Business, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Ventura County Civic Alliance Nov. 15, 2025 Livable Communities Newsletter

by  • 

This year’s State of the Region event was an overview of the report by Tony Basotti, and panel with District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, Amgen Executive Director of Global Government Affairs Chad Petit, Port District CEO & Director Kristin Decas, and Oxnard City Manager Alex Nguyen, who gave their perspectives on issues in the report.

This venture is crucial to the dissemination of information to the community and leaders in business, education, and government, who are instrumental in planning the county’s future. We are grateful to our sponsors whose support is integral to this important project.

As always, let us know what you think.?
Stacy Roscoe

Read more →

Business, Finance, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

More Ways to Give with VCCF: Stock Donations

by  • 

VENTURA COUNTY — As we enter the season of giving, there’s a wonderful way to make your generosity go even further: donating appreciated stock to the Ventura County Community Foundation.
 
Gifting stock is not only a powerful way to support the causes you care about, it may also offer meaningful tax advantages. By donating appreciated securities, you may be able to avoid capital-gains tax and receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of your gift. It’s a true win-win for you and for our Ventura County community.

Read more →

Commentary, Education, Local, News

Bilingual commentary — The Mysterious Realm of Mushrooms

by  • 

Many of us don’t think too much about mushrooms, except in terms of how they mysteriously appear in the fall, or how they might enhance a meal that we are preparing. 

I believe most of us see mushrooms as a curiosity. They seem to emerge enigmatically from out of nowhere for a season before disappearing into that mysterious realm from whence they came. 

Read more →

Business, Family, Government, Local, News, Public Safety, Seniors, Women, Youth

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Storm update

by  • 

Dear Neighbors,

The National Weather Service is forecasting a series of storms heading toward Ventura County beginning late Thursday and continuing through Sunday. With significant rainfall expected, I want to ensure you have the latest information to stay prepared and safe. Read a full update about the weather event at VCEmergency.com.

Evacuation Warnings are in effect for the following areas 6:00 pm Thursday, November 13 ? 6:00 pm Sunday, November 16, 2025:

Mountain Fire Burn Area – Upgraded from Advisory to Evacuation Warning
Matilija Canyon / North Fork, Camino Cielo

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara — Second wave of storm arrives late Friday (Nov. 14). Heavier rain anticipated for south Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez Mountains

by  • 

Storm Update
A series of storms is moving through Santa Barbara County. The first storm has passed, and a second storm is expected late Friday, November 14, into Saturday, November 15.

During the first storm, the South County received about 2–4 inches of rain, with some areas in the Santa Ynez Mountains getting over 5 inches overnight. North County saw about 1–2 inches. The storm caused localized flooding, downed trees, and rocks and debris on roads.

The second storm is expected to bring 2–3 inches of rain to South County and 3–6 inches to the Santa Ynez Mountains. North County will likely receive less rain than other parts of the county. According to the National Weather Service, this storm will produce heavier bursts of rain over short periods, unlike the steady rain from the first storm. A Flood Watch will be in effect for most of Santa Barbara County from 1AM – 10PM on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Guest commentary — CAUSE — A bad deal for Oxnard

by  • 

On Tuesday, November 18th, the Oxnard City Council faces a defining choice: will they stand with our community or take a bad deal from a polluting corporation that has spent decades deceiving and putting profit before people? Join us at City Council on Tuesday at 6:00 PM to make your voice heard and stand up for environmental justice in Oxnard.

Read more →

Family, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Santa Paula Art Museum — “Art About Agriculture” Premieres Saturday, Nov. 15, more events

by  • 

Saturday, November 15, from 4 PM to 6 PM

SPAM Members $5 • Non-members $10

Feast your eyes on 48 fresh works of art by contemporary California artists during the premiere of Art About Agriculture on Saturday, November 15! This popular biennial exhibit explores the many facets of agriculture through art—from workers to water, from machinery to fields, to the food that fills our plates. Mingle with the artists, and enjoy beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres during the premiere party. All of the artworks will be available for purchase.

The 16th Art About Agriculture Exhibition will be on view from November 15, 2025, to March 8, 2026. This exhibition is sponsored by Brokaw Ranch Company.

MORE INFO

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Nyeland Promise Noticias

by  • 

It’s been a little while since our last newsletter, but we’re so happy to reconnect with you! So much has been happening in our beloved Nyeland Acres from new programs to inspiring community moments that continue to remind us why we do what we do.

At Nyeland Promise, our mission remains the same: to build a healthier, stronger, and more united community through compassion, empowerment, and opportunity. Whether it’s through our Cafecito con los Vecinos senior gatherings, Comadres Unidas women’s empowerment group or our continued outreach for families, every effort is made possible because of you — our dedicated neighbors, volunteers, and partners.

Read more →

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

Coalition for Family Harmony in Oxnard marks 50 years of service to survivors

by  • 

OXNARD — This October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Coalition for Family Harmony marks its 50th anniversary — a milestone in its long-standing commitment to serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout Ventura County.

