Category: News

Museum of Ventura County — Tractors, Traditions & Family Fun This Labor Day!

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Join us for the Agriculture Museum’s 10th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair on September 1st, immediately following the Santa Paula Parade. This beloved community event celebrates Santa Paula’s rich agricultural heritage with family-friendly activities, live music by the Van Allen Twins, captivating presentations and tours, and a deep appreciation for our local farming culture.

The fair offers a fresh perspective on bridging farming’s past, present, and future through engaging exhibits and interactive activities. It aims to unite our community, promote sustainable farming practices, and inspire the next generation to explore rewarding careers in agriculture.

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Bilingual report — Santa Paula Creek Flood Risk Management Project accepting public comments through Aug. 25

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Santa Paula Creek is a tributary to the Santa Clara River located along the east side of the City of Santa Paula. The project aims to reduce flood risk and enhance community safety. Following two early public scoping meetings held in July, the public is encouraged to provide feedback to help guide the study’s scope, shape possible measures and alternatives, and assess potential environmental impacts.

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Ventura Music Festival returns Oct. 12 through 19

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Tickets are already selling fast, and many concerts are expected to sell out! Don’t miss the last concerts of Ventura Music Festival’s 30 for 30 – a celebration of the music and community we’ve shared with Ventura since our debut festival in 1995! Take a look at the October lineup below and order your tickets today.

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Your electric vehicle tax credit disappears on Sept. 30

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You have less than 50 days to lock in major savings on an electric vehicle before federal incentives disappear. Right now, you can get up to $7,500 off a new EV or plug-in hybrid, or up to $4,000 off a used one through IRS Clean Vehicle Tax Credits.

When Congress passed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” they slashed the program’s timeline, moving its expiration date up to September 30, 2025 instead of 2032. That means buyers only have a short window left to take advantage of these savings before they’re gone for good.

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13th Annual luncheon to honor community award recipients and feature Keynote speaker David Kessler at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort

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“CenCal Health is an incredible partner to Hospice of Santa Barbara and provides access to high-quality health services, along with education and outreach, for thousands of low-income and marginalized families in Santa Barbara County,” said David Selberg, CEO of HSB. “They know that our entire community thrives when we all achieve optimal health together.”

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People’s Self-Help Housing Celebrates 55th Anniversary

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CENTRAL COAST — This month, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) celebrated 55 years as an organization. To commemorate this historic milestone, staff gathered to reminisce on past achievements and to look forward to the next half century. 
“What a privilege for an organization to celebrate 55 years,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO & President. “From our origins on the heels of the seminal Fair Housing Act of 1968 to today, we have been proud to participate in the numerous partnerships that have brought tens of thousands of units of affordable housing to the Central Coast.” 

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Pete Parker named Ventura College Foundation director of development

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“While the Ventura College Foundation has created a significant impact, needs continue to grow,” says Parker. “Students seek financial support at a high rate, and campus programs are continually expanded. The foundation must regularly generate new support to help fund current initiatives and pave the way toward future special campaigns. Every person, company, community group, and foundation is a potential donor. My job is to connect as many as possible to Ventura College.”

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Canine Adoption and Rescue League returns to Ventura Harbor Village for 25th Annual Pooch Parade on Aug. 24

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VENTURA — Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) says “howdy” to dog lovers from across Ventura County and beyond and invites them to the 2025 C.A.R.L. Pooch Parade. This year’s theme is “Rescue Roundup,” so attendees and their four-legged friends can wear western-themed costumes, including bandanas and cowboy hats. The 2025 Pooch Parade takes place at Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura (grassy area) on Sunday, August 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Back to School Message, Logo Contest, Constitution Day, and more…

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As the 2025–2026 school year gets underway, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to every student and family in Ventura County. This is an exciting time for students to reunite with friends, meet new teachers, and pursue fresh opportunities for growth and learning. But for many families, this year begins not only with hope, but with anxiety and fear.

Our message to all families is simple: We are ready for you. We welcome you. We stand with you. Our staff are trained to protect your children and connect your family to critical resources.

