordable homeownership to Ojai with Tiny Homes Project

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OJAI — Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County (Habitat Ventura) is preparing for an exciting new chapter in its mission to expand affordable housing opportunities in Ventura County, with a small-scale residential development planned for Ojai and anticipated to break ground in summer 2026. The Montgomery Street Tiny Homes project will deliver five new homes designed to meet the needs of the Ojai community while preserving the character of the neighborhood. The development will include two thoughtfully designed tiny home duplexes and one single-family home, creating a total of five affordable homeownership opportunities for local families.

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College Readiness Program Brings Nearly 200 Eighth Grade Students to SBCC’s Cliff Campus

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“As a former AVID student and a first-generation college graduate, I know firsthand how powerful access and exposure can be,” shared Senior Director of Admissions & Records and Dual Enrollment Angelica Contreras. “Programs like AVID Discovery Days are often the first time students can actually see themselves on a college campus walking into labs, trying hands-on activities, and realizing that these careers are real and attainable.”

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Join us for the March 10 Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting

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The next regular meeting of the
 County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 
9 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Administration Building 
Board Hearing Room
511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria 
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. 

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Action Alert: Speak Up for Environmental Justice by March 10

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Join us on Tuesday, March 10 to urge Santa Barbara County Supervisors to consider resident feedback and fully address all environmental challenges facing the communities most affected.

Low-income communities and communities of color often bear the brunt of the climate crisis, facing more severe environmental hazards with fewer resources. Santa Barbara County is required by state law to adopt an Environmental Justice (EJ) Element that addresses environmental inequities.

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

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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.

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Ventura County Office of Education — Middle School Winners of the 2026 Ventura County Mock Trial

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VENTURA COUNTY — Dr. Cesar Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that Mesa Union School is the winner of the middle school division of the 2026 Ventura County Mock Trial. Mesa Union School earned the highest score in the final round of competition, held this afternoon at the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo. Second place went to Hillside Middle School.

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Most comprehensive wildfire prevention package in California state history announced with support from leading wildfire experts & organizations

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More than a dozen bills across the Senate and Assembly will advance home hardening, expand beneficial fire, unlock financing, and accelerate innovation to better protect California from future megafires

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Ventura College Foundation honors 15 ‘Pirates of Distinction,’ launches “Invest in Success” fundraising campaign

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VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation brought together more than 100 community leaders, donors, and advocates at its “Celebration of Success” on the Ventura College campus—an afternoon that honored 15 outstanding “Pirates of Distinction,” and issued a call to action to complete its $7 million “Invest in Success” fundraising campaign.

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

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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.

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A landmark commitment to community health: Wyatt family donates $5 million to SB Neighborhood Clinics

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“My husband and I (and our family) were truly inspired by the quality of care and the number of lives touched by SBNC. It is the community’s “little engine that could,” powered by dedicated physicians and staff who lead with compassion and respectfully treat everyone who crosses their threshold,” said Monica Wyatt. “We were deeply moved by how seamlessly SBNC is woven into the fabric of this community – a place where families can access care close to home, where children and seniors are treated with dignity, and where high-quality healthcare is available to all, regardless of income or race.” 

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2026 Ventura County Mock Trial Winners – High School Division

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VENTURA COUNTY — Trinity Pacific Christian School and Oak Park High School took the top two spots in the high school division of the 2026 Ventura County Mock Trial competition, which was held over two weekends at the Ventura County Government Center’s Hall of Justice. This marks the fourth year in a row that Trinity Pacific has come in first. 

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves 20-year lease to expand youth farm and education programs at Juvenile Justice Facilities

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“This partnership represents a unique opportunity to transform an underutilized farm site into a vibrant educational resource that benefits both our community and local youth,” said Chair of the Board Jeff Gorell. “By connecting young people with agriculture, workforce skills, and service to others, we are creating meaningful pathways for growth, responsibility, and future employment. At the same time, the program will help strengthen food security by growing fresh produce that can support local organizations and families in need.”

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SEEAG gets go-ahead to create new 3.63-acre educational farm in Oxnard

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VENTURA — At its March 3 meeting, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved a 20-year, $0 per year lease agreement between Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) and the County of Ventura to develop an educational farm on 3.63 acres of arable land located behind the Ventura County Juvenile Facilities property in Oxnard.

In collaboration with the County of Ventura and the Ventura County Probation Agency (VCPA), SEEAG will establish the Southbank Learning Farm, a community-driven space where justice-involved youth will engage in hands-on farming and food education and career pathway development, while growing fresh, healthy produce to support local food access initiatives.

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Nonprofit Celebrates 55th Anniversary and Local Leaders at the LEAP Awards?

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GOLETA — LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner. celebrated its 55th anniversary as a nonprofit — and 50 years of providing high-quality childcare — at the 2026 LEAP Awards Brunch on Saturday, February 28, at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The event raised $81,715 to support LEAP’s programs and services for children and families across Santa Barbara County.

