Don’t miss your chance to secure the early bird price for a seat at our upcoming Fundraiser, celebrating our 50th Anniversary and the 35th Latino Leadership Awards! Reserve your spot today and join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, recognition, and community. Act now—early bird pricing ends soon!
UCSB Arts & Lectures presents its 66th season of world-class cultural and artistic events, from stimulating lectures and animated conversations with today’s thought leaders to brilliant performances by the world’s most accomplished dancers, singers, musicians and performers. Single (non-subscription) tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2025-2026 season go on sale Tuesday, August 19 at 10 a.m.
Join us in celebrating United Way of Ventura County’s Spirit Award recipients and our 80th Anniversary!
Only one more day to take advantage of the early bird ticket price! After Friday, August 8 the ticket price is $250.
Homeowners and businesses whose landscapes were damaged or destroyed by the recent wildfires should begin taking steps to prevent erosion before fall and winter rains by repairing the soil and adding nutrients to promote plant growth, says Rick Wilson, Ph.D., chief science officer at Agromin, the largest organic waste recycler and compost and mulch producer in California.
Summer Greetings from the VCCF Scholarship Program!
We’re thrilled to share that 2025 has been another record-breaking year for the VCCF Scholarship Program. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we awarded 569 scholarships to 412 students, totaling $1,838,986.60 — the highest amount ever granted. More than 30 awardees received the maximum scholarship of $10,000, paving the way for them to fully pursue their dreams.
The VibeWell VC grant program supports Ventura County-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in delivering programs that increase mental health awareness through creative experiences. Priority funding goes to arts organizations with explicit arts missions, though other nonprofits may apply if partnering with local arts organizations or artists.
“Our focus at CCMC is high quality care for our pediatric patients locally. This affiliation is a huge leap forward in reducing the burden placed on families to travel multiple times a year for a chronic condition that requires a large academic center like CHLA,” says Miriam Parsa, MD, MPH, Chief Pediatric Medical Officer of Cottage Children’s Medical Center.
Dear Families & Friends,
Friendship Center has felt especially home-y lately. Spending more time with the family members who bring their loved ones to the Center has only deepened our “family feel” in the most meaningful way. Even after just hitting my two-year mark as Executive Director, I’m still pinching myself that this is where I get to spend my days and pour my energy.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — In an era where personal relationships and financial lives are increasingly complex, attorney Richard F. Sperling urges couples to think ahead when it comes to protecting their assets and intentions through thoughtfully crafted premarital and post-marital agreements.
Sperling, a seasoned family law attorney and mediator based in Westlake Village, has seen first-hand how misunderstandings, lack of adequate legal counsel and even a simple failure to double-check a document can have lasting consequences. A high-profile case he wrote about for the San Fernando Valley Bar Association,?Estate of Eskra, highlights the stakes.
Our newly-released five-year plan is the result of a thoughtful and collaborative process, shaped by the voices of our staff, board, community partners, and those we serve. It reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to safe, stable housing and supportive services that empower individuals and families to thrive.
More than a roadmap, this plan is a pledge—to stay focused, accountable, and connected in our pursuit of lasting impact. With clear priorities and measurable goals, we invite our supporters and partners to join us as we build a more just and compassionate future, one home and one life at a time.
On behalf of all of us at United Way of Ventura County, thank you for your participation in our 2025 Stuff the Bus campaign. At the conclusion of our campaign, we distributed over 2,300 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students in Ventura County experiencing homelessness. Thanks to your donation, you have helped pave the path to academic success for unhoused youth.
VENTURA — Ventura Land Trust (VLT), a community-based nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of open space in Ventura County, has announced that it has added two new members to its Board of Trustees: Paolo Perrone and Sabrena Rodriguez. Paolo Perrone…
In our ongoing effort to foster a safe and inclusive platform for artists and the community, we invite you to our second Assembly on August 9, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. This gathering will build on our previous conversations, with the goal of developing tangible projects that strengthen connections between the artist community and the broader public.
