More than 200 local artists, three powerful solo exhibitions, and a community that keeps showing up.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) — Culture & Creativity : Arte del Pueblo & 3 Solo Shows Highlights
Category: News
Guest commentary — Trump Administration proposal would slash oil industry cleanup protections and put public lands at risk
Proposed rollback comes as BLM considers leasing 36,000 acres in California, including lands bordering Carrizo Plain National Monument. (Public comment due Aug. 24).
CENTRAL COAST — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing changes to federal oil and gas leasing regulations that would sharply reduce the financial assurances, or bonding, requirements for drilling companies and expand opportunities to lease public lands for development.
Bilingual report — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Farmers’ Market Discount Cards Distribution begins in August
VENTURA — The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency, is starting its annual distribution of discount cards to be used at participating Farmers’ Markets. Adults over the age of 60 who are on a limited income and meet the eligibility guidelines may receive this free benefit.
Cards are only available while supplies last at each distribution point. They can be used to purchase up to $50 in fresh, nutritious, unprocessed, locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs.
City Impact in Oxnard opens call for exhibitors at Thrive Together 2026
OXNARD — City Impact, Inc., a Ventura County-based nonprofit dedicated to serving at-promise youth and families since 1995, today announced that exhibitor tables are now available for local small businesses and vendors at the Thrive Together Awards 2026, the organization’s signature annual celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation and community impact.
The Thrive Together Awards will take place on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5:00–9:00 PM at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura.
Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing July 2026 e-newsletter
The overwhelmingly bipartisan supported and much awaited 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is now law and with it comes a raft of improved regulations and access to financing fit, as the name implies, for this century. Those provisions include:
Billions of dollars of unlocked bank equity allowed to invest in low-income housing tax credit funded projects
Reauthorization and reforms of housing production programs.
Increases to FHA multifamily statutory loan limits.
Reicker, Pfau, Pyle & McRoy in Santa Barbara welcomes Attorney Hillary Leffue
SANTA BARBARA — Reicker, Pfau, Pyle & McRoy is pleased to announce that attorney Hillary Leffue has joined the firm, bringing extensive experience in litigation, internal investigations, and alternative dispute resolution.
Leffue has built her practice helping businesses navigate high-stakes moments, including shareholder disputes, sensitive internal investigations, and government enforcement actions. She advises clients on a wide range of commercial disputes, including breach of contract, intellectual property, fraud, and consumer protection matters. She has litigated cases in state and federal courts and arbitration proceedings throughout the United States.
Bilingual report — Ventura County Department of Child Support Services celebrates Child Support Awareness Month with ‘Strong Families Start with Support’
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Department of Child Support Services (VCDCSS) invites the community to celebrate Child Support Awareness Month throughout August with this year’s theme, “Strong Families Start with Support.” As part of the celebration, VCDCSS will host Family Connections Day on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the VCDCSS parking lot.
Hosted by the Ventura County Department of Child Support, this free event will bring together families for educational workshops, community resources, and family-friendly activities that promote financial well-being, child safety, and strong family connections. The event reflects VCDCSS’s ongoing commitment to supporting parents, strengthening families, and helping children thrive.
Allan Hancock College Community Education launches tuition-free barbering program
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College Community Education is opening the door to a new career with the launch of its tuition-free barbering program this fall. The new program will provide aspiring barbers with an accessible, affordable pathway into one of California’s most sought-after skilled professions. An interest list for the program is currently open for potential students.
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — City of Simi Valley Business Assistance Loan Fund
The City of Simi Valley Loan Fund is a low-interest loan program that’s designed to help businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Available through the Economic Development Collaborative and funded by the City of Simi Valley, small business owners who have had difficulty obtaining pandemic resources and traditional bank lending can now access local, professional assistance and capital.
SBCC’s Dual Enrollment Summer Bridge Program introduces more than 100 rising ninth graders to college
SANTA BARBARA — This summer, Santa Barbara City College’s (SBCC) Dual Enrollment Summer Bridge Program welcomed more than 100 rising ninth-grade students from the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) and Carpinteria Unified School District (CUSD) for an immersive week-long college experience designed to inspire confidence, build a sense of belonging, and encourage students to pursue higher education.
Presented through SBCC’s Dual Enrollment Program, in partnership with SBUSD PEAC Program (see below) and supported by the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College, the Dual Enrollment Summer Bridge provides first-generation and historically underrepresented students with an early introduction to college life before they begin high school. Throughout the week of June 22-26, students earned one unit of transferable college credit while developing the academic, personal, and social skills needed for future success inside and outside of the classroom.
