Business, Finance, Government, Local, News

San Luis Obispo County releases Assessor’s Annual Report

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SAN LUIS OBISPO — It is my pleasure to present the 2025-26 Assessor’s Office Annual Report. This report contains information based upon the assessment roll produced by my office each year in accordance with state law and regulations. All properties identified and valued as part of the assessment roll serve as the basis for local property taxes.

The annual assessment roll captures the changes in value for all properties during the prior year. For 2025-26, San Luis Obispo County experienced a moderate increase in values of 4.74%.

This increase is fairly consistent with the average increase of 4.62% across the 58 California counties.

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Business, Education, Government, Local, News, Technology

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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IN-PERSON EVENT: AI UNLOCKED: SHAPING THE FUTURE

November 7 @ 12:30 pm

Join the Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Economic Development Collaborative to learn about how Santa Barbara County businesses are expanding the AI frontier, creating both challenges and opportunities for the workforce.

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Business, Cultural, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety

Bilingual report — Ventura Fire Chief David Endaya announces retirement

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Since becoming an emergency first responder in 1994 and joining Ventura Fire in 1996 as an Emergency Paramedic, Endaya has advanced through every rank in the department before being selected as Fire Chief in 2014.

“Serving the City of Ventura as Fire Chief has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Chief Endaya. “I am proud of what we have accomplished and deeply grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and heart of the men and women of the Ventura Fire Department.”

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

Bilingual report — Annual Mussel Quarantine Lifted for Ventura County; Advisory Remains in Place for Humboldt County and Northern Channel Islands

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VENTURA — The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that the annual quarantine on mussels gathered by sport harvesters from California’s coastal waters ended on midnight on Friday, October 31, 2025, for the California coast, including Ventura County. Shellfish advisories remain in place for sport-harvested razor clams from Humboldt County and for sport-harvested mussels, clams, scallops, and oysters from the Northern Channel Islands.

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Business, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Seniors

Friendship Center Adult Day Services — Halloween Disco was a success because of YOU!

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success! With nearly 120 guests, Halloween Disco was a night to remember, filled with incredible dance moves, tasty treats, fun company, and the best costumes around. Because of your generosity we were SO close to reaching our goal, in the end raising $56,239 to directly support our programs.

Know that it is not to late to donate during our Fall Fundraising campaign! It could be YOU who closes our gap to goal, ensuring our compassionate and engaging care for seniors living with dementia continues strong! If you did not get a chance to donate yet this season, or had a blast booging the night away at Halloween Disco DONATE HERE.

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Commentary, Elections, Government, Local, News, Opinion

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — Important Voter Information for California’s Special Election on Nov. 4

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Election Day is right around the corner! With just five days until California’s statewide special election on Tuesday, November 4, I want to make sure you have the information you need about what’s on the ballot and how you can vote.

Proposition 50 is a legislative Constitutional Amendment that authorizes temporary changes to Congressional District maps in response to Texas’ partisan redistricting. It was placed on the ballot by the California State Legislature.

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

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — NO-COST Webinar: Immigrant Rights in California Child Care Settings webinars on Nov. 4, 6 and 14

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Immigrant Rights in California Child Care Settings – for families with children in child care and child care providers working in various California child care programs:

This training will provide:

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Business, Education, Events, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — National Veterans Small Business Week

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The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Veteran’s Small Business Week. The EDC is dedicated to providing equal access to resources, advising and capital to all business owners.

The EDC is proud to support the community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

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

Santa Paula Art Museum — Free Family Day: Día de los Muertos on Nov. 2

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Sunday, November 2, from 12 PM to 3 PM
Free for all ages

Guests of all ages are invited to celebrate Día de los Muertos at three locations in downtown Santa Paula on Sunday, November 2! Visit the Santa Paula Art Museum, Santa Paula Cemetery, and the Agriculture Museum and enjoy hands-on crafts, altar and art displays, face painting, and much more. Admission is free and all materials are provided. Hours and activities vary by location. Follow the link below for full details.

