Category: Women

Leadership Lived: Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) recognizes Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Celina Zacarias

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

PORT HUENEME — Influence, inspiration, and impact took center stage on Wednesday in Camarillo as people from across the region gathered to help Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) mark its 35th anniversary year with a special luncheon in honor of International Women’s Day. The event celebrated women whose leadership has strengthened local communities, including Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Celina Zacaraias, who received WEV’s 2026 Trailblazer award.

“I’m so fortunate to work alongside amazing and inspiring women such as our Port CEO Kristin Decas and CSUCI President Susan Andrzejewski, who are trailblazers in their respective careers,” Zacarias said.

Port of Hueneme DOCK TALK Community Newsletter — Feb. 2026

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

The Port of Hueneme is excited to once again host (it’s first annual Robatics Competition) that is free and open to the public to attend. Click the button to learn more about the competition schedule.

March 7-8, 2026
The Port of Hueneme
333 Ponoma St. Port Hueneme

Spirit of Japan Ventura 2026 returns (April 18-19) with authentic Japanese food, culture and family fun

by Amigos805.com • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Spirit of Japan Ventura returns for its second year, bringing a vibrant celebration of Japanese food, culture, and community to Ventura County. The two-day outdoor festival will take place Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2026, welcoming…

Habitat Ventura brings affordable homeownership to Ojai with Tiny Homes Project

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

OJAI — Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County (Habitat Ventura) is preparing for an exciting new chapter in its mission to expand affordable housing opportunities in Ventura County, with a small-scale residential development planned for Ojai and anticipated to break ground in summer 2026. The Montgomery Street Tiny Homes project will deliver five new homes designed to meet the needs of the Ojai community while preserving the character of the neighborhood. The development will include two thoughtfully designed tiny home duplexes and one single-family home, creating a total of five affordable homeownership opportunities for local families.

Museum of Ventura County — Free Admission in March + Discover What’s New Online

by Community Contributor • March 5, 2026 • Comments Off

Thanks to the generous support of Ventura County Credit Union, admission to the Museum of Ventura County is FREE in March. This support allows more visitors to explore Ventura County’s history, art, and cultural heritage.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves acceptance of $250,000 donation to support E.P. Foster Library Renovation Project

by Community Contributor • March 5, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, during their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 3, unanimously approved the acceptance of a $250,000 donation from the Ventura Friends of the Library (VFOL) to support the E.P. Foster Library Building Forward Grant Project. The donation will help meet required local matching funds for the state-funded renovation project at the E.P. Foster Library in downtown Ventura. As part of the action, the Board also authorized the necessary budget adjustments to formally receive and allocate the funds, with no additional cost to the County’s General Fund.

Nonprofit Celebrates 55th Anniversary and Local Leaders at the LEAP Awards?

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2026 • Comments Off

GOLETA — LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner. celebrated its 55th anniversary as a nonprofit — and 50 years of providing high-quality childcare — at the 2026 LEAP Awards Brunch on Saturday, February 28, at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The event raised $81,715 to support LEAP’s programs and services for children and families across Santa Barbara County.

Housing leaders identify workforce housing as key to Ventura County’s economic future

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2026 • Comments Off

“The lack of available housing, not just affordable housing, but available housing, is the single largest impediment to economic growth and prosperity in our region,” said Stephanie Caldwell, President & CEO of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. “As Ken Trigueiro said, ‘Affordable housing is where the jobs go at night’.” These words framed the core theme of the morning: if workers cannot afford to live here, Ventura County’s economy cannot thrive.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara March 2026 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2026 • Comments Off

The perfect Lompoc couples weekend In Santa Barbara County along California’s Central Coast

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 23, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 23, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

Union registered nurses across the country (including Ventura County) hold day of action TODAY to protest ICE as one of worst public health threats

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

Registered nurse members of National Nurses United, the nation’s largest union and professional association of RNs, are naming federal immigration enforcement agencies as among the country’s top public health threats, and demanding through national coordinated protests on Thursday, Feb. 19 that Congress stop funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and move to abolish ICE for the health and safety of patients and communities. Nurses also blame hospital executives for failing to clearly side with nurses and immigrant patients by acting to keep ICE out of hospitals.

New affordable family and workforce housing developments advance in Unincorporated Ventura County (near Ojai) and Santa Barbara with McCarthy Companies

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

Museum of Ventura County — Inside the Exhibition Opening + What’s Next

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

We welcomed hundreds of guests for an inspiring first look at Pages to Posters: The Visual Worlds of Simms Taback. This exhibition celebrates learning, community, humor, and cultural connection, values that shaped Taback’s work. Vibrant original posters and illustrations are on display, along with Taback’s Caldecott Medal and his design for the first McDonald’s Happy Meal box. The evening featured refreshments and live jazz by The Dennis Berger Trio, sponsored by the Ventura Music Festival.

WATCH THE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:

El Concilio Family Services — Call for nominations

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

Women’s Fund in Santa Barbara County set to distribute $1,375,000 grants pool in 2026

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2026 • Comments Off

“This large grants pool not only reflects the remarkable generosity of our 1,450+ members but also their commitment to our community,” says Women’s Fund Board Chair Carolyn Jabs. “It also demonstrates the power of collective giving. By combining our contributions, we magnify the impact of every member’s donation so we can give significant grants to nonprofits with projects that benefit vulnerable women, children, and families.”

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara names Foodbank of Santa Barbara County ‘Partner Organization of the Year’

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

A to Z Law partner mew VP for Ventura County Legal Association

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Susan McCarthy, a partner with A to Z Law, is the incoming vice president of the Ventura County Trial Lawyers Association.

The Ventura County Trial Lawyers Association is a local organization of trial attorneys dedicated to improving the civil justice system, the lawyers who serve it and the overall community around it. McCarthy, whose practice focuses on business, commercial, real property and probate litigation, has been on the association’s board of directors since 2008.

United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program reaches major milestone: 1,000 people housed

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2026 • Comments Off

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.