Category: News

Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Important information as voting for the Nov. 3 Gubernatorial General Election approaches the last day: NOW’S THE TIME TO VOTE!

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Voters are encouraged to take advantage of the last few days of early voting ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, November 3, to avoid the last minute pressure and potentially long lines at vote centers on Election Day.

“People should think of Election Day as the LAST day to vote, not THE day to vote,” said Michelle Ascecncion, County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters.

“So many unforeseen things can happen – a rainstorm, a flat tire, an illness or accident – that can derail your plans to go vote on Election Day,” Ascencion continued. “VOTE EARLY and check it off your list of things to do!”

Southeast Ventura County YMCA receives $1 million grant from state budget for Simi Valley Family YMCA expansion projec

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

SIMI VALLEY — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA announced it has been awarded a $1 million state budget grant through the governor’s signing of State Budget AB113 last week to help fund the upcoming expansion of its Simi Valley Family YMCA branch.

This financial investment from the state will bring the YMCA closer to fully funding the $7.5 million project and achieve YMCA leadership’s objectives of funding the project through a partnership of local philanthropy, business investments and public/government funding.

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, a leading supporter of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA, advocated and secured this award to bring expanded programs, services and facilities that are accessible to all members of the Simi Valley community.

Bilingual guest commentary by Kaiser Permanente — Halloween Safety: Simple Steps to Keep the Holiday Fun and Injury-Free

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

As Halloween draws near, children across Southern California are eagerly preparing for a night of costumes, candy and neighborhood adventures.

While the excitement of trick-or-treating is hard to match, parents can take a few simple precautions to help ensure the holiday remains both memorable and safe.

According to Dr. Kristina Kang a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente in Camarillo, a little preparation can go a long way toward preventing common Halloween-related injuries and health concerns.

Among others, she recommends:

Museum of Ventura County — Your Museum, Your Community | Quarterly Update from the Development Team

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

I want to begin this quarterly update with what may be one of my favorite things I have ever had the opportunity to report.

Our longtime Facilities Manager, Miguel Aguiar, recently purchased a commemorative Museum tile, not for himself, but in honor of the people he has worked alongside throughout his years at MVC.

Miguel held a small unveiling ceremony with staff and volunteers to recognize four people he affectionately referred to as “my blessings”: Shanon Rice, David Bayer, Clyde Hofflund, and John Treuer. These are people who have worked alongside Miguel and the Museum over the years, giving their time and talents to help make so many of our events and gatherings possible.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

Help Shape Ventura County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan

Ventura County is inviting residents, businesses, and community organizations to help shape the County’s next Hazard Mitigation Plan by reviewing the draft plan at a public workshop on November 18, 2026.

City of Santa Paula accepting applications for Harding Park volunteer caretaker

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department is now accepting applications for a volunteer caretaker at Harding Park. The opportunity includes use of a City-owned, two-bedroom residence located on the park property in exchange for assisting with routine park upkeep, maintenance, and oversight.

The City is seeking a responsible, dependable, and community-minded individual or household to help maintain Harding Park as a clean, safe, and welcoming community space. Responsibilities may include assisting with park and sports field maintenance, reporting facility concerns, and providing a regular on-site presence.

Guest commentary — AMR Ventura County urges drivers, riders and trick-or-treaters to stay alert this Halloween

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Halloween brings more children, pedestrians and riders onto streets after dark. To understand the risks, AMR Ventura County and Gold Coast Ambulance reviewed its call response data from previous years. Alongside routine medical calls, crews responded most frequently to traffic collisions, fall injuries, behavioral emergencies and suspected intoxication-related calls during this time of year.

“This year, Halloween falls on a Saturday, which typically means more people are expected to be out celebrating throughout the day and into the evening,” said Mike Sanders, AMR’s regional director for Ventura and Santa Barbara. “Halloween is always a busy night for first responders, but weekends can bring additional traffic, larger gatherings, and increased alcohol and substance use, making it important for residents to plan ahead and celebrate responsibly.”

