Category: Veterans

Bilingual report — County of Ventura partners with Naval Base Ventura County to relocate Purple Heart monument

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — A partnership between the County of Ventura and Naval Base Ventura County has led to the successful relocation and installation of the Military Order of the Purple Heart monument to the Veterans Memorial at the Ventura County Government Center, creating a prominent public space to honor service members wounded or killed in combat.

The monument, originally located on the golf course at Naval Base Ventura County, recognizes Purple Heart recipients, however the location of the installation provided limited visibility to the broader community. To expand public access, the Military Order of the Purple Heart offered to donate the monument to the County so it could be relocated to a more accessible location.

May 25 — Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1649 to pay tribute at free Memorial Day ceremony

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2026 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Drive Out Hunger – Port of Hueneme hosts Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway for Active Military & Veterans

by Community Contributor • November 18, 2025 • Comments Off

PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme, California, proudly hosted its annual Drive Out Hunger Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway today, providing 450 frozen turkeys and full holiday meal kits to active-duty military members and veterans from across Ventura County. The drive-thru event reflects the Port’s deep commitment to serving those who serve the nation.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — Honoring Our Nation’s Veterans

by Community Contributor • November 11, 2025 • Comments Off

On this day and every day, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our veterans and their families for their extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and service to our country.

More than 40,000 veterans and their loved ones call Ventura County and the Conejo Valley home, and I am proud to work on their behalf in Congress. Honoring our veterans is a responsibility that never ends, and neither does the work to ensure they receive the care, benefits, and support they have earned.

As Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, one of my top priorities is to identify disparities in care for veterans and to introduce, advocate for, and pass legislation that closes those gaps.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Thank You Veterans!

by Community Contributor • November 11, 2025 • Comments Off

As a third-generation U.S. Navy Veteran, I’m filled with deep gratitude today for all who have worn the uniform in defense of our nation and the freedoms we hold dear.

My grandfather fought in World War II, my father served in Vietnam, and my own service was during the War on Terror — with two tours in Afghanistan.

Through those experiences, I had the honor of serving alongside remarkable people whose courage, sacrifice, and strength continue to inspire me every day. Their example reminds me that true leadership is rooted in service — in putting others before oneself and standing together for something greater.

Here in Ventura County, our Veteran Services Office carries that same spirit forward, helping veterans, their dependents, and survivors navigate federal, state, and local benefits.

If you are a veteran in need of support, please visit Ventura County Veterans Services.

Community Invited to the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Santa Barbara Cemetery on Nov. 11

by Community Contributor • November 10, 2025 • Comments Off

This year will feature the first ever performance of “The Veteran,” by Barry De Vorzon. De Vorzon is an American composer, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He co-founded recording studio Valiant Records and made a name for himself as a film and television score composer, becoming a Grammy Award winner, Academy Award nominee, and a six-time Daytime Emmy Award winner. His tune, “Nadia’s Theme,” was released by A&M Records for the television soap opera The Young and the Restless, hitting No. 8 on the U.S. Top 40 that year. The title “Nadia’s Theme” was given to the song after the ABC television network used it in a montage of gymnast Nadia Com?neci’s performances during the 1976 Olympics. He later composed the tune, “It’s Christmas Once Again in Santa Barbara,” in honor of the town and the people he learned to love after moving to California from New York City. The song was later re-recorded with various other city names, including San Diego and San Francisco.

LULAC hails Federal Court Victory preserving Birthright Citizenship in the United States

by Community Contributor • July 11, 2025 • Comments Off

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) (July 10) celebrates a landmark decision by U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante of New Hampshire, who issued a ruling blocking the Trump administration’s executive order seeking to strip automatic birthright citizenship from children born in the United States to undocumented parents. This decision marks a crucial victory for members of LULAC, the first organization to file a lawsuit challenging the administration’s attempt to undermine one of the most fundamental rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation hosts free patriotic outdoor concert with Santa Barbara’s Prime Time Band on July 4

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) invites the community to celebrate Independence Day with a free, family-friendly concert featuring Santa Barbara’s beloved 80-member Prime Time Band on Friday, July 4th at 5:00 PM at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens (1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101).

