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

Allan Hancock College invites new students to ‘Hancock Hello’ orientation events on Aug. 5, 12

by  • 

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is inviting new students and their families to kick off the academic year with fun and informative Hancock Hello orientation events held this August at the college’s Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center. 

Hancock Hello is designed to help first-time students and their families get connected, feel confident and prepare for a successful college experience. The Lompoc Valley Center will host its Hancock Hello event on Aug. 5, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., and the Santa Maria campus event will be held on Aug. 12 from 4 to 6:30 p.m.  

“Hancock Hello is a great opportunity for incoming students and their families to get familiar with campus life,” said Hancock Outreach Coordinator Patricia Prado-Rios. “It’s a fun and informative way to feel prepared and excited for the year ahead.” 

Read more →

Business, Education, En español, Government, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by  • 

Mark your calendars for the Career & Resource Expo!

You’re invited to the County of Ventura’s Annual Career & Resource Expo on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Ventura County Government Center (Main Courtyard between the Hall of Administration and Hall of Justice).

Read more →

Business, Education, Events, Local, News

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s 6th Annual Compassion Campaign invites guests to RAISE THE ROOF for affordable housing

by  • 

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced that its 6th Annual Compassion Campaign will feature two guest speakers Dr. John Nunes, President of California Lutheran University and Giorgio Angelini, Director of OWNED: A Tale of Two Americas. Angelini is currently developing a documentary adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book Evicted, produced by actor Chris Pine. The event will be held at Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark on September 4th, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities please visit, www.housingtrustfundvc.org

Read more →

Family, Finance, Government, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Ventura Port District set to Implement Phase 2 of Parking Management Plan

by  • 

VENTURA — The Ventura Port District announces the launch of Phase 2 of its Parking Management Plan, introducing paid parking at Ventura Harbor Village, Harbor Cove Beach, and Surfers Knoll Beach this weekend. Paid parking will be in effect from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, while remaining free Monday through Thursday (excluding major holidays).

The Parking Management Plan is intended to improve access and enhance the visitor experience by encouraging greater parking turnover and availability during peak times. This effort supports the Ventura Port District’s mission to provide exceptional amenities, infrastructure, and services for the community and its guests.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, En español, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — Find fall favorites in the Ventura Activity Guide

by  • 

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is excited to announce the release of its Fall Parks and Recreation Activity Guide! Registration begins Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. and will be available online, over the phone, or in person at City Hall, located at 501 Poli Street in Room 226. Registration information and policies are on page 43. Discover hundreds of upcoming classes, programs, and events scheduled from September through January at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide

Read more →

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

Ventura County Fire Dept. to conduct prescribed burn in Adams Canyon on July 24

by  • 

THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) plans to conduct a prescribed burn in Adams Canyon, north of Santa Paula, on Thursday, July 24, weather permitting. This controlled burn is part of ongoing efforts to improve ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk.

Adams Canyon is located north of Santa Paula, south of Thomas Aquinas College, and west of Steckel Park. Firefighters will utilize hand-ignition techniques to carefully burn 20-50 acres. A small test burn will be conducted beforehand to confirm optimal conditions before proceeding with the burn.

Read more →

Local

Museum of Ventura County — Your everyday moments are part of our county’s history

by  • 

As we watch events in Ventura County unfold on the covers of national newspapers, we are reminded that every day we are living through history.

The Museum of Ventura County is committed to preserving the history of our region. Local events, personal experiences, and everyday moments all contribute to the broader story of our community.

You can be part of this effort. Whether you’re taking photos, recording video, or using your phone’s voice memo feature to share your thoughts, your contributions can help us build a more complete record of life in Ventura County today.

SUBMIT your stories, videos, and photographs through our online archive and help us ensure that future generations have access to the stories that shape our county!

Read more →

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

Partnership brings relief to families in crisis through diaper distribution in North County

by  • 

SANTA MARIA — Caring for a critically ill child is every parent’s worst nightmare, and for too many families, navigating this unimaginable crisis is made even harder by financial strain. No parent should have to choose between paying medical bills and buying diapers. That’s why LEAP: Learn • Engage • Advocate • Partner and Hearts Aligned are strengthening their partnership to make life a little less stressful for such families in the Santa Maria area.

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — July News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by  • 

Our Camino Scholars summer program is in full swing! From touring the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and feeding animals at Ostrichland to dolphin watching on a Santa Barbara Harbor boat and a visit to the Maritime Museum, our students have been busy having fun in the sun! Learn more about this impactful program below.

