Category: Women

Cottage Health appoints Melissa Ruiz, MD, MPH, as Endowed Chair of Pediatric Residency Program

by Community Contributor • March 26, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health has appointed Melissa Ruiz, MD, MPH, as the Endowed Chair of the Pediatric Residency Program. The appointment honors both Dr. Ruiz’ contributions to medical education and the generosity of Lalage and Steven Rales, whose support has made the endowed position possible.

The endowed position will strengthen Cottage’s graduate medical education program by promoting excellence and innovation in pediatric training—supporting research, specialized education, and advanced technology.

“Dr. Ruiz embodies the values that define Cottage Health — excellence, integrity, and compassion,” said Scott Wester, President and CEO of Cottage Health. “Her appointment as endowed chair ensures that our pediatric residents will continue to learn from a leader who understands both the science of medicine and the heart of service, strengthening the future of pediatric training at Cottage.”

VCCCD Announces Ventura College Presidential finalists

by Community Contributor • March 26, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) Chancellor RickMacLennan is pleased to announce that there are three (3) finalists moving forward in the search process for the next President of Ventura College.

Listed below are candidate biographies and campus forums information. College faculty, staff, administration, and community members are invited to attend.

Bilingual report — People’s Self-Health Housing eNewsletter – March 2026

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2026 • Comments Off

One of the great privileges of my work is the chance to speak with service members and military families. Each conversation reminds me just how often they are asked to uproot their lives: moving from base to base, state to state, sometimes across the world. Beyond the logistics of finding a new home, packing and unpacking boxes, the real disruptions run deeper. Every move means enrolling children in new schools, locating the nearest grocery store, finding a dentist who is taking new patients, discovering a new congregation, meeting new neighbors, finding where to get a haircut, identifying a reliable plumber, even deciding, once again, where to put the Christmas tree. Individually, these tasks may seem small, but repeatedly layered together, they can create isolation, instability, and lost opportunities. But these moves, at least, come with the support structures of the military.

California Lutheran University expands Board of Regents

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2026 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University’s Board of Regents has appointed Attorney Melinda Guzman and longtime Ventura County nonprofit leader Kate McLean to its diverse board of thought leaders. The new members bring decades of legal, civic and nonprofit leadership experience to the university’s governing body.

“The Board of Regents’ focus is the success of Cal Lutheran and its students, faculty and staff,” Ann Boynton, chair of the Board of Regents, said. “Kate and Melinda bring a deep commitment and desire to use their skills and experiences to support our mission. I am so grateful to them for their enthusiasm and look forward to working closely with them.”

People’s Self-Health Housing — The Blueprint – March 2026

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2026 • Comments Off

Housing advocates nationally are hoping that 2026 will be the pivotal year for affordable housing.

The U.S. Senate has passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act with an overwhelming 89–10 bipartisan vote. This marks the most significant federal housing reform in decades and brings together the Housing for the 21st Century Act and the ROAD to Housing Act. Combined it has more than 40 provisions aimed at boosting supply, lowering costs, and modernizing how homes get built.

The new legislation directly addresses one of the biggest issues: we simply don’t have enough homes. Our nation needs housing of every kind — for renters, first?time buyers, families, seniors, and people with disabilities. The new bill aims to tackle this shortage by making it easier, faster, and less expensive to build.

Port of Hueneme — Running on Sunshine: Sea Splash Color Dash 5k returns in full color

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2026 • Comments Off

ORT HUENEME — The City of Port Hueneme and the Port of Hueneme successfully hosted their third annual Sea Splash Color Dash 5K this weekend, drawing a vibrant crowd of community members for a day centered on wellness, connection, and coastal fun.

More than 800 participants gathered at Hueneme Beach before setting off along the coastal scenic beachfront course, running, walking, and celebrating as they were doused in colorful powder along the route. The high-energy event brought together families, local organizations, and visitors of all ages.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — 28% Decrease in Homelessness Reported in Ventura County Since 2023

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2026 • Comments Off

Encouraging progress in Ventura County. The 2026 Point-in-Time Count shows a 28% reduction in homelessness since 2023—a meaningful step forward driven by investments in housing, prevention, and coordinated community efforts.