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The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara and 2nd Story Associates provided school supplies to low-income youth and their families

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SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), in partnership with its nonprofit affiliate, 2nd Story Associates, hosted its 13th Annual Tools for School event on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Presidio Springs Community Room (721 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara). At this year’s event, HACSB distributed around 400 backpacks filled with school supplies to approximately 200 families, ensuring local students had the resources they need to start the school year prepared.

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Good Samaritan Shelter deploys street outreach teams to combat high heat in Santa Barbara County

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All Good Samaritan Shelter street outreach teams will be deployed to distribute essential cooling supplies to the homeless population across the county. The outreach teams will provide water, cooling towels, electrolytes, water bottles, ice packs, and informational materials on the signs of heat stroke and exhaustion. This initiative aims to ensure the health and safety of vulnerable individuals who are exposed to extreme heat conditions. “We are committed to protecting our community’s most vulnerable during these high temperatures,” said Kirsten Cahoon, Director of Homeless Services at Good Samaritan Shelter. “Our teams are prepared to offer crucial supplies and information to prevent heat-related illnesses and provide relief.”

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People’s Self-Help Housing Releases 2025-2030 Strategic Plan Five-year plan shares commitment to expanding housing access

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“With over a year and a half in the making, this plan has been thoroughly and carefully crafted to highlight the organizational values of PSHH and more importantly, provide more housing access throughout the Central Coast,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO & President. “We are proud to share and use this plan as our guide for the next five years, and we invite our supporters and partners to join us as we build a more just and compassionate future, one home and one life at a time.”

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California Lutheran University students excel with Summer Research Fellowships

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“The program is all about experiential learning, so our students aren’t just assistants helping faculty with their research; they’re full collaborators in the process,” said Andrea Sell, Ph.D., director of Research Development and Support. “This kind of faculty-student collaboration with close, hands-on mentorship helps students realize they’re not just passive consumers of knowledge, they’re capable of making real contributions to their fields.” 

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — There’s still time to join CEC’s next Climate Stewards cohort starting Sept. 9!

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You’re not the only one ready to take action for our planet’s future — and you don’t have to do it alone. CEC’s Climate Stewards certification course equips everyday people with the knowledge, tools, and network of activists to lead equitable climate solutions right where they live.

This is your chance to find your place in the climate movement. Through the 8-week course, you’ll explore the science and psychology of climate change, participate in hands-on field trips, and design a custom Stewardship Project that’s meaningful to you and supports climate resilience.

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Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation appoints Lynn Fitzgibbons, MD, as Craig Mally and Louise Stewart, MD, Endowed Chair in Graduate Medical Education

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“Dr. Fitzgibbons exemplifies the compassionate leadership and clinical excellence that elevate graduate medical education at Cottage Health,” said Scott Wester, President and CEO of Cottage Health. “Her impact as a mentor, physician, and leader is felt across our organization and the broader community. We are proud to recognize her with this endowed chair as she continues to shape the future of medicine.”

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Ventura County Animal Services — Clear the Shelters — FREE adoptions this Saturday 8/23!

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This Saturday is Clear the Shelters, our largest pet adoption event of the year!  Last year, 77 animals found loving homes, and were aiming to top that number this Saturday.  We’ll be opening extra early at 11:00am, with early-bird adoption sign-ups starting at 7:00am at the Camarillo Shelter.

Adoptions will be FREE, and adopters will go home with lots of free gifts from event sponsors.  Animals go home spayed or neutered, vaccinated, flea-treated, and come with a FREE first vet visit!

Browse the DOGS, CATS, and BUNNIES in our care to see who you’d like to take home this Saturday!

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Community Colleges of Ventura County ranked among Top 25 in State for Student ROI

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CAMARILLO — All three Community Colleges of Ventura County—Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura—ranked among the Top 25 in California for return on investment, according to a new College Futures Foundation report on economic mobility. The Golden Returnsreport, which measures how quickly students recoup educational costs through post-enrollment earnings, placed Moorpark at #7, Oxnard at #9 and Ventura at #19 statewide.

