Category: Seniors

Age Well Care brings dementia care at home and respite care to families across the Central Coast and Conejo Valley through Nolia Health partnership

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SANTA BARBARA — Age Well Care, the boutique senior home care agency serving California’s Central Coast and Conejo Valley, has announced its partnership with Nolia Health to deliver dementia care at home and in-home respite care for families living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The partnership — now active across Santa Barbara County and Ventura County — operates under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, giving eligible Medicare beneficiaries access to Age Well Care’s specialized in-home caregivers.

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A Complete Spring 2026 Bucket List In Lompoc

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LOMPOC — There is still time to enjoy Spring with a wildflower-colored drive to Lompoc. This hidden gem tucked along the Central Coast offers a rich history, fun outdoor activities, impressive sights, a flourishing wine industry, and outstanding options for accommodations.

During the spring, it’s a little cooler and quieter, making it one of the best times to visit. While you plan your trip to Lompoc, here’s a list of things you don’t want to miss during this season – we call it “Lompoc’s Spring Bucket List.”

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805UndocuFund — Freedom Music Fest brings together music and solidarity in support of immigrant families on May 17

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SANTA BARBARA — The regional Mexican music community is coming together for a powerful evening of music, solidarity, and support for immigrant families through the inaugural Freedom Music Fest, featuring performances by Larry Hernández, Régulo Caro, and Roberto Tapia.

A portion of the event proceeds will benefit 805UndocuFund, a nonprofit organization providing direct financial assistance to immigrant families impacted by recent ICE raids and climate-induced disasters while also advocating for long-term systems change at the policy level.

All donated proceeds received by 805UndocuFund will directly support the organization’s Emergency Assistance Fund, which provides immediate relief to families affected by immigration enforcement throughout California’s Central Coast. Since launching the Emergency Assistance Fund in April 2025, 805UndocuFund has distributed more than $1 million in direct assistance to impacted families across the region.

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El Concilio Family Services — Nominations deadline is May 15

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OXNARD — For 35 years, El Concilio has celebrated Latino leadership throughout Ventura County… who have made a substantial impact in their communities.
These individuals have enhanced the lives of the underprivileged… through their contributions to education, volunteerism, health and wellness, advocacy, and more.

Do you know a Leader in your community who has significantly influenced the lives of the Latino community?

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Local businesses and organizations partner with Bike the Coast Ventura ahead of inaugural event on June 13

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VENTURA — Bike the Coast Ventura will be hosting their inaugural event on June 13, showcasing the charm of the Ventura community. The event has put a strong emphasis on its local involvement, focusing on building partnerships with businesses and organizations within the Ventura region and authentically connected to the community. Registration for the 2026 event is now open.

This year’s sponsors and partners include Visit Ventura, Downtown Ventura Association, Ventura Coast Brewing Company and Ventura Coast Cycling. The event has also partnered with local charity organizations, including The Los Angeles Chapter of National MS and the Downtown Ventura Foundation. The event will also host Ventura-based band The GAMBLE at their free Finish Festival, which will also include various local food, drink and vendors for riders, spectators and community members to all enjoy. 

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Museum of Ventura County — First look at two new exhibits – Join us on June 5th

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Parallel Histories: Ventura County during the US Revolution

As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Parallel Histories explores what was unfolding at the same time in Ventura County. While British colonialism and the Revolutionary War reshaped the East Coast, California, not yet part of the United States, was being transformed by Spain.

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Patriotic Threads: Textiles, Tapestries, & T-Shirts

Patriotic Threads explores how textiles have long served as powerful expressions of national identity. Through handcrafted works, the exhibit reveals how textiles and design embody patriotism and collective memory.

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RSVP REQUESTED

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People’s Self-Help Housing launches ASCEND Fund to support affordable housing resident entrepreneurs

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CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) will host the launch of the ASCEND Fund on May 13, 2026 at the nonprofit’s San Luis Obispo headquarters, introducing a new initiative designed to support residents pursuing entrepreneurship, education, and professional advancement. 

The ASCEND Fund – standing for Agency, Skills, Capacity, Entrepreneurship, Network, and Direction – will provide micro-grants to individuals living in PSHH properties who are working to build businesses, grow professionally, or further their entrepreneurial education. 
 