Read more →

Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by  • 

IN-PERSON EVENT: DOUBLE YOUR SALES WITH “THE LAUNCH PYRAMID”

July 24 @ 8:00 am

Did you ever wonder why some people seem to make money hand over fist while everyone else is struggling? If yes, this is a “Must Attend” for business owners, no matter what size or type of business you have. Join SCORE and EDC for this info-packed, NO-COST In-Person workshop that will give you the answers you need! Regardless of the size and type of business you have, this might be one of the most important workshops you’ll attend all year. In it, one of our resident business experts, James I. Bond, will share the 5 tactics businesses are using RIGHT NOW that are helping them accelerate how fast they are able to bring on new customers and clients for their business. Address: Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St., Ventura, CA 93001.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Read more →

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

Health Care Foundation for Ventura County invests over $1.2 million in critical medical equipment to strengthen public health care system

by  • 

VENTURA — Health Care Foundation for Ventura County (HCFVC) proudly announces a significant philanthropic investment of $1,258,949 in essential medical equipment for Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC). This contribution reflects HCFVC’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the public safety-net healthcare system and delivering high-quality, compassionate care for all residents of Ventura County. To date, HCFVC has secured and directed more than $14.5 million in charitable support to advance the work of the Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA).

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Local

Bilingual report — City of Ventura shares clarification on Main Street Moves closure

by  • 

VENTURA — In response to a high volume of recent questions and public interest, the City of Ventura is providing clarification on the current status and next steps for the Main Street Moves street closure and parklet program.

Main Street, between Fir Street and Mission Park, and portions of California Street, between Poli Street and Santa Clara Street, remain closed to vehicles under the California Vehicle Code. The Ventura City Council has not yet made a final decision regarding the future of the closure.

Read more →

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

Allan Hancock College encourages students to register for Fall classes

by  • 

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is still accepting registrations for the upcoming fall semester, which begins Aug. 18.  

“Fall is a great time for students to take that next step,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Whether they are pursuing a degree, a certificate, or just exploring something new, our faculty and staff are here to support their success.” 

With hundreds of classes available in-person and online, there’s never been a better time for students to pursue their educational goals.  

Read more →

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

Ventura Music Festival — Friends, are you ready?

by  • 

The Ventura Music Festival is officially only ONE WEEK away! Now is the time to secure last-minute tickets as many of the concerts are filling up fast. Learn more about the upcoming shows below.

Can’t wait until next week? Join The Schwab Summer Orchestra this Saturday the 19th for Mahler Symphony No. 1: “The Titan” to get ready for our weekend of music.

The VMF July series will take you from the swing-revival rock of Ventura legends to smooth jazz shores, then around the world with piano, guitar, violin, and vocal artistry. There’s music for everyone, so don’t miss out!

Read more →

Education, Events, Family, Finance, Local, News, Youth

Volunteers fill 650 backpacks with donated school supplies at Yarrow Family YMCA

by  • 

Five hundred fifty backpacks will be distributed to participants in the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Find My Genius, a free five-week summer program to support academic and social-emotional learning for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level. One hundred backpacks will be given to children affected by the California wildfires identified through the YMCA’s California Strong initiative.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Family, Government, Local, News, Women

Gold Coast Transit District honors bus operator Guadalupe ‘Lupe’ Juarez for 45 years of dedicated service

by  • 

OXNARD — Since joining GCTD in 1980, Lupe has served as a model of dedication, reliability, and care. Over the course of her career, she has driven an estimated 2 million miles, safely transporting thousands of passengers and embodying GCTD’s commitment to quality public service.

“Lupe has truly been the heart of this agency for nearly half a century—almost as long as GCTD itself has served this community,” said Vanessa Rauschenberger, General Manager of GCTD. “Her dedication to her passengers and her colleagues is truly inspiring. She represents everything we value in public transit: safety, reliability, and a deep connection to the community we serve.”

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Cultural, Family, Government, Health, Home, Immigration, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — When they raid, we rise

by  • 

It’s been one week since our communities in Camarillo and Carpinteria were turned into war zones.

As I’m sure you know by now, heavily armed agents from ICE, CBP, DHS, and the National Guard raided workplaces and stormed through fields and neighborhoods, tearing farmworkers away from their families. They came in armored vehicles, masked and armed just like soldiers prepared for battle. They used tear gas, flash grenades, and rubber bullets on our neighbors – including pregnant women and children.

A City Councilmember was injured. A member of Congress was denied entry. A child was hit by shrapnel. A local veteran was detained for days without due process. A CSU professor was arrested. One worker was hospitalized and tragically died. 361 workers were disappeared by the armed and masked federal agents.

Read more →

Commentary, Cultural, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Bilingual commentary — Grandparents Are from Mars

by  • 

My sister “Ana” told me recently about a disjointed exchange she had with her granddaughter, “Sandra.” 

Sandra and her brother “George” were home from their last full day of school before summer break. Thinking back on her own experiences in the 1950s, Ana asked them if any of their classmates had brought an apple for the teacher. 

They both regarded her with wide-eyed, perplexed astonishment, saying “nooooo…,” emitting a tone of concern as if they thought their grandma was slipping into the first stages of dementia. 

