Category: News

Ventura Music Festival — Music gives so much more!

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2025 • Comments Off

This year, music lifted Ventura at an unprecedented rate.
It reached students who had never held an instrument.
It comforted those at Community Memorial Hospital.
It filled parks, schools, museums, and neighborhoods — ?much of it free and all of it accessible to all.

And now, as the year comes to a close, we ask you to help keep this music playing.

Your support today fuels the music tomorrow. Year-end gifts are fully tax-deductible and make an immediate impact across the programs that define our mission. Every dollar you give ensures that the Ventura Music Festival continues to reach more people, in more places, in more ways—especially those who need it most.

Allan Hancock College’s SkillsUSA Community Service Team organizes blanket drive donation

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s SkillsUSA Community Service Team is collecting new and gently used blankets this holiday season to support individuals and families in need across the Central Coast.

Donation bins are available now through Dec.19 in the Mechanics Bank Student Center (bldg. G) at the college’s Santa Maria campus. Community members are encouraged to contribute if they are able.

The blanket drive serves as the team’s official SkillsUSA community service project for the year. Students on the team include Johana Diaz-Toscano, Alexandra Ramirez and Victoria Gama. The three students organized and launched the initiative entirely themselves. Diaz-Toscano said that blankets will be distributed to local shelters, many of which see increased need during the winter months.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County Welcomes New board director, Dennis Yai

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is proud to announce the appointment of Dennis Yai, Associate General Counsel at Amgen, to its Board of Directors. Mr. Yai brings extensive expertise in corporate governance, securities, and strategic legal counsel, experience that will strengthen the agency’s mission to ignite the potential of youth across Ventura County.

As Associate General Counsel at Amgen, one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, Mr. Yai oversees a broad portfolio of corporate, securities, and governance activities. His responsibilities include advising on SEC compliance, executive compensation, ESG matters, stockholder activism, and high-level public disclosure. Mr. Yai also played a pivotal role in structuring, negotiating, and closing major financing transactions, including cross-border financing in support of Amgen’s acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics.

Bilingual reports — County of Ventura wins gold from the Healthcare Digital Marketing Awards for fentanyl awareness website

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura has received a Gold Award in the 6th Annual Healthcare Digital Marketing Awards for its Think Again Ventura Countywebsite, a centralized, digital resource supporting the County’s ongoing fentanyl awareness campaign. The national awards program, which recognizes excellence in healthcare marketing and digital communications, received entries from hospitals, health systems, and public health organizations across the country

40th Annual California Strawberry Festival call for applicants: Makers of unique, quality handcrafted artwork and craft items

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival is accepting applications from individual makers of quality, handcrafted works by artists and crafters for this year’s festival taking place May 16 and 17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The deadline to apply is February 9.

The festival, which attracts more than 50,000 visitors, features dozens of different kinds of foods and beverages made from fresh strawberries. About 150 artisans from throughout California showcase their original works including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, children’s toys, accessories, photography, textiles, outdoor furniture, jewelryand specialty foods.

Senior Concerns President & CEO Andrea Gallagher recognized with City of Thousand Oaks Council Chambers Seat Dedication

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — Senior Concerns president and CEO Andrea Gallagher was recognized with a City of Thousand Oaks City Council Chambers Seat Dedication during the Dec. 9, 2025, City Council meeting. Outgoing Mayor David Newman presented the prestigious honor.

Gallagher was honored with Seat N9 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza’s Scherr Forum Theatre, which also serves as the Andrew P. Fox City Council Chamber.

The recognition highlights Gallagher’s years of service at Senior Concerns and her work supporting older adults and family caregivers throughout the Conejo Valley. Under her leadership, Senior Concerns has advanced key programs including Meals On Wheels, the Adult Day Program, Caregiver Support Center, Senior Advocates, and the organization’s 50th Anniversary Future Fund.

Bilingual report — Ventura City Council approves water and wastewater rate adjustments

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the Public Hearing for Proposed Water and Wastewater Rates, City Council unanimously approved five-year water and wastewater rate increases needed to maintain reliable water and wastewater service. The new rates will take effect July 1, 2026. Customers can use Ventura Water’s online bill calculator to estimate individual impacts to their water and wastewater bill.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula City Council Selects New Mayor and Vice Mayor for the 2026 Term

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — During a ceremonious and festive Council meeting on December 10, 2025, the Santa Paula City Council held its annual leadership reorganization, resulting in the appointment of a new Mayor and Vice Mayor for the upcoming year.