Given the current political climate, which disproportionately impacts the arts and immigrant communities, we recognize the urgent need to address these challenges. As part of MCASB’s commitment to accountability, this Assembly will focus on the unsafe conditions faced by our immigrant community.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is currently accepting applications for open seats on the Housing Authority Board and Water Commission, two of the City’s Council Advisory Groups that help shape important local policies and initiatives.
These advisory bodies offer residents and professionals the opportunity to get involved, lend their expertise, and make a lasting impact in Ventura.
“Housing and water are two big topics of discussion in Ventura, and across the county,” said Assistant City Clerk Darrick Ryser. “Serving on a council advisory group is an opportunity to directly impact those local decisions and policies. It requires volunteers who are committed and passionate about the community.”
Sept. 4 — Join us for a cocktail hour and three-course fundraising dinner on the Plaza, followed by an oral history presentation from Elena Brokaw, the Barbara Barnard Smith Chief Executive Officer.
Step into a captivating journey back to the Gilded Age, a time of remarkable transformation in Ventura County. All proceeds support the museum’s educational and history preservation initiatives.
DRESS CODE: The Gilded Age/Cocktail Attire
CLICK TO REGISTER FOR TICKETS!
VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is proud to announce the appointment of Phil Fingerman (Bank of America) to its volunteer Board of Directors to further the agency’s vision for youth mentorship programs in Ventura County.
Fingerman currently serves as Vice President of Business Intelligence Reporting at Bank of America, where he has also played a key role as an active participant in the Bank’s many volunteer programs and opportunities. His appointment to the Board at BBSVC reflects both his professional expertise, deep personal commitment to the organization’s mission, and drive to support the community as a whole.
SANTA BARBARA — Dr. Daniel Crossman and Dr. Casey Whipple, family medicine providers, have joined Cottage Primary Care – Goleta. Dr. Crossman specializes in adult primary care, while Dr. Whipple provides care for patients of all ages—from newborns to adults.…
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — YMCA branches serving the Conejo Valley/Las Virgenes, Simi Valley and Moorpark areas are registering students in TK through fifth grade for after-school child care programs for the coming 2025-26 school year
Childcare is available on school days, pupil-free days and minimum days. Camp programs are held during Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks and any school furlough days. Each program provides a structured environment that includes homework time, arts and crafts, sports and science. All childcare staff are state-licensed and CPR and first aid certified.
Corina Logan and her team tease apart the role of behavioral flexibility in great-tailed grackles’ ability to flourish in human-made environments.
On the menu Thurs, Aug 7th:
Rice Balls of Fire
Passion Empanadas
Coyote Elote
Little Tony’s Wood Fired Pizza
Wrapped California
Juarez Tacos
Takumi
Happy Place
El Maíz
Cheesecake Plugg Caffe
J&K Catering
Pupusería La Llama
Jimbo’s Funnel Cakes
RESULTS
August 6 @ 10:30 am
Are you tired of guessing how to get more traffic, leads and sales from your website? In this NO-COST masterclass, you’ll learn practical, step-by-step strategies to boost your organic (NO-COST) traffic from Google and run Google Ads that actually work. Discover the exact formula that top businesses use to attract the right visitors and turn them into customers without wasting time or money. You’ll also see how to integrate SEO and Google Ads into one powerful marketing plan that maximizes your ROI. Learn how to create, manage and optimize your campaigns on the world’s biggest search engine — whether you want to do it yourself or work with an agency. Your instructor, Brandon Leibowitz, is the founder of SEO Optimizers with 18+ years of experience helping businesses rank higher and convert better. Brandon’s hands-on, easy-to-follow teaching style means you’ll leave this workshop with clear action steps you can apply immediately. Whether you’re a business owner, marketer or someone exploring a career in digital marketing, this session will help you take control of your website’s performance. Reserve your spot for this NO-COST masterclass today and start driving results!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 2025-2026 season, marking 20 years of celebrating community, culture, and connection through the arts. This milestone season features an outstanding lineup of Latine performers guaranteed to captivate audiences throughout Santa Barbara County.