Enjoy an uplifting afternoon of music that honors the spirit of freedom and the heroes who defend it. The concert program includes stirring tributes to military valor—with iconic themes from Band of Brothers and Top Gun—as well as fan-favorite selections from Wicked, How to Train Your Dragon, The Magnificent Seven, and classic patriotic sing-alongs.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard joins Memorial Day Ceremony

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2025 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur is pleased to announce that the City of Oxnard along with members of the following organizations: Disabled American Veterans – Chapter 24, Knights of Columbus Council 750, Military Officers Association of America Ventura County Chapter, Port of Hueneme and the Channel Islands High School Raiders Band will jointly host a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, at Plaza Park (500 South C Street) starting at 11 a.m.

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation announces free Memorial Day Ceremony at Santa Barbara Cemetery to honor military service

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1649 have announced the details of their popular annual Memorial Day ceremony taking place on May 26th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive.

This free event honors men and women who have proudly served in the United States military. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early in order to secure a seat. Plenty of free parking will be available on-site. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. sharp near the cemetery’s main flagpole. This year’s program will feature presentations and performances by local groups such as the UCSB ROTC Color Guard, Gold Coast Pipe & Drum Band, David Gonzales and the Santa Barbara Choral Society, and The Prime Time Band.

Honor Ventura County’s Vietnam Veterans Tell Their Story?

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Oxnard Film Society — From Vietnam to Ventura County — A New Exhibition at CSU Channel Islands

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2025 • Comments Off

Ventura College Awarded $150,000 Grant for Veterans Mental Health Support

by Community Contributor • November 11, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura College has been awarded a $150,000 grant through the Veterans Mental Health Demonstration Project. As one of only ten community colleges across California to receive this critical funding aimed at enhancing mental health and wellness support for veteran students, Ventura College will be able to commit even more resources to fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment for veterans.

Provided through the California Chancellors Office, the grant aims to bolster mental health outreach and peer support for veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. These funds are particularly vital to Ventura College as its Veteran Resource Center (VRC) served more than 370 veteran students in the 2022-2023 school year.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — National Veterans Small Business Week

by Community Contributor • November 11, 2024 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Veteran’s Small Business Week. The EDC is dedicated to providing equal access to resources, advising and capital to all business owners. Since 2010, the EDC has provided over 2,000 hours of one-of-one business advising to Veteran-Owned businesses and has helped generate over $990 million in revenue.

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:

United for Progress: LULAC Vision for a Stronger Latino Future

by Community Contributor • November 8, 2024 • Comments Off

As the oldest Latino civil rights organization in the nation, LULAC stands firmly committed to uplifting and empowering the Latino community across America—working to strengthen economic and educational opportunities and to protect our civil rights.

For nearly a century, LULAC has been here, side by side with the communities we serve, tirelessly working toward a future that fulfills the dreams of our families and honors the sacrifices of those who came before us. Now, as we look to the horizon, we welcome the opportunity to work with President Donald J. Trump, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, all of last night’s elected officials, and the incoming Administration. Together, we are called to build a future that holds space for all our stories, our voices, and our dreams.

UCSB —The Current — ‘Controlling the chaos of active fluids’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2024 • Comments Off

Physicists Cristina Marchetti and Mark Bowick develop design rules that take advantage of topological defects to control flows in active fluids.

In Remembrance of Memorial Day

by Amigos805.com • May 22, 2024 • Comments Off

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Memorial Day honors U.S. military service members who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

In honor of this federal holiday, our office will be closed on Monday, March 27, 2024.

Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum Spring 2024 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2024 • Comments Off

Spring 2024 Newsletter

UCSB — The Current — ‘Whale-saving cargo ship speed tracking program heads east’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • April 11, 2024 • Comments Off

Aiming to reduce ship strikes on the North Atlantic right whale, the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory deploys its Whale Safe vessel-monitoring tool to track, in near real-time, cargo ships moving up and down the East Coast.

