Category: Youth

Bilingual report — Santa Clara River Valley Communities to host Health Care Future Forum

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VENTURA — As the Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA) approaches the August 18, 2026, Board of Supervisors meeting, HCA is finalizing its strategic review of continued health care service options for the Santa Clara River Valley (SCRV) and Santa Paula Hospital (SPH). With state-mandated 2030 seismic deadlines approaching, this work provides a timely opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery to be more sustainable, accessible, and responsive to residents.

HCA has engaged the consulting firm Health Management Associates (HMA) to support the health care planning for SCRV.  HMA is a national independent research and consulting firm that focuses on publicly-financed health care.

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Bilingual guest commentary by Kaiser Permanente — Want your child to succeed in school? Start with these healthy habits

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As families across Ventura County prepare for the new school year, parents can take a few simple steps to help their children start strong both academically and emotionally, according to a local health expert.

“Getting ready for school is about more than buying supplies,” said Dr. Kristina Kang, a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente in Camarillo. “Healthy habits, routine medical care and open communication with your child’s doctor can make a big difference in their success throughout the new school year.”

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One Step A La Vez in Fillmore — Back to School Backpack Drive

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… One Step A La Vez is passionate about serving the needs of our community, particularly those of underserved teens and families who may lack the necessary resources to excel in their education. With the new school year fast approaching, we are gearing up to provide backpacks filled with essential school supplies to teens in need. Our goal is not only to equip these children with the tools they need to succeed academically but also to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by their families.

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Rachel Guettler Joins California Lutheran University as Vice President for Growth and Advancement

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THOUSAND OAKS — For over 20 years, Rachel Guettler, Ed.D., has built her career in philanthropy, student enrollment and leadership coaching. She will bring this expertise to her new position as the vice president for growth and advancement at California Lutheran University. Guettler will start Aug. 17 as the senior leader responsible for advancing the university’s enrollment strategies and leading institutional growth through fundraising, partnerships and external engagement.

“A leader in development and growth in higher education, Rachel has a strong mission-driven approach and background in relationship-building that aligns with Cal Lutheran’s vision and values,” said Laureen Hill, M.D., MBA, chief strategy and growth officer. 

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LEAP — For Art’s Sake: Process Art builds lifelong skills for preschoolers

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GOLETA — Tiny hands covered in paint. A sculpture made of sticks, feathers, and toilet paper rolls. A masterpiece that looks nothing like anyone else’s. At LEAP’s Children’s Centers, this isn’t a random art activity—it’s a strategic approach to early childhood development.

On July 28, LEAP’s Process Art Show at its Phelps Children’s Center showcased artwork created by children ranging from two years old through Pre-K. Students experimented with materials, made their own choices, solved problems, and expressed their ideas freely—creating one-of-a-kind works of art.

At LEAP, children engage in both product art and process art, each offering unique opportunities for learning and development.

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Girls Inc. of Carpinteria adds new music toom to facilities

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CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is thrilled to announce the addition of a fully equipped music room to its campus facilities and extends its gratitude to local Montecito residents and singers/songwriters, Lila and Georgia MacPhail, for their generous contribution of this exciting new learning space. 

The addition of this space for the creative arts allows the organization to expand its mission to offer girls abundant opportunities to learn and grow as they become the strong, smart, and bold leaders of tomorrow.

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Local high school artists take the stage at TOArts Creators Conservatory Showcase

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THOUSAND OAKS — TOArts invites the community to celebrate the next generation of local artists at the culminating showcase of its Creators Conservatory on Tuesday, August 4 at 1:00 p.m. in the Scherr Forum Theatre at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center.

The showcase will feature original adaptations of The Day the Crayons Quit, the bestselling children’s book written by local author Drew Daywalt, alongside musical theatre selections students have developed throughout the program.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Deborah Williams joins Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame for decades of trailblazing public service’ and more news

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The lecturer successfully advanced public health, environmental conservation, community infrastructure and youth empowerment across the Last Frontier

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Ventura College Foundation raises $7.1 million during ‘Invest in Success’ fundraising campaign

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VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation announced it surpassed the $7 million goal of its “Invest in Success” fundraising campaign by $117,289.

