Category: Women

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Now Offering Non-Invasive Treatment Option for Patients with Liver Tumors

Only hospital in the region offering ultrasound-based liver tumor treatment SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH) is now offering histotripsy, an innovative, non-invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to precisely destroy targeted tissue in both cancerous and…

Physician incentive program delivers $16M in quality health Care to Central Coast in 2025

SANTA BARBARA — In 2025, CenCal Health, the Medi-Cal managed care plan, distributed over $16 million to 95 local primary care providers through its Quality Care Incentive Program (QCIP), driving significant improvements in patient care across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. QCIP rewards CenCal Health providers for excellence in key clinical areas, including diabetes and asthma management, breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings, and pediatric well-care.

Holiday heart dangers: stress, cold, and overindulgence drive spike in cardiac incidents

VENTURA COUNTY  — Stress, cold weather, and festive indulgence make the holiday season the most dangerous time of year for heart emergencies. American Medical Response (AMR), which is the largest emergency medical service provider in the U.S. and part of Global Medical Response (GMR), has found cardiac emergencies rise by more than 30% on Christmas Eve. This makes it their busiest day of the year for heart-related incidents. This trend aligns with national data from the American Heart Associationshowing the majority of cardiac deaths in the U.S. occur during the last week of December.

Biligual report — December News from People’s Self-Help Housing

As we approach December 21, the longest night of the year, I am reminded of the profound significance this season holds for those of us committed to ending homelessness. The winter solstice is a natural pause, a moment to reflect on the stark reality faced by individuals who endure these long nights without the comfort of shelter.

While many of us live by calendars, alarms, and screens, the sun remains the oldest measure of time. In these days of deep darkness and cold, I encourage you to take a moment to consider what these hours mean for those without warmth, food, or safety.

Bilingual report — Unmet transit need survey being conducted in Ventura County

VENTURA COUNTY — We want to know if bus, paratransit, dial-a-ride, on-demand, or rail services are meeting your needs.

Your local transit operators are looking for comments and suggestions that will help to plan and improve transit services in Ventura County. You can share your comments in a few ways.

Bilingual report — 805UndocuFund conducting $50,000 year-end fundraising campaign

CENTRAL COAST — The 805UndocuFund is conducting a $50,000 year-end fundraising campaign.

This is an ambitious goal, but the need far exceeds any fundraising goals. Your year-end gift will continue to fuel our grassroots efforts and strengthen our movement to protect the humanity of our undocumented neighbors. We understand that times are tough, yet together we have shown the ability to make the impossible possible.

Community commitment advances student opportunity at Moorpark College

MOORPARK — Moorpark College is deepening its commitment to student success with the support of a $75,000 donation from Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU), which will help expand scholarships, basic needs programs and student-centered initiatives across campus. This gift was presented to the college as a part of VCCU’s “Year of Giving.”

“We are deeply grateful for VCCU’s extraordinary investment in our students,” said Dr. Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College. “This generous gift strengthens the programs that open doors, empower learners and uplift families across Ventura County. VCCU’s commitment to education reflects the very best of community partnership, and together we are helping our students build futures filled with purpose and possibility.”

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — A personal note from Nadra: Help fill the gap

This holiday season, I’m proud to support the Community Environmental Council in protecting the Central Coast. But federal rollbacks have created a $1.5 million funding gap, threatening programs that keep our air clean, food systems resilient, and communities prepared. And with new proposals to expand offshore drilling along our coastline, it’s clear we must do more than simply fight back — we must strengthen the community-led solutions generations have worked to build.

Museum of Ventura County — Season of Gratitude

As we approach the end of the year, we are deeply grateful for a community that believes in the power of history, art, and shared stories.

Each day, the Museum of Ventura County preserves the history of our region by collecting and caring for its stories through oral histories, objects, photographs, and archival materials. We serve as the steward of Ventura County’s collective memory, ensuring that the people, places, and moments that shaped our community are protected for generations to come.

Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Our new website is here – Built to power our movement

We’re excited to share some big news with you! Even in a year that’s brought no shortage of challenges, we’ve been working to launch a more accessible, user-friendly website – a digital home designed to help us stay connected, build grassroots power, and make sure our communities have the tools we need to know and defend our rights.

Our new site is built for you. When you have a moment, take a look around – and be sure you’re subscribed to our email list. If you’re on social media, follow us on Instagram and Facebook so you never miss an update.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police urge responsible celebrations this holiday season

VENTURA — As holiday celebrations ramp up, so does the risk on our roads. In December 2023, 1,038 people across the U.S. lost their lives in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Ventura Police Department joins agencies statewide in urging drivers to celebrate responsibly and keep impaired driving out of their holiday plans.

Tthrough New Year’s Day, Ventura Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk.

Ventura County Credit Union concludes ‘Year of Giving’ with $75,000 donation to Museum of Ventura County

“This gift from Ventura County Credit Union will help us fulfill our mission to engage the community in meaningful experiences with history, art and culture,” said Elena Brokaw, Barbara Barnard CEO of the Museum of Ventura County. “As we work to expand our programs and strengthen community partnerships, this support enables us to continue serving as a gathering place where diverse voices and stories come together. We are deeply grateful to VCCU for investing in our future and recognizing the vital role museums play in helping us understand our past and build a better future for Ventura County.”

State-of-the-Art Indoor Pickleball complex coming to Santa Barbara/Goleta area this Spring

SANTA BARBARA — A new home to the pickleball community is coming to Santa Barbara County. The former Bed Bath & Beyond location, in the Fairview Shopping Center in Goleta, will soon be transformed into a premier indoor pickleball facility, The Picklr Santa Barbara, owned and operated by local residents Ted and Trish Guggenheim. The state-of-the-art complex will feature 7 professional-grade courts, including 2 official championship-sized courts. 

Allan Hancock College celebrates Nursing and EMT Program graduations in Lompoc

LOMPOC — Allan Hancock College celebrated a new crop of first responders and healthcare workers as a combined 137 individuals graduated from the college’s fire, emergency medical technician (EMT), and nursing programs on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12.  

The fire and EMT academy graduates were honored during two ceremonies at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC) in Lompoc, while the nursing graduation took place at the Marian Theatre on the college’s Santa Maria campus.

A total of 30 cadets graduated from the fire academy on Dec. 11, marking the end of a rigorous 18-week program consisting of 624 hours of classroom and field instruction. Before the ceremony, the cadets gave a live demonstration of the skills they learned at the academy, including running fire hoses, dousing burning cars and extricating “victims” from vehicle wrecks outside the PSTC’s burn tower.

Ventura Music Festival — Music gives so much more!

This year, music lifted Ventura at an unprecedented rate.
It reached students who had never held an instrument.
It comforted those at Community Memorial Hospital.
It filled parks, schools, museums, and neighborhoods — ?much of it free and all of it accessible to all.

And now, as the year comes to a close, we ask you to help keep this music playing.

Your support today fuels the music tomorrow. Year-end gifts are fully tax-deductible and make an immediate impact across the programs that define our mission. Every dollar you give ensures that the Ventura Music Festival continues to reach more people, in more places, in more ways—especially those who need it most.

Allan Hancock College’s SkillsUSA Community Service Team organizes blanket drive donation

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s SkillsUSA Community Service Team is collecting new and gently used blankets this holiday season to support individuals and families in need across the Central Coast.

Donation bins are available now through Dec.19 in the Mechanics Bank Student Center (bldg. G) at the college’s Santa Maria campus. Community members are encouraged to contribute if they are able.

The blanket drive serves as the team’s official SkillsUSA community service project for the year. Students on the team include Johana Diaz-Toscano, Alexandra Ramirez and Victoria Gama. The three students organized and launched the initiative entirely themselves. Diaz-Toscano said that blankets will be distributed to local shelters, many of which see increased need during the winter months.