805title Inc. expands to three-state footprint with statewide California licensing and new Arizona approval

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — 805title, a Latino-founded and owned independent title and escrow company in Santa Barbara, is announcing that the California Department of Insurance has granted it licensing in every county in the state. The company also recently received its Arizona license for title and escrow, and it confirmed that 805title of Nevada has been operating since June 2025. With these approvals, 805title now serves clients across three of the West’s most active real estate markets.

People’s Self-Help Housing Named ‘Developer of the Year’

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has been selected by the Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing (SCANPH) as the recipient of the 2026 Developer of the Year Award, presented as part of the Homes Within Reach Awards program. The award recognizes SCANPH member organizations that consistently demonstrate creativity, innovation, and perseverance in overcoming challenges to expand affordable housing opportunities.

Presented annually at the SCANPH Conference, the Developer of the Year Award honors a nonprofit housing developer whose work exemplifies excellence in affordable housing production, community impact, and long-term commitment to residents.

CSUCI Nursing students gain hands-on experience while helping protect the campus from the flu

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) Nursing students are putting their clinical skills into practice this Fall while helping to protect the campus community during a series of flu vaccination clinics offered in partnership with the campus’ Student Health Services.

Second-year Nursing students who are members of CSUCI’s Student Nurses Association (SNA) will be administering the flu vaccines to CSUCI students, faculty and staff. The campus clinics provide Nursing students with valuable hands-on experience while offering CSUCI students and employees convenient access to an important preventive health service.

“This partnership gives our nursing students an opportunity to apply what they are learning in a real-world setting while making a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of the campus community,” said Neomie Congello, chair of CSUCI’s Nursing program. “It reflects the compassion, professionalism and commitment to service that are at the heart of nursing.”

Ventura Housing unveils future developments and celebrates resident success at Second Annual State of Ventura Housing Breakfast

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On Wednesday, Oct. 21, Ventura Housing welcomed 160 residents, community leaders, elected officials and partners to The Livery at Rumfish y Vino for its Second Annual State of Ventura Housing Breakfast, raising about $42,000 for ATLAS, the agency’s philanthropic arm. Centered around the theme “Investing in Families. Strengthening Futures.,” the morning highlighted how funders, developers, government and community partners, and residents each play a role in making affordable housing possible. Ventura Housing also shared updates on five developments in its pipeline, led by Santa Clara Apartments and Pasteur Court Apartments, which are set to begin construction in April 2027.

Massive Los Padres National Forest vegetation-clearing proposal reduced by 200,000 acres due to environmental concerns, public input

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

“The Forest Service made real changes in response to environmental concerns and public input, and the project is far more focused than when this process began,” said Los Padres ForestWatch Director of Advocacy and Field Operations Benjamin Pitterle. “While we appreciate those improvements, this remains a large and complex project, and there are still important areas where further refinement is needed.”

Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) — VCTA – Unchecked Power, Sticky Notes, and a $1 Million Merchandise Bill

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

Under Ventura County’s current structure, voting for the Ventura County Superintendent of Education hands virtually unchecked power to the winner. Because the position is independently elected rather than appointed, the Ventura County Board of Education lacks direct oversight over the Superintendent’s day-to-day administrative and financial decisions. This structural loophole leaves taxpayers vulnerable to unchecked administrative spending—with no real institutional watchdog inside the office to rein it in.

Ventura Charter School moves 21st annual Campout to Campus amid October heat, keeping a tradition rooted in 1969 on track

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — When high temperatures made Steckel Park unsafe for this year’s campout, Ventura Charter School’s campout committee moved the 21st Annual Campout to the school’s own campus. That kept one of the school’s longest-running traditions going for students in grades K-8, their families and staff. The three- day event ran October 7 through 9 as originally planned, with outdoor programming, shared meals and student-led campfires. Campout is one of several annual traditions through which the school pursues its mission to engage every student in meaningful and supportive learning experiences.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Powerhouse UCSB team awarded big grant to investigate mathematical foundations of AI’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

Researchers Nina Miolane, Haewon Jeong, Sanjuka Krishnagopal and Yao Qin win $1 million from NSF for their collaborative investigation.

Bilingual report — Ventura County residents urged to eliminate standing water following recent rainfall to prevent mosquito breeding

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Following last week’s rainfall and with warmer temperatures expected this week, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) is urging residents to eliminate standing water around their homes and properties to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus (WNV). The reminder comes as the California Department of Public Health reports West Nile virus activity at a five-year high statewide.