The Invest in Success campaign was launched when the Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors approved a plan to sustain the long-term future of the VC Promise Program and Basic Needs Centers. 

“Ventura College exists because our community believes that education has the power to transform lives. The outstanding success of the Invest in Success campaign is a powerful reflection of that shared commitment in action. Together, Ventura College, the Ventura College Foundation, and our generous donors are ensuring that financial hardship doesn’t stand between a student and the opportunity to access education and pursue their educational goals,” says Dr. Luca E. Lewis, Ventura College president.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Farmers’ Market Discount Cards Distribution begins in August

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency, is starting its annual distribution of discount cards to be used at participating Farmers’ Markets. Adults over the age of 60 who are on a limited income and meet the eligibility guidelines may receive this free benefit.

Cards are only available while supplies last at each distribution point. They can be used to purchase up to $50 in fresh, nutritious, unprocessed, locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs.

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City Impact in Oxnard opens call for exhibitors at Thrive Together 2026

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OXNARD — City Impact, Inc., a Ventura County-based nonprofit dedicated to serving at-promise youth and families since 1995, today announced that exhibitor tables are now available for local small businesses and vendors at the Thrive Together Awards 2026, the organization’s signature annual celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation and community impact.

The Thrive Together Awards will take place on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5:00–9:00 PM at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura.

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Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing July 2026 e-newsletter

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The overwhelmingly bipartisan supported and much awaited 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is now law and with it comes a raft of improved regulations and access to financing fit, as the name implies, for this century. Those provisions include:

Billions of dollars of unlocked bank equity allowed to invest in low-income housing tax credit funded projects

Reauthorization and reforms of housing production programs.

Increases to FHA multifamily statutory loan limits.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Department of Child Support Services celebrates Child Support Awareness Month with ‘Strong Families Start with Support’

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CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Department of Child Support Services (VCDCSS) invites the community to celebrate Child Support Awareness Month throughout August with this year’s theme, “Strong Families Start with Support.” As part of the celebration, VCDCSS will host Family Connections Day on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the VCDCSS parking lot.

Hosted by the Ventura County Department of Child Support, this free event will bring together families for educational workshops, community resources, and family-friendly activities that promote financial well-being, child safety, and strong family connections. The event reflects VCDCSS’s ongoing commitment to supporting parents, strengthening families, and helping children thrive.

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Allan Hancock College Community Education launches tuition-free barbering program

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College Community Education is opening the door to a new career with the launch of its tuition-free barbering program this fall. The new program will provide aspiring barbers with an accessible, affordable pathway into one of California’s most sought-after skilled professions. An interest list for the program is currently open for potential students.

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SBCC’s Dual Enrollment Summer Bridge Program introduces more than 100 rising ninth graders to college

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SANTA BARBARA — This summer, Santa Barbara City College’s (SBCC) Dual Enrollment Summer Bridge Program welcomed more than 100 rising ninth-grade students from the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) and Carpinteria Unified School District (CUSD) for an immersive week-long college experience designed to inspire confidence, build a sense of belonging, and encourage students to pursue higher education.

Presented through SBCC’s Dual Enrollment Program, in partnership with SBUSD PEAC Program (see below) and supported by the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College, the Dual Enrollment Summer Bridge provides first-generation and historically underrepresented students with an early introduction to college life before they begin high school. Throughout the week of June 22-26, students earned one unit of transferable college credit while developing the academic, personal, and social skills needed for future success inside and outside of the classroom.

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SEEAG to create Farm Lab Hub at La Colina Junior High School in partnership with Santa Barbara Unified School District

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SANTA BARBARA — Students for Eco-Education andAgriculture (SEEAG) and the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) entered into an agreement in which SEEAG will educate elementary and junior high school students about the origins of food, sustainable farming practices, and potential careers in agriculture at La Colina Junior High School in Santa Barbara.

The programs will begin at the start of the 2026-27 school year.