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas — La Posada del teatro | Movie Night | Casting Call | Vision Board

*** Teatro’s Christmas Party ***

Let’s celebrate another year of art, stories, friendship, drama, and smiles.

Saturday, December 13

Starting at 6 p.m.

7 p.m. Araceli Collazo & The Ensamble

8 p.m. Karaoke Night with DJ Mannu

Bilingual report — Ventura Police spread holiday cheer at annual Shop with a Cop

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department helped make the season brighter for local families on December 10, 2025, during its annual Shop with a Cop event, held at Walmart and hosted in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura and the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. 

This year, 30 children from low-income households and families facing childhood cancer were paired with Ventura Police officers for an unforgettable evening of one-on-one shopping. Each child received $150 to choose gifts for the people they love, turning what can be a challenging time of year into an afternoon of joy and connection. 

Climate Stewards Winter 2026 Enrollment: Turn climate anxiety into community power

As federal policy and funding rollbacks threaten decades of environmental progress, it’s never been more important for all of us to step up, care for our neighborhoods, restore our ecosystems, and protect the places we love.

CEC’s Climate Stewards Certification Program empowers individuals from all backgrounds to advance bold climate solutions right at home. High school and college students, recent grads, teachers, community members, non-profit staff, business owners, retirees, and more are all invited to join us as we take collective action to move forward meaningful climate progress.

Holiday Magic at Heritage Square Oxnard

Call for Entries: Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit
Looking for a fun holiday project? Our annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit is the perfect way for family and friends to gather this weekend and create something sweet together.
Entries are due by next Tuesday, December 15.
Your gingerbread creation will be featured as part of our holiday display at Heritage Square.
View entry information: https://forms.gle/y7e8bHAoNfiiQcXC7
Inspiration from past entries here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/137180328@N06/albums/72157720188275462/

Habitat Families receive keys to homes they helped build at Vista Campanario

VENTURA — On the morning of Saturday, December 6th, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County (Habitat Ventura) presented families with keys to their very own homes at Vista Campanario in Camarillo. The families, all first-time homeowners, helped build their homes alongside Habitat Ventura volunteers, with each family contributing 250-500 hours of sweat equity.The eight new townhomes are located at Vista Campanario, a new Camarillo development that includes rental units along with the eight for-sale Habitat town homes.

“We are always trying to be better at what we do. This build is the first time we’ve collaborated with multiple partners to build these units,” said Darcy Taylor, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County. “To continue to build low-income housing, it’s going to take more than just Habitat to do that. We’re grateful for the partners that have allowed us to put these wonderful homes together.”

Bilingual report — Registration for Ventura’s Spring 2026 Activity Guide begins Jan. 6

Every Ventura resident will receive a printed copy of the Activity Guide in the mail. Additional copies are available for pick-up at City Hall and other City facilities during business hours, including the Westpark Community Center, Barranca Vista Community Center, Ventura Aquatics Center, and Ventura Avenue Adult Center.

Italian Photographer Mario Giacomelli (1925–2000) highlighted at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art as part of celebrations around the centennial of his birth

SANTA BARBARA — Now open at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) is an exhibition of notable Italian photographer Mario Giacomelli (1925–2000). Through innovative darkroom techniques, he depicted the people and landscapes of Italy’s Marche region with high contrast and sharp psychological intensity. Celebrating a significant new gift to the museum as well as the hundredth anniversary of the artist’s birth, Mario Giacomelli: La Gente, La Terra features 36 photographs taken between 1955 and 1980—all from SBMA’s collection—including some of his most iconic images. The exhibition will be open until February 15, 2026.

History, Art, Community & Connection at Museum of Ventura County

GIVE THE GIFT OF HISTORY

As you make your year-end giving plans, we invite you to support the Museum of Ventura County and help preserve the stories that define our community. A meaningful way to give this season is by donating appreciated stock. Gifts of stock may offer significant tax advantages while making a lasting impact on our exhibitions, education programs, and preservation work.