Standing water left in outdoor containers can quickly become a breeding source for mosquitoes. In as little as seven days, mosquito eggs can hatch, larvae can develop, and adult mosquitoes can emerge. With mosquito activity continuing into the fall, recent rainfall, and warmer temperatures may contribute to increased mosquito populations throughout Ventura County.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

CLAUDE 102: PROJECTS, ARTIFACTS, SOPS & WORKFLOWS

October 29 @ 10:00 am

If you’ve mastered the basics of AI prompting, it’s time to take the next step. In this interactive 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn how to transform Claude from a simple chatbot into a reliable business partner that helps you organize projects, create reusable business assets, document processes, and automate everyday tasks. You’ll discover practical strategies to reduce repetitive work while maintaining consistency across your business. This course is designed specifically for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Facilitated by: Deborah Deras, EDC SBDC Marketing Advisor, International Speaker, Author, AI Educator, Professor & Doctoral Scholar researching the impact of AI on Small Businesses. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Date announced for the 14th annual Ventura County Farm Day (May 8, 2027)

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) announced that the 14th annual Ventura County Farm Day will take place Saturday, May 8, 2027.

Farm Day is a free, interactive experience where the public visits farms and other agricultural venues throughout the county. It offers behind-the-scenes tours, tractor rides, produce tastings and giveaways, and kid-friendly activities while visitors learn first-hand how food is grown, harvested and delivered to stores locally and around the world.

Bilingual report — Women’s Economic Ventures to celebrate 35 years of impact with 35 for 35 Business Showcase

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) will celebrate 35 years of empowering women and strengthening local economies with its 35 for 35 Business Showcase on Tuesday, December 8, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County. Open to the public, the event will spotlight 35 WEV-supported businesses and bring together entrepreneurs, supporters, and community members to celebrate the people and partnerships that have shaped WEV’s legacy since 1991.

For 35 years, WEV has helped women build the knowledge, confidence, and connections to pursue entrepreneurship and greater financial independence. Behind that work are generations of business owners who have turned ideas into livelihoods, created jobs, supported their families, and contributed to the vitality of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. The showcase will bring that legacy to life through the businesses and people at its heart.

SB Museum of Art — Oct, 27-Nov. 8 — Sip & Celebrate at the Fall Opening Party

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

Don’t miss out! Come celebrate the opening of four new exhibitions at the Museum: Cassatt & Friends, Stage Craft: Pictorialist Photography and Performance, Elegies of Abstraction, and the new Portraits Revealed.

People’s Self-Help Housing now accepting applications for Skylight Homes: New for-sale homes in Santa Maria

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has begun construction on Skylight Homes: a new, for-sale, single-family subdivision in Santa Maria. Interested buyers are encouraged to sign up for the interest list and attend a mandatory Agricultural Worker Project Presentation to begin the application process.

Located at 3170 Santa Maria Way, Skylight Homes will consist of 49 new homes, built over two phases of construction. The subdivision is surrounded by existing single-family neighborhoods, shopping centers, schools, and community parks. Each home will come with:

Ventura Music Festival — That’s a wrap on the Fall series. We’d love your feedback!

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

The Board and Staff of the Festival value your feedback! If you attended any of the Fall Series concerts as a patron or a volunteer, please fill out our short survey. You’ll automatically be entered to win a pair of tickets to Chanticleer or a 2027 standard concert of your choice!

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

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

Our newest owner-builders are beginning their homeownership journey at Mission Gardens II in San Miguel! This new development is bringing 14 new single-story homes for first-time homebuyers to the community, with each household contributing over 1,600 hours of construction labor in lieu of a down payment. Learn more about Mission Gardens II and our build your own home program at pshhc.org!

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara celebrates Grand Opening of Bella Vista Affordable Housing Development

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) celebrated the grand opening of Bella Vista, its new affordable housing development at 200 North La Cumbre Road, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday.

The 48-unit development provides affordable rental housing for families with low and very low incomes, offering a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. All units are subsidized through Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers, allowing residents to pay 30% of their income toward rent.