Bilingual commentary — A New Economic Weapon: Taxing Natural Disasters
Finally, Mother Nature will be held accountable for not respecting international borders. The White House, never one to accept “unfair treatment,” has decided to launch a courageous new economic weapon against our former friend, Canada. Since “meteorological” is a big word, Trump is calling this weapon “weather tariffs.”
A recent series of blistering Truth Social posts excoriated Canada for “actively wafting” filthy, polluted, unhealthy air from their wildfires across the border into the U.S. Never mind that the Canadians “wafted” their soldiers into Afghanistan to help us with the war on terror in 2001. Never mind that when we have wildfires, Canada sends help.
SEEAG to create Farm Lab Hub at La Colina Junior High School in partnership with Santa Barbara Unified School District
SANTA BARBARA — Students for Eco-Education andAgriculture (SEEAG) and the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) entered into an agreement in which SEEAG will educate elementary and junior high school students about the origins of food, sustainable farming practices, and potential careers in agriculture at La Colina Junior High School in Santa Barbara.
The programs will begin at the start of the 2026-27 school year.
La Colina will host a regional SEEAG Farm Lab Hub, bringing togetherstudents of multiple age groups for hands-on agricultural and environmental education. Third graders from nearby schools in the district will explorewater, plant, and soil science through SEEAG’s Farm Lab field trips in theexisting garden space, while seventh- and eighth-grade students will engage in advanced STEM investigations within two new learningenvironments: an Agricultural Innovation & STEM Discovery Lab and aCalifornia Climate Resilience & Conservation Learning Lab.
Housing Trust Fund Ventura County receives more than $1 million to expand affordable housing
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced (on June 20) it has received a $1 million Equity Equivalent Investment from City National Bank. The organization also received $50,000 from U.S. Bank, with an additional $50,000 awarded to its sister organization, Housing Land Trust Ventura County (Housing Land Trust VC), a combined $100,000 investment in affordable housing across Ventura County made through U.S. Bank’s Community Possible Home program. These investments arrive as the cost of building and preserving affordable housing in the region continues to climb and will strengthen both organizations’ work to bring that cost down.
“U.S. Bank’s investment strengthens both sides of our work: the loans that help get affordable homes built and the land that keeps them affordable for generations,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund Ventura County and Housing Land Trust Ventura County. “The challenges facing working families in Ventura County are real, but so is the impact we can make when partners like U.S. Bank and City National Bank invest in this community.”
Valerie Rachelle named new artistic director, dean of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA)
SANTA MARIA — Valerie Rachelle has been announced as the new Artistic Director and Dean of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA). We’re pleased to welcome back a familiar face to the nationally recognized conservatory after her years of leading professional theatre organizations across the country.
Rachelle’s appointment, which was approved by the AHC Board of Trustees at its July 21 meeting, marks a homecoming for the accomplished theatre professional, who previously served PCPA as an actor, casting director, resident director and choreographer, and movement instructor in the conservatory’s professional actor training program.
Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) renews support for llan Hancock College’s Fire Academy
SANTA MARIA — For a second consecutive year, Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy will receive $50,000 through the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) to provide protective equipment and scholarships, helping reduce financial barriers for students pursuing careers in firefighting.
“Programs like the Metallica Scholars Initiative continue to create meaningful opportunities for our students while helping address California’s workforce needs,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “This continued investment helps ensure more students can complete their training and begin careers serving their communities.”
Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura
Looking for your next career opportunity? Join us for the 2026 County of Ventura Career & Resource Expo + Candidate Connect on Wednesday, August 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Government Center Courtyard between the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Justice.
This free event is open to everyone and offers the chance to explore careers in technology, public safety, healthcare, engineering, environmental services and many other fields.
Meet representatives from County departments and agencies, learn about current job opportunities and, new this year, visit the Candidate Connect booth to speak directly with County recruiters and get your questions answered.
Whether you’re considering a career change, entering the workforce or looking for your next opportunity in public service, this event is a great place to start.
Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) — Power of Purpose — July 2026 Newsletter
I am reminded every day just how much we are all part of the fabric of our Ventura County community, and how much good happens when we support one another and do it together.
In May, I attended the League of California Community Foundations’ Spring Convening along with VCCF President & CEO Vanessa Bechtel. There, we met with legislators on topics like access to highest-quality early childhood education through the Isabella Project, disaster resilience and support for our neighbors through the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund and more. I also got to exchange ideas with other community foundation board chairs, learn from their experiences and see what is applicable here in Ventura County.
