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Bilingual report — Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project — Wine Country Convening on Aug. 30 for Farmworker Justice

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LOS OLIVOS — This Labor Day weekend, community members, in solidarity with farmworkers, will flood the streets of Los Olivos in a unified and powerful march to demand justice, dignity, and most of all, a living wage for farmworkers. Farmworkers are the backbone of Santa Barbara County’s wine industry, fueling Santa Barbara County’s economy once again not only through agricultural production but through lucrative wine tasting and tourism. Yet, they continue to face low wages, unsafe working conditions, and the constant threat of detention and deportation. Earlier this year,  Santa Barbara County Supervisors voted to raise their own salaries, boldly maintaining that hard work deserves higher pay. We agree. The time is now. A living wage for farmworkers today.

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

Bilingual report — Anonymous Heroes / Héroes Anónimos opens at the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard

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OXNARD — The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) is proud to announce the opening of Anonymous Heroes / Héroes Anónimos, a special exhibition presented in partnership with the Santa Paula Art Museum and the Consulate of Mexico in Oxnard and curated by Rafael Perea de la Cabada. The exhibition will be on view at the Mexican Consulate, at 3151 W. 5th Street in Oxnard, from September 12 thru January 16, 2026.

Anonymous Heroes / Héroes Anónimos highlights 29 selections from the Santa Paula Art Museum’s permanent collection, paying tribute to the resilience, creativity, and essential contributions of our farmworkers. These “everyday heroes,” often unrecognized in history books, have shaped the cultural and economic fabric of Ventura County and beyond.

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

Bilingual report — You’re Never a Bother: Ventura County Marks National ‘988 Day’ with Action

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OXNARD — Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH), a department of the Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA), will join communities nationwide in recognizing the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) second annual “988 Day” on Monday, September 8, 2025. This year’s theme is Compassionate Help. Anytime.

988 Day raises awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, emphasizing that suicide is preventable and that compassionate support is available anytime, anywhere. The Lifeline provides free, 24/7 access to skilled, caring, and trained counselors by text, chat, or phone call.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, familia, Family, Government, Home, Immigration, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — When tenants organize, we win stronger protections!

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We know it’s hard right now. The federal government is harming our communities in so many ways. Housing costs are out of control, immigrant families are still under attack, and it can feel like no one in power is listening.

But this is exactly why we organize.

Organized immigrant tenants and workers are more important than ever. Unethical landlords and bosses can exploit the fear caused by ICE raids to pad their profits, hoping no one will speak out. But when we unite, we build trust, leadership, and courage – we win transformational change.

Especially in times like these, we have to celebrate our wins. This year across the Central Coast, tenants organizing with CAUSE have won historic victories!

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Business, Commentary, Education, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

Patagonia, Toad&Co join Blue Whales & Blue Skies

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VENTURA — Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) is proud to welcome two California-based brands known for challenging the status quo of corporate responsibility to its Ambassador program — Patagonia and Toad&Co.

BWBS encourages and verifies shipping companies’ cooperation with voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) requests along California’s coast to reduce fatal ship strikes to endangered whales, underwater radiated noise, air pollution and regional greenhouse gas emissions. The majority of international shipping traffic transiting to California ports cooperate in the program.

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

Bilingual report — The Ventura Police Department announces DUI checkpoint planned for Aug. 29

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VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department Traffic Unit will conduct a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. 

DUI checkpoint locations are chosen based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring residents from driving impaired.  

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 

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

University-level courses & lectures offered to the community by California Lutheran University’s Fifty and Better (FAB) program

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THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University’s Fifty and Better (FAB) program is pleased to announce its fall course session, early fall lectures and early fall chair yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi for fall prevention classes.

Amid tensions in the United States and questions about our democracy, FAB has worked to provide educational opportunities that delve into topics related to authoritarianism and our democracy, as well as offer lighter educational fair to provide a chance to escape the daily news cycle.   

