Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County Welcomes New board director, Dennis Yai

VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is proud to announce the appointment of Dennis Yai, Associate General Counsel at Amgen, to its Board of Directors. Mr. Yai brings extensive expertise in corporate governance, securities, and strategic legal counsel, experience that will strengthen the agency’s mission to ignite the potential of youth across Ventura County.

As Associate General Counsel at Amgen, one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, Mr. Yai oversees a broad portfolio of corporate, securities, and governance activities. His responsibilities include advising on SEC compliance, executive compensation, ESG matters, stockholder activism, and high-level public disclosure. Mr. Yai also played a pivotal role in structuring, negotiating, and closing major financing transactions, including cross-border financing in support of Amgen’s acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics.

Santa Barbara’s Sullivan Gross — An American Gallery announces opening reception for Oskar Fischinger reception will be held Jan. 3

SANTA BARBARA — A groundbreaking solo exhibition, “Oskar Fischinger: A Deeper Look,” is set to open at Sullivan Goss Gallery on January 2nd, shining a long-overdue spotlight on the innovative painting career of the pioneer of abstract animation and visual music, Oskar Fischinger. The exhibition coincides with the release of the first major monograph dedicated entirely to his work as a painter, an attempt to “balance the scales” on an artist whose 800-painting body of work has been overlooked by the focus on his films. Together these projects celebrate the rediscovery of a pioneering Los Angeles artist whose work is as relevant and fascinating today as it has ever been.

Bilingual reports — County of Ventura wins gold from the Healthcare Digital Marketing Awards for fentanyl awareness website

VENTURA — The County of Ventura has received a Gold Award in the 6th Annual Healthcare Digital Marketing Awards for its Think Again Ventura Countywebsite, a centralized, digital resource supporting the County’s ongoing fentanyl awareness campaign. The national awards program, which recognizes excellence in healthcare marketing and digital communications, received entries from hospitals, health systems, and public health organizations across the country

40th Annual California Strawberry Festival call for applicants: Makers of unique, quality handcrafted artwork and craft items

VENTURA — The 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival is accepting applications from individual makers of quality, handcrafted works by artists and crafters for this year’s festival taking place May 16 and 17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The deadline to apply is February 9.

The festival, which attracts more than 50,000 visitors, features dozens of different kinds of foods and beverages made from fresh strawberries. About 150 artisans from throughout California showcase their original works including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, children’s toys, accessories, photography, textiles, outdoor furniture, jewelryand specialty foods.

Senior Concerns President & CEO Andrea Gallagher recognized with City of Thousand Oaks Council Chambers Seat Dedication

THOUSAND OAKS — Senior Concerns president and CEO Andrea Gallagher was recognized with a City of Thousand Oaks City Council Chambers Seat Dedication during the Dec. 9, 2025, City Council meeting. Outgoing Mayor David Newman presented the prestigious honor. 

Gallagher was honored with Seat N9 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza’s Scherr Forum Theatre, which also serves as the Andrew P. Fox City Council Chamber.

The recognition highlights Gallagher’s years of service at Senior Concerns and her work supporting older adults and family caregivers throughout the Conejo Valley. Under her leadership, Senior Concerns has advanced key programs including Meals On Wheels, the Adult Day Program, Caregiver Support Center, Senior Advocates, and the organization’s 50th Anniversary Future Fund.

Bilingual report — Ventura City Council approves water and wastewater rate adjustments

VENTURA — On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the Public Hearing for Proposed Water and Wastewater Rates, City Council unanimously approved five-year water and wastewater rate increases needed to maintain reliable water and wastewater service. The new rates will take effect July 1, 2026. Customers can use Ventura Water’s online bill calculator to estimate individual impacts to their water and wastewater bill.  

Bilingual report — Santa Paula City Council Selects New Mayor and Vice Mayor for the 2026 Term

SANTA PAULA — During a ceremonious and festive Council meeting on December 10, 2025, the Santa Paula City Council held its annual leadership reorganization, resulting in the appointment of a new Mayor and Vice Mayor for the upcoming year.

Outgoing Mayor Chavez, who made history as the first openly gay Mayor in both Santa Paula and Ventura County, received enthusiastic and appreciative public comments recognizing his leadership, integrity, and the many accomplishments achieved under his tenure. Community members expressed gratitude for his commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and elevating civic engagement across Santa Paula. The Council also thanked him for his accomplishments and stewardship throughout the past year.

Additionally, the Council unanimously appointed outgoing Vice Mayor Carlos Juarez to serve as Mayor of Santa Paula for the new term.

Bilingual commentary — What Do They Mean “Accounting Is Not Professional”?

In its nefarious dedication to destroying the foundations of American education, the U.S. Department of Education, in its definitely finite wisdom, is proposing that graduate accounting degrees are no longer to be recognized as “professional” for student loan purposes. This is certain to have repercussions that will significantly impact higher education in the field of finance.

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/

Guest contribution — McCarthy Companies marks milestone with continued commitment to quality, community

“Forty-five years of growth have reinforced a core belief: we don’t just build homes—we create opportunity, stability, and long-term value for the communities we serve,” said Sarah McCarthy-Garcia, Partner. “As we look ahead, our focus remains on thoughtful expansion, innovation, and advancing housing options that will endure for generations.”

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.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘UCSB physicists accept Nobel Prizes in Sweden’ and more news, events

In a ceremony full of splendor, music and admiration, professors Michel Devoret and John Martinis, alongside their mentor, UC Berkeley physicist John Clarke, on Dec. 10 officially received their Nobel Prizes from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.

SEEAG Awarded $236,360 California Department of Food and Agriculture Grant

“Students learn about specialty crop-related science, technology and engineering. They explore career opportunities at local farms and connect with agricultural professionals,” says Caitlin Paulus Case, SEEAG executive director. “To run a successful agriculture business today requires the skills to address the many challenges facing the industry, including soil science, plant nutrition and sustainability practices.”

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.

Bilingual report — Signatures in lieu of filing fee period starts Dec. 19, 2025 for the June 2, 2026 Statewide Primary Election

“Although June 2, 2026 may seem far away, many of the important deadlines for people who are considering running for office are coming up quickly,” said Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion. “The signatures-in-lieu period is the first major action of the election cycle, and we encourage candidates for qualifying offices to take full advantage of it. Not only can it reduce costs, but it also provides a head start on gathering signatures needed for nomination papers.”

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

Bilingual report — Holiday Heroes to bring magic to children at Ventura County Medical Center

VENTURA — Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) is excited to announce its upcoming Holiday Heroes Rappel event for pediatric patients. On Monday, Dec. 15, members of the Urban Search and Rescue Regional Task Force, including firefighters from Oxnard, Ventura City, and Ventura County, will dress as Santa Claus and beloved holiday characters such as elves and rappel from the hospital roof to the pediatric unit playground.

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.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department opens applications for Teen Explorer Program

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department invites local teens to step behind the scenes of real police work as applications open for the Teen Explorer Program. Designed for high school students ages 14–18, the program offers a rare, hands-on look at law enforcement while helping young people build confidence, leadership skills, and lasting connections in their community.