Ventura Music Festival to hold Ivor Davis Memorial Concert on July 26, more events
Friends of VMF, please join us this Sunday, July 26th for a concert honoring the memory of our friend, Ivor Davis. Chosen by his family, this program will be performed by the fantastic Akropolis Reed Quintet as we celebrate his legacy. Please stay after the concert for a reception in his honor.
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria welcomes new board members
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is thrilled to welcome Das Williams, Ashley Smith Fraser, and Danielle Bordenave to its Board of Directors, effective July 2026. …
“We are so pleased to welcome Das, Ashley, and Danielle to our board,” said Executive Director Jamie Collins. “Each brings with them a unique perspective that deepens our leadership’s understanding of how to best serve youth in our community and strengthen our mission of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.”
Triunfo Water & Sanitation District fills board vacancy
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — At its July 15 meeting, the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD) board of directors appointed Marc Rashba to fill a board vacancy which resulted from Director Ray Tjulander’s resignation. Rashba will serve through December 4. A new board member will be elected via the November 3 general election.
Rashba, a 34-year Oak Park resident who has volunteered in the community, was one of seven applicants for the board position. Interviews were conducted during the July 15 special board meeting. Rashba was interviewed and, following his selection, sworn in.
Guest contribution — Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) — Higher Grocery Bills Starting August 3rd
When state lawmakers pass complex environmental mandates in Sacramento, they rarely frame them as tax hikes. Instead, they use promises of “producer responsibility” and “sustainability.” But when the bill comes due, it is always California taxpayers and everyday consumers who end up footing the tab.
UCSB — The Current — ‘In the battle of the sexes, the pay gap persists’ and more news
Explore Lompoc — Meet The Makers: 6 Artists & Creatives Shaping Lompoc
LOMPOC — Lompoc doesn’t just display art. It lives it.
Around every corner of Old Town, color spills across walls, galleries welcome local talent, and hands-on experiences invite visitors to create something of their own.
It’s a city where creativity is part of everyday life, and the best way to experience it is to see it in person.
Spend a day exploring, and you’ll quickly discover the artists who shape its identity.
Guest contribution — A local family finds solace and support through Hospice of Santa Barbara’s Children and Family Services
SANTA BARBARA — Owen Bailey met Laurie in December 1989 when she was 22 years old and was beginning the MFA theater program at the University of Connecticut. Owen was a senior. Together, they left after a year to work at a small regional theater near Portsmouth, New Hampshire, producing a play each month. It was a bohemian, romantic life filled with creativity, ambition, friendship, and just enough macaroni and cheese to sustain two young actors chasing their dreams.
Their shared passion for storytelling eventually took them to New York City, London, and finally Los Angeles, where Owen discovered his true calling as an environmental advocate. Laurie moved behind the camera and built a career in photography. Together they raised two children, Ben and Nicola, while balancing careers, family life, and a shared desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Ventura County Probation Agency celebrates Probation Services Week 2026
VENTURA COUNTY — In recognition of Probation Services Week, observed July 19–25, 2026, the Ventura County Probation Agency is honoring the officers and staff who work every day to strengthen public safety, support victims, promote accountability, and help rehabilitate individuals in the justice system.
Every day across California, probation professionals work behind the scenes supervising justice-involved individuals, responding to crises, supporting victims and families, and connecting people to the services and resources they need to successfully rebuild their lives. As California’s justice system continues to evolve, probation departments play an increasingly important role in balancing accountability, rehabilitation, and long-term community safety.
Bilingual report — Third Local Bird Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County
VENTURA —The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that a bird collected on July 2nd, 2026, from the city of Thousand Oaks, tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected.Ventura County Public Health confirms that no human cases have been identified to date in 2026.
Signups for YMCA After-School Child Care Programs underway for 2026-27 School Year
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — YMCA branches serving the Conejo Valley, Simi Valley, and Moorpark areas are registering students in TK through fifth grade for after-school child care programs for the coming 2026-27 school year.
Child care is available on school days, pupil-free days and minimum days. YMCA School’s Out Camp programs are held during Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks. Each program provides a structured environment that includes homework time, STEAM activities, arts and crafts, sports and nutritious snacks. All child care staff are state-licensed and certified in CPR and first aid.
Escape The Heat & Experience — A Coastal Getaway To Lompoc
LOMPOC — It’s peak summer in California, and the heat is not being subtle about it.