La Colina will host a regional SEEAG Farm Lab Hub, bringing togetherstudents of multiple age groups for hands-on agricultural and environmental education. Third graders from nearby schools in the district will explorewater, plant, and soil science through SEEAG’s Farm Lab field trips in theexisting garden space, while seventh- and eighth-grade students will engage in advanced STEM investigations within two new learningenvironments: an Agricultural Innovation & STEM Discovery Lab and aCalifornia Climate Resilience & Conservation Learning Lab.

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Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) renews support for llan Hancock College’s Fire Academy

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SANTA MARIA — For a second consecutive year, Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy will receive $50,000 through the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) to provide protective equipment and scholarships, helping reduce financial barriers for students pursuing careers in firefighting. 

“Programs like the Metallica Scholars Initiative continue to create meaningful opportunities for our students while helping address California’s workforce needs,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “This continued investment helps ensure more students can complete their training and begin careers serving their communities.” 

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Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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Looking for your next career opportunity? Join us for the 2026 County of Ventura Career & Resource Expo + Candidate Connect on Wednesday, August 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Government Center Courtyard between the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Justice.

This free event is open to everyone and offers the chance to explore careers in technology, public safety, healthcare, engineering, environmental services and many other fields.

Meet representatives from County departments and agencies, learn about current job opportunities and, new this year, visit the Candidate Connect booth to speak directly with County recruiters and get your questions answered.

Whether you’re considering a career change, entering the workforce or looking for your next opportunity in public service, this event is a great place to start.

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Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) — Power of Purpose — July 2026 Newsletter

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I am reminded every day just how much we are all part of the fabric of our Ventura County community, and how much good happens when we support one another and do it together.

In May, I attended the League of California Community Foundations’ Spring Convening along with VCCF President & CEO Vanessa Bechtel. There, we met with legislators on topics like access to highest-quality early childhood education through the Isabella Project, disaster resilience and support for our neighbors through the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund and more. I also got to exchange ideas with other community foundation board chairs, learn from their experiences and see what is applicable here in Ventura County.

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Girls Inc. of Carpinteria welcomes new board members

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Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is thrilled to welcome Das Williams, Ashley Smith Fraser, and Danielle Bordenave to its Board of Directors, effective July 2026. …

“We are so pleased to welcome Das, Ashley, and Danielle to our board,” said Executive Director Jamie Collins. “Each brings with them a unique perspective that deepens our leadership’s understanding of how to best serve youth in our community and strengthen our mission of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.”

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Ventura County Probation Agency celebrates Probation Services Week 2026

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VENTURA COUNTY — In recognition of Probation Services Week, observed July 19–25, 2026, the Ventura County Probation Agency is honoring the officers and staff who work every day to strengthen public safety, support victims, promote accountability, and help rehabilitate individuals in the justice system.

Every day across California, probation professionals work behind the scenes supervising justice-involved individuals, responding to crises, supporting victims and families, and connecting people to the services and resources they need to successfully rebuild their lives. As California’s justice system continues to evolve, probation departments play an increasingly important role in balancing accountability, rehabilitation, and long-term community safety.

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Bilingual report — Third Local Bird Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County

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VENTURA —The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that a bird collected on July 2nd, 2026, from the city of Thousand Oaks, tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected.Ventura County Public Health confirms that no human cases have been identified to date in 2026.

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Signups for YMCA After-School Child Care Programs underway for 2026-27 School Year

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — YMCA branches serving the Conejo Valley, Simi Valley, and Moorpark areas are registering students in TK through fifth grade for after-school child care programs for the coming 2026-27 school year.

Child care is available on school days, pupil-free days and minimum days. YMCA School’s Out Camp programs are held during Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks. Each program provides a structured environment that includes homework time, STEAM activities, arts and crafts, sports and nutritious snacks. All child care staff are state-licensed and certified in CPR and first aid.

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Escape The Heat & Experience — A Coastal Getaway To Lompoc

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LOMPOC — It’s peak summer in California, and the heat is not being subtle about it.

Visitors experience heat waves, hot pavement, crowded coastlines, and a constant search for indoor, air-conditioned activities.

Then there’s Lompoc.

Just a few miles from the Pacific, the temperature takes a deep breath. Ocean breezes drift in, mornings often start with a light coastal mist, and summer  days settle into something far more comfortable than you’d expect from peak season in California.

