Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Need Capital? Camarillo Loan Fund Can Help

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In partnership with the City of Camarillo, the Economic Development Collaborative has launched the City of Camarillo Business Assistance Loan Fund. This low-interest program is specifically designed to prioritize the vibrant business community in the City of Camarillo. Start-ups can get the necessary capital to launch their ventures and established businesses can secure funds to fuel their growth. With abundant opportunities for collaboration, a diverse customer base and an environment of innovation, Camarillo is a perfect place to start or grow your business.

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Business, Commentary, Education, Family, Local, News, Women, Youth

First Women’s Legacy of Giving Luncheon has Impactful Beginning

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SANTA YNEZ VALLEY — A sea of women in yellow gathered to the brighten the lives of clients of People Helping People at the inaugural luncheon for the Women’s Legacy of Giving in the Santa Ynez Valley. Guests were encouraged to wear yellow to symbolize warmth, hope, and shared light. 

The leadership of philanthropist Linda Johansen helped galvanize 72 women to join PHP’s newly formed Women’s giving circle. “When women come together, we are powerful and we can do amazing things,” Johansen told guests. 

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Business, Educación, Education, Family, Finance, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety

Bilingual report — Ventura County Clerk and Recorder’s Office highlights its Homeowner Protection Measures during Real Estate Fraud Prevention Month – March 2026

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“As a safeguard to homeowner’s records, in 2013, the Ventura County Recorder’s office worked with the District Attorney’s office to identify the document types criminals typically use in committing real estate fraud. We began mailing out Fraud Prevention Advisory Notices to property owners immediately after one of those documents was recorded in our office, and we were one of the first counties in the entire state to do so,” said Michelle Ascencion, County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters. “We now mail on average over 4,000 notices a year.”

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Business, Cultural, Family, Health, Local, News, Women

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

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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.”

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Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara’s Summer exhibitions — Arte del Pueblo: Open call for Artists / Convocatoria Abierta para Artistas

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We are thrilled to announce that Arte del Pueblo is returning to the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara for its third year and this summer, we are going bigger than ever.

Estamos emocionados de anunciar que Arte del Pueblo regresa al Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Santa Barbara para su tercer año ¡y este verano lo haremos más grande que nunca!

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Cultural, Education, Local, News, Women, Youth

VCCCD Announces Ventura College Presidential finalists

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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.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — County of Ventura agencies deliver unified permitting reform update focused on faster service and clearer processes

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, on Tuesday, March 24, received an update from County agencies on a series of measures to improve customer service, modernize policies, and streamline the County’s permitting process. The goal of the improvements is to make it easier for residents and businesses to complete building projects while reducing delays and confusion. The report to the Board reflects an ongoing commitment to improving how the County delivers services that directly affect daily life.

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Business, Cultural, En español, Government, Health, Local, Locales, Public Safety

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves new program to support veterans and first responders

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved the establishment of a new program during its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24, with The Veteran Mentor Project, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides peer support and transition services for veterans and first responders. Ventura County Behavioral Health, in collaboration with The Veteran Mentor Project, will lead the program, with services scheduled to begin April 1, 2026, and continue through March 31, 2029. The partnership will support local veterans and first responders as they transition to civilian life through the Veterans Mentorship Program.

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Business, Education, Local, News, Public Safety, Youth

California Lutheran University taps pandemic response leader as chief strategy and growth officer

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“One of the most precious gems of California Lutheran University is our reputation,” John Nunes, president of Cal Lutheran, said. “It’s a gift bequeathed to us by our founders and by those who have stewarded this mission for decades. Dr. Hill’s remarkable, God-given gifts shine at the intersection of highbrow strategizing and everyday operations. This is as rare as it is necessary in this complex academic environment.”

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) — ttention High School Artists! The 2026 Congressional Art Competition is Here!

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It’s that exciting time of year when I get to invite all high school students in grades 9-12 throughout California’s 26th Congressional District to participate in the Congressional Art Competition!

This is a fantastic opportunity for our region’s youth to showcase their creativity and talent. The winning artwork will be publicly displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for a year, along with winners from across the nation. Additionally, the first-place winner and a parent/guardian will be flown to Washington, DC for the unveiling of the exhibit. Three honorable mention entries will also be on display in my district offices.

The deadline to submit artwork is Thursday, April 16, 2026!

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Business, Education, Local, News, Youth

Classified Employees of the Year celebrated cross the Ventura County Community College District

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CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) proudly recognizes Ariane Perez, Office Assistant at Oxnard College, as the 2026 Classified Employee of the Year. The annual award celebrates the excellence, professionalism and dedication of classified professionals who make an exceptional impact across the Community Colleges of Ventura County.

“These individuals have earned the commendation of their peers and represent the best of VCCCD classified employees,” said Gabriela Torres, board chair of the VCCCD. “Ariane’s dedication to removing barriers for first-generation and underrepresented students is exactly the kind of commitment that makes our colleges exceptional.”

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Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Finance, Local, News, Youth

Ventura Charter School 5th Graders craft ceramic bowls, raise $1,190 for local farmworkers

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VENTURA — With handmade ceramic bowls and homemade soup in hand, 5th graders at Ventura Charter School raised $1,190 for local farmworker families on February 6th, capping a semester spent studying the very community they were raising money for. More than 100 guests attended the third annual Empty Bowl Fundraiser, where students served homemade soup in handcrafted ceramic bowls that guests purchased to take home, raising funds for the cause. They also hosted an art gallery of human rights posters and spoke directly with guests about why the work mattered. All proceeds were donated to Friends of Field Workers and House Farm Workers Now, two organizations supporting the Ventura County farmworker community.