“We see ASCEND as a bridge between our residents and the broader business community,” said Ken Trigueiro, CEO of People’s Self-Help Housing. “We’re here for our residents who are entrepreneurs and future leaders; and when we invest in their growth, we’re investing in a stronger, more resilient Central Coast economy for everyone.” 

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Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing — RSVP by May 15. Join us to celebrate new affordable housing in Grover Beach on May 20

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Located at 1206 West Grand Avenue and 164 South 13th Street in the City of Grover Beach, Cleaver & Clark Commons is comprised of 53 affordable, multifamily housing units for households at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

The property has 14 units set aside for farmworker households at 30-60% of AMI, 21 units are set aside for project-based vouchers administered through HASLO, and 6 units are set aside for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

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Bilingual report — Santa Paula sees sizeable decrease in homelessness 2026 Point-in-Time count results

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SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is pleased to share positive results from the 2026 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count, which indicate a 21.5% decrease in the total number of unsheltered and sheltered individuals experiencing homelessness in the City, when compared to 2025.

The Point-in-Time Count, conducted annually across Ventura County, provides a snapshot of homelessness in the community and helps guide funding, services, and policy decisions. Santa Paula’s results reflect meaningful local progress.

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New Thought Now Spiritual Center marks grand opening on May 14 in Thousand Oaks

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THOUSAND OAKS — A beloved spiritual community is stepping into a new chapter of inspiration.

New Thought Now!, formerly The Global Truth Center, will mark its official launch with a ribbon cutting ceremony May 14th at 4:30pm (880 Hampshire Road, Suite W, Westlake Village), bringing together local dignitaries and community members for a memorable afternoon of celebration, entertainment and refreshments. 

“It’s all about honoring where we’ve been, celebrating where we are, and opening the door to what comes next,” says Spiritual Director Dr. James Mellon, adding that “The new name reflects an evolving vision—one that honors the roots and relationships that have shaped this community while continuing to grow alongside the people it serves.”

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Health Care Agency announces new VCMC/SPH Director

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VENTURA — Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA) (on May 6) announced the appointment of Danielle Gabele, DNP, RN, as Chief Executive Officer of Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and Santa Paula Hospital (SPH), effective May 10, 2026.

Dr. Gabele holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and serves as President-Elect of the Association of California Nurse Leaders. She is also pursuing a Master of Health Administration degree at the University of Cincinnati.

“Dr. Gabele is a proven leader with a deep commitment to patient-centered care and clinical excellence,” said [Dr. John Fankhauser, HCA Director]. “Her collaborative approach and operational expertise make her exceptionally well-suited to lead VCMC and Santa Paula Hospital into the future.”

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Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation opens new exhibit at Casa de la Guerra exploring housing discrimination and its lasting impacts

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SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) announces the opening of a new exhibit, Fine Print, Hard Lines: Housing and Exclusion in Santa Barbara, which examines how discriminatory housing policies and practices have shaped the city’s past and continue to influence the community today.

On view at Casa de la Guerra, Fine Print, Hard Lines explores the use of restrictive covenants and other exclusionary practices embedded in historical “fine print” that limited who could buy, rent, or reside in certain neighborhoods. Through a compelling mix of primary sources including property records, real estate advertisements, newspaper articles, and historic maps, the exhibit reveals how these practices produced lasting social inequities and barriers that still affect the lived experiences of Santa Barbara residents.

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Free seaside live music series takes center stage all month long In May 2026 at Ventura Harbor Village

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VENTURA — Setting the stage to linger longer, Ventura Harbor Village is continuing its live entertainment  series of free, family-friendly music on the Seaside Promenade at the waterfront throughout May 2026.  The ongoing music series showcases a dockside selection of top-notch musicians who present a variety of genres, including Pop, Rock and coastal surf rock.

Revel in the perfect coastal day with live music from 1 – 4 PM. Relax by the water as talented local musicians set the scene with a mix of lively and laid-back tunes. Whether you’re dining at a waterfront restaurant or simply soaking up the ocean breeze, the vibrant music adds the perfect soundtrack to your visit.

