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Category: Seniors
Gorell Measure passes pausing outsourcing aging programs, keeping services for seniors within county government
VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors (March 3) approved a measure brought forward by Chair Jeff Gorell to pause the proposed transition of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) away from County administration, allowing additional time for public engagement and a deliberate evaluation of service delivery options.
“This measure asks the Board to pause the current process that began late last year and would allow the County to divest itself of responsibility for administering programs under the Area Agency on Aging,” said Chair Gorell.
The perfect Lompoc couples weekend In Santa Barbara County along California’s Central Coast
LOMPOC — Framed by vineyard-covered hills and the Pacific Ocean, Lompoc, California is an ideal destination for couples looking to reconnect through great food, creative culture, and wide-open space. From spa indulgence to wine tastings and late-night eats, Lompoc delivers a weekend that feels effortless, intimate, and memorable. As you plan your trip, consider this weekend itinerary:
Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan launches second year of grants to fund community driven solutions to Safeguard Medi-Cal coverage
CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) today announced that applications are now open for the second year of its Resilience, Innovation, Sustainability & Equity (RISE) Grant Program. GCHP will award one-year grants of up to $400,000 to help providers and community-based organizations support Medi-Cal members in navigating federal changes to coverage requirements.
March at the Santa Paula Art Museum
We’re feeling lucky at the Museum in March!
We’re channeling Santa Paula artists Jessie and Cornelis Botke in the photo above as we dance into a brand-new month at the Santa Paula Art Museum. Join us for a green-themed Free Family Day on Sunday, March 1, and mark your calendars for the premiere of Cornelis Botke: Painter of the Western Scene on Saturday, March 14!
Scroll down to see all of our March events and classes.
The Collection at RiverPark welcomes spring with complimentary bunny photos and family-friendly events
OXNARD — The Collection at RiverPark is inviting Ventura County to embrace the start of spring with an itinerary filled with family-friendly activities. Whether it’s snagging a selfie with the Spring Bunny or a day of crafts, visitors of all ages can look forward to beloved springtime traditions in a warm and vibrant community hub.
Celebrate National Clam Chowder Day at Ventura Harbor Village on Feb. 25
VENTURA — Seafood lovers are invited to Ventura Harbor Village to celebrate National Clam Chowder Day on Wednesday, February 25 with $5 bowls of chowder from seven participating restaurants. (While supplies last.) Nestled along the picturesque Southern California coastline, Ventura Harbor Village, offers the perfect scenic setting to enjoy this classic coastal comfort dish, while dining alongside the fishing vessels, looking out towards the snow-capped Topa Topa mountains, and basking in the West Coast winter sunshine!
40th Annual California Strawberry Festival to be held May 16-17
VENTURA — Celebrating its 40th year, the California Strawberry Festival returns Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). The family-friendly event features Strawberry-themed favorites, including strawberry nachos, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry kabobs, strawberry popcorn, margaritas and more.
Festival goers can also enjoy nearly 150 arts and crafts vendors, an expanded Strawberryland for kids, live entertainment on three stages, carnival rides, and a “build-your-own” Strawberry Shortcake Experience.
Bilingual report — February News from People’s Self-Help Housing
Last month we were honored to receive an award from a regional organization focused on economic development.
As essential infrastructure, just like transportation, public health, water systems, and energy grids, housing underpins our economy and is the very foundation upon which every vibrant community is built.
But the persistent shortage of affordable homes continues to challenge our region.
805 UNCOCUFund — Two Violent Incidents in 30 Days — We Will Not Be Intimidated
In less than 30 days, our community has witnessed yet another violent physical attack against individuals bearing witness to ICE activity in Santa Barbara County.