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Ventura Music Festival Opening Night Gala announces upcoming events

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Monday, July 20, 2026
Palomino | 6:00 PM
Attire: Semi-Formal
?(Feel free to dress the part!)
Join us for an evening at the speakeasy as we enjoy absinthe-inspired libations, exceptional bites, and 1930s French swing jazz by the renowned San Lyon ensemble. Proceeds to benefit VMF’s music education and community programs.

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Bilingual report — Extreme heat warning within Ventura County

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VENTURA COUNTY — The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a widespread extreme heat warning for … through Thursday, July 16, 2026. Temperatures in the interior valleys and mountain areas are expected to exceed the 100-degree mark for a prolonged period, with relatively poor overnight recovery in the mountains and foothills. A heat advisory has been issued for the coastal plains, where temperatures are expected to reach between 90 and 100 degrees.

High temperatures may create a dangerous situation in which heat-related illness is possible. Residents are encouraged to: drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, check on relatives and neighbors, take extra precautions if working or spending time outside, and wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) announces variety of upcoming events

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Before you recycle or throw something away, let’s see if it can be repaired! Join us Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CEC’s Environmental Hub (1219 State St.) for Repair Cafe Santa Barbara, where skilled volunteer fixers will help you troubleshoot and repair everyday items.

Bring up to two items to fix — whether it’s clothing, electronics, bicycles, furniture, toys, or small appliances. You’ll work side by side with volunteers, learn practical repair skills, and help keep valuable items in use instead of creating unnecessary waste.

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Inaugural Cohort of The Leadership Collaborative at CCVC celebrated across the Ventura County Community College District

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CAMARILLO — The inaugural cohort of The Leadership Collaborative at CCVC (Community Colleges of Ventura County) celebrated the completion of the seven-month leadership development program designed to cultivate thoughtful, values-driven leaders and strengthen collaboration across the district and the communities it serves.

Grounded in the belief that leadership exists at every level of an organization, The Leadership Collaborative brings together Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) employees from diverse roles and disciplines to develop the human-centered leadership skills needed to foster meaningful relationships, navigate complexity and change and strengthen the vitality of our communities. Selected through a competitive application process, the cohort included members of the faculty, classified professionals, supervisors, directors and deans representing all three colleges and the District Administrative Center.

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Lumina Alliance welcomes three new board bembers, Honors outgoing Leaders for Years of Service

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SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors while recognizing four outgoing board members whose leadership helped guide the organization through one of the most transformative periods in its history.

Joining the Board of Directors are:

• Adrienne Dodd, Human Resources Director, CommonSpirit Health

• Heather Muran, Director of Portfolio Strategy & Marketing, Covelop Inc.

• Meghan Shoven, Director, Adventist Health Central Coast Foundation

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Santa Barbara Education Foundation welcomes Leonor Reyes as programs manager

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Reyes, a San Marcos High School graduate and parent of three Santa Barbara Unified School District alumni, brings a lifelong connection to local public education and a passion for supporting students, families, and educators. As Programs Manager, Reyes will oversee SBEF’s enrichment programs and initiatives that enhance student learning and engagement across the district, including programs such as the Summer Music Camps and the Foundation’s annual Educator Grants program, which will invest more than $228,000 in innovative classroom projects across Santa Barbara Unified School District schools this year.

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805UndocuFund to present ‘The Glass House Raids, One Year Later: A Vigil honoring the families and communities impacted,’ to be held July 10

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CAMARILLO — “The Glass House Raids, One Year Later: A Vigil honoring the families and communities impacted,” will be held from 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 10 at 645 Laguna Road, Camarillo.

The event will publicly gather the community to mourn the loss of our community one year ago, to remember the efforts of our community to defend itself, to remember that we are still supporting our community after the events of that day. (Spanish Interpretation Available).

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Bilingual report — Mosquito sample tests positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that mosquitoes collected from the City of Fillmore on June 17th, 2026, tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected. This is the first mosquito sample collected in 2026 from Ventura County to test positive for WNV. Ventura County Public Health confirms that no human cases have been identified to date in 2026.