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Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County celebrates 40 years of service, community and homes

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VENTURA COUNTY — Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County announced it will mark its 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades operating on a simple but urgent mission that brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. What began in the mid-1980s from community-based roots has grown into one of the region’s most enduring forces for affordable homeownership, partnering with families across 14 cities. Over four decades, that work has touched more than 20,000 volunteers, donors, and community members.

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Bilingual report — Warm May temperatures signal the start of peak ‘Mosquito Season’ following early mosquito activity in 2026

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VENTURA — As temperatures continue to rise this May, Ventura County residents are encouraged to take steps to prevent mosquito breeding and protect themselves from bites as peak mosquito season begins. Mosquito activity started earlier than usual this year due to above-average temperatures, including the warmest March on record, along with increased rainfall. In addition to native mosquito species that can transmit West Nile Virus (WNV), the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito has become established in Ventura County.

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Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics and the Good Neighbors Founders hold Donor Appreciation Reception

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SANTA BARBARA — On May 5, the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) Board of Directors and the Good Neighbors Founders hosted a Donor Appreciation Reception at the Santa Barbara Club. The evening honored a historic $5 million donation from the Wyatt Family, the largest philanthropic contribution from an individual family in the organization’s history.

During the event, CEO Mahdi Ashrafian shared remarks alongside special guests, the Wyatt Family, for an inspiring evening highlighting their leadership gift and the naming of the Wyatt Family Health Center. This transformational gift will fund the completion of SBNC’s new flagship facility on the Westside, which is expected to increase the organization’s patient capacity by over 40%, serving an additional 8,300 community members annually.

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Friendship Center Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — The Friendly Finch May 2026 newsletter

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I don’t know where to start with this intro letter. As much joy as we have in our programs on a daily basis, behind the scenes has been a bit tough for us over the last few months with our renovations, seasonal membership changes, fundraising efforts in what is typically a “slower” season, and so on. Well, April surely gave us the thumbs up that what we are doing is working, and I am so excited I might just jump through your screen as you read this!

For starters, I’m jazzed to share that we have officially launched our 50th Anniversary webpage! Throughout the year, this page will serve as the home for announcements, stories, celebrations, and special events commemorating Friendship Center’s first half century of impact in our community.

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Art, Identity, and the Global Game Converge in ‘Once Miradas, Un Balón’ at the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard. Events May 14 through Sept. 4

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OXNARD — As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, a new exhibition in Oxnard invites the community to explore the game of soccer through a local perspective. The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC), in partnership with the Consulado de México en Oxnard, presents Once Miradas, Un Balón (Eleven Gazes, One Ball)—a group exhibition that looks at fútbol as both a cultural presence and a source of artistic inspiration. The exhibit opens to the public with a reception on May 21 from 5:30-8pm and will celebrate (4) youth soccer teams with a custom jersey giveaway and hands-on activities. Once Miradas, Un Balón will be on view from May 14 – September 4, 2026. Gallery hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Admission is free.

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Hospice of Santa Barbara announces first Ambassador Spotlight: Jill Nida

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SANTA BARBARA — For more than three decades, Jill Nida has been a steadfast advocate, volunteer, and champion for Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB). Her leadership and generosity have helped shape the organization into what it is today, and her personal story is deeply woven into its mission.  

Over the past 37 years, Jill has served as Board Chair (twice), Board Member, Auxiliary Member, and Capital Campaign Chair for the Riviera office building. She was also honored as a Hero of Hospice in 2015. She served on the Hospice Foundation Board and is Board Emeritus. She was instrumental in the HSB butterfly logo design and color (aqua).  Beyond titles, roles, and responsibilities she has been one of HSB’s most passionate ambassadors in the community, given the unofficial title “Cheerleader Emeritus.”

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Ventura Charter School’s 15th Annual EcoFest draws 2,500 in celebration of Students, Sustainability and Community

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VENTURA — Ventura Charter School welcomed an estimated 2,500 attendees to its 15th Annual EcoFest on Sunday, April 26, as students, families, local businesses and community organizations gathered on the school’s Ventura campus to celebrate sustainability and demonstrate what a school rooted in its community looks like in practice.

All proceeds from booth fees, sponsorships, the silent auction and raffle ticket sales go directly to student programs and educational enrichment at Ventura Charter School.

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Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College honors noncredit students at recognition ceremony

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the achievements of its noncredit students at its annual Noncredit Recognition Ceremony May 1 at the college’s Santa Maria campus. 