Outgoing Mayor Chavez, who made history as the first openly gay Mayor in both Santa Paula and Ventura County, received enthusiastic and appreciative public comments recognizing his leadership, integrity, and the many accomplishments achieved under his tenure. Community members expressed gratitude for his commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and elevating civic engagement across Santa Paula. The Council also thanked him for his accomplishments and stewardship throughout the past year.

Additionally, the Council unanimously appointed outgoing Vice Mayor Carlos Juarez to serve as Mayor of Santa Paula for the new term.

Bilingual commentary — What Do They Mean “Accounting Is Not Professional”?

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2025 • Comments Off

In its nefarious dedication to destroying the foundations of American education, the U.S. Department of Education, in its definitely finite wisdom, is proposing that graduate accounting degrees are no longer to be recognized as “professional” for student loan purposes. This is certain to have repercussions that will significantly impact higher education in the field of finance.

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas — La Posada del teatro | Movie Night | Casting Call | Vision Board

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2025 • Comments Off

*** Teatro’s Christmas Party ***

Let’s celebrate another year of art, stories, friendship, drama, and smiles.

Saturday, December 13

Starting at 6 p.m.

7 p.m. Araceli Collazo & The Ensamble

8 p.m. Karaoke Night with DJ Mannu

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting to be held on Dec. 16

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2025 • Comments Off

2025 Annual Report and Accomplishments from Federal and State Legislative Advocates and 2026 Legislative Platform Adoption
(Estimated Time: 30 minutes)

Bilingual report — Ventura Police spread holiday cheer at annual Shop with a Cop

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department helped make the season brighter for local families on December 10, 2025, during its annual Shop with a Cop event, held at Walmart and hosted in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura and the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.

This year, 30 children from low-income households and families facing childhood cancer were paired with Ventura Police officers for an unforgettable evening of one-on-one shopping. Each child received $150 to choose gifts for the people they love, turning what can be a challenging time of year into an afternoon of joy and connection.

Climate Stewards Winter 2026 Enrollment: Turn climate anxiety into community power

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2025 • Comments Off

As federal policy and funding rollbacks threaten decades of environmental progress, it’s never been more important for all of us to step up, care for our neighborhoods, restore our ecosystems, and protect the places we love.

CEC’s Climate Stewards Certification Program empowers individuals from all backgrounds to advance bold climate solutions right at home. High school and college students, recent grads, teachers, community members, non-profit staff, business owners, retirees, and more are all invited to join us as we take collective action to move forward meaningful climate progress.

Holiday Magic at Heritage Square Oxnard

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2025 • Comments Off

Call for Entries: Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit
Looking for a fun holiday project? Our annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit is the perfect way for family and friends to gather this weekend and create something sweet together.
Entries are due by next Tuesday, December 15.
Your gingerbread creation will be featured as part of our holiday display at Heritage Square.
View entry information: https://forms.gle/y7e8bHAoNfiiQcXC7
Inspiration from past entries here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/137180328@N06/albums/72157720188275462/

Guest contribution — McCarthy Companies marks milestone with continued commitment to quality, community

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2025 • Comments Off

“Forty-five years of growth have reinforced a core belief: we don’t just build homes—we create opportunity, stability, and long-term value for the communities we serve,” said Sarah McCarthy-Garcia, Partner. “As we look ahead, our focus remains on thoughtful expansion, innovation, and advancing housing options that will endure for generations.”

Habitat Families receive keys to homes they helped build at Vista Campanario

by Community Contributor • December 11, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On the morning of Saturday, December 6th, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County (Habitat Ventura) presented families with keys to their very own homes at Vista Campanario in Camarillo. The families, all first-time homeowners, helped build their homes alongside Habitat Ventura volunteers, with each family contributing 250-500 hours of sweat equity.The eight new townhomes are located at Vista Campanario, a new Camarillo development that includes rental units along with the eight for-sale Habitat town homes.

“We are always trying to be better at what we do. This build is the first time we’ve collaborated with multiple partners to build these units,” said Darcy Taylor, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County. “To continue to build low-income housing, it’s going to take more than just Habitat to do that. We’re grateful for the partners that have allowed us to put these wonderful homes together.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘UCSB physicists accept Nobel Prizes in Sweden’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • December 11, 2025 • Comments Off

In a ceremony full of splendor, music and admiration, professors Michel Devoret and John Martinis, alongside their mentor, UC Berkeley physicist John Clarke, on Dec. 10 officially received their Nobel Prizes from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.