Ventura College to host ‘Decolonized: The Matriarchs,’ a powerful Black History Month performance on Feb. 25
Created and directed by acclaimed choreographer and artistic leader Karen Parks, CEO and Artistic Director of Stagebound, Inc., Decolonized: The Matriarchs is a multidisciplinary performance that reclaims and elevates the Black female narrative through expressive movement, voice, and storytelling. Parks is widely recognized for her work exploring themes of identity, culture, and healing through the performing arts. Her work has been featured throughout California and beyond, engaging audiences in meaningful dialogue around history, resilience, and empowerment.
New affordable family and workforce housing developments advance in Unincorporated Ventura County (near Ojai) and Santa Barbara with McCarthy Companies
VENTURA COUNTY — McCarthy Companies has been selected to provide Preconstruction and General Contracting services for two new affordable housing developments, bringing a total of 112 new affordable units to the Central Coast counties.
County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Direction to pause proposed transition of area Agency on aging administration & evaluate service options
Chair of the Board Jeff Gorell has placed an item on the upcoming Board of Supervisors agenda to preserve current senior programs and pause proposed transition of the Area Agency on Aging Administration while further evaluation takes place. The item will be on the March 3, 2026 Board of Supervisors Agenda.
Click here to read the full Board Letter.
El Concilio Family Services — Call for nominations
El Concilio Family Services Announces Call for Nominations for the 36th Latino Leadership Awards Recognizing individuals, organizations, or businesses in Ventura County who have made exceptional contributions to the Latino community.
Click for more info and form.
Ventura County Civic Alliance Livable Communities Newsletter – February 15, 2026
The Ventura County Civic Alliance’s most recent State of the Region Report released in November 2025 omitted our Key Statistics section. The data for that section comes from the U.S. Census website which was unavailable during the government shutdown in October 2025.
Our first article, based on data since collected from the U.S. Census American Community Survey 5 years (Table S0101), will give you our current status and highlights three cities where population growth is bucking the downward county trend.
The last two articles focus on the needs of our population and the nonprofits that serve them.
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara names Foodbank of Santa Barbara County ‘Partner Organization of the Year’
This annual award is selected by Housing Authority staff and recognizes a partner organization whose work has made the most meaningful, measurable difference for the people and communities the Authority serves.
“Stable housing is essential — but housing alone is not enough,” said Rob Fredericks, Executive Director/CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara. “Food security is absolutely foundational to health, stability, and dignity. The Foodbank’s work ensures that families, seniors, and individuals don’t have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. Their impact is profound, especially during times of economic uncertainty.”
ICE OUT OF (U.S. 101) 805 BRIDGE BRIGADE protest in Ventura/Santa Barbara counties to be held Feb. 14
This Valentine’s Day, nine communities are gathering at local overpasses to peacefully declare their support for their immigrant neighbors, for democracy, and for the just America our country has the potential to be.
All events start at 11:00 am. Bring your signs and flags! Meet your neighbors and make new friends.
Here are the nine locations. (This post’s listed address is just for the Ventura site, as Mobilize only allows one location per post.)
805 UNCOCUFund — 2026: From Response to Resilience
As we begin 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we have come — and where we are headed.
If the past few years have taught us anything, it is this: we cannot rely on systems that were never designed to protect undocumented and mixed-status families. And yet, through collective leadership, love, and courage, our community continues to build what did not exist before.
At 805UndocuFund, we did not just respond to crisis in 2025 — we built power.
Museum of Ventura County — Reminder: Opening reception – Friday, Feb. 13
Please join us February 13, from 5:30–7:30 PM for the opening reception of Pages to Posters: The Visual Worlds of Simms Taback.
United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program reaches major milestone: 1,000 people housed
United Way of Ventura County’s United to End Homelessness (UTEH) Ventura County proudly announces a major milestone in its mission to address homelessness in our community. Since the founding of the Landlord Engagement Program (LEP) in
2019, 1,000 people have now been housed.
