The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
The public may participate virtually, or in person at the County Board Hearing Room in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.
VENTURA — Tax season is upon us and low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents are encouraged to take advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).
Throughout March to April 30, 2024, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers will help working families and individuals file their state and federal tax return and access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Households earning up to $67,000 are eligible to use the free services.
To have your return prepared and e-filed VIRTUALLY by a tax preparation volunteer visit GetYourRefund.org/vcunitedway to upload tax documents using either computer or cell phone.
“This event is about more than just celebration; it’s about action,” said Nicki Parr, WEV’s CEO. “Economic independence is not just a personal achievement—it’s a pathway to social change. When women build businesses, they change communities: generating revenue, creating jobs and contributing significantly to the local economy.”
Tiara Ball recognizes healthcare professionals and celebrates donors for their commitment to healthcare in the region. The event’s program featured remarks from Heather Hambleton and Lisa Iscovich, Tiara Ball event co-chairs; Eric Seale, Chair of the Cottage Health Board of Directors; Dr. Anne Rodriguez, Chief of Medical Staff; and Ron Werft, President and CEO of Cottage Health. The special honorees for the evening were Ron and Mary Werft, who were celebrated for their leadership and service to Cottage Health and the Tiara Ball event for over two decades.
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) and the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) co-hosted their fourth Community of Practice on March 7. Held at Oxnard College, the event brought together TK-12 and community college leaders to discuss dual enrollment opportunities. With 7,000 local high school students already benefiting from dual enrollment this year, discussions focused on expanding access and creating seamless transitions from high school to college and careers.
Assemblymember Bennett, who represents Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, and Ventura, selected Ascencion and highlighted her exceptional leadership and dedication to the Ventura County community. The annual award is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions by women leaders as part of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus’ Women’s History Month commemorations.
Premiere Party: Anne Ward’s “Painted Seasons”
?
?Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM members, $10 Non-members
Don’t miss the much-awaited premiere of Ojai artist Anne Ward’s “Painted Seasons” on Saturday, March 15! Ward, who grew up in the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, is obsessed with light, color, shape, and pattern. It was while working in France as an assistant to the director on the film “French Kiss” that Anne realized her love of painting outdoors. Primarily self-taught, Ward has been painting and exhibiting her work for over 30 years. The exhibition features 55 paintings bursting with hope and joy and painted in oil, acrylic, and gouache. The majority of the artworks will be available for purchase.
“Painted Seasons” will be on view from
March 15, 2025, to July 6, 2025.
“California’s Coastal Imaginary: Management of Our Coast in Three Acts” – a class tracking the evolving image of Southern California through the years – is one of the offerings for CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Spring II session, which runs from March 24 to May 2.
The film details Professor David Valentine’s discovery and investigation, with Los Angeles Times reporter Rosanna Xia, of toxic waste dumping off the Southern California coast.
Read more about “Out of Plain Sight”
SANTA BARBARA — Now in its 78th season, the Music Academy of the West continues its commitment to supporting its alumni as they advance their careers. The Academy proudly announces the winner of the 2025 Alumni Performance Award, sponsored by the Luria/Budgor Family Foundation. This prestigious award offers a distinctive performance opportunity that honors the artist’s artistic journey while aligning with the Music Academy’s mission to foster meaningful alumni engagement.
The Music Academy of the West is proud to announce clarinetist Gerbrich Meijer as the recipient of the 2025 Alumni Performance Award. A three-time Music Academy fellow (’20, ’21, ’22), Meijer is rapidly gaining international recognition as a chamber musician, soloist, and orchestral performer.
THOUSAND OAKS — Dianne McKay, president of Mustang Marketing — a full-service strategic marketing agency in Ventura County — was honored as District 42 Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin’s Woman of the Year on March 11 at a ceremony in Sacramento.
A thrice-elected trustee for the Ventura County Community College District, McKay is a highly regarded leader in Ventura County — often called upon to consult on crisis communications; build, strengthen or repair community and government relations on behalf of clients; and to provide her expertise on panels ranging from business to marketing to leadership.
The Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap, setting clear goals and guiding decisions that impact everyday life in Santa Paula. It ensures City resources are allocated effectively while fostering transparency and accountability. Building on the progress made through the 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, which addressed key areas such as infrastructure improvements, public safety, and economic development, the new plan will reflect evolving community needs and opportunities.
