Museum of Ventura County — Join us for a special event – McCartney Tea Fundraiser!

McCartney Tea Fundraiser –
With Ivor Davis

Saturday, July 13
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura

Join us for a Museum of Ventura County fundraiser that offers an extraordinary afternoon with Ruth and Angie McCartney, interviewed by renowned author Ivor Davis. Enjoy authentic English tea service as we hear enchanting stories about the life of Paul McCartney. The event will feature a captivating Q&A session, offering you the chance to connect directly with our special guests. Don’t miss this unique blend of British charm and rock ‘n’ roll history!

?Cost is $80 per person, more details can be found HERE. All proceeds directly support MVC. Don’t wait, ticket sales end on July 9th! Have PayPal? Reduce service fees by purchasing tickets at MVC’s PayPal Link.

Bank of America Announces 2024 Ventura-Santa Barbara Student Leaders

“By providing career and leadership development opportunities for teens, we can help develop the next generation of skilled workforce that is essential to Ventura and Santa Barbara’s long-term economic growth,” said Midge Campbell-Thomas, president, Bank of America Ventura-Santa Barbara. “These students are truly exceptional, and the opportunity for them to work with a highly impactful local nonprofit like Habitat for Humanity along with financial education can collectively prepare them for future success.”

CLU School of Management — Upward Community Newsletter

2024 Pacific Coast Business Times Startup Village and Innovation Awards
The School of Management demonstrated a strong presence at the 2024 Pacific Coast Business Times Startup Village and Innovation Awards. On March 28, multiple SOM startups showcased their innovative businesses, including recipients of the Dorfman Incubator Grant:

People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC) — Tiburon Place: Pre-Applications Open Monday, July 8

“We are excited to bring more affordable housing to the city of San Luis Obispo as construction on Tiburon Place comes to a close,” said Ken Trigueiro, CEO & President of People’s Self-Help Housing. “We encourage those in need of new affordable housing in the area to submit their pre-applications, and look forward to welcoming them home.” 

Grocery Outlet Announces Fourteenth Annual Independence from Hunger Campaign

EMERYVILLE — Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: GO) (“Grocery Outlet” or the “Company”), with stories in Ventura County, launched its 14thconsecutive Independence from Hunger Food Drive to combat food insecurity on June 26. From June 26 – July 31, the campaign will collect cash donations and pre-made bags of nonperishable foods at more than 470 Grocery Outlet locations that will be distributed to local food agency partners.

Data from the United States Department of Agriculture and Feeding America shows that inflation is causing a double squeeze in communities across the nation. As prices rise, the number of Americans who get groceries at a food bank has increased to 41 million or one in six households, but the amount of donations to food banks has gone down. In the Latino community, one in five Latinos experience food insecurity and Hispanics are twice as likely to face hunger than their white neighbors.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura announces reopening of the Ventura Pier

“The reopening of the Ventura Pier marks a celebratory moment for our community. I am thankful for the swift, coordinated efforts of city staff, the County of Ventura, various state agencies, and our community partners like the Ventura Port District—Harbor Patrol, the Coastal Commission, State Parks, and Pier into the Future,” commented Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder. “Their hard work has ensured the pier’s safety with effective emergency responses, debris clearance, and coastal mitigation efforts and helped preserve an essential piece of our local heritage. We eagerly anticipate welcoming the community back to this cherished landmark.”

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula announce cancellation of Do Not Drink Notice

SANTA PAULA — On June 24, 2024, Santa Paula water customers were notified as a precaution to not use the tap water for drinking or cooking until further notice. This notice did not impact all water customers but particular areas of the city which were identified in the original notice.

The City of Santa Paula Water System, in conjunction with the State Water Resources Control Board, and the Ventura County Environmental Division, has determined that, through abatement of the health hazard and comprehensive testing of the water, the tap water for all Santa Paula residences is safe, including for drinking and cooking.

Who has the Best Michelada in Ventura County? Find out at the 2024 CHELITA: Arts, Music and Miches Festival returning to Downtown Oxnard July 13

OXNARD — OPAC, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit Corporation, is excited to announce the return of CHELITA: Art, Music and Micheladas Festival on Saturday, July 13 at Heritage Square in Downtown Oxnard. The event features a Michelada Competition with 11+ competitors vying for the title of Best Michelada (Restaurant Category), Best Michelada Mix (Artisan Vendors), and People’s Choice. The big question is: Will last year’s winner, Jalisco’s Restaurant, maintain their champion status or will they be dethroned? 