Santa Paula Museum of Art — Inbox Art Exhibit: Harvey Cusworth’s ‘Visions of Conejo Valley and the Malibu Coast’

On view now through January 11, 2026

Harvey Cusworth fell in love with drawing and illustration at the age of eleven. Born and raised in West Los Angeles, Cusworth earned a BFA in illustration and graphic design from Brigham Young University in Utah and later an MFA from California State University, Long Beach. After starting a family and helping grow the family construction business, Harvey set his sights on teaching.

For nearly two decades, Cusworth taught Advanced

Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center’s Round-Up (to the next dollar) Campaign Raises $10,000 for Hospice of Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the October Round-Up Campaign hosted by the Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center. Over the course of the 33-day campaign, customers were invited to round up their purchases at checkout or make an additional donation, directly benefiting Hospice of Santa Barbara’s services.

The campaign successfully raised an impressive $10,000 for Hospice of Santa Barbara. This significant total was achieved through the generosity of approximately 20,000 customers, highlighting the community-wide reach of the effort. 100% of the funds benefit Hospice of Santa Barbara services, which are provided at no cost.

“We are deeply grateful to Gary Simpson and the entire Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center team for their continued generosity and for hosting this successful campaign,” said David Selberg, Hospice of Santa Barbara CEO.

Gold Coast Transit District unveils 2025 Holiday Bus: The Holiday Express – Ride into the Magic

OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) is excited to announce the official launch of its 2025 Holiday Bus, The Holiday Express: Ride into the Magic. Inspired by the timeless Polar Express Christmas story, this year’s festive bus invites riders of all ages to step aboard and experience the wonder of the season.

GCTD hosted a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, December 3rd, where community members, staff, and local leaders gathered to witness the unveiling of the transformed bus. Wrapped in winter scenery, twinkling lights and whimsical holiday illustrations, The Holiday Express sets the stage for a magical ride throughout Ventura County.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: BUSINESS LAW AND RELATED TAX TOPICS FOR EMERGING BUSINESS

December 8 @ 8:00 am

SCORE KC’s Business Law and Related Tax Topics for Emerging Businesses webinar will help you decide when and how to utilize legal advice, such as forming your business, operating your business, growing your business, addressing related business law issues, and understanding related tax law issues. Price: $10.00.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Downtown Oxnard — A Storybook Christmas season …

OXNARD — Celebrate the season on Sat., Dec. 6th, at the Oxnard Christmas Parade. This year’s theme “A Storybook Christmas” will showcase creative floats, colorful marching bands, equestrian units, local school groups, and the man of the hour – Santa! This year’s Grand Marshal is Anderson .Paak. It all begins at 10:00 a.m. on Sat., Dec. 6th. Stake out your viewing spot on the route on A Street from 9th to 5th and north on C Streets in Downtown Oxnard.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Library launches ‘Reimagine Your VC Library’ strategic planning initiative; Invites community feedback to shape the future

Through the initiative, VCL is inviting residents across Ventura County to share their ideas and feedback to help ensure that the library continues to meet the evolving needs of its diverse communities.

The planning effort will gather public input to:

• Identify community needs and opportunities
• Provide optimum access to resources and technology
• Design innovative programs that inspire and empower
• Create inclusive and welcoming library spaces
• Ensure alignment with the County of Ventura Strategic Plan

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan member information potentially exposed in data breach

CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) recently discovered that one of its contracted business partners suffered a cyberattack that resulted in the potential disclosure of member information to an unauthorized third party.

Conduent Business Solutions, a longtime administrative services vendor for GCHP, reported that the cyberattack compromised a single employee’s email account, permitting the attacker to gain access to some files between Oct. 21, 2024, and Jan. 13, 2025. Upon discovery of the incident on Jan. 13, 2025, Conduent immediately safeguarded its systems and started an investigation. Conduent notified law enforcement of the incident and engaged a leading cybersecurity firm to assess the potential disclosure of protected health information.

