Business, Government, Local, News, Seniors

Gorell Measure passes pausing outsourcing aging programs, keeping services for seniors within county government

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors (March 3) approved a measure brought forward by Chair Jeff Gorell to pause the proposed transition of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) away from County administration, allowing additional time for public engagement and a deliberate evaluation of service delivery options. 

“This measure asks the Board to pause the current process that began late last year and would allow the County to divest itself of responsibility for administering programs under the Area Agency on Aging,” said Chair Gorell. 

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Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety, Technology

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula — Flock Safety acknowledges inadvertent Accesses by out of state law enforcement agencies

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SANTA PAULA — Flock Safety, the provider of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) to law enforcement, has announced, through audit logs within their ALPR platform, it has confirmed access by out of state law enforcement for a period of time. As a result, Ventura County Law enforcement agencies, including the Santa Paula Police Department, had their ALPR networks inadvertently accessible by out of state law enforcement agencies. Flock Safety has accepted accountability and implemented plans to address the issue.

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Local

Vacation with a view by watching a rocket launch in Lompoc In Santa Barbara County along California’s Central Coast

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LOMPOC — Looking for a getaway that’s equal parts adventure and awe? Lompoc has it all — charming downtown streets, vibrant outdoor murals, scenic coastlines, local wine tasting, and wide-open spaces perfect for exploring. But the real showstopper? Watching a rocket launch streak into the California sky. It’s a must-see experience that adds a thrilling twist to any visit, and there’s no better place to catch it than here, where the Pacific meets one of the West Coast’s busiest spaceports.

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

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Grow Your Child Care Business with WEV’s Emprendedoras de Guardería Program

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Emprendedoras de Guardería is Women’s Economic Ventures’ (WEV) NO-COST 8-week Spanish business training program designed for licensed, home-based child care providers in Ventura County. The program supports providers in growing and strengthening their businesses through culturally responsive training, coaching and peer support.

Participants will also have the opportunity to apply for a $5,000 stipend to invest in their child care business.

WEV is currently inviting interested providers to complete their Spanish interest form HERE.

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

The perfect Lompoc couples weekend In Santa Barbara County along California’s Central Coast

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LOMPOC — Framed by vineyard-covered hills and the Pacific Ocean, Lompoc, California is an ideal destination for couples looking to reconnect through great food, creative culture, and wide-open space. From spa indulgence to wine tastings and late-night eats, Lompoc delivers a weekend that feels effortless, intimate, and memorable. As you plan your trip, consider this weekend itinerary:

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Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

2026 Ventura County Mock Trial Semifinalists announced

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Dr. Cesar Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce the eight high school teams that will move on to the semifinal round of the 2026 Ventura County Mock Trial competition. Twenty-four local high schools fielded teams in the initial Mock Trial rounds held last weekend at the Hall of Justice at the Ventura County Government Center. The following eight high school teams had the highest scores and will advance to the semifinals:

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Local

Bilingual commentary — MASA: Making America Safe Again with Tamales

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Earlier this month, a large banner featuring Trump’s glaring face was unfurled outside the U.S. Department of Justice headquarters. It included the words “Make America Safe Again.” Naturally, questionable actions like these spur the sale of hats with the acronym “MASA.” These letters are a play on the famous acronym MAGA that proclaims the necessity of making America great “again,” as if winning World War II, passing civil rights legislation, and landing the first men on the moon were not enough to deem our country to be “great.”

For Mexican Americans, the word “masa” has a deep resonance with the Indigenous aspects of our culture. It’s something we can really sink our teeth into—namely, tamales.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Salud, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan launches second year of grants to fund community driven solutions to Safeguard Medi-Cal coverage

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CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) today announced that applications are now open for the second year of its Resilience, Innovation, Sustainability & Equity (RISE) Grant Program. GCHP will award one-year grants of up to $400,000 to help providers and community-based organizations support Medi-Cal members in navigating federal changes to coverage requirements.

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Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) — Bennett authors legislation package on home hardening using lessions learned from Mountain, Thomas fires

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“For years, we have worked on cultivating an enhanced sense of urgency in how Sacramento discusses wildfire prevention in the built environment,” said Asm. Bennett. “We remain committed to pursuing and supporting proven methods that reduce loss of life and property and give our communities greater chances in surviving fast-moving blazes. I’m proud to author a bill package that focuses on community resilience and is informed by firsthand experience of AD-38 residents following the Mountain and Thomas fires.”

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Commentary, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

March at the Santa Paula Art Museum

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We’re feeling lucky at the Museum in March!

We’re channeling Santa Paula artists Jessie and Cornelis Botke in the photo above as we dance into a brand-new month at the Santa Paula Art Museum. Join us for a green-themed Free Family Day on Sunday, March 1, and mark your calendars for the premiere of Cornelis Botke: Painter of the Western Scene on Saturday, March 14!

Scroll down to see all of our March events and classes.

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Business, Health, Local, News

Cottage Health named Top Places to Work in Healthcare 2026

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health has been named to Becker’s 165 Top Places to Work in Healthcare List for 2026.

The recognition highlights organizations that make their people a priority and foster environments where caregivers feel supported, valued and empowered. Becker’s noted that these organizations invest deeply in their teams through competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, inclusive workplaces and resources that support work-life balance.

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Business, Education, Family, Local, News

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Funding Alert: Launch a Resilience Hub in Your Community

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Climate disasters like extreme heat, wildfires, poor air quality, and flooding can strike our region at any time. Community Resilience Hubs are trusted, local spaces — like schools and libraries — that support neighborhoods before, during, and after climate disasters. Each Hub is unique and offers services and resources for the specific needs of the community.