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Students — Take Action this Saturday (March 7) at Our Youth Climate Workshop! More news

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If you are — or know — a student in grades 6–12 who cares about the future of our coastlines, wildlife, and communities, this is the moment to spring into climate action. Join the Community Environmental Council (CEC), Santa Barbara High School’s Environmental Advocacy Club, and the Sierra Club Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter for a free, interactive Youth Climate Workshop designed to turn passion into tangible impact.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SCORE: HOW TO DEVELOP A NETWORKING STRATEGY TO GENERATE NEW REFERRAL PARTNERS

March 5 @ 5:00 pm

Giving referral partners clarity on who you serve will keep you top of mind when they are in front of your ICP. The more specific, the better chance of them identifying and introducing you. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Housing leaders identify workforce housing as key to Ventura County’s economic future

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“The lack of available housing, not just affordable housing, but available housing, is the single largest impediment to economic growth and prosperity in our region,” said Stephanie Caldwell, President & CEO of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. “As Ken Trigueiro said, ‘Affordable housing is where the jobs go at night’.” These words framed the core theme of the morning: if workers cannot afford to live here, Ventura County’s economy cannot thrive.

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Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) Power of Purpose – March 2026

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As we step into March and the first hints of spring begin to emerge, I find myself reflecting on all the beauty surrounding us, especially you, our community foundation family, who make Ventura County so very special to me.

There is truly so much to love about our community. Yes, the natural beauty is breathtaking. But even more powerful is the way our community shows up for one another. Time and again, we have demonstrated a deep and steady care for our neighbors, a willingness to collaborate, and a shared commitment to strengthening the place we call home. That spirit—resilient, generous, and hopeful—is what makes this region extraordinary, and is something I see reflected every day in my colleagues at your community foundation.

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Gorell Measure passes pausing outsourcing aging programs, keeping services for seniors within county government

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors (March 3) approved a measure brought forward by Chair Jeff Gorell to pause the proposed transition of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) away from County administration, allowing additional time for public engagement and a deliberate evaluation of service delivery options. 

“This measure asks the Board to pause the current process that began late last year and would allow the County to divest itself of responsibility for administering programs under the Area Agency on Aging,” said Chair Gorell. 

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Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula — Flock Safety acknowledges inadvertent Accesses by out of state law enforcement agencies

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SANTA PAULA — Flock Safety, the provider of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) to law enforcement, has announced, through audit logs within their ALPR platform, it has confirmed access by out of state law enforcement for a period of time. As a result, Ventura County Law enforcement agencies, including the Santa Paula Police Department, had their ALPR networks inadvertently accessible by out of state law enforcement agencies. Flock Safety has accepted accountability and implemented plans to address the issue.

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

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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.

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The perfect Lompoc couples weekend In Santa Barbara County along California’s Central Coast

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LOMPOC — Framed by vineyard-covered hills and the Pacific Ocean, Lompoc, California is an ideal destination for couples looking to reconnect through great food, creative culture, and wide-open space. From spa indulgence to wine tastings and late-night eats, Lompoc delivers a weekend that feels effortless, intimate, and memorable. As you plan your trip, consider this weekend itinerary:

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2026 Ventura County Mock Trial Semifinalists announced

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Dr. Cesar Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce the eight high school teams that will move on to the semifinal round of the 2026 Ventura County Mock Trial competition. Twenty-four local high schools fielded teams in the initial Mock Trial rounds held last weekend at the Hall of Justice at the Ventura County Government Center. The following eight high school teams had the highest scores and will advance to the semifinals:

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

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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.

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Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) — Bennett authors legislation package on home hardening using lessions learned from Mountain, Thomas fires

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“For years, we have worked on cultivating an enhanced sense of urgency in how Sacramento discusses wildfire prevention in the built environment,” said Asm. Bennett. “We remain committed to pursuing and supporting proven methods that reduce loss of life and property and give our communities greater chances in surviving fast-moving blazes. I’m proud to author a bill package that focuses on community resilience and is informed by firsthand experience of AD-38 residents following the Mountain and Thomas fires.”

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March at the Santa Paula Art Museum

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We’re feeling lucky at the Museum in March!

We’re channeling Santa Paula artists Jessie and Cornelis Botke in the photo above as we dance into a brand-new month at the Santa Paula Art Museum. Join us for a green-themed Free Family Day on Sunday, March 1, and mark your calendars for the premiere of Cornelis Botke: Painter of the Western Scene on Saturday, March 14!

Scroll down to see all of our March events and classes.

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Cottage Health named Top Places to Work in Healthcare 2026

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health has been named to Becker’s 165 Top Places to Work in Healthcare List for 2026.

The recognition highlights organizations that make their people a priority and foster environments where caregivers feel supported, valued and empowered. Becker’s noted that these organizations invest deeply in their teams through competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, inclusive workplaces and resources that support work-life balance.

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Funding Alert: Launch a Resilience Hub in Your Community

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Climate disasters like extreme heat, wildfires, poor air quality, and flooding can strike our region at any time. Community Resilience Hubs are trusted, local spaces — like schools and libraries — that support neighborhoods before, during, and after climate disasters. Each Hub is unique and offers services and resources for the specific needs of the community.

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