The analysis was conducted in partnership between the College Futures Foundation and the HEA group, a research and consulting agency focused on college access, value and economic mobility. The comparison covered 327 public, private nonprofit and for-profit community and career colleges across 12 California economic regions.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SBA: MYSBA CERTIFICATION TRAINING: NAVIGATING THE APPLICATION PROCESS

August 21 @ 11:00 am

This webinar will assist small business owners who have successfully submitted a MySBA certification application to navigate the application process. Presenters will discuss how to respond and resubmit an application that has been “Returned to Business”, responses to requests for information (RFI), and other frequently asked questions. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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17 teens graduate from Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s “Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura” (Preparation, Well-being and Culture) Program with a focus on career and college prep

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SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), in coordination with 2nd Story Associates, has completed its “Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura” (Preparation, Well-being and Culture) free four-week summer initiative focused on “life preparation” with 17 teens graduating from the program.

The program provides focused activities that promote educational opportunities, social-emotional support, and cultural awareness. The program allows students to participate in a variety of field trips, earn community service hours, participate in college tours, as well as receive a free backpack and school supplies. 

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Bilingual commentary — The German Roots of Oxnard

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Every city has its stories to tell, and Oxnard certainly has its share. When we think of Oxnard, at least here in this part of California, we might reflexively think of the Mexican, Chinese and Japanese immigrants who built the agricultural backbone of this region. Without their sweat, tears and blood, we would not be the agricultural powerhouse that we are today.

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Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula clarifies status on ACLU lawsuit participation) challenging the federal government’s immigration enforcement activities)

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… To clarify, the City of Santa Paula was not invited to participate in the lawsuit. The most recent group of cities to join was added on August 8, 2025, and Santa Paula was not among them. The City is not privy to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s litigation strategy or procedural decisions.

We recognize that this is an important issue for many in our community, and Council has received messages from residents urging the City to join the lawsuit or take other related action. While the City is not a party to this case, Council continues to evaluate issues and opportunities related to protecting the rights and well-being of all Santa Paula residents.

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Taking Flight: Port of Hueneme conducts aerial drone exercise to boost security

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PORT HUENEME — Geopolitical tensions led to increased maritime security threats in 2024. Attacks, cyberthreats, extreme weather events, and other potential dangers underscore the critical importance of robust security training and strong emergency preparedness programs to safeguard global trade and ensure community safety.  

It was against this backdrop that officials from the Port of Hueneme recently conducted the organization’s Coastal Trident Security Exercise.

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Bilingual report — New students get a warm welcome at ‘Hancock Hello’

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College invited more than 1,800 new students to attend a “Hancock Hello” orientation event on Aug. 12 at the Santa Maria campus.

During the event, the new Bulldog students and their parents were able to learn more about Hancock and the programs and support services the college offers. Attendees met faculty and staff, learned more about college departments and student clubs, and took campus tours.

“I really like Hancock Hello because you get to see all these new faces and help them feel welcome,” said Jaci Rayas, a Hancock student ambassador who worked the event. “It’s great for students and their parents to see everything that’s here for them and see that they have a support system here.”

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Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter — Aug. 15, 2025

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In previous issues we have examined the needs for housing for varied segments of our community and different approaches to solving them. This issue covers an at an often neglected area: the need for housing for at-risk young adults. 20% of those from the foster system experience homelessness the day they age out, and 50% experience homelessness within 18 months. Close to 60% of California’s community college students are housing insecure.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Behavioral Health alerts Board of Supervisors and public to dangers of kratom in the community

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VENTURA — On Tuesday, August 12, Ventura County Behavioral Health briefed the Board of Supervisors on an emerging public health threat: kratom, an unregulated substance increasingly linked to overdoses and deaths in the county. The update was led by Dr. Tipu Khan of the Ventura County Medical Center’s Addiction Medicine program, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Christopher Young, Ventura County Behavioral Health’s Substance Use Services Medical Director Dr. Joseph Vlaskovits, and Public Health Officer Dr. Uldine Castel.

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People Helping People announces 2025–2026 Board Leadership & new strategic priorities

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Becky Barieau will continue her dedicated service as Board President, bringing steady leadership and a deep commitment to community well-being. John Kuelbs, a longtime supporter and visionary philanthropist, will assume the role of Vice President. Joyce Talmadge will continue as Board Secretary, offering consistency and strong organizational stewardship, while Francisca Escobar will serve another term as Treasurer, providing thoughtful fiscal oversight during a time of growth and investment.