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Commentary, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

Come party with MCASB at The Culver Hotel!

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We’re excited to present you the culmination of five years of collective labor – published in the fall – we’re now celebrating and excited to share our publication with events in Mexico City, Los Angeles, Oaxaca City, Santa Maria, and Santa Barbara!

Join us on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 7-10 pm at The Culver Hotel, Culver City for a conversation with the curators, artists, and contributors that made this publication possible!

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Business, Finance, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — City of Ventura Finance Department earns state and national recognition for budgeting and financial reporting

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For the 12th consecutive year, the City of Ventura earned budget awards from both the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) and the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). CSMFO presented the Operating Budget Meritorious Award for Fiscal Year 2025–2026, and GFOA honored the City with its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, the organization’s highest recognition.

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

The Collection at RiverPark welcomes spring with complimentary bunny photos and family-friendly events

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OXNARD — The Collection at RiverPark is inviting Ventura County to embrace the start of spring with an itinerary filled with family-friendly activities. Whether it’s snagging a selfie with the Spring Bunny or a day of crafts, visitors of all ages can look forward to beloved springtime traditions in a warm and vibrant community hub.

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Business, Education, Local, News

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Help Shape Central Coast Climate Resilience Plans

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From wildfires and flooding to extreme heat, Southern California communities are facing intensifying climate challenges. Southern California Edison (SCE) — the electric utility company that delivers power to homes and businesses across the Central Coast — is working toward providing safe, reliable service and preparing for increasing climate risks.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News

13th Annual Ventura County Farm Day seeks sponsors for April 11 event

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“Ventura County Farm Day is a free, all-ages, one-day invitation for people to explore agricultural locations across Ventura County,” says Caitlin Paulus Case, executive director of Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture. “Farm Day helps people better understand the journey of our food from field to table while highlighting the uniqueness and abundance of our region. It celebrates the many individuals whose hard work feeds and sustains us, contributing to Ventura County’s ranking as the 11th most agriculturally productive county in the nation.”

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Business, Health, Local, News

Steven Weintraub joins Cottage Health Board of Directors

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Weintraub is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with more than 40 years of experience in financial planning and investment management, bringing deep industry knowledge and governance experience to the Board.

Currently, Weintraub is a Partner in the Santa Barbara office of Cerity Partners, a leading independent wealth management and financial advisory firm in the United States. He provides comprehensive financial advice and oversight, with a focus on integrated financial planning and long-term wealth strategies.

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Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Allan Hancock College announces line up for Spring concerts

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is inviting the community to enjoy a series of live musical performances this spring featuring student musicians, faculty artists, and special guest performers in Boyd Concert Hall (bldg. F) on the Santa Maria campus. 

These performances are open to the public on the following dates, times, and locations: 

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Business, Entertainment, Family, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Celebrate National Clam Chowder Day at Ventura Harbor Village on Feb. 25

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VENTURA — Seafood lovers are invited to Ventura Harbor Village to celebrate National Clam Chowder Day on Wednesday, February 25 with $5 bowls of chowder from seven participating restaurants. (While supplies last.)  Nestled along the picturesque Southern California coastline, Ventura Harbor Village, offers the perfect scenic setting to enjoy this classic coastal comfort dish, while dining alongside the fishing vessels, looking out towards the snow-capped Topa Topa mountains, and basking in the West Coast winter sunshine!

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Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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IN-PERSON EVENT: FROM SKILLED EMPLOYEE TO TEAM LEADER: SUPERVISORY & LEADERSHIP FUNDAMENTALS

February 25 @ 8:00 am

You were promoted because you’re great at your work. Now you’re responsible for making sure others do it well, and that requires a completely different skill set. Join the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and the Economic Development Collaborative for a focused, high-impact course designed for skilled employees who have recently moved into a supervisory role. This course bridges the gap between “doing the work” and “leading the work,” helping participants transition from operator to process leader. Check-in: 8:00 – 8:30 am. Address: Workforce Development Board of Ventura County Office, 3rd Floor, 2901 North Ventura Road, Oxnard. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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

40th Annual California Strawberry Festival to be held May 16-17

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VENTURA — Celebrating its 40th year, the California Strawberry Festival returns Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001).  The family-friendly event features Strawberry-themed favorites, including strawberry nachos, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry kabobs, strawberry popcorn, margaritas and more.

Festival goers can also enjoy nearly 150 arts and crafts vendors, an expanded Strawberryland for kids, live entertainment on three stages, carnival rides, and a “build-your-own” Strawberry Shortcake Experience.

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

Southeast Ventura County YMCA expands Summer camp opportunities; registration open

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Signups for summer camp at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA branches are underway with camp locations at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village, Simi Valley Family YMCA day camp sites and at the Conejo Valley YMCA.

“We’re happy to bring summer camp back to the Conejo Valley YMCA site,” Katie Oberman, Yarrow Family YMCA child care senior program director. “It has a perfect outdoor space for games, water sports and nature hikes, and indoor spaces for STEM activities and arts and crafts.”

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Business, Education, Local, News, Sports, Youth

California Lutheran University student-athlete named to Allstate NACDA Good Works Team

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THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University scholar-athlete Camden Hyde   been named to the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter). The junior men’s basketball player is being honored by the Allstate National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA ) for his leadership in community service, academics and athletics. Annually, 60 student-athletes throughout the country are recognized for the fall, winter and spring seasons.

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Business, Family, Home, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — February News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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Last month we were honored to receive an award from a regional organization focused on economic development.

As essential infrastructure, just like transportation, public health, water systems, and energy grids, housing underpins our economy and is the very foundation upon which every vibrant community is built.

But the persistent shortage of affordable homes continues to challenge our region.

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