Free Family Day at the Santa Paula Art Museum is sponsored by Gold Coast Health Plan and The Smith-Hobson Foundation Fund.

MORE INFO?

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

Graduate student Geraldine Montoya overcomes adversity to inspire others and earns CSU Trustees’ Award

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CAMARILLO — When Geraldine Montoya earns her master’s degree in School Counseling from California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI), she will become the first in her family to earn a graduate degree — a milestone that represents years of perseverance and determination.

A first-generation immigrant from Colombia, Montoya faced significant challenges growing up, including homelessness and the loss of her father at a young age. Yet through resilience and an unwavering belief in education, she turned those obstacles into motivation to help others succeed.

Today, Montoya maintains a 4.0 GPA in CSUCI’s School Counseling program while also serving as Coordinator for the California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP). In that role, she leads more than 50 Cash4College workshops each year to help students and families access financial aid and pursue higher education.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund matching opportunity announced

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CAMARILLO — Momentum is building with the announcement of a new matching opportunity for the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund, a community-wide effort to support local families and small businesses experiencing sudden hardship and disruption. Through the generosity of the Brokaw Family Fund, donations up to a total of $50,000 will be matched, doubling impact for this vital humanitarian effort that offers a coordinated and trusted way for residents to step up and support one another.

“The Brokaw Family Fund normally focuses on bettering the lives of farm workers but now all our immigrant neighbors are threatened,” said Ellen Brokaw. “Non-profits are overwhelmed with requests from families for life-sustaining help. We hope this challenge will inspire others to contribute whatever they can to help all our neighbors in need.”

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Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — Waiting For a Bus

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This morning I confidently strolled out to catch a bus not far from my home. Yes, I own a car, but I often take a bus to my destination, regardless. It’s free for people my age, and it gives me an excuse to get in some walking for the day. 

I’ve been riding the bus in my area for several years, so I know the system well. To my credit, and to that of the bus system, I never missed a medical or other important appointment whenever I took the bus. Part of that is sheer good fortune, but I also build in “time cushions” to my more crucial itineraries by allowing extra time.

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Business, Cultural, Finance, Government, Health, Local, News

Gold Coast Health Plan appoints new chief operating officer

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CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) today announced the appointment of Suma Simcoe as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective Oct. 15.

“Suma brings a wealth of operational expertise, deep understanding of managed care, and a proven record of turning complex challenges into sustainable results,” said Dr. Felix Nuñez, GCHP’s chief executive officer. “Her leadership will help strengthen our infrastructure and ensure we continue to deliver high-quality, member-centered care for Ventura County. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

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

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Nov. 4 Board of Supervisors Meeting

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The next regular meeting of the
 County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 
9 a.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, 4th Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. 

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Business, Educación, Education, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula launches fall pavement improvement plan

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SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula will launch its Fall 2025 Pavement Improvement Project on Friday, October 31, 2025, continuing the City’s commitment to maintaining safe, accessible, and well-maintained streets. The project will enhance roadway safety, extend pavement life, and improve accessibility throughout the community. Work is expected to continue through Wednesday, November 26, 2025, lasting approximately four weeks.

The Fall 2025 Pavement Improvement Project will include resurfacing, striping, and accessibility upgrades along several key corridors — Main Street, McKevett Road, Teague Drive, Teracina Drive, Loma Vista Drive, Vuelta Place, and Mill Street. These coordinated efforts will provide smoother, safer travel for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists throughout Santa Paula, with Main Street serving as the project’s primary focus area.

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Business, Events, Family, Local, News, Youth

PODS® teams up with Cumulus Radio and Ventura County Medical Center Volunteer Auxiliary for 2025 Radiothon & 10,000 Toy Drive

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VENTURA — This November, PODS® Local Moving and Storage is proud to partner with Cumulus Media and Ventura County Medical Center Volunteer Auxiliary?(VCMC) as a Sponsor for the 2025 Cumulus Radiothon & Toy Drive, supporting the only dedicated pediatric hospital unit in Ventura County. 