The organization traces its roots back to 1975, when it was founded as a crisis phone hotline by Roz McGrath, a pioneering social justice advocate known for her tireless work defending human rights and supporting underserved communities. What began as a grassroots effort from McGrath’s vision and activism has since grown into a robust, multilingual agency offering comprehensive services including shelter, legal advocacy, trauma counseling, prevention education, and 24/7 crisis intervention.

Read more →

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

Ventura County Credit Union celebrates 75 years of service with $75,000 gift to Moorpark College Foundation

by  • 

VENTURA COUNTY  — In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) continues its “Year of Giving” with a $75,000 donation to the Moorpark College Foundation, presented during VCCU Employee Development Day at the credit union’s corporate headquarters on Oct. 13, 2025.

Dr. Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College, and Debi Klein, executive director of the Moorpark College Foundation, accepted the donation on behalf of the college. The funds will directly support student success initiatives, scholarships and innovative academic programs that continue to make Moorpark College one of the top community colleges in California.

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — Registration open for Winter, Spring classes at Allan Hancock College

by  • 

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is inviting new and returning students to register now for winter and spring 2026 classes, which offer hundreds of opportunities to earn a degree, transfer to a university, gain job skills or explore new interests. 

Open registration for both terms began Nov. 6, with classes available in a wide range of subjects and flexible formats across Hancock’s Santa Maria campus, Lompoc Valley Center, and online. Winter session classes begin Dec. 15, and spring semester classes start Jan. 20. 

“Winter and spring are great times for students to stay on track, get ahead, or start something new,” said Allan Hancock College Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “We want our students to know that Hancock is here to help them earn a degree, train for their career or continue their education by transferring to a university.” 

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Events, familia, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — Nov. 18 Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting

by  • 

The next regular meeting of the
 County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for  9 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building
Board Hearing Room
511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. 

Read more →

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

Southeast Ventura County YMCA receives $20,000 contribution from U.S. Bank

by  • 

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA announced it received a $20,000 contribution from U.S. Bank.

The funding will be used to fund the YMCA’s Find My Genius after-school and summer programs. Find My Genius is free for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level. It aids the young scholars’ academic and social-emotional learning through reading and math instruction, healthy meals, physical exercise and enrichment opportunities.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Family, Health, Home, Local, News, Youth

Habitat Ventura and volunteers honor Military and Veterans at 4th Annual Playhouse Build Blitz, presented by Bank of America

by  • 

VENTURA — More than 150 volunteers and community partners gathered to honor Veterans at Bank of America’s Corporate Office for Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County’s Fourth Annual Playhouse Build Blitz, presented by Bank of America. Teams of volunteers worked side by side for 5+ hours painting and decorating children’s playhouses, each tailored to the interests of a local military family. By the afternoon, families arrived to receive their new playhouses, complete with themes ranging from dinosaurs and gardens to princess castles. In all, 18 families and their children experienced the joy of receiving a playhouse built just for them.

Read more →

Cultural, En español, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Salud, Seniors, Women, Youth

County of Ventura — Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report: Potential storm water runoff contamination

by  • 

VENTURA — As part of the Ventura County Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Program, the Environmental Health Division (Division) is providing the following precautionary information to the public.?Rainfall that is significant enough to result in runoff can flow into storm drains, channels, creeks, and rivers that empty onto the beaches of Ventura County.?In general, 0.2 inches (2 tenths of an inch) of rainfall may be enough to create significant runoff conditions.? 

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — City of Ventura releases 13th Ventura Voices episode highlighting community sustainability programs. Hosted by Alejandra Belalcázar

by  • 

VENTURA — The City of Ventura has released a new episode of Ventura Voices titled “All Things Sustainability: Ventura’s Community Programs in Action.” Hosted by Communications Specialist Alejandra Belalcázar, the episode explores how Ventura’s Environmental Sustainability Division has evolved from its early recycling initiatives in the 1990s into a multifaceted team leading communitywide efforts in waste reduction, clean energy, and long-term climate planning.

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — County of Ventura receives national 2025 IT Excellence Award

by  • 

VENTURA — The County of Ventura has been recognized with a 2025 Information Technology Excellence Award by Info-Tech Research Group, a national organization that highlights advancements in information technology governance, operations and service delivery across the public and private sectors.

Read more →

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

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Thrive Together: Entrepreneurs Supporting Youth in Ventura County

by  • 

Join City Impact for their Thrive Together Fundraising Event to celebrate local entrepreneurs driving change and enjoy a powerful art show created by the young artists within the community. This event is more than a gathering. It’s a commitment to uplifting entrepreneurs, empowering youth and strengthening the community.

Your presence supports opportunities that spark innovation, fuel creativity and build a brighter future.

Location: Sterling Hills Golf Club, 901 Sterling Hills Dr, Camarillo, CA 93010
Date and time: Tuesday, November 18, from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Pricing: $85

For more information, CLICK HERE

Read more →

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

Nyeland Promise honored as Champion for Social Justice

by  • 

NYELAND ACRES — Nyeland Promise, a grassroots nonprofit\ dedicated to uplifting the residents of Nyeland Acres through education, health, and community empowerment, has been named a Champion for Social Justice by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties. This recognition celebrates organizations that are breaking barriers, fostering equity, and creating lasting change through community-driven leadership.