Celebrate Día de los Muertos: Visit the 2026 Community Altar at The Collection at Riverpark through Nov. 2

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Join us in honoring the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos with a heartfelt community altar, created in partnership with the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit (OPAC). This meaningful installation offers a space to celebrate, remember, and connect with loved ones who have passed.

Camarillo Public Library’s Día de los Muertos Community Ofrenda accepting photos through Nov. 1

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

Join us in creating a community ofrenda, which is an offering place to remember past loved ones. Bring in copies of pictures to the 2nd Floor Reference Desk through Nov. 1. The ofrenda will be on display in the lobby through Nov. 3.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Moving California communities from climate vulnerability to resilience

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

California communities become climate resilient?

CEC’s Senior Director of Climate Programs Em Johnson explored this question at the California Economic Summit and continued the conversation at last week’s Resilient California Summit.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Financing available for Child Care Providers

by Community Contributor • October 28, 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.

The Ventura County Office of Education and Child Care Planning Council has documented that Ventura County is as many as 50,000 childcare slots short. Only 36 percent of children ages 0-14 whose parents are in the workforce have access to a licensed child care space. Further, studies find that children who are most likely to benefit from a high-quality preschool program are least likely to attend.

Ventura County Public Works Agency announces Matthew Ehret as Director of Watershed Protection

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

Ehret brings more than 24 years of public works experience, with an extensive background in engineering, construction management, flood control, and infrastructure development. Most recently, he served as Deputy Director of Watershed Protection’s Design & Construction Division, where he oversaw major capital improvement projects, emergency projects, and environmental services.

CSUCI Expands Academic Offerings with New Degree Programs

by Community Contributor • October 27, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) is expanding its academic offerings with new degree programs designed to connect students with emerging fields, community needs, and evolving career opportunities.

The University’s new programs include bachelor degrees in Sustainable Agriculture, Black Studies, Spanish-English Translation and Interpretation, and Statistics, and a master’s in Psychology degree. Together, the offerings emphasize interdisciplinary study, applied learning, and preparation for careers in fields ranging from agriculture and data science to research, public policy and language services.

Explore Lompoc — News from Lompoc: Explore Space Country at Vandenberg’s Space And Missile Technology Center

by Community Contributor • October 26, 2026 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — The countdown ends. Engines ignite. A rocket climbs into the sky, leaving a bright trail above the California coast.

For a few unforgettable moments, all eyes are on the sky. In Lompoc, this kind of space-age excitement is part of the destination.

Welcome to Space Country, where you can watch a launch, explore the technology behind the missions, and get an up-close look at space history at the Space and Missile Technology Center (SAMTEC).

Central Coast Alliance United for A Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Years of organizing. A historic victory for Santa Barbara tenants

by Community Contributor • October 25, 2026 • Comments Off

The fight for rent stabilization in Santa Barbara has been years in the making, built by our community that keeps showing up, organizing, and building power together.Through long meetings, countless conversations, public comments, and years of organizing, we kept showing up and building power together. And last week, that persistence paid off: Santa Barbara City Council adopted the rent stabilization ordinance!

Make a one-time or monthly donation to help us keep building on this historic victory!

Allan Hancock College’s Ann Foxworthy Gallery showcasing the transformative power of art in ‘After the Cut,’ a new exhibition featuring works by artists Raphaele Cohen-Bacry and Juan Manuel Perez Salaza on display through Dec. 2

by Community Contributor • October 24, 2026 • Comments Off

Through a variety of artistic media, Cohen-Bacry and Perez Salazar use cutting both literally and conceptually to bring together fragments of materials, images and ideas. Their works reveal traces of what existed before while inviting viewers to consider how destruction, alteration and reconstruction can lead to new creative possibilities.

UCSB — The Current — ‘A new tool makes mapping the ocean easier’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 22, 2026 • Comments Off

The open-source software package developed by UCSB marine scientists makes it faster and simpler to find, organize and map data about the world’s oceans.

Catherine Brozowski, Chuck Flacks, and Dr. Jesus Fandino to be honored at the 2027 LEAP Awards

by Community Contributor • October 22, 2026 • Comments Off

GOLETA — Catherine Brozowski, Executive Director of the Audacious Foundation, and Chuck Flacks, Homelessness Services Coordinator for the City of Goleta and former president of LEAP’s Board of Directors, will be honored at the 2027 LEAP Awards, alongside Dr. Jesus Fandino, who will be recognized as Distinguished Alumnus.