Join Hospice of Santa Barbara in celebrating 42nd Annual Light Up a Life ceremonies, honoring loved ones this holiday season (Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14)

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is honored to invite the community to its 42nd Annual Light Up a Life ceremonies. This cherished holiday tradition returns to offer a warm, uniting space for the communities of Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Carpinteria to remember and honor the loved ones whose absence is felt during the holiday season. The ceremonies are free and open to the public.

While the holiday season is often associated with joy, it frequently stirs a complex mix of feelings. For individuals navigating this time while grieving a loss, the emotions can be especially raw. HSB understands that this period requires both remembrance and support, which is why we proudly host Light Up a Life annually to honor those who are deeply missed.

Island Packers announces December 2025 holiday & seasonal cruises departing from Ventura Harbor

VENTURA — Celebrate the holiday season with family and friends aboard Island Packers, (the official concessionaire to the Channel Islands) as part of company’s seasonal offerings, including a holiday caroling cruises, Ventura Harbor 49th Annual Parade of Lights & Fireworks Cruise with select weekly departures from Ventura Harbor, and   winter whale watching www.islandpackers.com Seasonal options include:

One-hour Holiday Caroling Cruise in Ventura Harbor on selected dates between December 5  – December 23, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.  Enjoy a cruise through the harbor to view holiday lights in the main channels of the marinas. Listen or sing to seasonal music.  Dates are December 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23. The fare is $24 per adult, $ 22 per senior (55+), and $18 per child.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors to meet on Dec. 9

View this email online The next regular meeting of the  County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for  10 a.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2025 County Administration Building Board Hearing Room, 4th Floor 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara The public may participate…

Music Academy of the West — A first look at our downtown music education center and its impact

As we imagine the future of music, community, and creative belonging in Santa Barbara, I’m thrilled to share an exciting update on the Academy’s Music Education Center. This visionary new hub at 901 State Street—made possible by a landmark $20 million commitment from Academy Board Member and Music Education Center Founding Contributor Cheryl Goldberg—reflects the Music Academy’s belief in music as a powerful force for connection, inspiration, and the cultural vitality of our city. 

YMCA’s ‘Gifts of Hope’ donation drive for Mountain and Los Angeles fire victims through Dec. 9

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is seeking holiday gift donations for those impacted by the Mountain and Los Angeles Fires. Its Gifts of Hope holiday shopping experience is on December 10 at the Yarrow Family YMCA. It will provide parents and guardians who lost their homes in the fires an opportunity to “shop” for new, donated gifts for their children at no cost.

C.A.R.L. announces new board, kicks off year-end giving season

SANTA PAULA — The season of giving has officially begun at Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.). Last week, the charity hosted its third annual “Pupsgiving,” whereby C.A.R.L. supporters donated $25 each for a Thanksgiving meal for the non-profit’s 50-plus dogs currently available for adoption at its Santa Paula-based sanctuary.

Canines housed at C.A.R.L. had a healthy heaping of turkey, mashed potatoes and carrots with peas, which the new Governance Board members at C.A.R.L. personally delivered to each dog.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura’s Foul Weather Shelter Plan reactivated for 2025

VENTURA — To prepare for upcoming winter weather, the City of Ventura has reactivated its Foul Weather Shelter Plan to provide temporary shelter and “stay warm” packs to Ventura’s most vulnerable residents during extreme weather events, such as severe rain, high winds, or low temperatures. Effective December 1, 2025, the The Foul Weather Shelter Plan will run through March 31, 2026.

To date, more than 4,650 meals have been provided, 280 stay warm packs distributed, and over 435 individuals have received shelter through the program.

“Ventura has an active community of local social service providers and nonprofits that work together to serve the needs of our most vulnerable population,” said Housing Services Manager Leona Rollins. “This program is needed now more than ever to help protect those who face the harshest impacts of winter weather.”