“Santa Paula is growing, evolving, and planning for the future—and your voice is essential in helping us shape community priorities,” said Mayor Pedro A. Chavez. “The 2025-2027 Strategic Plan is more than just a blueprint: it’s a shared vision built by the community, for the community. I invite you to join the conversation, share your ideas, and help set the course for a stronger, more economically prosperous Santa Paula. The future starts with us—so let’s plan it together!”
“We are pleased to make this move to a .gov domain, which signals to our community that the County of Ventura is committed to cybersecurity and generating public trust,” said Terry Theobald, Chief Information Officer. “Our new domain will provide an easily identifiable and reliable resource for anyone looking to interact with county government online.”
The Oxnard Film Society (EIN: 20-5734347) is proud to present We Remember: Ventura County to Vietnam and Back, a powerful exhibition honoring Ventura County’s Vietnam War veterans. However, we need your support to raise $12,500 to bring this exhibition to life.
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces the approval of two loans for a combined $6,726,038 to create 118 new affordable housing units in Ventura County with two new developments, the Casa Aliento Apartments and Camino De Salud. Community Development Partners will be the recipient of a $1,726,038 bridge loan for 69 affordable units located in Central Oxnard called Casa Aliento Apartments.
VENTURA — Research results show that the 10th annual season of the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) Program in 2024 reduced the risk of deadly ship strikes to whales by 50%, underwater noise by 38%, smog-forming pollution by 1,400 tons and greenhouse gases by nearly 50,000 metric tons along the California coast.
The open-source marine spatial planning platform is poised to assist with updates to California’s Marine Protected Areas.
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce honored Celesta M. Billeci with their Visionary Arts Leadership Award on Friday, February 21, as part of the Regional Business Awards Gala. Hundreds of local leaders gathered at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort for the annual event, which honors the outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses that continue to make a significant impact in the local community. The Chamber recognized nine honorees for their outstanding contributions to the region’s business community, including seven organizations and two individuals.
SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) returns with another exciting free community event. Enjoy three free exhilarating performances from female salsa sextet, Las Gauracheras.
Las Guaracheras
THREE FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES
Friday, March 14 | 7 PM | Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Rd, Goleta
Saturday, March 15 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St, Guadalupe, CA
Sunday, March 16 | 6 PM | The Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E Cota St, Santa Barbara
Las Guaracheras, originally from the Colombian city of Cali, embrace improvisation as an unpredictable musical tool, weaving it into the fabric of each song. This improvisational approach, inspired by Latin jazz, is woven throughout their performances, offering each instrument a chance to shine.
SCORE: DISTRIBUTION & FULFILLMENT WITH AMAZON
March 11 @ 12:00 pm
Learn how to enhance your product distribution and fulfillment using Amazon’s extensive logistics network, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction for your business. This presentation will discuss Amazon’s comprehensive supply chain, including Fulfillment by Amazon, Amazon Shipping and other programs. We’ll discuss key topics, such as managing your inventory effectively and how to turn returned products into sales opportunities. Finally, discover tips and tricks for leveraging Amazon’s comprehensive suite of resources and programs tailored to support small businesses, ensuring you have the tools to help enable your success. Sponsored by Amazon.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
VENTURA COUNTY — Valley View Middle School in Simi Valley is the winner of the middle school division of the 2025 Ventura County Mock Trial competition after earning the highest score in the final round yesterday. Mesa Union School came in second place. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony yesterday at the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo. Here’s how the top five teams placed:
SANTA PAULA — 31 years have passed since the tragic murder of Eric Velasquez, a bright and ambitious 21-year-old student from Ventura, California, whose life was cut short on March 7, 1994. Despite the time that has elapsed, his case remains unsolved, and his family continues their relentless pursuit of justice.
Eric was known for his academic achievements, artistic talents, and kind heart. He was pursuing a degree in business with dreams of attending law school before his life was tragically taken. On the night of his murder, Eric was walking to his car in Santa Paula after dropping a friend off when he was shot and killed.
For decades, his family has endured the unimaginable pain of losing their beloved son and brother. Eric’s mother, Susan Ventura, has worked tirelessly to keep his memory alive and to seek justice. Her persistence led to the Governor of California offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in Eric’s case.
SANTA MARIA — Community Partners in Caring will present the Santa Maria Valley Senior Expo from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, March 14 at Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria, in the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium.
This event will connect the Santa Maria Valley residents to resources, products and services that will benefit those who are aging, are living with a disability or families caring for a loved one is in need of assistance. This is an opportunity to introduce the community to a variety of services all in one location, which may otherwise take them days to find.