The 2027 LEAP Awards Luncheon will be held at the stunning Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort on Friday, February 26, 2027. The lunch will bring together community leaders, philanthropists, and partners who believe in creating thriving futures for children and families.

Tickets and tables are on sale now and may be purchased online at: https://leapcentralcoast.org/event/2027-leap-awards/

Women’s Economic Ventures celebrates 35 Years, recognizes Trailblazer Awardee Kelly Mooney and WEV’s Giving Circle the League of Extraordinary Women

by Community Contributor • October 21, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — On Oct. 7, WEV brought together community members, philanthropists and advocates at La Cumbre Country Club for its annual League of Extraordinary Women Luncheon in recognition of National Give to Women & Girls Day. The gathering celebrated the collective generosity that makes WEV’s work possible and called attention to the importance of investing in women’s economic futures.

Since its founding in 1991, WEV has worked to ensure women have access to the education, training, financial resources and support they need to shape their own futures. That work matters not only to individual women, but also to the families and communities strengthened when women have greater financial security and more choices.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education Alternative Education honored with Golden Bell Award

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2026 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education is being honored with the prestigious Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association for its Alternative Education program, which serves students who have been expelled, are involved with the justice system, or face serious obstacles in school.

Guest contribution — County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Holding Southern California Edison Accountable

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2026 • Comments Off

Ventura County residents should not have to choose between wildfire safety and reliable electricity. Southern California Edison’s (SCE) Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) have left families, businesses, and entire communities facing prolonged outages, often with little certainty about when power will be restored.

While preventing wildfires must remain a top priority, the frequency, duration, and disruption of these shutoffs demand greater accountability. That is why I have made it a priority to challenge SCE, secure meaningful improvements, and advocate for long-term solutions that better protect our communities.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) to present Free Youth Climate Workshop for Students on Oct. 24. More upcoming events

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2026 • Comments Off

The climate decisions we make today will affect our communities for decades to come. Young people deserve a say in shaping their future — and at the Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) Youth Climate Workshop, students can learn how to make their voices heard and take action in their communities.

Co-hosted with 805 Action, this free workshop invites students in grades 5–12 to explore how they can influence local climate policy and help shape a more sustainable future.

Oxnard Performing Arts Center to present 7th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration on Oct. 25

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Join us for a mesmerizing and heartfelt celebration of life and remembrance at OPAC’s 7th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 at 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard.

For seven years, we’ve gathered in the heart of Oxnard to honor our ancestors and celebrate the rich traditions of Mexican culture.

Immerse yourself in a vibrant experience filled with colorful calacas, beautifully adorned ofrendas, captivating performances, local food vendors, and the warmth of community. Whether you’re new to this tradition or have celebrated with us for years, all are welcome to come together, honor those who came before us, and embrace the beauty of life, remembrance, and tradition.

Dia de los Muertos festival Santa Maria 2026 to be held on Oct. 25

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2026 • Comments Off

Enjoy live music and dance, beautiful altars, cultural activities, food and artisan vendors, contests and more!

The celebration is free and open to all ages. Come celebrate culture, community, and tradition with us!

Bilingual report — Santa Barbara Museum of Art — Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a Free Family Day on Oct. 25

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — For the 37th year, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art honors the Mexican tradition of remembering the dead with a display of altars, created by students in the Museum’s school and outreach programs and local community groups from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. The Art Learning Lab will offer Día de los Muertos-inspired art activities for all ages on the Front Terrace.

Oxnard College will commemorate Día de los Muertos on Oct. 28

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Join us Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm in front of the Performing Arts Building (PAB) for a vibrant, family-friendly Día de los Muertos celebration at Oxnard College. Enjoy free food, cultural dances, live music, colorful altars honoring loved ones, and fun activities for children and families. Come celebrate our Hispanic culture, community, and tradition with us for an evening of connection, remembrance, and celebration! This FREE event is open to all!