Behind every number in this report is a person—someone whose life is changing for the better. This progress reflects a strong, community-wide commitment to expanding housing, strengthening prevention, and meeting people where they are. We’re grateful to the many partners making this work possible.

While encouraged by these results, we remain focused on the goal: ensuring every person in Ventura County has stability, dignity, and a place to call home.

Click here to learn more.

CSUCI to host 2026 Ventura County Agricultural Education Summit on March 27

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Ventura County Farm to School will host the 2026 Agricultural Education Summit at CSU Channel Islands, bringing together educators, farmers, students, and community leaders for a day of learning, collaboration, and innovation focused on the region’s agriculture industry.

The summit will take place Friday, March 27, 2026, at CSU Channel Islands’ Grand Salon, featuring hands-on workshops, expert-led discussions, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen agricultural education across Ventura County.

Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — CAUSE Stands with Survivors in the Farmworker Movement. Please see related stories

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2026 • Comments Off

We are heartbroken feeling the profound grief in our communities from the emerging allegations of sexual abuse by Cesar Chavez. We stand with all of the survivors, from Dolores Huerta herself to those whose names we may never know. Far too many women are harmed by powerful men while giving their blood, sweat, and tears to social movements, and choose silence in order to protect the work they have dedicated their lives to. These revelations are even more hurtful as they run contrary to the very spirit of worker organizations which exist to harness the collective power of workers against those who use their power to cause harm. We must all recommit ourselves to the work of making our movements safe places to call home and condemn leaders abusing their power in all forms.

Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — New Housing Protections in Ventura County: Know Your Rights

by Community Contributor • March 20, 2026 • Comments Off

Our tenant organizing in Ventura County has led to exciting wins to protect renters in our communities.

Many tenants are forced to live with unsafe or poor conditions as if it’s normal. Small issues – like a broken stove or a leaking faucet – often go unrepaired, even after being reported multiple times. Over time, these problems get worse and can make a home unsafe, putting families’ health at risk.

Women’s Economic Ventures celebrates International Women’s Day with community eaders, Entrepreneur Story, and Trailblazer Award

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA & SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES — In celebration of International Women’s Day, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) brought together community leaders, entrepreneurs, donors, and partners for a special event honoring women’s leadership and the power of investing in women’s economic opportunity.

Held on March 5 at Spanish Hills Club in Camarillo, the gathering highlighted WEV’s mission to support women facing barriers to financial self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship and financial education. The program also recognized the organization’s 35th anniversary and the ongoing impact of investing in women and women-led businesses.

Asm. Bennett announces UFW Leader, housing attorney Barbara Macri-Ortiz as 2026 Woman of the Year

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2026 • Comments Off

SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Oxnard) announces (March 16) that he has selected Barbara Macri-Ortiz as his 2026 Woman of the Year. In observation of Women’s History Month, the California Legislative Women’s Caucus allows state legislators to select a Woman of the Year. Accompanied by her son, Macri-Ortiz joins Asm. Bennett today in Sacramento for the Woman of the Year floor ceremony.

An attorney in private practice in Oxnard, Macri-Ortiz specializes in all aspects of affordable housing development, land use, and landlord-tenant law. Throughout her 39-year legal career she has focused on issues of importance to farm workers and other low wage workers.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson named 42nd District’s 2026 Woman of the Year

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson has been honored as the 2026 Woman of the Year by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. She was recognized by the 42nd District Assemblymember for being part of “Women Making History”.

Bilingual report — Downtown Oxnard Cultural District takes center stage at Arts, Culture & Creativity Month kick-off on April 1

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The Oxnard arts community will launch Arts, Culture & Creativity Month this April with a vibrant celebration of the newly designated Downtown Oxnard Cultural District, bringing together artists, cultural leaders, and community stakeholders for a dynamic public kickoff event.