Read more →

Business, Education, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Communities across California call unscientific regulation of cancer-causing 1,3-D racist. Demand phaseout of fumigants and 1-mile buffer zones around schools

by  • 

OXNARD — A news conference will be held at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 at Plaza Park in Oxnard about the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s new 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) regulation and new data showing large increases in highly hazardous fumigant use near schools and daycares.

Read more →

Government, Local, News

Ventura Superior Court launches Court-Ordered Civil Mediation Program

by  • 

VENTURA — The Ventura Superior Court announces the launch of the Court-Ordered Civil Mediation Program.

Beginning November 10, 2025, civil lawsuits with amounts in controversy of $50,000 or less per plaintiff may be ordered to mediation at the Court’s discretion. Subject to the Court’s approval, parties may also voluntarily agree to participate in court-ordered mediation regardless of the amount in controversy.

Read more →

Business, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Free eye exams, glasses for San Luis Obispo community members in need

by  • 

SAN LUIS OBISPO — More than 70 California Conservation Corpsmembers and San Luis Obispo residents received free eye exams and, if needed, free prescription glasses on Nov. 6-7 thanks to a partnership between VSP Eyes of Hope and the California Conservation Corps. Many of the prescription glasses were made the same day on board the mobile clinic, allowing patients to receive eye care and eyewear in the same visit.

Read more →

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

75th annual Santa Paula holiday parade honors hometown Veteran, youth sports coach Rey Frutos on Nov. 28

by  • 

SANTA PAULA — Santa Paula’s cherished holiday tradition returns as the 75th Annual Santa Paula Holiday Parade lights up Main Street on Friday, November 28, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM — one of the only nighttime parades in Ventura County with nearly 50 floats and vehicles lit up with holiday cheer. This year’s parade honors Grand Marshal Rey Frutos, known in the community for his lifelong dedication, mentorship, and positive impact on generations of Santa Paula youth. His leadership and commitment to service embody the true spirit of the holidays — giving back and lifting others.

Read more →

Entertainment, Events, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Join Hospice of Santa Barbara in celebrating 42nd annual Light Up a Life ceremonies, honoring loved ones this holiday season

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is honored to invite the community to its 42nd Annual Light Up a Life ceremonies. This cherished holiday tradition returns to offer a warm, uniting space for the communities of Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Carpinteria to remember and honor the loved ones whose absence is felt during the holiday season. The ceremonies are free and open to the public.

While the holiday season is often associated with joy, it frequently stirs a complex mix of feelings. For individuals navigating this time while grieving a loss, the emotions can be especially raw. HSB understands that this period requires both remembrance and support, which is why we proudly host Light Up a Life annually to honor those who are deeply missed.

Read more →

Commentary, Cultural, Family, Government, Local, News, Veterans

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — Honoring Our Nation’s Veterans

by  • 

On this day and every day, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our veterans and their families for their extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and service to our country.

More than 40,000 veterans and their loved ones call Ventura County and the Conejo Valley home, and I am proud to work on their behalf in Congress. Honoring our veterans is a responsibility that never ends, and neither does the work to ensure they receive the care, benefits, and support they have earned.

As Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, one of my top priorities is to identify disparities in care for veterans and to introduce, advocate for, and pass legislation that closes those gaps.

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Cultural, Family, Government, Local, News, Veterans

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Thank You Veterans!

by  • 

As a third-generation U.S. Navy Veteran, I’m filled with deep gratitude today for all who have worn the uniform in defense of our nation and the freedoms we hold dear.

My grandfather fought in World War II, my father served in Vietnam, and my own service was during the War on Terror — with two tours in Afghanistan.

Through those experiences, I had the honor of serving alongside remarkable people whose courage, sacrifice, and strength continue to inspire me every day. Their example reminds me that true leadership is rooted in service — in putting others before oneself and standing together for something greater.

Here in Ventura County, our Veteran Services Office carries that same spirit forward, helping veterans, their dependents, and survivors navigate federal, state, and local benefits.

If you are a veteran in need of support, please visit Ventura County Veterans Services.

Read more →

Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Seniors, Veterans

Community Invited to the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Santa Barbara Cemetery on Nov. 11

by  • 

This year will feature the first ever performance of “The Veteran,” by Barry De Vorzon. De Vorzon is an American composer, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He co-founded recording studio Valiant Records and made a name for himself as a film and television score composer, becoming a Grammy Award winner, Academy Award nominee, and a six-time Daytime Emmy Award winner. His tune, “Nadia’s Theme,” was released by A&M Records for the television soap opera The Young and the Restless, hitting No. 8 on the U.S. Top 40 that year. The title “Nadia’s Theme” was given to the song after the ABC television network used it in a montage of gymnast Nadia Com?neci’s performances during the 1976 Olympics. He later composed the tune, “It’s Christmas Once Again in Santa Barbara,” in honor of the town and the people he learned to love after moving to California from New York City. The song was later re-recorded with various other city names, including San Diego and San Francisco.

Read more →