Central Coast Veterans Museum in SLO December Updates

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2023 • Comments Off

This December the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum we reflect upon and celebrate our 2023 accomplishments while anticipating what 2024 will bring.

U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley — Recognizing America’s Veterans

by Community Contributor • November 10, 2023 • Comments Off

This Veterans Day, as our nation comes together to recognize the men and women who have served our nation in uniform, I want to take this opportunity to thank our servicemembers, veterans, and their families for their service.

In Congress, I am so privileged to represent Ventura County and the Conejo Valley, which boasts a proud and rich military history. In fact, over 40,000 veterans and their families call our region home. In Congress, I have made it my priority to ensure that we fulfill our solemn promise to serve our veterans as well as they have served our country. This is the duty that has guided my work as your Member of Congress and as a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley — Attention Veterans! Deadline Extended to File Toxic-Exposure Claims

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2023 • Comments Off

This week marked one year since President Biden signed the PACT Act, the largest and most comprehensive expansion of care and benefits for toxic-exposed veterans and their families in more than three decades.

This historic law created presumptions for many respiratory illnesses and cancers, making care and benefits easier and more accessible. The law also streamlined VA’s presumption decision-making process, so that veterans don’t have to wait decades for help that they need today, and the law ensures future generations of veterans are better protected.

Bilingual report — General Services Agency to accept donation of memorial statues at Ventura County Veterans Memorial

by Community Contributor • June 8, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The General Services Agency will accept the donation of two bronze veteran memorial statues for installation at the Ventura County Veterans Memorial. Following a vote at the April 25th Board meeting, the Board of Supervisors authorized the General Services Agency to work in partnership with the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County and other veterans’ organizations to install the statues.

The two statues slated to be installed will honor the loss and sacrifice made by families and members of the military. The “Gold Star” statue will be a life size rendition of a mother/wife kneeling holding her son’s/husband’s folded casket flag. The “Remembering” statue will be a life size rendition of a kneeling soldier reaching out and remembering his fallen brethren.

“It is powerful to be in the presence of monuments in Washington DC like the Vietnams’ Memorial Wall,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Matt LaVere. “Now we do not have to travel across the country, we’re going to have something equally powerful right here in Ventura to go pay our respects which is so important.”.

SLO Veterans Museum — Reminder: Join us on Memorial Day in SLO on May 29

by Community Contributor • May 24, 2023 • Comments Off

This Memorial Day, join us in San Luis Obispo as we give special honor and recognition to the individuals who sacrificed their lives while serving their country.

DID YOU KNOW? The San Luis Obispo Memorial Day remembrance event was originally offered at the San Luis cemetery in 1885 by the Civil War veterans of the Fred Steele Post 70 of the Grand Army of the Republic. At that time celebrations included a patriotic parade beginning at Higuera and Chorro streets, ending at the San Luis Cemetery.

Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum ‘Call to Duty’ February 2023

by Community Contributor • February 6, 2023 • Comments Off

Hello friends and supporters!

As you might have heard, we had a major setback with the museum flood disaster in early January. It was quite a shocking start to the new year, to discover standing water across the entire museum and downstairs floors, and widespread water damage in storage closets, the armory, the library, and our museum office.

Despite this bump in the road, we will persevere. I am happy to report we are getting back on track and will be opening by February 15th. Our volunteers have been going above and beyond throughout the month of January and we are indebted to their many hours of extra service and efforts outside their normal volunteer duties. I am proud of and grateful for each of our volunteers who have been helping out to get things cleaned, fixed and ready to open once again (a special thank you to the non-staff folks who graciously joined in to help).

Check out Friendship Center’s 2022 Veteran’s Day Celebration!

by Community Contributor • November 22, 2022 • Comments Off

Friendship Center hosted a private Veteran’s Day luncheon celebration on Thursday, November 10th honoring Friendship Center members who are veterans, and their families. The event was coordinated by Kim Larsen, Family Services Manager, and Sophia Davis, Development Director.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Office of Veteran’s Business Development

by Community Contributor • November 14, 2022 • Comments Off

Year round the EDC offers support to our local veterans who wish to start a business or have an existing business. The EDC offers programs designed to assist businesses in key areas with one-on-one technical advising through the EDC Small Business Development Program (EDC SBDC). In partnership with the Small Business Administration, the EDC SBDC provides entrepreneurs with high level business consulting at NO-COST. For more information on the programs and services the EDC provides CLICK HERE.