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Santa Paula Art Museum — The Art Auction is Saturday, Aug. 16!

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Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at the Santa Paula Art Museum’s 15th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16! Dozens of stunning artworks by historic and contemporary California artists will be up for bid, including museum-worthy pieces by Meredith Brooks Abbott, Jessie and Cornelis Botke, Robert Clunie, Paul Grimm, Douglas Shively, and many more. Plus, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Parque 1055 while you browse.

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Bilingual report — Santa Paula’s regional influence grows as Mayor Chavez and city leaders secure key roles on countywide boards

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SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is proud to highlight the growing regional leadership of its elected officials as they continue to secure influential roles on countywide and regional boards, ensuring Santa Paula’s voice is strongly represented in critical policy decisions.

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Bilingual report — Ventura Police join national ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign to prevent drunk driving crashes

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VENTURA — Starting August 13 and running through September 1, the Ventura Police Department will participate in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

This high-visibility campaign focuses on stopping impaired drivers and preventing the types of deadly crashes often seen over Labor Day weekend. Additional officers will be on patrol looking for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Some young suns are aligned with their planet-forming disks, others are born tilted’ and more news, events

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“All young stars have these disks, but we’ve known little about their orientations with respect to the spin axis of the host stars,” said associate physics professor Brendan Bowler, senior author of a study published in Nature.

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Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary’s New Rector is California Lutheran University Spiritual Leader

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THOUSAND OAKS — The Rev. Colleen Windham-Hughes, Ph.D., a longtime professor and spiritual leader at California Lutheran University, has been appointed the rector of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS), part of Cal Lutheran. PLTS is the only Lutheran Evangelical Lutheran Church in America seminary in the western half of the United States and a founding member of the Graduate Theological Union.

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Bilingual report — MICOP — Ventura County Residents to Urge Board of Supervisors to Support Immigrant Families Following ICE Raids

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VENTURA — On Tuesday, August 12, immigrant and farmworker rights organizers, advocates, and community members will rally at the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting to call for the county to invest in legal support for the immigrant community following the recent ICE raids at the Glass House facility in Camarillo.

Residents are urging the Board to adopt two key proposals backed by 805 Immigrant:

 $1 million for Ventura County residents facing deportation to keep families together
$1 million in legal support for eligible immigrant families seeking to adjust their status

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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IN-PERSON EVENT: INSURANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

August 13 @ 8:30 am

Join SCORE Ventura County, City of Thousand Oaks and Economic Development Collaborative to learn about insurance from somebody who is not trying to sell you something! Insurance contracts are written by attorneys, but not all insurance agents can explain them in simple terms. In layman’s terms, this workshop will briefly overview the types of coverages available and what most businesses need. Address: Thousand Oaks City Hall, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Air Quality Alert issued for Ventura County on Aug. 8

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is issuing an Air Quality Alert because of unhealthy air quality conditions caused by the Canyon Fire. Impacted areas may include, but are not limited to, Piru, Fillmore and Santa Paula.

Smoke from the Canyon Fire has caused air quality to fall into the unhealthy range for the general population, as measured by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Air Quality Index (AQI). Smoke and ash from wildfires contain very small particles — particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less — that can harm the lungs and heart.

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Preserving History with a New Vision: SBTHP Reveals Updated Brand

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SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) is pleased to announce some exciting news. We’ve embarked on a journey to refresh our brand identity, and we’re excited to unveil a new look that better reflects our evolving mission and celebrates the rich history and cultures of Santa Barbara County.

This rebrand isn’t just about a new logo; it’s about breathing new life into our visual presence to create a timeless, enduring, and inclusive brand. Our goal is to inspire a new generation of preservation advocates and connect with a wider audience, from lifelong history enthusiasts to those just discovering Santa Barbara’s past and ongoing cultural heritage.

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Bilingual report — Back to School Traffic Safety Awareness

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SANTA PAULA — As the beginning of the new school year approaches this week, the Santa Paula Police Department reminds residents, parents, students, and school staff to practice caution and safety in observance of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and school buses.

The first day of school is August 11, 2025. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be impacted during drop-off and pickup times. Here are helpful tips for back to school traffic safety:

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