The celebration, held in Boyd Concert Hall, highlighted the perseverance and accomplishments of students who completed noncredit certificate programs, including family childcare license preparation, commercial truck driving and income tax preparation. The ceremony also recognized students who completed English Language Development (ELDN) courses, earned their GED Equivalency Certificate or achieved U.S. citizenship through the college’s noncredit offerings. More than 426 certificates were completed in noncredit programs at Hancock during the 2025–2026 academic year. 

“Noncredit programs are essential to ensuring that education remains accessible to everyone in our community,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “These students are a powerful example of what can be achieved when opportunity meets determination.” 

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Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara held Senior Fair, ‘Young at Heart’

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SANTA BARBARA — On Thursday, April 30th, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), in partnership with 2nd Story Associates, hosted the Young at Heart Senior Fair at Presidio Springs. Approximately 150 HACSB senior residents gathered to receive important information and resources from a wide array of partnering organizations and service providers.

The event provided local seniors with access to essential resources related to health care, wellness, recreation, caregiving, and social services. Highlights of the fair included:

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El Concilio Family Services — Check out our video on May 15 deadline for 23rd annual Latino Leadership Award nominations

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Celebrate leadership. Inspire community.

For over 35 years, El Concilio Family Services has honored outstanding Latino leaders across Ventura County who are making a meaningful difference through education, advocacy, volunteerism, health, and more. Know someone who is uplifting others and creating impact?

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Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Join May Day Actions on the Central Coast. See other events

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VENTURA COUNTY — May Day – also known as International Workers’ Day – is Friday, May 1, 2026, and we’re inviting you to take part in a powerful day of action across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

On May 1, workers, students, and families across the Central Coast will come together for a coordinated day of rallies and marches as part of a nationwide mobilization spanning more than 1,000 cities. Rooted in grassroots energy and a growing movement of economic noncooperation, communities are taking a collective stand – walking out of workplaces, classrooms, and stores – to demand a future that puts people over profit.

This “No Work, No School, No Shopping” action highlights the strength of everyday people united in solidarity with communities facing impossible choices amid escalating ICE raids and rising authoritarianism, while corporate profits continue to rise. From the fields to classrooms to city streets, the message across the Central Coast is clear: ICE OUT OF THE 805.

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

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The Oxnard Harbor District proudly celebrated Earth Day along side the MERITO Foundation at the Ventura Earth Day Festival in downtown Ventura.

The Port continues its charge to Zero Emissions by 2030 as we utilize electric cargo handling equipment, solar arrays, emissions capture barges, and real-time air quality monitoring.

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Mixteco Indigena Community Organization Project (MICOP) — No Work, No School, No Shopping: Oxnard May Day Calls for ICE Out of the 805 on May 1

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OXNARD — On May 1, 2026, workers, students, and families will join local organizations in Downtown Oxnard for a May Day Rally and March, as part of the May Day Strong Movement in over 1,000 cities nationwide to demand a country that puts people over profit. The action is part of a coordinated “No Work, No School, No Shopping” pledge to demonstrate solidarity with community members who continue to choose between basic needs amid increased fear due to ICE enforcement, while corporations and billionaires grow their wealth. Across California’s Central Coast, we rise together with one clear demand: ICE OUT OF THE 805. 

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Ventura County Fire Dept. — Snake Safety While Hiking: Ventura County Fire reminds residents to stay aware outdoors?

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THOUSAND OAKS — As temperatures rise and more residents head outdoors to enjoy Ventura County’s scenic trails, the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) is reminding the public to stay alert and practice snake safety while hiking.

Rattlesnakes are active throughout the region, particularly in warmer months, and are often found along trails, in tall grass, and near rocks or logs. While encounters are typically avoidable, taking a few simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of a bite.

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Senior Concerns in Thousand Oaks seeks volunteer engagement advisor to strengthen community impact

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THOUSAND OAKS — Senior Concerns is seeking an experienced business or community leader to serve as a Volunteer Engagement Advisor, in pro bono leadership role designed to support and strengthen its network of more than 440 volunteers. 

The organization invites retired or semi-retired professionals looking to give back in a meaningful way to contribute approximately 10 hours per week in a flexible, collaborative environment.