Panteón Fest returns to Oxnard for its Fourth Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration on Oct. 17

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Pipiripau will host the fourth annual Panteón Fest on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Heritage Square in downtown Oxnard from 1:00 to 9:00 PM. This year’s festival pays homage to Chespirito, the beloved Mexican comedian and creator of El Chavo del Ocho and El Chapulín Colorado.

“Panteón Fest is about bringing our community together to celebrate our culture, remember where we come from, and create something meaningful for the next generation,” said co-founders Rolando and Heriberto Rubalcava.

Bilingual commentary — The Joys of Meal Preparation with Family

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

Gathering around the dinner table is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but I recently discovered how I could make these events even more joyful.

For years, I carried the entire weight of these gatherings on my own shoulders. I used to shop, prep, and cook everything by myself, treating dinner as a solo performance while they hung around and watched me as their appetites grew. Eventually, I realized the true joy of a family meal isn’t just in the eating after waiting what must seem like an eternity to them—it is found in the beautiful, chaotic collaboration of preparing it together.

Wells Fargo invests $100,000 to support People’s Self-Help Housing Education Program

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has received a generous $100,000 grant from Wells Fargo in support of Central Coast students enrolled in their education program and to help launch their newest Learning Center at Buellton Garden Apartments.

For families with school-aged children, PSHH’s eight onsite Learning Centers offer a safe, engaging environment where students receive homework assistance, participate in enrichment activities, build confidence, and develop skills that support long-term academic success. These year-round services are all provided at no cost to the families, thanks to partners like Wells Fargo.

Port of Hueneme — DOCK TALK – Community Newsletter – October 2026

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

The Port of Hueneme’s 13th Annual Banana Festival set a second consecutive attendance record as nearly 19,000 guests came to the Port for a celebratory day of live music, banana treats, tours, a classic car show, and family-friendly fun. This year’s theme, “Gateway to the World,” highlighted the Port’s role in connecting local consumers to global goods and markets.

City of Ventura prepares emergency winter shelter ahead of anticipated El Niño storms

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — As the City of Ventura prepares for potential El Niño storms this fall and winter, plans are underway to provide emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness during severe weather. The El Niño Winter Shelter will be activated when forecasts indicate flash flooding, including anticipated rainfall exceeding half an inch per hour, to provide safety to unsheltered individuals living in riverbeds and other flood-prone areas.

Located at the National Guard Armory at 1270 Arundell Avenue, the shelter will provide up to 120 emergency beds during extreme rainfall events between October 15, 2026, through April 15, 2027.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Community Alert: Red Flag Warning, Strong Santa Ana Winds & Potential SCE Power Shutoffs

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

Ventura County is preparing for the first Santa Ana wind event of the season, with strong winds, hot and dry conditions, and an elevated risk of wildfires expected across the region. Residents are encouraged to prepare for potential Southern California Edison (SCE) power outages, take necessary safety precautions, and stay informed as weather conditions evolve throughout the week.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from Thursday, October 15, at 6:00 a.m. through Friday, October 16, at 10:00 p.m. This wind event is expected to bring sustained winds of 25–40 mph, with gusts potentially exceeding 50 mph across our valleys, coastal communities, and mountain areas.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria stands ready to activate as resilience hub as El Niño brings uncertainty

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is reaffirming the organization’s commitment to emergency preparedness and community resilience as El Niño brings uncertainty about unpredictable and potentially dangerous weather.

The Girls Inc. of Carpinteria (GIC) campus, located at 5315 Foothill Rd. in Carpinteria, is well-equipped in the event of an emergency — with large indoor and outdoor spaces, an industrial-sized kitchen stocked with necessities, and basic supplies at the ready.

Under normal circumstances, these features equip GIC to serve the more than 700 girls and young women who access their programs each year. In the event of an emergency, they would allow the organization to respond to a crisis by offering food, shelter, and other resiliency resources.

Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees has selected Hancock Elisa Pardo to fill Area 1 seat

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees has selected Hancock alum and longtime community leader Elisa Pardo to represent Trustee Area 1, filling the vacancy left by outgoing trustee Hilda Zacarías.