Viva will present five acclaimed acts that exemplify the vibrant and diverse cultural heritage of Latin America, in a special year commemorating Viva’s 20th season, with multiple opportunities for the community to celebrate together throughout the year.
Upcoming artists include: Grupo Bella, Gabby Moreno, Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles, Las Cafeteras, Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande
I never thought I’d see the day when I would waver in my belief that the pursuit of a four-year college degree was a good choice for a young person. But that day has arrived. Yes, I’m wavering.
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Board Chair Gloria Martinez has been appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to the 31st District Agricultural Association, Ventura County Fair Board. The appointment was officially announced by the Governor’s Office on July 25, 2025.
Martinez currently serves as the Economic Vitality Manager for the County of Ventura and brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in economic development, nonprofit management, and public affairs. Since making Santa Paula her home in 2020, Martinez has become an active and engaged community leader, bringing her background in economic development and small business support to initiatives that strengthen the local economy and promote inclusive economic opportunities.
SANTA BARBARA — Last week, Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital celebrated the conclusion of the 40th annual Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp, following a week of adapted sports, new friendships and unforgettable experiences. Campers, volunteers and staff reflected on the lasting impact of this one-of-a-kind program.
Hosted July 21–25 at the UCSB Recreation Center, the camp welcomed approximately 40 campers and more than 75 volunteers—all gathered to support and celebrate the power of inclusive recreation. The event marked a milestone year in the camp’s history, which spans four decades of empowering youth with physical disabilities through sport.
VENTURA — Beginning August 4, 2025, the Clerk’s Offices and the Records Department will be open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm each weekday except Court holidays. These offices will no longer close during the lunch hour, allowing customers greater flexibility in accessing court services. Each of the Court’s three courthouses – Hall of Justice in Ventura, Juvenile Courthouse in Oxnard, and East County Courthouse in Simi Valley – will feature these extended hours.
SANTA PAULA — After several months of operating a temporary Public Lobby at the City’s Community Development Building, the Santa Paula Police Department is re-opening its Public Lobby for business hours at 214 S. 10th St. The re-opening begins Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Renovations, including several needed improvements, were recently completed and include safety features for police employees and the public. The Police Department Public Lobby is open for business hours Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The Public Lobby will also be open every other Friday, beginning this Friday, August 1, 2025.
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has been awarded $5,000,000 from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) as part of the Regional Early Action Plan (REAP 2.0). The funding will support the development of the Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s Revolving Long-Term Loan Program for Infill Affordable Housing Developments.
On Sunday, we humbly wrapped up our 30th summer season with hearts full of gratitude (and a touch of birthday cake). Kicking off with Ottmar Liebert last month, we delivered eight inspiring shows concerts — 17 to 25 in our “30 for 30” series — featuring 30 talented musicians, while supporting dozens of local businesses and hiring community contractors, from staff to crew and caterers. Together, we brought vibrant live music to over 2,000 concertgoers, neighbors, and visitors. It’s all about fostering connections through music and creating lasting community impact.
Huge thanks for your incredible support. As thanks, we are offering a 15% early bird discount with code EARLYBIRD now through August 12 when you buy tickets for concerts 26 through 30 at our fall festival line up listed below.
Please take a moment to share your feedback on the July Series with us. We look forward to more harmony and shared moments ahead!
MOORPARK — This fall, the Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department will present Angels in America: Part One — Millennium Approaches, Tony Kushner’s landmark play exploring politics, identity and the AIDS crisis in 1980s America. Auditions will be held August 12-14 at the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center.
The production calls for a large, versatile cast and offers a range of challenging roles that span gender, race, and age. All lead roles will likely be double cast, and auditions are open to Moorpark College students and the wider community. Rehearsals begin August 18, with evening rehearsals held Monday through Thursday.