CHELITA is set to transform Heritage Square into a dynamic hub of creativity, fostering an environment where art, music, interactivity, and gastronomy collide to create an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages. 

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Economic 411 Labor Market Report

The California Labor Market Information Division released its April 2024 report on June 21, with a mix of positive and negative news for Ventura County.

On the upside, the County unemployment rate improved dramatically, from 4.2% in May all the way down to 3.7% in June. We’re on a strong four-month run of steady improvements, down from a recent high mark of 5.2% in January.

On the downside, we had a rather weak month for job creation, a net gain of only 2,600 jobs, 1,000 in Farm and 1,600 in the Nonfarm sectors. The Nonfarm gains were restricted mostly to only four sectors, Professional & Business Services up 300, Private Education & Health Services up 400, Leisure & Hospitality up 500, and Local Government—mostly Educational Services—up 400.  

CSU Channel Islands adopts Cal-SOAP from CommUnify

… Cal-SOAP is dedicated to improving access to higher education for students from groups that are underrepresented in colleges. CommUnify has operated the Cal-SOAP program since 2011, employing local college students to work as tutors and peer mentors, providing advice and guidance to younger students.

The program also provides financial aid and college access workshops to help students and their families understand, apply, and enroll in college. Students are also able to participate in field trips to college campuses and receive tutoring services to help prepare them for college.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Celebrates Successful Inaugural Year of ¡Listos! Smart & Ready Program and Announces Expansion Plans

Launched in response to the financial challenges faced by local families, particularly exacerbated by the pandemic, ¡Listos! Smart & Ready has empowered parents with crucial financial skills through bilingual financial literacy classes. Topics covered include budgeting, saving, and investing. In its first year, the program provided scholarship assistance to 33 families, who have benefitted greatly from the initiative. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting significant improvements in their financial well-being.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police deploy new drone technology to enforce Fourth of July fireworks ban

VENTURA — With the Fourth of July approaching, the Ventura Police Department reminds community members that all fireworks are illegal within city limits. This year, the department is implementing new technology to enhance community safety and enforce the fireworks ban.…

Kim Stone to lead Montecito Rotary Club

MONTECITO — Local realtor, investor and entrepreneur Kim Stone will take over as president of the Montecito Rotary Club beginning July 1.

Stone, a long-timer Rotary member who has led multiple service projects for the organization, will succeed Tony Morris, who is stepping down from the club after a two-year term. Founded in 1953, the Rotary Club of Montecito has developed projects and provided service to the community and the wider world for more than 70 years.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Tony for his outstanding service and exceptional dedication,” Stone said. “I’m excited and honored to play a leadership role in this incredible organization, and I look forward to sharing the magic of Rotary with everyone.”

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas — La Fiesta de Margaret (June 29) | Prácticas Teatrales | Luchadora! CASTING CALL

Let’s Celebrate our Friend

Margaret Cortese

Historic Director of Teatro de las Américas.

The party will be held Saturday June 29 From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. At Teatro’s facilities at

321 W. 6th Street, Oxnard, CA

Please bring a dish to share

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Statement Regarding Loss of Life of Local Teen

My heart was broken to hear of the death of one of our local youth as the result of a train strike last week. This is a horrifying accident, and as a parent, it deeply pains me to imagine the grief that this young man’s loved ones are going through right now.

The County Behavioral Wellness team is offering resources and supportfor anyone who is affected by this tragedy. The Community Wellness Team can be reached at 805-364-2750.

It’s time for United Way of Ventura County’s 2024 Stuff The Bus

Over 7,500 youth have been identified as homeless in Ventura County. At United Way, our mission is to ensure youth in our community are college and career ready. Support our 2024 Stuff the Bus campaign and help us reach our goal of providing 2,000 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to local students experiencing homelessness. You can help pave the path to academic success. 

The latest news from the County of Ventura

El Rio Will Soon Have Sidewalks: Update on Agenda Item 49

The Board unanimously approved the Ventura County Public Works Agency’s plan to move forward with the El Rio Pedestrian Improvement Project.

This project will bring sidewalks to the neighborhood, making the area safer and it will improve drainage issues for the community.

PWA will award a contract this month, with construction beginning this July.

The project is expected to be completed — by March of 2025.

