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

Bilingual report — Guest contribution — From receptionist to vice president: Ventura County native Desiree Rangel’s rise to the top of Sleep Medicine

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VENTURA COUNTY — What began as an 18-year-old’s first job at a front desk has become one of Ventura County’s most inspiring healthcare success stories. Desiree Rangel, a 2009 graduate of Oxnard High School, has risen from receptionist to Vice President of Sleep Disorder Center, a leader in modern sleep diagnostics and telehealth.

Rangel joined the independent sleep laboratory in 2010, mastering every department—scheduling, supervision, marketing, and operations—while helping the company grow from a single-insurance clinic to a fully licensed, multi-state home-testing facility.

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Local

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics Encourages Sustainable, Intentional Healthy Habits in the New Year

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SANTA BARBARA —  This year, Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics encourages people making New Year’s resolutions to reimagine their approach to health by embracing small, sustainable changes instead of aiming for the typical “all or nothing” goals. Major lifestyle alterations might look impressive on a list of goals, but when it comes to health, baby steps tend to be more productive.

“Lasting health doesn’t come from dramatic resolutions that fade by February,” Mahdi Ashrafian, CEO of Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, said. “It comes from little everyday choices—walking a little more, sleeping a little better, checking in with your doctor—that, over time, can dramatically improve quality of life.”

Here are some gentle resolutions anyone can make this year and immediately start seeing results.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Government, Health, Local, News

Los Padres ForestWatch launches community science project to protect Central Coast wildlife

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CENTRAL COAST — Los Padres ForestWatch is launching a new community science project, empowering residents to help protect wildlife across the Central Coast by documenting wildlife sightings and roadkill along local roads and highways.

Participants download a free mobile survey and upload observations during their daily routines and commutes, compiling critical data that will help guide conservation and land-use planning efforts throughout the region. Volunteers can participate by collecting data opportunistically or by committing to regular wildlife surveys along local roads and highways.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

City of Santa Paula invites residents to apply for the second cohort of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy

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he City of Santa Paula is pleased to announce the return of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy and invites residents and local businesses to apply for Cohort II. This nine-week civic leadership program is designed to educate and engage community members by providing an in-depth look at City government, operations, and local decision-making.

Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, the Academy offers participants a unique opportunity to connect directly with City leadership and staff while learning how municipal services are delivered and how policy decisions are made. The program aims to strengthen civic knowledge, promote transparency, and foster meaningful relationships between the City and the community it serves.

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Business, Education, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Take to the Seas for Island Packers Winter Whale Watching and Excursions to the Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary

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VENTURA — Island Packers, the official concessionaire to the Channel Islands, is now offering  Winter Whale Watching Excursions for whale enthusiasts to witness the inspiring migration of Pacific Gray whales as they travel through the Santa Barbara Channel near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island.  February 15, 2026 is World Whale Day.

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Cultural, Education, Family, Local, Seniors, Women, Youth

Museum of Ventura County — You’re Invited to an opening reception for a new exhibition, more news

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We invite you to join us for an opening reception celebrating Pages to Posters: The Visual Worlds of Simms Taback.

Friday, February 13

5:30 – 7:30 PM

Museum of Ventura County

100 E. Main Street, Ventura

Guests will enjoy an early look at original artworks, posters, and more, as the exhibition reveals how Taback’s distinctive visual language shaped educational materials, commercial design, and storytelling for generations.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Health, Local, News

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Only One Week Left to Join CEC Climate Stewards Winter 2026 Cohort!

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The Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) Winter 2026 Climate Stewards cohort begins in just one week! This is your final opportunity to join a growing community of climate advocates turning concern for our planet into meaningful, local action. You don’t need a background in science, advocacy, or policy to join — just a desire to learn, connect, and collaborate to amplify climate action.

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

TOArts and SeeingHappy launch THRIVE: Ventura County, Inviting artists to capture what it means to thrive

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“THRIVE reflects our belief that the arts are essential to a healthy, connected community, ” said Casey Comstock-Mills, Programs and Development Director at TOArts. “This project invites people of all ages and backgrounds to pause, reflect on what gives them hope, and share those moments with others—strengthening both personal well-being and community connection. ”

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

Ready, Set, Robot! Port of Hueneme powers up robotics season at Hueneme High

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PORT HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme recently helped kick off an exciting new robotics season at Hueneme High School, joining students, educators, and families for the school’s FIRST Robotics Competition season launch: a celebration of innovation, teamwork, and hands-on STEM learning.

The Port is proud to sponsor Hueneme High School’s robotics team, the Thunder Vikes, as they prepare to compete in this year’s FIRST Robotics season. The sponsorship reflects the Port’s ongoing commitment to expanding STEM opportunities and building strong career pathways for local students.

During the kickoff event, Port Commissioners Mary Anne Rooney and Celina Zacarias together with CEO Kristin Decas presented the Port’s sponsorship check to the team, officially launching the partnership and underscoring the Port’s investment in education and workforce development.