Running from November 5–30, this heartwarming campaign collects new, unwrapped toys for pediatric patients and their families receiving care at both Ventura and Santa Paula hospital campuses. With nearly 10,000 toys distributed by VCMC each year, the toy drive is a crucial effort to bring joy and comfort to children during what can be a difficult time. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off Monday – Friday, 8am to 4pm to the Cumulus Media studios at 1376 Walter St. Ventura.

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Cultural, Elections, En español, Government, Local, News, Noticias, Politics

Now’s the time to VOTE: Vote early and avoid the Election Day rush!

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VENTURA COUNTY — With the Nov. 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election quickly approaching, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion and the Elections team are preparing for the busy final voting days, with Election Day itself expected to be the busiest.

To avoid last-minute voting stress, voters are encouraged to take advantage of early voting opportunities now available. Nine Vote Center sites across Ventura County opened October 25 for in-person voting, late registration, ballot drop-off, and more. Another nine Vote Center locations will open Saturday, November 1.

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — Preserve the past, inspire the future at the Olivas Adobe

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites residents to attend the Olivas Adobe Volunteer Open House on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Olivas Adobe Historical Park, located at 4500 Olivas Park Drive. Admission is free.

Volunteers play a vital role in preserving and sharing the history of the Olivas Adobe, Ventura’s only remaining Monterey-style adobe home from the Rancho era. At the open house, attendees can explore a variety of volunteer opportunities and learn how to help bring history to life for visitors of all ages.

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Business, Education, Health, Local, News, Youth

Santa Barbara City College partners with Mentavi Health to deliver rapid, clinically validated ADHD evaluations for students

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SANTA BARBARA and GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is adopting Mentavi Health’s Diagnostic Evaluation to provide timely, rigorous ADHD assessments for students seeking academic accommodations. The partnership enables SBCC to reach accommodation decisions faster, when appropriate, and helps students stay on course during the term’s most demanding weeks.

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Claim up to $20,000 toward an EV!

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You can still claim up to $20,000 when you switch to an electric vehicle, and CEC can help you figure out which programs you qualify for and which incentives you can stack for maximum savings.
Here’s a breakdown of the key state and local programs offering rebates and incentives. These can be applied to an EV purchase or lease.

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Business, Health, Local, News

Cottage Cardiology Clinic welcomes new specialists

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Cardiology Clinic is pleased to announce the addition of two new cardiology specialists to its growing team, Dr. Elizabeth J. Hutchins, a board-certified cardiologist specializing in cardio-oncology, and Dr. Chee Yuan Ng, a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist. Their addition further broadens the clinic’s specialized cardiovascular services for patients across the Central Coast.

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Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News

Ventura College launches “Ventura Speaks” — A Day of Stories, Reflections and Celebration

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“Ventura Speaks” is the inaugural public event of the Ventura College Liberal Arts and Public Humanities Initiative. The new initiative seeks to strengthen the college’s liberal arts mission and create a vital community space where people engage with the big questions: Who are we? Where have we come from? What does our shared human journey mean?

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

Artwork by a Medea Creek middle schooler selected to appear in 2026 Metropolitan Water District Calendar

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OAK PARK — Artwork by 13-year-old Micah Aliling, currently an 8th grader at Medea Creek Middle School in Oak Park, was selected by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to appear in its printed 2026 calendar and digital library.

MWD delivers 1.5 billion gallons of water daily to 19 million people in Southern California. Earlier this year, it invited students across its six-county service area, including those in the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD), to submit water conservation-themed artwork for its “Being Water Wise Is…”  Student Art Calendar Contest. This marks the fourth consecutive year that a student from Oak Park has had their artwork featured in the calendar.

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