Hosted by the City of Oxnard, the Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association (DOIA), and the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit (OPAC), the event will take place at the John C. Zaragoza Transit Center is an inspired and accessible venue that reflects the district’s creativity through large-scale murals, interactive pop-up art experiences, and locally crafted offerings, including bespoke coffee from Dolce Vita.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Heat advisory for Ventura County through Friday

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2026 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, Public Health Office, and the National Weather Service are monitoring a prolonged heat event through Friday, March 20.

?? Temperatures are expected to be up to 25° above normal, with inland areas reaching the 90s and even 100s.

Habitat Ventura’s Women Build 2026 mobilizes community to provide necessary repairs for senior residents

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2026 • Comments Off

NEWBURY PARK — Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County (Habitat Ventura) brought together more than 70 volunteers this International Women’s Day weekend for its annual Women Build event presented by Bank of America. On Saturday, March 7, volunteers gathered at a senior mobile home park in Newbury Park to complete critical repairs on six mobile homes for the senior community. Throughout the day, volunteers worked side-by-side completing interior and exterior repairs, painting, replacing stairs, and addressing any additional needs that required support.

Bilingual report — Ventura’s Summer Activity Guide has arrived!

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Parks & Recreation Summer Activity Guide is available online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide. Registration begins Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. and will be available online, over the phone, or in person at City Hall, Room 226, 501 Poli Street. Registration information and policies are on page 7.

Museum of Ventura County — Celebrating 2026 Women of the Year in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2026 • Comments Off

The Museum of Ventura County’s Board of Directors and staff are proud to celebrate two remarkable women whose leadership and dedication strengthen our organization and community. Dr. Sevet Johnson, MVC Board Member, and Elena Brokaw, MVC’s Barbara Barnard Smith CEO, have each been recognized as 2026 Women of the Year.

Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara announces 2026 Summer Music Festival & School

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2026 • Comments Off

View in Browser Music Academy of the West announces 2026 Summer Music Festival & School American Mosaic: The 79th annual Summer Music Festival celebrates American voices, June 17–August 8 in Santa Barbara Subscriptions on sale April 9 Individual tickets…

Bilingual report — County of Ventura announces artist team (Elisa Torres) for landmark Moon Ditch Mural Project

by Community Contributor • March 13, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura, in partnership with Studio Channel Islands Art Center, is proud to announce the selection of the lead artist and artist team for the Moon Ditch Mural Project, a public art initiative that will transform a nearly mile-long flood control channel into one of the largest murals in Ventura County. Elisa Torres, an accomplished Oxnard-based muralist, painter, and cultural strategist has been selected to lead artistic work on the project. Visible from Highway 101 and passenger rail lines, the Moon Ditch mural will be seen by tens of thousands daily and serve as a cultural landmark for years to come.

Santa Paula Art Museum — ‘Cornelis Botke: Painter of the Western Scene’ opens March 14!, more upcoming events

by Community Contributor • March 13, 2026 • Comments Off

Be the first to see our all-new exhibit on Saturday, March 14! Santa Paula artist Cornelis Botke (1887-1954) is best remembered as a master etcher whose work earned international acclaim and entered the collections of the California State Library, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Institution. Yet from childhood, Botke’s greatest ambition was to be a painter.

‘SEA’ What’s exciting & new In 2026 at Ventura Harbor Village

by Community Contributor • March 12, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village announces a wave of new visitor amenities in 2026. Situated just off scenic Highway 1 and the 101 freeway, the waterfront destination invites locals and travelers alike to take in the views and soak up the waterfront lifestyle with expanded dining, new artsy retailers and wine releases, beauty collaborations and more, making Ventura Harbor Village a must-visit coastal hotspot.

“These exciting additions reflect the spirit of Ventura Harbor Village – creative, welcoming, and deeply connected to the coastal experience,” said Brian Pendleton, Ventura Port District General Manager. “In 2026, we’re delighted to offer even more ways for guests to eat, sip, relax, and enjoy the Harbor seaside.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura awarded $5.6 Million through State Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura and the Ventura County Continuum of Care have been awarded $5.6 million through Round 6 of California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program, a statewide effort to support regional strategies that prevent and end homelessness. The award was announced on March 2 by Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The County of Ventura was among 20 regions statewide included in this latest round of awards.

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.

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