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Education, Local, News

Guide dog raised by Ventura Charter School Executive director graduates and begins life of service

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VENTURA — Ventura Charter School is proud to announce that Tenny, a male black Labrador retriever, has graduated from his program at Guide Dogs for the Blind as part of Class CA1041. Tenny has officially completed his training and is now a certified guide dog, embarking on a new chapter supporting greater independence for his handler. Tenny was fostered by Lisa Hildebrand, Executive Director of Ventura Charter School, who served as Tenny’s official puppy raiser for 12 months. During the 2024–2025 school year, Tenny spent every day on campus, becoming a beloved presence among students and staff. His calm demeanor and friendly nature made him a source of comfort throughout the school.

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

40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance to be held Oxnard

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OXNARD — Ventura County gathers in unity. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Ventura County invites you to the 40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance, held in person on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 in Oxnard.

Theme:

A Living Legacy: Cultivating Compassion and Justice in Ventura County

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

ICE OUT 805 Solidarity Concert and March held in Santa Maria

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SANTA MARIA — A community-led action brought together grassroots organizers, rapid response volunteers, youth leaders, and musicians to stand in solidarity against ongoing immigration enforcement violence across the Central Coast during the ICE OUT 805 Solidarity Concert/March on Jan. 15, 2025 in Santa Maria, representatives of the 805UNDOCFUND reported on their Facebook page.

Led by those carrying a banner that read “ICE OUT OF CALIFORNIA” the protesters marched down the residential streets in Santa Maria calling for the end of ICE activities in the region.

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

Bilingual commentary — Video Games: Digital Native vs. the “Dinosaur”

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It’s 2026 now, and sometimes I want to feel smug about having watched technology blossom as I grew into adulthood. After all, I’ve seen tech evolve from vacuum tubes to transistors to integrated circuits to incredibly powerful central and graphics processing units to AI accelerators. So, I’m supposed to feel comfortable with technology, right?

Wrong, as I embarrassingly discovered when playing video games with my grandson Andrew, age 7, recently. He challenged my dignity…and won commandingly. Digital natives like him are light years beyond those of us “of a particular age” who used to think that holding a remote with a cord in our hand meant power.

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

TOArts expands board with three distinguished leaders from finance, arts, and education

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THOUSAND OAKS — TOArts has appointed Victor Fakrogha, Aerin LeDuc-Gummeson, and Dr. Michael Hart to its Board of Directors, expanding the organization’s leadership with expertise spanning finance, arts advocacy, and higher education. The appointment reflects TOArts’ continued commitment to strengthening arts access, community engagement, and long-term organizational impact across the region. 

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Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News, Youth

Ventura County Leadership Academy announces 2026 honorees

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• Business Leader of the Year – Nick Deitch, R.A., Principal, RRM Design Group

• Educational Leader of the Year – Dr. Cynthia Herrera, Vice Chancellor of Institutional Effectiveness, Ventura County Community College District

• Non-Profit Leader of the Year – Robin Britt (Cohort XXIV), Executive Director, Community Conscience

• Public Sector Leader of the Year – Mark Stadler (Cohort XXVII), Sr. Program Administrator, Crisis Intervention Training Program, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office

• Alumna of the Year – Danielle Borja (Cohort XXIV), President/CEO, Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce

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Business, Education, Local, News

SBCC Shares Community Update on Physical Education & Athletics Building Replacement Project

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the community regarding the Physical Education & Athletics Building Replacement Project. The project remains in the demolition phase, and shoring installation began on Monday, January 12, 2026, as the next step in construction.

“We are excited to see the progress of the Physical Education & Athletics Building Replacement project,” shared Vice President, Business Services, Chris Renbarger. “In just a few months, the building deconstruction has shifted the landscape of our Cliff Campus.” 

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

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors elects Chair and Vice Chair for 2026

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VENTURA — At its first regular meeting of 2026, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors elected 2nd District Supervisor Jeff Gorell to serve as Chair of the Board of Supervisors and 5th District Supervisor Vianey Lopez to serve as Vice Chair.

Each January, the Board selects a Chair and Vice Chair from among its five members to serve one-year terms. The Chair presides over all Board meetings, helps set agendas in coordination with the County Executive Office, and represents the Board in ceremonial functions and intergovernmental matters. The Vice Chair serves in the Chair’s absence and supports leadership duties as needed.

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Business, Finance, Government, Health, Local, News

Guest contribution — Ventura County Taxpayers Association — VCMS: A Cash Crisis Deepens

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Oversight Warnings Ignored

The Ventura County Medical System (VCMS) — including Ventura County Medical Center, Santa Paula Hospital, and associated clinics — is a cornerstone of public healthcare in our community, delivering essential services like emergency care, inpatient treatment, and outpatient support. Yet, beneath this vital mission lies a mounting financial crisis that demands urgent attention from taxpayers and leaders alike.

The Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) has consistently sounded the alarm on VCMS’s deteriorating finances (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Recent events in 2025 and early 2026 have only amplified these concerns, exposing deeper issues in governance, leadership, and accountability.

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Business, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, Youth

UCSB — The Current — ‘Humidity worsens the impacts of heat exposure during pregnancy, quadrupling its effect on child health. By focusing on temperature only, we may be underestimating the true impacts of extreme weather’ and more news, events

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Humidity worsens the impacts of heat exposure during pregnancy, quadrupling its effect on child health. By focusing on temperature only, we may be underestimating the true impacts of extreme weather.

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Cultural, Education, Local, News

California Lutheran University professor earns top honors in international Choral Conductor Competition

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THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University’s Franco Basili placed third in the 4th Romano Gandolfi International Competition for Choral Conductors, his first international competition strictly focused on conducting. Choral directors from around the world participated in the biennial competition held in Parma, Italy. It aims to spread the passion for choral music and help rising conductors establish an international conducting career.

“It is definitely an honor for me,” said Basili, DMA, an assistant music professor at Cal Lutheran and the director of Choral Activities. “The other competitors were fantastic. It has been a bucket list item to do one of these competitions to meet other conductors and see what I can learn from them.”

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Business, Government, Local, News

Jeff Gorell elected Chair of Ventura County Board of Supervisors

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I wanted to share a quick update with you. At our first regular Board of Supervisors meeting of 2026, my colleagues on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors elected me to serve as Chair of the Board, and Supervisor Vianey Lopez was elected to serve as Vice Chair.

I am truly honored by the trust my colleagues have placed in me and grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role. I also want to thank Supervisor Janice Parvin for her leadership as Chair over the past year and for her continued service to our county.

Ventura County is an extraordinary place to call home—defined by breathtaking beauty from the mountains to the coast, recognized as one of the safest large counties in California, and strengthened by a growing and innovative economy, with our life-saving biotech sector at the forefront. Our County’s strong fiscal footing and dedicated public servants allow us to continue delivering essential services while planning responsibly for the future.

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

Bilingual report — City of Ventura launches housing workshop series

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura is launching Ventura Housing Connections, a free workshop series that helps tenants, property owners, and property managers build informed, successful rental relationships.

The workshops will deliver clear, practical guidance on rental rights and responsibilities, housing standards, communication strategies, and local housing resources. Designed for both new and experienced renters and property owners, the series supports conflict prevention, stronger communication, and housing stability throughout Ventura.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Health, Local, News

Community Environmental Council recruits Winter Class of Climate Stewards

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“At a time when federal support for climate action is shrinking, communities are increasingly being asked to lead,” said Kathi King, Course Instructor and CEC’s Director of Outreach and Education. “The Climate Stewards program builds the local capacity needed to meet the climate crisis head-on, empowering people to take meaningful action and drive solutions in their own communities.”

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Business, Cultural, Family, Local, News, Public Safety

After 100 years of industrial use, Crooked Palm now permanently protected for recreation, ecological restoration

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“Crooked Palm’s transformation from an abandoned industrial site to protected land is a victory for Ventura and all Californians. Restoring this land protects habitat, strengthens regional climate resilience, and opens healthy access to the outdoors in a community where it’s needed most,” said Guillermo Rodriguez, Vice President of the Pacific Region and California State Director for Trust for Public Land. “For the first time in more than a century, this land will increase connection to the Ventura River and provide the public with the physical and mental health benefits that come with close-to-home access to nature.”

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Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Entertainment, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! presents Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles through Jan. 18

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SANTA BARBARA — Join ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) for free community performances by Mariachi Reyna. The performances are part of Viva’s mission to make world-class performing arts accessible to students, families, and underserved communities throughout Santa Barbara County.

FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES 

Friday, January 16 | 7 PM  Isla Vista Elementary

Saturday, January 17 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall

Sunday, January 18 | 6 PM | Marjorie Luke Theatre

Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles®, the first all-female mariachi in the United States, is that they have paved the way for other female mariachi groups to exist at the professional level. Reyna, which was formed in 1994, has truly broken the stereotypes surrounding Mariachi music. In a musical landscape of songs that are often written by men, and for men, Reyna has created their own history.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SBA: HOW TO START A BUSINESS

January 12 @ 10:00 am

Are you interested in starting a business? If you are please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to learn about SBA’s 10 Step Guide on How to Start a Business. This virtual workshop targeted to new entrepreneurs, covers topics from creating a business plan, finding capital, registering your business, getting necessary permits and/or licenses and getting a business bank account. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you. This webinar will be held online via Microsoft Teams. Please register to obtain the login information. Please note, if you are planning to use a mobile device or tablet to access this webinar, you must first download the Teams app to your device. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance. Price: Free.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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