SBCC introduces upcoming improvements to its School of Extended Learning

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) School of Extended Learning is excited to announce that a number of previously offered fee-based classes are now FREE!  The long-standing fee-based program is transitioning to a fully free noncredit model. This change means that many of the same high-quality classes students have enjoyed for years will now be available at no cost.

Many of these classes are now part of the Wellness for Older Adults program, which is open to students 18 years or older and focuses on health and lifelong learning. Students will continue to enjoy the same engaging instructors and community connections, now with expanded access for all.

December at the Santa Paula Art Museum

Season’s Greetings!

We’re feeling extra thankful after November’s premiere party for The 16th Art About Agriculture Exhibition, which drew 200 guests despite the rain. We’re also delighted to share that seven artworks sold during the exhibit’s opening week! You can see the show now through March 8, 2026.

This year has been the Museum’s busiest yet thanks to the support of our donors, members, and volunteers, and we’re excited to close 2025 with some extra-special events. Scroll down to learn more.

Community Colleges of Ventura County earn innovation honor from Ventura Chamber

CAMARILLO — Big ideas are reshaping what’s possible for students and their future careers across Ventura County. At the 2025 Poinsettia Awards Luncheon, the Ventura County Community College District will be honored with this year’s Innovation Award. Presented by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, this recognition highlights the ongoing work of the Community Colleges of Ventura County to advance student success and opportunity through forward-thinking pathways and transformative programs.

The annual Poinsettia Awards celebrates excellence in business, public service, and education, honoring individuals and organizations who are making a lasting difference in the Ventura community.

“To be honored by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce is a powerful affirmation that our work is making a real difference,” said Rick MacLennan, chancellor of the Community Colleges of Ventura County. “It tells us that the innovation happening across our colleges is not only visible: it’s valued, and it’s meeting the needs of the community we’re proud to serve every day.”

Bilingual report — 805UNDOCUFUND newsletter update — Major Advocacy Wins & Giving Tuesday 2025/Principales Logros en Defensa y Martes de Donaciones 2025

Major Advocacy Wins & Giving Tuesday 2025/Principales Logros en Defensa y Martes de Donaciones 2025 Community Win #1: Santa Barbara County Halts Transfers & Layoffs Victoria de la Comunidad #1: El Condado de Santa Bárbara Detiene Traslados y Despidos On…

Guest commentary — Indivisible updates + actions: the Black Friday blackout (Nov. 27 through Dec. 1), a message to Trump’s corporate collaborators, more…

This week, we’re getting out votes for a massive special election in Tennessee and calling on you to put the pressure on three of Trump’s biggest corporate collaborators. Before we jump into your to-dos, here’s Ezra to explain why We Ain’t Buying It this weekend (Nov. 27 through Dec. 1)!

Guest commentary — Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Buy CA for CA – We’re Standing on Business

Whether you work in the field or an office, run a small business or a kitchen, raise children or are grinding through school – your hard work fuels the 4th largest economy in the world. The California you’ve built should work for you – not billionaires and corporations.

Small businesses, workers, and families like yourself keep our state running, not the billionaires. Our wallets should support the people who treat us with respect, pay fair wages, and reinvest in our communities.

That’s why today we’re launching Buy California For California, a campaign to use our buying power to support community over cruelty.

Until the end of the year, we’re asking you to boycott businesses that profit from our pain and instead spend your hard-earned cash on the people from our neighborhoods, who really fuel our cities, care for their workers, treat customers with respect, and reinvest in their community.

Bilingual guest commentary by Kaiser Permanente — Holiday Food Safety: Essential tips for preventing foodborne illness

Holiday gatherings are a time for celebration, family, and, of course, delicious food. However, with the hustle and bustle that comes with hosting, food safety can sometimes be overlooked. Understanding how bacteria grow and knowing the best practices for selecting, handling, serving, and storing food can help keep everyone healthy during your festivities. 

A Season of Giving: Port of Hueneme donates 1,000 turkeys to local families across Ventura County

PORT HUENEME — This year, the Port of Hueneme is celebrating a powerful season of giving with a series of hosted and partner-supported community events across Ventura County. In total, the Port helped distribute approximately 1,000 frozen turkeys and holiday meal kits to military families, seniors, farmworkers, local residents, and community members.