Visitors experience heat waves, hot pavement, crowded coastlines, and a constant search for indoor, air-conditioned activities.
Then there’s Lompoc.
Just a few miles from the Pacific, the temperature takes a deep breath. Ocean breezes drift in, mornings often start with a light coastal mist, and summer days settle into something far more comfortable than you’d expect from peak season in California.
Ventura Music Festival Opening Night Gala announces upcoming events
Monday, July 20, 2026
Palomino | 6:00 PM
Attire: Semi-Formal
?(Feel free to dress the part!)
Join us for an evening at the speakeasy as we enjoy absinthe-inspired libations, exceptional bites, and 1930s French swing jazz by the renowned San Lyon ensemble. Proceeds to benefit VMF’s music education and community programs.
Ventura County Assessor sends 2026 Annual Value Notices to property owners
VENTURA — The Ventura County Assessor’s Office has begun mailing approximately 250,000 Annual Value Notices to property owners. These notices inform recipients of their property’s assessed value as of the lien date, January 1, 2026.
Of the total notices being sent, approximately 206,000 property owners will receive postcards that reflect the standard 2% increase in assessed value in accordance with Proposition 13. In addition, more than 6,500 owners will receive letter notices informing them that their property’s market value is lower than its Proposition 13 factored base year value, indicating a temporary reduction in assessed value.
Teatro de las Américas — Don’t miss your chance to see Twelfth Night on July 19
OXNARD — Don’t miss your chance to see Twelfth Night! Tickets are still available, but they’re selling fast. You can skip straight to the front of our line and secure your tickets by visiting our website.
Bilingual report — Extreme heat warning within Ventura County
VENTURA COUNTY — The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a widespread extreme heat warning for … through Thursday, July 16, 2026. Temperatures in the interior valleys and mountain areas are expected to exceed the 100-degree mark for a prolonged period, with relatively poor overnight recovery in the mountains and foothills. A heat advisory has been issued for the coastal plains, where temperatures are expected to reach between 90 and 100 degrees.
High temperatures may create a dangerous situation in which heat-related illness is possible. Residents are encouraged to: drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, check on relatives and neighbors, take extra precautions if working or spending time outside, and wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) — Announcing our 2026 Roots and Branches Fellows!!
The Museum of Contemporary Art congratulates the 2026 Roots and Branches Fellowship recipients, each will be honored in person at the Art Awards this Sunday. Each fellow will receive a $1,000 unrestricted award, thanks to our 2026 program donors.
Ventura County Fire Department awarded Fire Risk Reduction Community recognition
THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) has been awarded a renewed Fire Risk Reduction Community recognition from the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.
This designation recognizes best practices in fire risk planning and mitigation, and VCFD was one of more than 50 agencies, counties, and cities across California to receive this status. VCFD was previously recognized as a Fire Risk Reduction Community in 2024, and the designation will last another 2 years.
United Way of Ventura County — The latest news for you
My Way Home — Join us in Simi Valley this Saturday!
With rising home prices and changing interest rates, buying a home can feel challenging, but there are programs and strategies that may help.
Join My Way Home this Saturday for our free HUD-approved Homebuyer Workshop in Simi Valley to learn about the homebuying process, financing options, and resources that can help you prepare for homeownership.
During the workshop, you’ll learn about:
Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) — New webpage adds meaning to black carbon data
VENTURA — A new interactive webpage gives residents an easy-to-understand view of real-time and historical black carbon levels in the air in Oxnard and Port Hueneme along with information that helps explain the source of the soot.
Black carbon is formed from the incomplete burning of organic materials such as oil, diesel, coal and biomass, such as plant material. It is a component of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, which can enter the lungs and bloodstream and lead to respiratory issues, heart attacks, strokes and other serious health problems.
Community Environmental Council (CEC) announces variety of upcoming events
Before you recycle or throw something away, let’s see if it can be repaired! Join us Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CEC’s Environmental Hub (1219 State St.) for Repair Cafe Santa Barbara, where skilled volunteer fixers will help you troubleshoot and repair everyday items.
Bring up to two items to fix — whether it’s clothing, electronics, bicycles, furniture, toys, or small appliances. You’ll work side by side with volunteers, learn practical repair skills, and help keep valuable items in use instead of creating unnecessary waste.
UCSB — The Current — ‘As California warms, cases of dengue fever are expected to grow’ and more news, events
A warming climate is making the Golden State more hospitable to dengue fever and the mosquitoes that carry it.