The fall course series, beginning September 2nd, offers four-week courses on a wide range of topics.  

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Business, Commentary, Education, Family, Government, Local, Public Safety

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Community Update – Crime Prevention Tips

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In response to recent burglaries in the Santa Rosa Valley area, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office partnered with Rosemary Allison, the Santa Rosa Valley CERT and Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, to provide residents with key safety information and practical tips to help secure their homes and property.

Representatives from the Moorpark Sheriff’s Station shared crime prevention strategies and encouraged residents to remain vigilant. These tips are an important reminder for all community members in communities throughout the area.

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

The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, — Ry Rocklen & Labor Day Flash Sale

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We’re delighted to share “Torch Cafe”, an art award and edition produced by Ry Rocklen for the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara. This ceramic object uses a photograph from the Metropolitan Museum of Art of an ancient “torch holder” that has been glazed to one side. Its back has become a carrier of a form from our modern times, a stack of disposable coffee cups. “Torch Cafe” is a synthesis of ancient and contemporary objects that plays with the tropes of trophies and awards. It’s is a vehicle for remembering, recognition, and celebration.

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

Bilingual report — Ventura County Elections Office gears up for Nov. 4, 2025 statewide special election

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“It’s relatively short notice, but we are hitting the ground running,” said Michelle Ascencion, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, who oversees county elections.

“We’ve been here before – the Gubernatorial Recall in 2021 was called with only 75 days’ notice, and when I was the elected City Clerk in Oxnard, we had just under 100 days to prepare for the City Council recall election in 2018. Elections are more complicated than people realize, and it takes several months to implement all the logistics for a full Primary or General election. In comparison, this election has a very compressed timeline.”

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Bilingual report — Lawn & Garden Equipment Trade-In event slated for Sept. 13

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NEWBURY PARK — Ventura County residents can turn in working gasoline- and diesel-powered lawn and garden equipment and receive vouchers toward new cordless electric replacements at an event in Newbury Park on Saturday, Sept. 13.

The City of Thousand Oaks and the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) are hosting the Lawn & Garden Equipment Trade-In Event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 2010 Conejo Center Drive. (The facility will be closed for regular collection during the event.)

Residents can bring in their old equipment to demonstrate that it starts, turn it in to be destroyed, complete an application for the VCAPCD Lawn & Garden Equipment Exchange Program and receive a voucher toward battery-electric replacement of the same type. In most cases, the vouchers will cover most of the cost of new equipment, one charger and additional batteries.

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Business, Education, Health, Local, News, Youth

Community Environmental Council (CEC) introduces the Central Coast Resilience Hubs Accelerator

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The California Central Coast is on the frontlines of climate change — from extreme heat to wildfires to flooding, natural disasters are becoming part of our new reality. We may not be able to control when they strike, but we do hold the power to transform risk into readiness and build more resilient communities that continue to thrive in the wake of climate challenges.

To help residents who are most vulnerable, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) is partnering with the Central Coast Climate Collaborative (4C), County of Santa Barbara, Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN), and several area nonprofits to introduce the Central Coast Community Resilience Hubs Accelerator.

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Business, Finance, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — City of Ventura breaks ground on Olivas Park Drive Extension and Levee Project

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura broke ground this week on the long-anticipated Olivas Park Drive Extension and Levee Project, a transformative $51 million capital improvement that will improve traffic circulation, strengthen flood protection, and expand commercial development opportunities in East Ventura. Construction is expected to continue through summer 2027.

“This isn’t just a road or a levee. It is an investment in Ventura’s future,” said Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios. “This project reduces flood risks, eases congestion, and improves access to the Auto Center while activating over 90 acres of undeveloped land and creating the conditions for new businesses and innovation to thrive.”