For guidance with starting a business or getting guidance with an existing business please call

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation 25th Annual Military Ball on Nov. 5 will Include One-of-a-Kind Art Exhibition

by Community Contributor • October 24, 2022 • Comments Off

The event will be held Saturday, November 5th at 5 PM at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort and will feature an art auction, former Navy SEALs lead by Marc Brakebill of Beyond the Teams and live music by The…

New Legislation Gives Less than Honorably Discharged Veterans a Fighting Chance

by Community Contributor • September 19, 2022 • Comments Off

Assembly Bill (AB) 325 authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) was signed by Governor Newsom on Saturday, September 17. AB 325 will create the Veteran’s Military Discharge Upgrade Grant Program to fund local service providers working with California veterans to assist them in filing discharge upgrade applications.

“I am grateful to Governor Newsom for signing AB 325,” said Assemblymember Irwin. “Veterans have bravely fought for our safety, and it is only fair that we now fight for theirs and provide them with the services and benefits that are owed to them.”

The nature of a veteran’s discharge from their military service branch has an effect on what benefits they may be eligible for based on their service. As a result, a less than honorable discharge deprives veterans from accessing important federal and state benefits resulting in veterans paying higher costs for housing, health care, and education.

Bilingual commentary — Falling Down

by Community Contributor • August 5, 2022 • Comments Off

“Fall out!” the sergeant screamed at us. I didn’t know what he meant and feared that I was obligated to take that command literally.

It was September of 1967 at a military base near San Antonio, Texas. We were kept up all night to be processed into the military and were given our ill-fitting uniforms. We were “compassionately” granted two hours of sleep and then marched off for a hasty breakfast before a full day of intense training.

United Way of Ventura County provides permanent homes for 110 households

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2022 • Comments Off

United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program has officially provided permanent housing for 110 local households with a 96% retention rate. This means 188 individuals, including 45 veterans, now have a place to call home in the Ventura County community.

Homelessness and housing challenges have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and limited affordable housing supply, extremely low vacancy rates, and rising rents make the situation increasingly challenging. UWVC’s Landlord Engagement Program advocates for and supports those prioritized for housing vouchers and housing subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners.

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation Joined by Local First Responders on May 30 to Pay Tribute to Those Who Died Serving our Country

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2022 • Comments Off

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) will be joined by local First Responders as they pay tribute to those who died serving our country on Monday, May 30, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. sharp at the Santa Barbara Cemetery.

Representatives of local first responders attending include:

The California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara Area
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
Santa Barbara Police Department
Santa Barbara City Fire Department
Santa Barbara County Fire Department
Montecito Fire Protection District

Rep. Brownley — Honoring Our Veterans – Today and Every Day

by Community Contributor • November 11, 2021 • Comments Off

On this Veterans Day, we must commit not only to express our gratitude to our veterans, but to also fulfill our nation’s solemn promise: just as the military pledges to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield, we must leave no veteran behind when they return home. How we care for our veterans is a measure of our character as a country.

Since being elected to Congress, I have made it my priority to ensure that as a nation we fulfill this promise to our veterans and their families. Without their selfless service, America would not have the liberties so many of us enjoy – and often take for granted.

So, today, we pay tribute to these men and women who have served our country in defense of our values, our security, and our way of life.

In Ventura County, Veterans Day perfectly illustrates our community’s traditions and steadfast commitment to recognizing and honoring the men and women who have served our nation in uniform. It is that ethos that also guides my work – both in Congress and in Ventura County.