Inaugural Cohort of The Leadership Collaborative at CCVC celebrated across the Ventura County Community College District
CAMARILLO — The inaugural cohort of The Leadership Collaborative at CCVC (Community Colleges of Ventura County) celebrated the completion of the seven-month leadership development program designed to cultivate thoughtful, values-driven leaders and strengthen collaboration across the district and the communities it serves.
Grounded in the belief that leadership exists at every level of an organization, The Leadership Collaborative brings together Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) employees from diverse roles and disciplines to develop the human-centered leadership skills needed to foster meaningful relationships, navigate complexity and change and strengthen the vitality of our communities. Selected through a competitive application process, the cohort included members of the faculty, classified professionals, supervisors, directors and deans representing all three colleges and the District Administrative Center.
Final State Budget brings $5M for new behavioral health pilot to Central Coast
SANTA BARBARA — The Central Coast healthcare community is poised to advance behavioral health innovation following the approval of California’s 2026–27 state budget. The budget includes a one-time $5 million investment for CenCal Health and the behavioral health departments of both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties to launch a groundbreaking behavioral health pilot focused on supporting individuals living with severe schizophrenia and anosognosia. The funding marks a significant milestone for CenCal Health and its community partners in a promising step forward to expand effective, community-based behavioral health care across the region.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Psst… it’s not too late to be part of the silent auction and get exclusive tickets
Friendship Adult Day Care Center — Last Chance to Purchase Tickets
Ticket sales end this weekend for Friendship Center’s Summer Polo Soirée. Purchase your ticket or become an event sponsor for this fundraiser of the season before it’s too late!
Friday, July 17, 3PM
Bilingual report — Candidate nomination period opens July 13 for November General Municipal Election
VENTURA — The candidate nomination period for the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election will officially open on Monday, July 13, 2026. Voters in the City of Ventura will elect City Councilmembers representing Districts 1, 4, 5, and 6.
To be eligible to run for City Council, a candidate must:
Be a resident of the City of Ventura;
Be a registered voter; and
Be eligible to vote in the City Council district they seek to represent.
Lumina Alliance welcomes three new board bembers, Honors outgoing Leaders for Years of Service
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors while recognizing four outgoing board members whose leadership helped guide the organization through one of the most transformative periods in its history.
Joining the Board of Directors are:
• Adrienne Dodd, Human Resources Director, CommonSpirit Health
• Heather Muran, Director of Portfolio Strategy & Marketing, Covelop Inc.
• Meghan Shoven, Director, Adventist Health Central Coast Foundation
Bilingual report — City of Ventura opens applications for inaugural citywide Community Academy
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is now accepting applications for its inaugural citywide Community Academy, a free eight-week program designed to give community members an inside look at how local government works and the people behind the services that keep Ventura running.
Participants will visit City facilities, hear directly from City staff, leadership, and elected officials, and gain a deeper understanding of the programs, services, and decisions that shape the Ventura community.
Museum of Ventuara County — News and Updates from the Development Team
This quarter, our Barbara Barnard Smith CEO, Elena Brokaw, had the privilege of meeting with the City Councils of Camarillo, Moorpark, Port Hueneme, Oxnard, and Ventura to share the many ways the Museum is serving communities across Ventura County and to explore opportunities for continued partnership.
The Museum belongs to all of us. Every city in Ventura County is represented in our collections and stories, and it is our honor to preserve, celebrate, and share that rich history through exhibitions, educational programs, school tours, community outreach, and public events.
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC — Get the Capital You Need to Move Your Business Forward
Designed to pair you with the financial expertise and right amount of capital you need to move your business forward, the Economic Development Collaborative works with more than 30 professional advisors and a full-time loan fund director, available to local businesses at no cost.
The EDC’s Business Development Loan Fund stimulates job creation and economic activity by providing small businesses with greater access to capital and specialized technical business assistance. The fund is open to businesses in all industry sectors and is supported by funds from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the cities and County of Ventura, and private capital. This loan fund makes available long-term, affordable financing to new and existing businesses throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara County.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) — Open this email to see a special message from artist Sanford Biggers!
Santa Barbara Education Foundation welcomes Leonor Reyes as programs manager
Reyes, a San Marcos High School graduate and parent of three Santa Barbara Unified School District alumni, brings a lifelong connection to local public education and a passion for supporting students, families, and educators. As Programs Manager, Reyes will oversee SBEF’s enrichment programs and initiatives that enhance student learning and engagement across the district, including programs such as the Summer Music Camps and the Foundation’s annual Educator Grants program, which will invest more than $228,000 in innovative classroom projects across Santa Barbara Unified School District schools this year.