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Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College faculty member creates documentary to support conservation efforts in Namibia

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SANTA MARIA — What began as a personal connection during a trip to southern Africa has become a documentary project aimed at protecting one of the world’s most unique ecosystems and the Indigenous communities who call it home.

Allan Hancock College film studies instructor Tim Webb recently completed a short documentary for Himbaland Indigenous Conservation, a nonprofit organization working in the remote Namib Desert of northwestern Namibia. The film was created to help the organization share its story with a broader audience and support fundraising efforts focused on community development and wildlife conservation. 

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Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Raising Justice is Back on Sept. 17th! — Join Us for Our 25th Anniversary Celebration

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For the past 20 years now, you’ve created a Raising Justice that continues to bring together hundreds of our movement friends for a fun early evening of food, drinks, music, and community rooted in our shared organizing for a more just region. It’s free to attend with an invite to donate any amount that feels right to you.

Today, we invite you to join our growing circle of Early Event Sponsors. Sponsors not only underwrite the event, but also allow our work throughout the year to stay community supported and here for the long haul — it’s one of the ways you can ensure our event’s success.

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Bilingual report — City of Ventura releases Fall Parks and Recreation Activity Guide

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The City of Ventura Parks and Recreation Department’s Fall Activity Guide is now available, featuring hundreds of classes, programs, and events taking place from September through January.

Registration opens Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Residents can register online, by phone, or in person at Ventura City Hall (501 Poli Street, Room 226). Registration information and policies are available on page 43 of the guide.

The Fall Activity Guide offers activities for all ages and interests, including ceramics, cooking, creative writing, parent-and-child classes, pet wellness, fitness, sports, and more. Check out several free new workshops focused on Financial Literacy and Health and Safety on pages 10-11.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Summer Reading, Constitution Day, Civic Tours, and More

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Get fun summer reading ideas, activities, and more from the VCOE Library’s Summer Reading Extravaganza. Click here to check out local libraries’ summer reading programs and get online access to free full-length young adult novels. Also, find out how summer readers can earn free ride tickets for the Ventura County Fair.

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Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics expands affordable behavioral health services for Santa Barbara County residents

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) is strengthening access to comprehensive Behavioral Health Services for individuals and families throughout Santa Barbara County through an integrated, whole-person care model designed to address both physical and mental health needs.

Santa Barbara County has significant community behavioral health needs that extend beyond the publicly funded specialty mental health system. Many residents experience challenges accessing timely outpatient mental health services due to insurance, cost, and provider availability. Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics helps address these gaps by providing integrated, community-based behavioral health services for individuals and families who might otherwise experience barriers to care.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Parks announces launch of new reservation management website and policy updates

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VENTURA — Ventura County Parks is excited to announce major improvements for park visitors with the launch of a new reservation management website. These updates make booking easier, offer longer advance windows for popular sites, and introduce new self-service options for Day Use and Community Center reservations. New features for our guests include online booking for Distinguished Veterans, extended 180-day windows for Rincon Parkway, and streamlined self-service for Day Use and Community Centers. These enhancements are designed to make planning visits more convenient and accessible.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — FREE – AI Webinar Series (July 14, 21, 23, 28; Aug. 4, 11, 13, 18): Back by Popular Demand!

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Back by popular demand, this FREE webinar series is designed to help small business owners use AI to save time, improve marketing and grow revenue.

Attend one session or all
All sessions are practical and beginner-friendly

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United Way of Ventura County announces Annual Spirit Award recipients

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VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County is pleased to announce the 21st Annual Spirit Award Recipients. These awards honor our Founding members. Every year since 2005, individuals and organizations who embody the qualities of Milton M. Teague, Douglas Shively, and Roy Pinkerton are selected for this prestigious honor. This year we will also award our President’s Award, and our Women United Award. The awards and awardees are listed below:

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Bilingual guest commentary by Kaiser Permanente — From fireworks to heat waves: Health expert outlines July 4 safety MustKnows

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As Fourth of July celebrations approach across Southern California, families are preparing for a day filled with barbecues, pool parties and fireworks—traditions many look forward to all year. 