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Business, Events, Local, News

West Ventura County Business Alliance seeking nominations for inaugural WVCBA Business Awards

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“Throughout the year, we’ve focused on bridging the communities we serve through thoughtfully curated events and panel discussions,” says WVCBA President & CEO Andy Conli. “We’re very excited for 2025 to culminate with a fun, heart-warming awards show to celebrate businesses, organizations, and individuals who are having a positive impact in our business community!”

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

Museum of Ventura County unveils its exciting September events lineup

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VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County is thrilled to present a series of engaging, educational, and family friendly events throughout September across our Ventura and Agriculture Museum (Santa Paula) locations. From a nostalgic agricultural celebration to deep dives into local history, our lineup fosters community connection and celebrates our region’s cultural heritage.

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Business, Educación, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SCORE: FIVE COMMUNICATION MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN LEADING HIGH-PERFORMANCE GLOBAL TEAMS

August 27 @ 10:00 am

In this engaging, practical 75-minute workshop, you’ll learn the most critical communication mistakes that undermine trust and efficiency in your global teams — and how to avoid them, how to adapt to different communication styles to ensure every team member feels understood and empowered and proven techniques for ensuring you are an effective communicator—both as a speaker and as a listener. In today’s fast-paced, interconnected workplace, successful leaders must communicate clearly and inspire teams to work together toward common goals. Yet even experienced leaders can unintentionally create misunderstandings that slow progress, erode trust and impact performance. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Business, Family, Health, Local, News

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics hopes to acquire popular Integrated Medical Records System

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SANTA BARBARA — Many of us, in our own medical care in Santa Barbara, have come to rely on “MyChart by Epic” to keep track of appointments, view test results, and ask questions of our doctors.  However, that is not an option for the thousands of patients who visit Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC). Adopting the MyChart system would benefit the patients and families who come to SBNC, allowing them to take charge of their healthcare information in English and in Spanish. It will also allow the Clinics to seamlessly and easily share vital information with Cottage Hospital, UCLA, and other providers.  It’s a critical and overdue improvement.  

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

Unite to Light to deploy innovative solar powerpoles in eight Santa Barbara Community resilience projects

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SANTA BARBARA — From powering tsunami warning systems to supporting 24/7 food pantries,  Unite To Light is pleased to announce eight new PowerPole installations which are set to transform how Santa Barbara County communities access reliable, renewable energy. Through a unique partnership with the James S. Bower Foundation and local battery tech startup Dragon Q Energy, the PowerPole is a compact, solar-integrated, off-grid solution providing electricity, battery storage, and internet connectivity, even in the harshest conditions.

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Business, Family, Finance, Home, Local, News

Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County opens applications for free home repair program

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The program addresses urgent health and safety needs so that seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities can live independently and safely in their homes. Applications can be submitted online, by mail to Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County, 1850 Eastman Avenue, Oxnard, CA or by email to jamie@habitatventura.org. For details or to learn more, visit www.habitatventura.org.

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The Oaks celebrates September with a food festival & community-focused events and programs

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THOUSAND OAKS  — The Oaks is bringing families and community members together this September with a lineup of exciting events. From culinary celebrations and family-friendly entertainment to school support initiatives, The Oaks continues its commitment to creating experiences that enrich the broader Conejo Valley community.

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

Bilingual report — Ventura County Behavioral Health invites community members to Town Halls (Sept. 16, 25; Oct. 7, 8, 16) to discuss Proposition 1 changes

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Proposition 1 aims to expand access to behavioral health care (mental health and substance use) and housing support, especially for individuals facing complex challenges such as housing instability and serious behavioral health conditions. As the State of California updates how behavioral health funding is prioritized, community voices will play a vital role in shaping local programs and services.

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

People’s Self-Help Housing awarded $34,000,000 from Federal Housing Accelerator Program

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CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has been awarded $34,049,563 from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) through its Disaster Recovery Multifamily Housing Accelerator Program (DR-ACCEL). These funds will be used to bring more housing to the city of Atascadero with PSHH’s Del Rio Ridge project.