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Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) e-newsletter April 2026

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Earlier this month, the crew aboard the Orion spacecraft made history, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them. It was special to follow Pilot Victor Glover among them, as the fourth Cal Poly SLO fellow alumni who studied in our organization’s headquarters home town, and went on to become an astronaut. Like many others, I had the privilege of listening live to the transmissions between the astronauts 252,760 miles from home and the science team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The technology enabling that achievement was extraordinary of course, but what struck me most was not the machinery – it was the communication.

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Cottage Health adds Organ Donation Registration to MyChart, Empowering Patients with Lifesaving Choice

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SANTA BARBARA —  In recognition of National Donate Life Month, Cottage Health has introduced a new tool that allows patients to register as organ, eye and tissue donors directly through MyChart, the same secure portal they already use to manage their care. This enhancement expands access to donor registration at a time when more than 23,000 Californians are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.

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County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — E-Bike Safety Measure Passes

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(April 28), the E-bike Safety Measure (Item 46) passed unanimously. Supervisor Jeff Gorell brought this forward in partnership with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

This measure builds on the strong work already happening locally and aims to evaluate best practices across California—including education, enforcement, and policy options. A report will be provided to the Board with recommendations to improve safety. 

As e-bike use continues to rise, so do challenges like unsafe riding, collisions, and confusion around the rules. This is about working together—families, schools, law enforcement, and our community—to keep our kids safe.

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — You showed up for Earth Day — what comes next?

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This weekend, thousands of people came together on the Central Coast for the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival.

Together, we celebrated, connected, and recommitted to building a healthier, more resilient future.

Thank you for being part of it.

To carry this momentum forward, CEC is working to raise $75,000 by May 15 — and every gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar.

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Bilingual report — Update regarding sewage discharge affecting Port Hueneme and Oxnard beaches

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OXNARD —The Ventura County Environmental Health Division has collected ocean water samples from the public beaches affected by the sewage release that occurred on April 21, 2026.  The samples collected on April 23, 2026, indicate that the beaches from Port Hueneme Beach Park south to the Point Mugu Naval Base meet State ocean water quality standards and are now open.  All beaches previously closed due to the sewage release have been re-opened, and warning signs have been removed.

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Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) — Step into the action at the 56th Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival!

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On Saturday, April 25 (11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.) and Sunday, April 26 (11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.), Alameda Park will come alive for the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival, one of the longest-running Earth Day gatherings in the country. Presented by the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and CarpEvents, this free festival is a reminder of the reason we started this work 56 years ago: to empower our communities to take meaningful local action for the future of our Central Coast.

This year’s theme — Our Power, Our Planet — calls on all of us to stand together in support of clean air, clean water, renewable energy, and a thriving planet for generations to come. Amid federal rollbacks and climate challenges, this message resonates louder than ever.

Festival-goers can also enjoy live music, a plant-forward Food Court and Beer Garden (featuring reusable cups), a Kids Zone, and over 200 eco-friendly exhibitors throughout the festival. We invite you to step into the action and find the CEC team at:

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura seeks public input on upcoming Prohousing Designation application

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VENTURA — The County of Ventura is inviting public input as it prepares to apply for the State of California’s Prohousing Designation, a program that recognizes jurisdictions that go beyond state housing laws to accelerate housing production and reduce barriers to development. On April 28, 2026, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors will consider adoption of a resolution at 10:30 a.m., authorizing the County to apply for, and participate in the program, marking the start of the public process. The hearing of the item at the Board of Supervisors meeting represents the first opportunity for community members to share input on the proposed application.

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — From oil spill to Earth Day — and what comes next

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More than 50 years ago, a devastating oil spill off our coast sparked a powerful movement.
In 1970, our community came together to organize one of the first Earth Day celebrations — and the Community Environmental Council was born.

This weekend, we will gather again.

Earth Day is a reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together to demand change and build solutions.

But today, we are once again facing efforts to expand fossil fuels and roll back progress.

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40th Annual California Strawberry Festival offers strawberry treats and family fun

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VENTURA — The 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival is set for Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). The festival is the ultimate experience for strawberry lovers. It is filled with tasty strawberry-themed food and beverages, live entertainment, carnival rides, an artisan and crafters area, and other activities, all in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., both days.