Both for profit and non profit businesses are able to register as exhibitors and will be from a variety of industries including: health, legal, insurance, caregiving, medical devices, health checks, prosthetics, therapy, pet care, assisted and independent living facilities and so much more.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE EXHIBITOR REGISTRATON INFORMATION
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize Women’s History Month. This month is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the contributions of women throughout history. During this time and throughout the entire year, the EDC is committed to supporting women in achieving their business goals.
The EDC is proud to support the community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:
“Tommy was part of our fire family for nearly 10 years, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us in response to our community’s public safety needs,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “We now stand with Tommy’s mother, Diana Minadeo; fiancé, Vanessa Gubbels; brother, Anthony; and his sister, in grieving his passing and supporting each other.”
Woodsome joined Ricker Pfau’s litigation department in 2017. She has been a partner with the firm since 2021 and became a member of the firm’s Management Committee in 2023. Woodsome practices in both state and federal court. Her areas of expertise include contract, M&A, and other business disputes.
Reznick has worked as a financial advisor for over 17 years. She launched Sherfina Advisors in 2024. In addition to the CEPA credential, Reznick is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPCTM). She holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of California, Irvine.
With a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and a match from the County of Ventura, the Ventura County Arts Council’s Supporting & Sustaining Arts and Culture (SSAC) program will offer eight grants of up to $10,000 to small, 501(c)(3) arts organizations in Ventura County that demonstrate a commitment to working in underserved and under-resourced communities and neighborhoods
CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) (on March 4) announced the appointment of Marlen Torres as its Chief Member Experience and External Affairs Officer. In this key role, Ms. Torres serves as the leader and visionary for member satisfaction and engagement, with the goal of ensuring the best health outcomes, greatest access, and superior member experience for GCHP members.
“Marlen’s leadership and vision for enhancing the member experience and her ability to forge meaningful external partnerships make her the ideal choice for this critical role,” said Dr. Felix Nuñez, GCHP’s acting chief executive officer (CEO). “Her years of experience in public policy and community engagement here in Ventura County will be instrumental as we continue to connect our members with high-quality care.”
CENTRAL COAST — Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara is seeking a part-time Community Outreach Coordinator to expand awareness of their programs supporting cancer patients and their families. This role involves engaging with healthcare providers and community organizations, participating in outreach events, and managing marketing materials. The position requires bilingual Spanish fluency, strong communication and organizational skills, and a flexible schedule. Compensation is $21-22 per hour. Interested candidates should send their resumes to jobs@cancersupportvvsb.org
Opening night for Regreso a mi CUBA is almost here and we’d love for you to join us! Your support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to share this special moment with you!
SANTA BARBARA — The International Women’s Day March, Dance Party will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at De La Guerra Plaza, Santa Barbara.
Celebrate your Power!
Protest for your Rights!
Dance up State Street!
Presented by World Dance for Humanity, Santa Barbara Women’s March, Indivisible Santa Barbara, UCSB Women’s Center and the SB Women’s Political Committee.
View this email online The next meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building Board Hearing Room 511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria The public may participate…
Dr. Handler specializes in treating a wide range of complex urogynecologic conditions, including pelvic organ prolapse (when pelvic organs such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum bulge into or out of the vagina), urinary incontinence (the involuntary leakage of urine from the bladder), chronic pelvic pain, interstitial cystitis, painful intercourse, recurrent bladder infections and vaginal cysts. She supports patients through every stage of their healthcare journey, from diagnosis to post-treatment care, working closely with other medical providers to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
Tune your radio to AM 530 in the central and northern part of Santa Barbara County for year-round disaster preparedness and emergency information.
CAMARILLO — Two women who championed CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) in different ways will receive honorary doctorates at commencement ceremonies scheduled for Saturday May 17, 2025.
… Every once in a while, I forget and begin to feel small in the face of the challenges ahead. But our VCCF family, time and again, shows up and reminds me of the incredible power we have when we act with love and purpose—together.
VENTURA — Episode 10 of the Ventura Voices podcast is now available, featuring an in-depth conversation with Ventura Fire Chief David Endaya and Ventura Water General Manager Gina Dorrington. This timely episode explores how the City of Ventura prepares for, responds to, and recovers from wildfire emergencies, offering insights from two critical departments responsible for public safety and essential services.
The Oxnard Film Society (EIN: 20-5734347) is proud to present We Remember: Ventura County to Vietnam and Back, a powerful exhibition honoring Ventura County’s Vietnam War veterans. However, we need your support to raise $12,500 to bring this exhibition to life.
The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment and strategic importance to the state or region.