SBMA announces Winter-Spring 2026 exhibitions
In the new year, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art offers a sweeping look at how artists engage with time. Works grounded in personal histories, inherited traditions, and collective memory speak to the past while giving us new ways to access it in the present. Contemporary materials and lived experience illuminate the world as it is now, yet they also open space for reflection and reinterpretation. Digital experimentation and visionary forms gesture toward the future, and at the same time expand how we record, memorialize, and remember. Seen together, these exhibitions reveal art as a continuum—one in which past, present, and future coexist, overlap, and remain vividly alive today.
Bilingual report — Food Share Ventura County building new food bank for the future
OXNARD — Food Share of Ventura County announces the launch of Feeding Our Future, a capital campaign project to build a new 85,000-square-foot food bank in Oxnard, CA.With a 12-acre parcel already secured, the new facility is designed to meet the growing demand and strengthen the region’s hunger-relief infrastructure for the long term.
Demand for food assistance in Ventura County has tripled since 2019. Food Share currently serves more than 250,000 neighbors each yearthrough a network of 200 nonprofit and community partners operating 335 distribution sites countywide. Today, Food Share operates out of three separate warehouses to distribute 21 million pounds of food annually.
Ventura County Credit Union announces $500,000 gift to support Food Share’s capital campaign for centralized warehouse
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) on Feb. 5 announced a $500,000 commitment to Food Share of Ventura County to support the construction of Food Share’s new 85,000-square-foot facility. The partnership represents VCCU’s largest investment in the organization and builds upon decades of collaboration through donations and volunteer support.
“This long-term partnership with Food Share aligns with VCCU’s commitment to investing in the community and the organizations that ensure our community has access to essential resources,” said Linda Rossi, President and CEO of VCCU. “We believe in giving back to the organizations that enrich the lives of those we serve, and Food Share’s mission to address food insecurity is critical to the wellbeing of our entire community.”
The Collection at Riverpark reaches 95% leased occupancy rate as it welcomes six dynamic new tenants in 2026
Ventura County’s entertainment, wellness and retail selection expand through new partnerships
OXNARD — The Collection at Riverpark announces the addition of six new tenants, bringing the premier lifestyle destination to a 95% leased occupancy rate. The new additions reflect The Collection’s continued commitment to blending shopping, dining, entertainment and wellness into an environment that embodies the Southern California lifestyle.
Now Open:
Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: ‘The 16th Art About Agriculture Exhibition’
On view now through March 8, 2026
Sponsored by Brokaw Ranch Company
Art About Agriculture was founded in 2007 by Santa Paula photographer John Nichols and painter Gail Pidduck. Growing up on a ranch in Santa Paula and spending her college summers working in Oxnard’s flower fields, Pidduck has long understood how deeply agriculture has shaped both the landscape and way of life in California and Ventura County.
Spectrum Sports launches Bike the Coast Ventura
VENTURA — Spectrum Sports Management Inc., a recognized leader in endurance and sporting events in Southern California, has announced the expansion of its popular “rules of the road” bike tour with the launch of Bike the Coast Ventura.
Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara — County of Santa Barbara February 2026 Newsletter
Friendship Center Adult Day Services — The Friendly Finch: February 2026
Dear Friends,
Bear with me for a moment as I do what I do best (or worst), overshare:
February is wrapped in hearts and flowers and Valentine’s cheer, and while we’re leaning fully into that spirit this month over here, I do need to acknowledge that the ache in my stomach is more than just too much chocolate. This Valentine’s Day, February 14th, marks ten years since my dad died. As someone who has dedicated my education and career to bringing light to end-of-life work, it’s painful to admit that my own dad’s final chapter was quite dimmed.
Free admission, new exhibitions, and more happenings at MVC
FREE ADMISSION IN FEBRUARY
Thanks to the generous support of Ventura County Credit Union, admission to the Museum of Ventura County is FREE for all visitors in February. This support helps the Museum welcome more visitors to experience Ventura County’s history, art, and cultural heritage.
Bilingual report — Deadline Extended to Feb. 10: Buellton Garden Apartments Pre-Applications
Pre-applications due this Tuesday, February 3 at 5PM
La fecha límite para entregar las presolicitudes es este martes 3 de febrero a las 5:00 pm.
Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — We Just Passed a Rent Freeze in Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA — Community power and organized tenants delivered a major victory for Santa Barbara renters.
On Tuesday, the Santa Barbara City Council passed a temporary rent freeze while the city implements a strong, permanent rent stabilization ordinance.
Who is covered:
Generally speaking, if your building was built in 1995 or earlier, is multi-family, and is not low-income or government-subsidized housing, these protections apply to you.
VCCF Power of Purpose – January 2026
… If you are a concerned community member wondering how best to help during this time, please know this: we are here to walk alongside you. The greatest gift you can give right now is your attention. When we are at the supermarket, waiting in line at a gas station, or passing one another in our neighborhoods, let us choose to truly see one another. These small moments of connection matter more than we often realize.
February at the Santa Paula Art Museum
February always feels extra special at the Santa Paula Art Museum. It’s our anniversary month, and the Museum is turning sweet 16. Love takes many forms, and this month’s programs invite you to fall in love with art, creativity, and community. Scroll down to learn more.
(If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, we recommend our one-day ceramics workshops on February 13 and 14. They’re fun to share with a friend or partner!)
Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura
The County of Ventura Celebrates Black History Month
February is Black History Month. Throughout the month the County of Ventura will observe this important time by recognizing the history, culture, and lasting contributions of Black individuals and communities.
Black History Month provides an opportunity to acknowledge the experiences and achievements that have helped shape our shared history and continue to influence our communities today.
40th annual California Strawberry Festival seeks sponsors
VENTURA — The 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival is seeking corporate sponsors. The festival is set for May 16 and 17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
The family-friendly nonprofit festival draws more than 40,000 visitors from across Southern California, including attendees from Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Kern, Santa Barbara and Orange counties.
Bilingual report — January News from People’s Self-Help Housing
Awarded by EconAlliance, Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann presented People’s Self-Help Housing with the 2026 Northern Santa Barbara County Impact Award. Recognizing organizations providing extraordinary support in the community, it was accepted by current CEO & President Ken Trigueiro who was joined by former CEO & President John Fowler.
Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara — Join us for the January 27 Board of Supervisors Meeting
Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan earns NCQA Plan Accreditation
CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) (on Jan. 22) announced it has earned Health Plan Accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality.
NCQA Health Plan Accreditation is a widely recognized, evidence-based program dedicated to quality improvement and measurement. It provides a comprehensive framework for organizations to align and improve operations in areas that are most important to states, employers and consumers. It’s the only evaluation program that bases results on actual measurement of clinical performance (HEDIS® measures) and consumer experience (CAHPS® measures).
Community support urgently needed to protect access to medically necessary meals in Santa Barbara and Goleta
SANTA BARBARA & GOLETA — Organic Soup Kitchen is asking the community to step in during a critical moment to help prevent nutrition gaps for low-income residents living with serious and chronic illness.
Over the past year, Organic Soup Kitchen partnered with a local health care provider to deliver medically tailored meals to individuals whose health depends on consistent, nourishing food. That partnership helped many people stabilize their health during periods of acute medical need.
Today, that same funding now typically supports meal access for about 12 weeks. While short-term nutrition intervention is an important part of medical care, many individuals living with cancer, autoimmune disease, and other chronic conditions need ongoing food support well beyond that window.
2026 Events & Festivals announced in Lompoc on California Central Coast
LOMPOC — Lompoc celebrates its culture, creativity, and history through a year-round lineup of festivals and events. From food-focused gatherings and historic home tours to arts festivals, aviation showcases, wine weekends, and living-history programs at La Purísima Mission, the city offers something for every interest and season. Here are some events to look forward to in 2026:
Allan Hancock College kicks-off Spring 2026 classes
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College welcomed thousands of students back to campus this week as spring 2026 classes began January 20 at the college’s Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center.