Read more →

Business, Government, Health, Local, News

Charging Forward to Zero Emissions: Port of Hueneme unveils second STAX Emissions Capture & Control Barge

by  • 

PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme celebrated another milestone in maritime sustainability this week with the unveiling of its second STAX Engineering emissions capture and control barge at a press conference held on-port Wednesday, July 16. Just eight barges operate in all of California, with the Port of Hueneme operating two–one at each terminal.

The arrival of the second barge, known as STAX 6, underscores the Port’s commitment to sustainability and further positions the Port as a national leader in clean air operations and zero emissions infrastructure.

“We have always been a community-serving port. The port that farmers built. We take that responsibility very seriously,” explained Jess Ramirez, President, Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners. “That’s why we continue to lead with innovation as we invest in solutions like these that bring real and tangible benefits.”

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard appoints Brenda Lopez as Housing Director

by  • 

Oxnard City Manager Alexander Nguyen stated, “We’re excited for Brenda to lead the Housing Department. Her housing policy knowledge and years of service to the Oxnard community will be an asset in addressing two of the State’s most pressing issues—housing and homelessness, which remain increasingly vital as we face both federal and state budget cuts.”

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — El Concilio Family Services to hold Mobile Immigration Clinic in Santa Paula on July 24

by  • 

SANTA PAULA — El Concilio Family Services will hold mobil clinic from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 24 at Puente de Vida Church, 203 S. 8th St., Santa Paula

“Let El Concilio help you stay protected and prepared! Our Mobile Immigration Clinic offers on-site assistance with:

Resident Card Renewal Applications (Form I-90
Application submission support
Bilingual staff ready to help (English/Spanish)

Read more →

Business, Government, Health, Local, News

Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board — Novel emission-reducing projects sought for grants

by  • 

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board awards Clean Air Fund grants to support community projects that reduce emissions contributing to ozone and particle pollution. Ventura County exceeds state and federal standards for ozone and the state standard for PM 10, which is particulate matter with a diameter up to 10 micrometers.

The grants also fund proposals that address climate change, such as those that reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

Read more →

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

Santa Paula Art Museum — The Art Auction Fundraiser is Aug. 6

by  • 

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at the Santa Paula Art Museum’s 15th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16! Dozens of stunning artworks by historic and contemporary California artists will be up for bid, including museum-worthy pieces by Meredith Brooks Abbott, Jessie and Cornelis Botke, Robert Clunie, Paul Grimm, Douglas Shively, and many more. Plus, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Parque 1055 while you browse.

Read more →

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

Music Academy of the West Music Note Gala Raises $750,000 to support music education and community engagement programs

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West, now in its 78th season, hosted its annual gala on Saturday, July 11, raising $750,000 in support of its mission to advance transformative musical education and foster meaningful community through music. This year marked the debut of the Music Note Gala, a dazzling new celebration held on the breathtaking Upper Lawn of the Montecito Club. The sold out event hosted 410 passionate supporters of the arts under the stars for an inspiring evening of philanthropy, celebration, and extraordinary music.

Thanks to the generosity of Gala attendees — through paddle raises, auction bids, a raffle, and heartfelt donations — the event surpassed fundraising goals, reinforcing the critical role the Gala plays in sustaining the Music Academy’s year-round impact. 

Read more →

Business, Events, Government, News

Bilingual report — Public invited to upcoming planning commission July 31 hearing on a Ventura County General Plan Amendment to implement updates to the County’s Initial Study Assessment Guidelines and CEQA Implementation Manual

by  • 

Ventura invites the public to attend a Planning Commission hearing on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. at 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, in the County Government Center, Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza Assembly Room. At the hearing, the Planning Commission will consider a General Plan amendment to implement updates to the County’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Implementation Manual and the Initial Study Assessment Guidelines (ISAGs). These two key documents guide how the County evaluates environmental impacts of proposed projects in the unincorporated areas of the County.

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — Ventura County Assessor sends 2025 Annual Value Notices to property owners

by  • 

VENTURA — The Ventura County Assessor’s Office has begun mailing approximately 250,000 Annual Value Notices to property owners. These notices inform recipients of their property’s assessed value as of the lien date, January 1, 2025.

Of the total notices being sent, approximately 205,000 are postcards reflecting the standard 2% increase in assessed value in accordance with Proposition 13. In addition, more than 5,700 notices inform owners that their property’s market value is lower than its Proposition 13 factored base year value, indicating a temporary reduction in assessed value.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

Coasthills Credit Union donates $45,000 to support Hancock students and programs

by  • 

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation received a generous $45,000 donation from CoastHills Credit Union to support a variety of college programs, scholarships and student engagement initiatives throughout 2025.

The contribution represents the continuation of a nearly 30-year partnership between CoastHills and the college and strengthens their shared commitment to supporting education and community growth across northern Santa Barbara County.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support and trust CoastHills has shown in Hancock and our students,” said Jon Hooten, Ph.D., executive director of college advancement and the Allan Hancock College Foundation. “Their investment reaches every corner of our campus and helps us build a stronger, more connected community.”

Read more →