Bilingual commentary — Mount Trumpmore, or Mount Trumpless?
We can never accuse President Trump of having small ambitions. After all, he recently sought a Nobel Peace Prize, though to no avail. But even more monumentally, so to speak, he has not denied seeking to have his visage carved into and enshrined forever on Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota.
In 2018, Trump undertook what he considered a serious conversation with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem about that very possibility. That friendly chat has blown up to become one of MAGA’s highest aspirations.
805UndocuFund to present ‘The Glass House Raids, One Year Later: A Vigil honoring the families and communities impacted,’ to be held July 10
CAMARILLO — “The Glass House Raids, One Year Later: A Vigil honoring the families and communities impacted,” will be held from 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 10 at 645 Laguna Road, Camarillo.
The event will publicly gather the community to mourn the loss of our community one year ago, to remember the efforts of our community to defend itself, to remember that we are still supporting our community after the events of that day. (Spanish Interpretation Available).
All Aboard: Ticket to results marks $80 million in CalSTA Port & Freight Infrastructure Program funding at the Port of Hueneme
PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme welcomed California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) Secretary Toks Omishakin along with other local and state leaders(on July 2) for Ticket to Results, a special event designed to highlight the transformational impact of California’s Port & Freight Infrastructure Program (PFIP) investments at the Port of Hueneme.
Ticket to Results revealed the progress the Port of Hueneme has made in deploying $80 million in PFIP funding. Port staff led guests through a behind-the-scenes tour of completed and ongoing projects showing how strategic state investments are increasing capacity, improving operational efficiency, reducing emissions, strengthening workforce development, and enhancing trade across the region.
“These impressive Port of Hueneme projects funded by the Port & Freight Infrastructure Program are not just critical for California’s supply chain system, but they are also of vital importance to our communities,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “Governor Newsom’s investments in transportation infrastructure are helping to move these projects from vision to reality, delivering cleaner air and better jobs to communities across California.”
Bilingual report — Mosquito sample tests positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County
VENTURA — The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that mosquitoes collected from the City of Fillmore on June 17th, 2026, tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected. This is the first mosquito sample collected in 2026 from Ventura County to test positive for WNV. Ventura County Public Health confirms that no human cases have been identified to date in 2026.
Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College faculty member creates documentary to support conservation efforts in Namibia
SANTA MARIA — What began as a personal connection during a trip to southern Africa has become a documentary project aimed at protecting one of the world’s most unique ecosystems and the Indigenous communities who call it home.
Allan Hancock College film studies instructor Tim Webb recently completed a short documentary for Himbaland Indigenous Conservation, a nonprofit organization working in the remote Namib Desert of northwestern Namibia. The film was created to help the organization share its story with a broader audience and support fundraising efforts focused on community development and wildlife conservation.
Ventura Music Festival — Latin jazz lights up Ventura with events on July 20, 23, 24, 25, 26
A Celebration of Latin Music (July 25)
6:00 PM — Justo Almario’s Afro-Colombian Jazz Ensemble
Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Hope Has Roots. Reserve tickets for Green Gala on Sept. 19
When we began planning this year’s Green Gala, we kept coming back to a simple idea: Hope has roots.
Ventura County Animal Services — $10,000 grant funds low-cost spay and neuter surgeries on July 14-15
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) has received a $10,000 grant from Wings of Rescue to help provide low-cost spay and neuter surgeries to the pets of families living within VCAS’ contracted cities.
The two-day event, taking place July 14-15, is funded entirely by the grant and will be performed by the Spay Neuter Imperative Project (SNIP). The SNIP Team will bring a fully equipped mobile veterinary hospital to perform the surgeries. The event will take place near the Camarillo Animal Shelter.
Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Raising Justice is Back on Sept. 17th! — Join Us for Our 25th Anniversary Celebration
For the past 20 years now, you’ve created a Raising Justice that continues to bring together hundreds of our movement friends for a fun early evening of food, drinks, music, and community rooted in our shared organizing for a more just region. It’s free to attend with an invite to donate any amount that feels right to you.
Today, we invite you to join our growing circle of Early Event Sponsors. Sponsors not only underwrite the event, but also allow our work throughout the year to stay community supported and here for the long haul — it’s one of the ways you can ensure our event’s success.