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Business, Health, Local, News

AMR Ventura County and Gold Coast Ambulance named 2026 Tuberculosis Elimination Heroes for supporting Directly Observed Therapy program

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VENTURA COUNTY — As California continues to see significantly more cases of tuberculosis (TB) than any other state in the nation, a local partnership in Ventura County is being recognized for helping buck that trend. Thanks in part to the dedicated efforts of American Medical Response Ventura County (AMR) and Gold Coast Ambulance (GCA), Ventura County’s TB rates remain below the state average — earning the agencies the distinction of being named TB Elimination Heroes, Class of 2026. 

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

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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.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Women

California Lutheran University expands Board of Regents

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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.”

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Family, Government, Home, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

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

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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.

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Business, Cultural, Family, Finance, Government, Home, Local, News

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. closes financing on Camino De Salud, bringing 49 units of supportive affordable housing to the Ojai Valley

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OJAI — Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) announced today the successful closing of financing for Camino De Salud, a 49-unit supportive affordable housing development in the unincorporated Ojai Valley community of Mira Monte. Located at 11432 North Ventura Avenue, Camino De Salud will reserve half of its units for residents who are experiencing homelessness and have been high health users. The remaining units will serve low-income residents earning 50 percent or less of the area median income.

 “The data on housing affordability in Ventura County is sobering, but every statistic represents a real person striving for stability and dignity,” said Victoria Brady, Chief Executive Officer. “Our work is about creating places where people can access the care, support and opportunity they need to rebuild their lives. That has always been the heart of Cabrillo EDC.”

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

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

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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.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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IN-PERSON EVENT: SMALL BUSINESS START-UP BASICS

March 25 @ 8:30 am

Join SCORE, City of Thousand Oaks, Economic Development Collaborative and Accelerate CA in this information-packed workshop that will help you assess whether starting a small business is right for you and consider the various options for starting a business, legal structures, and business plan basics. Address: City of Thousand Oaks, Oak & Park Room, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. The Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub (Accelerate CA Hub) is funded by the State of California and administered by CalOSBA. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Business, Cultural, En español, familia, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety, Salud, Youth

Bilingual report — Ventura County Continuum of Care announces 11.8% reduction in 2026 Homeless Point in Time Count

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Continuum of Care (VC CoC) has reported preliminary results for the 2026 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count. Conducted on January 28, 2026, the count identified 1,755 individuals experiencing homelessness – a decrease of 235 people or 11.8% from 2024. Since 2023, homelessness in Ventura County has decreased by 28%.

The results reflect positive outcomes based on investments in permanent supportive housing, homelessness prevention programs, and encampment response efforts. The Ventura County Homelessness Plan (Plan) presented to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in December 2023 provides detailed action areas, goals, and objectives that support this continued progress in reducing homelessness.

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Business, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

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

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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.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Government, Local, News, Women, Youth

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

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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.

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Business, Commentary, Government, Health, Local, News, Opinion, Politics, Public Safety

Massive Central Coast Drilling Plan advances with more than 175,000 comments in opposition

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CENTRAL COAST — The public comment period has closed on the Bureau of Land Management’s proposal to expand oil and gas leasing across Central California, drawing approximately 175,000 comments in opposition from community members, organizations, and local stakeholders.

The proposal would open up roughly 850,000 acres of public lands and federal mineral estate to potential oil drilling and fracking across Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Kern, and surrounding counties, including areas near neighborhoods, recreation lands, and critical water resources.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Food, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Guest contribution — New bill targets toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ on California Crops

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AB 1603 sets a timeline to end PFAS pesticides by 2035. Group sights report that show counties at risk include Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties

SALINAS — Currently, an estimated 2.5 million pounds of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” pesticides are used annually on California crops, resulting in PFAS residues on produce consumed across the nation. California Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D–44) has introduced AB 1603, legislation to phase out PFAS pesticides. Co-sponsored by the Environmental Working Group, the statewide coalition Californians for Pesticide Reform, Pesticide Action & Agroecology Network, and the Center for Environmental Health, the bill would establish a progressive timeline to end use of PFAS pesticides in California by 2035, while giving growers time for transition to safer alternatives.

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Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News

Bilingual report — 150 community photographs capture what it means to thrive in Ventura County

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THOUSAND OAKS — From coastal landscapes to quiet family moments, 150 photographs submitted by residents across Ventura County and neighboring communities will debut this month in THRIVE: Ventura County, a community photography exhibition exploring themes of hope, connection, and well-being across the region. Selected from more than 250 submissions by photographers of all ages and backgrounds, the exhibition offers a collective portrait of what it means to thrive in our communities.

Presented by TOArts in partnership with SeeingHappy, a global nonprofit that uses photography and positive psychology to foster belonging and well-being, THRIVE: Ventura County is designed as a true community collaboration—bringing together artists, residents, nonprofit organizations, libraries, local businesses, and cultural partners to celebrate creativity as a pathway to connection and well-being. The initiative is also TOArts’ first fully bilingual (English-Spanish) arts project, expanding participation and accessibility across the region’s diverse communities.

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Business, Education, Family, Health, Local, News

Nate’s Place awarded $5.71 million state grant to build new recovery campus and youth wellness center

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VENTURA — Nate’s Place, A Wellness and Recovery Center, a nonprofit serving youth and young adults across Ventura County, has been awarded a $5.71 million grant through the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) to build a significantly expanded youth wellness and recovery campus.

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Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Ventura County Fire Dept. — Chuck Scherrei Promoted to Deputy Chief

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THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) today announced the promotion of Chuck Scherrei to Deputy Fire Chief, a key leadership position responsible for day-to-day service delivery across the department.

Scherrei’s promotion marks a significant milestone in a distinguished career dedicated to public safety, leadership development, and service to the Ventura County community.

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