DR-ACCEL bridges the gap in financing for projects ready to begin construction, but that are halted during periods of disaster. In this case, the impacts of the severe winter storms in December 2022 through April 2023 resulted in unmet recovery needs from the floods, in areas already suffering from a critical shortage of affordable housing. Del Rio Ridge was one of the developments to have paused during this time.

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Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

Learn about Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s youth & government programs at upcoming information meetings (Sept. 2, 3, 4)

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Kick-off meetings are scheduled for the first week in September for the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s three Youth & Government Model Legislature & Court delegation programs.

Youth & Government is an opportunity for high school students to learn how government works and join over 60 Youth & Government delegations from around California in two statewide conferences culminating in the Model Legislative & Court Conference in the legislative chambers at the State Capitol in Sacramento.

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

Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing August 2025 Newsletter

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We recently learned of the passing of Jeanette Duncan, who, for nearly four decades, was the very heartbeat of our organization.

Joining not too long after our founding in 1970 by a few volunteer community members and on the heels of the Fair Housing Act, Jeanette began her time as our first Executive Director with People’s Self-Help Housing, supporting individuals and families to build their own houses and achieve their dream of home ownership. Coming alongside those spirited volunteers as their shovels broke ground on those first houses, she subsequently recruited a core of professionals whose dedication would see the work of People’s expanding to serve thousands spread across the tri-counties of the Central Coast.

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

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College’s Community Education offering noncredit classes for Fall

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s Community Education is currently inviting Northern Santa Barbara County residents from all walks of life to register for noncredit classes.

This fall, AHC Community Education is offering noncredit, tuition-free courses in a wide range of subjects, as well as affordable fee-based courses that offer everything from educational enrichment to job skill development and training. The classes are open to everyone, no matter their age, background, or educational level.

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Business, Commentary, Family, Finance, Government, Local, News, Opinion, Seniors, Women, Youth

Guest commentary — Ventura County Taxpayers Association opposes County of Ventura Item 43 (Public Defender’s Immigrant Defense Fund)

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On Tuesday, August 26th, 2025, Supervisor Vianey Lopez will ask the Board of Supervisors to establish various programs to assist immigration-related proceedings at a cost of $6.3 million of taxpayer funds. The Supervisor is asking taxpayers to pay for an Immigration Legal Defense Fund for a team of lawyers in the Public Defender’s Immigrant Defense Unit and provide financial support for a “Migrant Education Program”.

The Ventura County Taxpayers Association opposes the proposed measures as misguided, fiscally irresponsible, and potentially exposing the County to significant legal and financial risks.

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Business, Local, News

Farr Johnen & Associates celebrate 40 years of client service

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Prior to starting the firm in 1985, Gary had become a seasoned insurance professional with decades of experience and a strong network across Southern California. Glen graduated from USC in 1981 and started his career at Connecticut Mutual. By the time they moved to Ventura County and opened Farr Johnen & Associates, Glen had already earned a reputation as a leader in the life insurance marketplace. A few years later, Brenda Farr joined to launch the firm’s employee benefits practice, providing health insurance solutions for local businesses.

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Business, Cultural, Family, Finance, Local, News, Youth

People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Four Students Receive John Fowler Scholarship Award Senior scholars to pursue higher education this fall

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CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has awarded four students with the John Fowler Scholarship Award: Alondra Zarate of Isla Vista, Gabbi Rangel and Luna Ramirez Solano of Goleta, and Fatima Orozco of Guadalupe.

The John Fowler Scholarship, named in recognition of former President & CEO of PSHH, was created to support PSHH students in their pursuit of higher education, vocational training, or trade schools. Since 2020, multiple $1,000 scholarships have been awarded each year to high school seniors who demonstrate a commitment to bettering their community, a strong motivation for excellence, and planned enrollment in a degree or certificate program. Each applicant displayed academic excellence in various ways through essay responses, report cards, their involvement in extracurricular activities, and support of their community, to include caring for family members.

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