Ventura College Offers New Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2021 • Comments Off

Veterans experiencing unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic are among the country’s hardest-hit populations. To help veterans who have been impacted, Ventura College’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC) is now offering the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP). Eligible veterans will receive up to one year of U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs-paid training for high-demand occupations and a monthly housing allowance.

To qualify for the Veteran Affairs (VA) program, veterans need to be between the ages of 22 and 66, unemployed due to COVID, not totally disabled and have no other VA benefits remaining.

Port of Hueneme Hosts Wheelchair Distribution for Local Disabled Veterans

by Community Contributor • June 28, 2021 • Comments Off

The Port of Hueneme, in collaboration with 12 other organizations, sponsored and hosted a wheelchair distribution for veterans in need on Friday, June 25, at the Port’s administrative offices. These wheelchairs are part of a larger effort coordinated by Gold Coast Veterans Foundation, Disabled American Veterans – Ventura Chapter 24, Knights of Columbus, and other organizations in the county.

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation “Night at the Drive-In!” on Nov. 11 Honors Two Santa Barbara World War II Veterans

by Community Contributor • November 11, 2020 • Comments Off

Although it has been difficult to have in person events this year, Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) is still managing to keep the Veteran’s Day spirit alive with “Night at the Drive-In!,” an event where they will honor World War II Veterans Art Peterson and Ugo D. Arnoldi, deceased.

Every year, PCVF has their in-person Military Ball to show their appreciation for all Veterans but this year, due to COVID-19, they have changed their usual in-person event to a drive-in event to fit social distancing guidelines. Their drive-in event will have a gourmet BBQ boxed dinner, a movie screening of Memphis Belle, a few surprises and will keep their tradition of honoring veterans from the Santa Barbara community.

Ventura College Foundation’s Jerry Arellano Veteran Resource Center Library Program To Provide Textbook Stipends To Veteran Students

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura College Foundation’s Jerry Arellano Veteran Resource Center Library Program received $59,000 in new funding to provide textbook stipends to U.S. veteran students attending Ventura College.

Veterans will be given up to $250 per semester for two semesters. To receive the textbook-buying stipend, recipients must donate at least one of their books purchased with the stipend to the Jerry Arellano Veteran Resource Center Library so future students can have access to textbooks at no cost. The library is named after Arellano, a Marine veteran and long-time firefighter including service at Station 32 at Edwards Air Force Base.

United Way of Ventura County — This is the last week for our Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits drive!

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

United Way of Ventura County COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits Drive This is the last week for our Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits drive! We need 132 more care kits to reach our goal! Join United Way of Ventura…

Guest commentary — A tribute to a fallen veteran

by Community Contributor • May 25, 2020 • Comments Off

“We were stationed off the coast of Vietnam. When we got the command from up top we would bomb the mainland” those are precisely the only two sentences that my late brother Sergio ever spoke to me about his protracted stint in the Navy during the deadly Viet Nam war years of circa 1968-1971 where he was stationed secretly out there somewhere in the vast Pacific Ocean. I never pushed my older brother for more details. I could tell from that one short abrupt conversation that I had with him shortly after he was honorable discharged from his military service that it was a history that that he would discuss with no one. He made good on his word! Just this past week my dear brother past away and with him his memories, secrets, nightmares and ruminations about the war in Viet Nam that he participated in are gone with him forever!

United Way of Ventura County COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits Drive extended to June 1

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2020 • Comments Off

United Way of Ventura County COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits Drive We’ve extended our Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits drive to June 1, 2020, to help more of our most vulnerable neighbors in need during this public health crisis.…

Military Ball Marks Beginning of Veterans Week Events in Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • November 9, 2018 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Close to 600 guests gathered at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort on Saturday, November 3rd for Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation’s (PCVF) 22nd Annual Military Ball. Four-star General Robin Rand, who recently retired from the U.S. Air…

Ventura County Animal Services Offers Special Pet Adoption for Veteran’s Day Weekend

by Community Contributor • November 9, 2018 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Special Pet Adoption Promotion this weekend for veterans, active duty and reserve personnel as well as their immediate family at the Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS). Click on image or click here on Facebook for more information.