Gold Coast Health Plan Celebrates the Appointment of Laura Espinosa as the First-Ever Latina Chairperson of the Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission

She is the first consumer representative to serve in that role. Former board chair transitions to role of vice chair; two new members join the Commission

“We applaud Laura for her longstanding dedication to health care advocacy in Ventura County and celebrate this milestone as she becomes the first Latina to hold this esteemed position as chair of the Commission,” said GCHP Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nick Ligouri. “With deep roots in Santa Paula and the Santa Clara Valley at large, Laura embodies the vital voice of our community. Her dedication to the community and understanding of the health care needs of our members make her an invaluable asset to the Commission, especially as we continue to evolve in an ever-changing health care landscape.”

CLU School of Management releases short video on Watch and Explore ‘Demographic Profile of Undocumented Immigrants — Separating Myths From Realities’

The video aims to shed light on the truth about the lives of these undocumented immigrants and their communities, which have been unfairly targeted with misinformation. Understanding the demographic profiles of these communities is essential as it brings relevant issues to the forefront of our minds and helps dispel the myths spread to discredit them. We invite you to watch this informative video, which demonstrates how understanding the demographic profile of undocumented immigrants reveals their interconnectedness with Californians. Stay tuned for more insightful news and information.  

Mary Maranville Steps Down As SEEAG CEO; Caitlin Case Named Executive Director

VENTURA — Mary Maranville, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is stepping down from the leadership role effective June 30. Maranville will become SEEAG’s major gifts grant writer. Caitlin Case, formerly SEEAG’s marketing director, has been named executive director.

Maranville started SEEAG 16 years ago. During that time, SEEAG has taught over 100,000 elementary school students in Central and Southern California about the origins of their food and healthy eating. SEEAG provides classroom learning as well as field trips to its Farm Labs at area farms. “The students I taught in 2008 are 24 years old now. My hope is, as adults, they remember their field trips and will be strong supporters of our farms and agriculture,” says Maranville.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Get to Know Two of Our Favorite Artists!

Saturday, June 22, 2024 • 12 PM to 1:15 PM

Free for everyone

Acclaimed Ventura artist and retired Ventura College art professor Hiroko Yoshimoto invites you to her free lecture on the history of Chinese characters from the Han period and how they derived from pictographs. The lecture will be hosted inside the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center (123 N 10th Street). Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bilingual report — City releases third episode of Ventura Voices Podcast, featuring full details on X Games Ventura

VENTURA — The City of Ventura released the third episode of its new podcast, Ventura Voices. The latest episode features an in-depth interview with Ventura’s Economic Development Manager, Meredith Hart, and Visit Ventura’s President and CEO, Marlyss Auster. Community members can listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music, or watch it on the City’s YouTube channel.

In this episode, Meredith and Marlyss are enthusiastic about returning the X Games to Ventura for a second consecutive year. They discuss the significant economic benefits this event brings to the community and highlight new features of the 2024 event, including an expanded event floor plan, musical performances, new sporting events, drone shows, a free shuttle and parking sites, plus a variety of free community events throughout Ventura.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Adopts Surplus Budget; Will Use $20M of Surplus To Pay Down Long-Term Debt and $9.5M to Bolster Reserve Fund

“Thanks to the policy direction of our Council and the hard work of City staff, we’re delivering a positive, balanced budget that will continue the restoration of infrastructure such as paving our streets and alleys and investing in community services throughout Oxnard,” said Mayor John C. Zaragoza. “We’re also supporting Oxnard’s long-term financial sustainability by using one-time surplus funds to make a significant payment towards long-term debt.”

Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura Hosts Grand Opening of next phase of Westview Village

“The timing of this next phase of Westview Village is significant as it is our 75th Anniversary year and this was our first public housing project,” said Jeffrey Lambert, Chief Executive Officer, HACSB.  “The success of this particular project is emblematic of our successful housing programs across the City and we are very proud of it,” said Lambert.

Assemblymember Irwin Announces Path Forward On Food Date Labeling Legislation as Groups Remove Opposition and Bill Passes Senate Agriculture Committee

“Having to wonder whether our food is still good is an issue that we all have struggled with. By strengthening labeling standards, and thus reducing food waste, AB 660 will keep money in the pockets of consumers while helping the environment and the planet,” said Assemblymember Irwin.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Board of Supervisors approve $3.04 billion balanced budget for fiscal year 2024-2025

“I appreciate the work of our directors from across our 25 County agencies and the efforts they have put in to develop a budget to support our County and community,” stated 3rd District Supervisor Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Some challenging decisions were made, but we approve this budget with the greatest good for our community in mind and based on the needs to continue to support the programs that serve our residents.”