But health experts are reminding the public that the holiday also brings a spike in preventable injuries.

“People love this holiday because it brings everyone together,” said Dr. Kimberly Petrick, a family medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Still, a little caution goes a long way in keeping the day festive instead of stressful.”

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House Farm Workers! — Reserve your seat for Field to Fork Today!

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“From Field to Fork” brings together farmers who produce Ventura County’s agricultural bounty, chefs who celebrate that bounty on their menus, and the farm workers whose labor makes it all possible.

Enjoy a multi-course gourmet dinner while helping promote affordable, safe, and stable housing for Ventura County farm workers and their families.

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Sold-Out 2026 Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic Showcased leadership, sport and philanthropy in support of People Helping People

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SANTA YNEZ VALLEY — More than 300 guests gathered at the Santa Ynez Valley Polo Club on Saturday, June 27, for a sold-out 2026 Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic benefiting People Helping People (PHP), demonstrating how visionary leadership and philanthropy continue to strengthen the Santa Ynez Valley.

Presented by Happy Canyon Vineyard, the Polo Classic has become one of the region’s premier charitable sporting events, where exceptional polo, hospitality, and philanthropy converge to support local families.

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Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) presents Season 63

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SANTA MARIA —  PCPA is proud to announce Season 63, featuring a dynamic mix of Shakespeare, family favorites, contemporary drama, and large-scale musicals, including La Comedia of Errors, The Wizard of Oz, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 72 Miles to Go, Les Misérables, Mean Girls, and Murder on the Orient Express.

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 ATLAS Ventura Housing announces new brand image and awards $35,500 in scholarships to 16 students

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VENTURA — On June 17, ATLAS welcomed more than 150 guests to the Museum of Ventura County for its annual Scholarship Celebration, recognizing students pursuing higher education, career training, and professional development opportunities. ATLAS also revealed a new brand direction that better aligns with its mission as the nonprofit dedicated to empowering and uplifting participants of Ventura Housing programs, promoting stability and self-sufficiency. The organization received 29 scholarship applications from residents and program participants. Following a competitive review process, 16 students were selected to receive a combined $35,500 in scholarship funding to support their educational and career goals.

“Through ATLAS, we are helping families move beyond housing stability and into long-term success through education,” said Jeffrey Lambert, CEO of Ventura Housing. “When a student earns a degree, the impact reaches far beyond one person. It changes the trajectory of an entire family.”

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Financing available for child care providers

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Supporting our county’s future and the next generation’s education and career success starts with quality preschool programs. Historically, Ventura County has had too few licensed commercial child care and preschool spaces to meet demand. The Economic Development Collaborative and First 5 Ventura County are committed to building more child care and early childhood education capacity in our community through the Child Care Investment Loan Fund.

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Bilingual report — Eight cadets graduate from Allan Hancock College’s CORE Custody Academy

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LOMPOC — Eight cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s CORE Custody Academy June 26 during a ceremony held at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.?

“This is some of the most important work we do at Hancock, training public servants,” said AHC Associate Superintendent/Vice President of Academic Affairs Robert Curry, Ph.D.

All eight graduates of CORE Academy Class #21 completed a comprehensive California Standards and Training for Corrections course consisting of 260 hours of instruction.

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United Way of Ventura County welcomes new board officers and committee chairs

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VENTURA — As of July 1, 2026, United Way of Ventura County is welcoming several new members and officers to its board. Tim Harrington will continue to serve as board chair, a position he will hold until June 30, 2027.

Other members of the new board leadership team include Stratis Perros, Environmental Services Director at City of Simi Valley, chair-elect and board development committee chair; Ozzie Rios, VP, Commercial Banking Officer, treasurer and finance committee chair, and Dr. Jeffrey Martin, Assistant Area Medical Area Director-Bus Svcs/Aff Hospital at Kaiser Permanente assuming the role of board secretary. Jennifer Velasquez, SVP, Strategy Initiatives at Bank of America is filling the role of resource development committee chair. Emma Grossman, Controller, ROWI Teen and Parent Wellness Centers will serve as Audit & Investment Committee Chair.

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