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Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara breaks ground on 46 unit affordable housing development 15 South Hope Avenue

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SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) held a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest affordable housing development located at 15 South Hope Avenue on Wednesday, April 22.  This new construction, multifamily rental housing project will provide 46 affordable units and represents a major step in addressing the region’s housing needs. Neighbors, local officials, community partners, and housing advocates gathered to celebrate this milestone.

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Bilingual report — Registration is now open for the Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan Feedback Sessions

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The Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan is a collaborative, countywide effort launched by the County of Ventura in partnership with House Farm Workers!, designed to understand and address the urgent housing needs of the county’s farmworker community – needs shaped by long-standing shortages, rising housing costs, and the essential role farm workers play in sustaining the region’s agricultural economy.

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Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas 34th Anniversary / 34 Aniversario, more news

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Teatro de las Américas

34th Anniversary

Dinner/Concert Fundraiser

Teatro de las Américas is celebrating its 34th anniversary as the only organization dedicated to Spanish-language theater on the Central Coast, and we invite friends, volunteers, and anyone interested in supporting the arts and culture in our community to join us for our annual benefit event.

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Museum of Ventura County — Two exhibitions ending April 26

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The Museum of Ventura County extends beyond its galleries. Through community events, school tours, and outreach programs, we connect with people across Ventura County in ways that spark curiosity.

Over the past 12 months, we have reached more than 10,000 people through these experiences. Communities come together to share and reflect. Students see their local history in a new way. Families engage with one another through hands-on activities.

This is what the Museum does. We connect people through the shared stories of Ventura County.

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Bilingual report — 805 UNCOCUFund — Urgent: Stop the $460M Jail Expansion – Protect Our Immigrant Community

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The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors is currently considering a massive $460 million proposal (including long-term financing and staffing) to expand the North Branch Jail by 1½ housing units, adding 384 beds. We are calling on the Board to reject this overreach and limit the addition to just one housing unit (256 beds).

The Board’s current plan would more than double the capacity of the Santa Maria jail, locking our County into decades of crushing debt and soaring operational costs. Our County is facing $23 million in cuts to social and safety-net programs next fiscal year and a $66 million deficit over the next 5 years.

The Human Cost: A Devastating Blow to Our Immigrant Community

Beyond the fiscal irresponsibility, this expansion poses a direct threat to our immigrant neighbors. Our jails already hold many non-violent residents, including those struggling with mental health or substance use disorders, who do not need to be incarcerated to ensure public safety.

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Meet the Development Team at the Museum of Ventura County

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Hi, I’m Heather Williams, Chief Development Officer at the Museum of Ventura County.

First and foremost, thank you for your support of the Museum. It’s people like you who help keep our mission, vision, and purpose alive.

I wanted to reach out to introduce myself and our team. You may know our Barbara Barnard Smith CEO, Elena Brokaw, but you may not know us, the development team. We’re the ones who call to thank you for your donations, send your tax letters, answer your membership questions, and most importantly, build and sustain the funding plan for the Museum of Ventura County.

Our small but mighty team wouldn’t be able to do what we do without you. Each quarter, we’ll send an email like this one highlighting wins that you, our MVC community, made possible.

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‘Let Us Entertain You Seaside’ with free live music all month long at Ventura Harbor Village

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VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village is setting the stage for a menagerie of free, family-friendly, live weekly music throughout April 2026 on the seaside Promenade Stage at the waterfront.  The ongoing music series showcases a dockside selection of top-notch musicians who present a variety of genres, including Pop, Rock and coastal surf rock.

Enjoy the perfect coastal day with live music from 1 – 4 PM. Relax by the water as talented local musicians set the scene with a mix of lively and 

laid-back tunes. 

Whether you’re dining at a waterfront restaurant or simply soaking up the ocean breeze, the vibrant music adds the perfect soundtrack to your visit.

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Bilingual report — Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report: Potential storm water runoff contamination

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VENTURA — As part of the Ventura County Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Program, the Environmental Health Division (Division) is providing the following precautionary information to the public. Rainfall that is significant enough to result in runoff can flow into storm drains, channels, creeks, and rivers that empty onto the beaches of Ventura County. In general, 0.2 inches (2 tenths of an inch) of rainfall may be enough to create significant runoff conditions. 

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