Both campuses were buzzing with activity as students arrived for the first week of the semester. More than 10,800 credit and noncredit students enrolled in spring classes at Hancock, a 7% increase from the 2025 spring semester.
“Our staff and faculty are excited welcome students to campus for spring classes,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Our students come to Hancock with big goals, and we are committed to providing the support, guidance, and resources they need to succeed from day one.”
City of Santa Paula invites residents to apply for the second cohort of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy
he City of Santa Paula is pleased to announce the return of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy and invites residents and local businesses to apply for Cohort II. This nine-week civic leadership program is designed to educate and engage community members by providing an in-depth look at City government, operations, and local decision-making.
Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, the Academy offers participants a unique opportunity to connect directly with City leadership and staff while learning how municipal services are delivered and how policy decisions are made. The program aims to strengthen civic knowledge, promote transparency, and foster meaningful relationships between the City and the community it serves.
Take to the Seas for Island Packers Winter Whale Watching and Excursions to the Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary
VENTURA — Island Packers, the official concessionaire to the Channel Islands, is now offering Winter Whale Watching Excursions for whale enthusiasts to witness the inspiring migration of Pacific Gray whales as they travel through the Santa Barbara Channel near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island. February 15, 2026 is World Whale Day.
Museum of Ventura County — You’re Invited to an opening reception for a new exhibition, more news
We invite you to join us for an opening reception celebrating Pages to Posters: The Visual Worlds of Simms Taback.
Friday, February 13
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street, Ventura
Guests will enjoy an early look at original artworks, posters, and more, as the exhibition reveals how Taback’s distinctive visual language shaped educational materials, commercial design, and storytelling for generations.
40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance to be held Oxnard
OXNARD — Ventura County gathers in unity. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Ventura County invites you to the 40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance, held in person on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 in Oxnard.
Theme:
A Living Legacy: Cultivating Compassion and Justice in Ventura County
ICE OUT 805 Solidarity Concert and March held in Santa Maria
SANTA MARIA — A community-led action brought together grassroots organizers, rapid response volunteers, youth leaders, and musicians to stand in solidarity against ongoing immigration enforcement violence across the Central Coast during the ICE OUT 805 Solidarity Concert/March on Jan. 15, 2025 in Santa Maria, representatives of the 805UNDOCFUND reported on their Facebook page.
Led by those carrying a banner that read “ICE OUT OF CALIFORNIA” the protesters marched down the residential streets in Santa Maria calling for the end of ICE activities in the region.
Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing — Buellton Garden Apartments: Pre-applications available now | Presolicitudes disponibles ahora
Pre-applications available now at pshhc.org/BGA
Presolicitudes disponibles ahora en pshhc.org/BGA
Bilingual report — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! presents Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles through Jan. 18
SANTA BARBARA — Join ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) for free community performances by Mariachi Reyna. The performances are part of Viva’s mission to make world-class performing arts accessible to students, families, and underserved communities throughout Santa Barbara County.
FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES
Friday, January 16 | 7 PM Isla Vista Elementary
Saturday, January 17 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall
Sunday, January 18 | 6 PM | Marjorie Luke Theatre
Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles®, the first all-female mariachi in the United States, is that they have paved the way for other female mariachi groups to exist at the professional level. Reyna, which was formed in 1994, has truly broken the stereotypes surrounding Mariachi music. In a musical landscape of songs that are often written by men, and for men, Reyna has created their own history.
Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Grateful for you and the community power we’re building
As the year comes to a close, we want to pause and say thank you.
(2025) brought real challenges – and even in just the last few days, ICE has once again caused real fear and harm in our communities. Neighbors are showing up for one another with care, courage, and solidarity, reminding us that safety and resilience come from deep community organizing and connection.
This year you and your CAUSE staff, leaders, and coalition partners were able to meet this moment – showing up alongside families, tenants, farmworkers, and youth when it mattered most, while continuing to strengthen our organizing and shared values.