Throughout November, Port Commissioners, staff, volunteers, and sponsors came together to support multiple food distributions, each focused on uplifting and empowering families during the holiday season. These efforts included the Drive Out Hunger military and veterans meal giveaway, local community holiday distributions, and nonprofit-supported events across Oxnard and Port Hueneme, ensuring families from all backgrounds could enjoy a holiday meal at home.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health — Tips for practicing safe food handling during Thanksgiving

VENTURA COUNTY — This Thanksgiving, add fresh flavors to your holiday meal while preventing foodborne illness with practical tips from Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) and Ventura County Resource Management Agency Environmental Health Division (EH).

Bilingual report — Ventura businesses invited to join Window Wonderland

VENTURA  — The City of Ventura’s Economic Development team is inviting local businesses to participate in the 2025 Window Wonderland program. This festive initiative encourages storefronts throughout Ventura to celebrate the season with creative holiday window displays that brighten commercial corridors and inspire residents to shop locally.

Businesses are also invited to take part in this year’s photo submission opportunity. By sharing photos of their decorated storefronts, participants will be entered for a chance to win free advertising opportunities. Photos may be submitted now throughout December, and winners will be announced in January 2026.

“Ventura is filled with creativity, and our local businesses help set the tone for the season,” said Economic Development Manager Meredith Hart. “Window Wonderland is a fun way to showcase that spirit while encouraging residents and visitors to explore and support our shopping districts.”

Music Academy of the West — With Gratitude This Thanksgiving

Dear Friend of the Music Academy,

As we enter this season of gratitude, all of us at the Music Academy of the West thank you for being a valued part of our community. Your presence—whether in the audience, at our events, or in support of our young artists—brings joy and meaning to everything we do.

This Thanksgiving, we’re reflecting on the extraordinary moments we shared this summer. From welcoming our largest class of 150 fellows to presenting vibrant performances across Santa Barbara, the 2025 Summer Music Festival & School was filled with energy, discovery, and connection.

AMR Ventura County urges families to recognize ‘holiday heart syndrome’ as seasonal cardiac risks rise

VENTURA COUNTY — As holiday gatherings begin and alcohol consumption increases, American Medical Response Ventura County (AMR) and Gold Coast Ambulance are encouraging families to recognize the signs of “holiday heart syndrome,” a condition that occurs more frequently between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Heavier alcohol use, rich foods, emotional stress and delayed care are key contributors to the seasonal rise in cases.

During the holiday season, individuals may disregard mild or atypical cardiac symptoms, attributing them to fatigue or stress associated with festivities. As the manifestations of holiday heart syndrome can be subtle and easily missed, it is essential to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical evaluation; early intervention may safeguard cardiovascular health and prove lifesaving.

Ventura County Arts Council — CALL TO ARTISTS: ‘The Sound of Silence’ at the Atrium Gallery

“The Sound of Silence,” featuring lead artist Cheyenne Proctor, is one in a series of art exhibitions addressing mental health that is part of VibeWell Ventura County, a county-wide initiative that uses art and culture to raise awareness of mental health conditions. VCAC invites submissions from local artists to be juried for potential display alongside the lead artist. Monetary prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place winners. All levels welcome.

Bilingual report — Single-Parent Allan Hancock College students receive free Thanksgiving meals

provided students who are single parents with a?turkey?and other Thanksgiving meal items free of charge. 

A total of 105 individuals and families stopped by the Hancock EOPS+ program’s Fall Harvest Turkey Giveaway booth outside the college’s Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center on Nov. 25, where Hancock staff provided them with everything needed to prepare a Thanksgiving meal. The packages included a?turkey, potatoes, beans, cranberry sauce, rolls, stuffing, pumpkin pie, whipped cream, and butter. Turkey?preparation and cooking instructions were also included.?