The board selected Pardo during a special meeting Oct. 9, and she was officially sworn in at its Oct. 13 regular meeting at Santa Ynez Valley High School.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — New Prospectus: The Central Coast: Built to Prove What’s Next in Advanced Aviation

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP), REACH, and Uplift Central Coast are pleased to share the new Autonomous Systems and Advanced Air Mobility Prospectus.

The prospectus highlights the Central Coast’s strengths across Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, bringing together the companies, testing infrastructure, research assets and talent pipelines supporting the region’s next generation of aircraft.
For More Information Click Here

UCSB — The Current — ‘Brain surgery by autonomous robot? It’s possible — and could save lives’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

With a federal grant from the Advanced Projects Research Agency for Health, researchers are working to bring soft robotics to cardiovascular surgery with a method that combines maximum precision with minimal harm.

People’s Self-Health Housing — Hammers at the ready: New Self-Help Homeownership Development underway in San Miguel

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2026 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — At Mission Gardens II, a group of 14 owner-builders have begun building their own homes through the People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) mutual self-help program.

Located in San Miguel, San Luis Obispo County, this new development is seeing the future homeowners construct 14 single-story homes located at the end of N Street. Each home is set to have three or four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage. They will also be equipped with energy-efficient features, PV solar, and drought-tolerant landscaping.

Moorpark College and CSUCI launch new Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Programs to meet growing regional and national demand

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2026 • Comments Off

MOORPARK — Moorpark College and Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) (on Oct. 12) announced the Spring 2027 launch of two new bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity, marking a significant milestone in higher education for Ventura County and the broader region. The programs respond directly to an urgent national demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals—a workforce gap projected to reach hundreds of thousands of unfilled positions across the United States.

“The future of higher education depends on our ability to work together, respond to the evolving needs of our communities, and create meaningful opportunities for students,” said Dr. Rick MacLennan, Chancellor of the Ventura County Community College District. “This collaboration reflects what is possible when our institutions align their strengths to expand educational pathways, support regional workforce needs, and prepare students for an increasingly complex and interconnected world.”

Bilingual report — Veterans find community through noncredit art class at Allan Hancock College

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — When Allan Hancock College Community Education introduced its new Image Transfers from Photographs course, instructor and U.S. Navy veteran Helen Boursier expected to bring together students interested in art and creativity.?

What she did not expect was that the class would become a gathering place for seven veterans representing more than six decades of combined military service.?

“I wasn’t surprised to see so many veterans in the class because I already knew several of them through the local veteran community, but I was incredibly pleased that they decided to sign up,” Boursier said. “It was especially rewarding to hear that they enjoyed the experience and wanted to know when I would be teaching the class again.”

2026 San Luis Obispo County’s Assessor’s Annual Report

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2026 • Comments Off

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — I am pleased to present the Annual Report of the Assessor’s office for 2026-27. This report provides the latest data regarding property values in San Luis Obispo County and highlights information that impacts the local economy and our quality of life.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: ‘Wrona Gall and Ted Gall: Stories in Pigment and Metal’

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2026 • Comments Off

Wrona Gall and Ted Gall: Stories in Pigment and Metal
On view now through November 8

Santa Barbara Museum of Art Exhibitions & Events Oct. 13 through 25

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2026 • Comments Off

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a Free Family Day
Sunday, October 25
11 am – 4 pm

Explore a vibrant display of community-created altars, engage in hands-on art activities for all ages, and enjoy a festive Calenda procession featuring traditional music and dance from Oaxaca and Guerrero.
Now in its third year, the procession, produced by the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, celebrates Mexican traditions while bringing the community together in a joyful expression of remembrance, culture, and connection.

HASC celebrates Cottage Nurse Paula Gallucci as a 2026 My SoCal Hospital Hero

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is proud to announce that Paula Gallucci, BSN, RN, CCRN, Manager, Medical Intensive Care Unit, has been selected as a 2026 My SoCal Hospital Hero by the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC). The honor recognizes employees across Southern California hospitals who contribute to outstanding patient care through embodying excellence, compassion and dedication in their work every day.

Paula was chosen for her extraordinary impact on patients, colleagues and the hospital community. She leads with a unique combination of clinical rigor, creative energy and boundless compassion. In a high-stakes environment, she brings the steady, inspired leadership that transforms a critical care unit into a place where people want to work – and patients and families feel genuinely cared for.

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