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

Italian Photographer Mario Giacomelli (1925–2000) highlighted at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art as part of celebrations around the centennial of his birth

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SANTA BARBARA — Now open at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) is an exhibition of notable Italian photographer Mario Giacomelli (1925–2000). Through innovative darkroom techniques, he depicted the people and landscapes of Italy’s Marche region with high contrast and sharp psychological intensity. Celebrating a significant new gift to the museum as well as the hundredth anniversary of the artist’s birth, Mario Giacomelli: La Gente, La Terra features 36 photographs taken between 1955 and 1980—all from SBMA’s collection—including some of his most iconic images. The exhibition will be open until February 15, 2026.

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

History, Art, Community & Connection at Museum of Ventura County

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GIVE THE GIFT OF HISTORY

As you make your year-end giving plans, we invite you to support the Museum of Ventura County and help preserve the stories that define our community. A meaningful way to give this season is by donating appreciated stock. Gifts of stock may offer significant tax advantages while making a lasting impact on our exhibitions, education programs, and preservation work.

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Business, Educación, Education, Elections, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Politics

Bilingual report — Signatures in lieu of filing fee period starts Dec. 19, 2025 for the June 2, 2026 Statewide Primary Election

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“Although June 2, 2026 may seem far away, many of the important deadlines for people who are considering running for office are coming up quickly,” said Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion. “The signatures-in-lieu period is the first major action of the election cycle, and we encourage candidates for qualifying offices to take full advantage of it. Not only can it reduce costs, but it also provides a head start on gathering signatures needed for nomination papers.”

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

Santa Paula Museum of Art — Inbox Art Exhibit: Harvey Cusworth’s ‘Visions of Conejo Valley and the Malibu Coast’

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On view now through January 11, 2026

Harvey Cusworth fell in love with drawing and illustration at the age of eleven. Born and raised in West Los Angeles, Cusworth earned a BFA in illustration and graphic design from Brigham Young University in Utah and later an MFA from California State University, Long Beach. After starting a family and helping grow the family construction business, Harvey set his sights on teaching.

For nearly two decades, Cusworth taught Advanced

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

Bilingual report — Holiday Heroes to bring magic to children at Ventura County Medical Center

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VENTURA — Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) is excited to announce its upcoming Holiday Heroes Rappel event for pediatric patients. On Monday, Dec. 15, members of the Urban Search and Rescue Regional Task Force, including firefighters from Oxnard, Ventura City, and Ventura County, will dress as Santa Claus and beloved holiday characters such as elves and rappel from the hospital roof to the pediatric unit playground.

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Finance, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center’s Round-Up (to the next dollar) Campaign Raises $10,000 for Hospice of Santa Barbara

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SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the October Round-Up Campaign hosted by the Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center. Over the course of the 33-day campaign, customers were invited to round up their purchases at checkout or make an additional donation, directly benefiting Hospice of Santa Barbara’s services.

The campaign successfully raised an impressive $10,000 for Hospice of Santa Barbara. This significant total was achieved through the generosity of approximately 20,000 customers, highlighting the community-wide reach of the effort. 100% of the funds benefit Hospice of Santa Barbara services, which are provided at no cost.

“We are deeply grateful to Gary Simpson and the entire Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center team for their continued generosity and for hosting this successful campaign,” said David Selberg, Hospice of Santa Barbara CEO.

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

Gold Coast Transit District unveils 2025 Holiday Bus: The Holiday Express – Ride into the Magic

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OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) is excited to announce the official launch of its 2025 Holiday Bus, The Holiday Express: Ride into the Magic. Inspired by the timeless Polar Express Christmas story, this year’s festive bus invites riders of all ages to step aboard and experience the wonder of the season.

GCTD hosted a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, December 3rd, where community members, staff, and local leaders gathered to witness the unveiling of the transformed bus. Wrapped in winter scenery, twinkling lights and whimsical holiday illustrations, The Holiday Express sets the stage for a magical ride throughout Ventura County.

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Education, Government, Local, News, Public Safety, Youth

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department opens applications for Teen Explorer Program

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VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department invites local teens to step behind the scenes of real police work as applications open for the Teen Explorer Program. Designed for high school students ages 14–18, the program offers a rare, hands-on look at law enforcement while helping young people build confidence, leadership skills, and lasting connections in their community. 

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Business, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Local, News

Bilingual report — City of Ventura continues public education on proposed water and wastewater rate adjustments

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VENTURA — In October, the City of Ventura mailed Proposition 218 notices to all Ventura Water customers and property owners to inform them about proposed adjustments to water and wastewater rates. These adjustments are needed to ensure that Ventura Water is able to upgrade aging infrastructure, meet stricter state and federal requirements, and continue to provide reliable service for years to come.  

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

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SCORE: BUSINESS LAW AND RELATED TAX TOPICS FOR EMERGING BUSINESS

December 8 @ 8:00 am

SCORE KC’s Business Law and Related Tax Topics for Emerging Businesses webinar will help you decide when and how to utilize legal advice, such as forming your business, operating your business, growing your business, addressing related business law issues, and understanding related tax law issues. Price: $10.00.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News

City of Ojai offers free compost and mulch to residents through Agromin partnership

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OJAI — The City of Ojai has partnered with Agromin, California’s largest organics recycler, to provide residents with free compost and mulch through a new coupon program.

The program helps the city comply with Senate Bill 1383’s greenhouse gas reduction requirements while offering residents high-quality soil amendments at no cost.

Residents can order bagged or bulk materials directly from Agromin at www.shop.agromin.com by selecting their products and entering the corresponding coupon code at checkout.

Pickup is available at Agromin (201 Kinetic Drive, Oxnard) or Aqua-Flo Ojai (1940 E Ojai Ave., Ojai). Delivery is available for a fee.

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

Downtown Oxnard — A Storybook Christmas season …

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OXNARD — Celebrate the season on Sat., Dec. 6th, at the Oxnard Christmas Parade. This year’s theme “A Storybook Christmas” will showcase creative floats, colorful marching bands, equestrian units, local school groups, and the man of the hour – Santa! This year’s Grand Marshal is Anderson .Paak. It all begins at 10:00 a.m. on Sat., Dec. 6th. Stake out your viewing spot on the route on A Street from 9th to 5th and north on C Streets in Downtown Oxnard.

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Commentary, Local, News, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — The Power of the Sun in Our Lives and in Our Music

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As a boy, I found myself drawn to the magnificence of the sun. However, having grown up in Los Angeles, we often lived under a smoggy sun. But we and our plants and animals soaked in whatever sunlight we could get to nourish and animate our souls. 

In my high school years, I often went to the beach with friends. It felt wonderful to be out body-surfing the waves that were themselves powered by the light of the sun. On the other hand, there was scant awareness back then about the dangers of excessive exposure to sunlight. I’ve been lucky. Only one surgery, so far at least, to remove a spot of basal cell carcinoma on my nose. 

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

Bilingual report — Ventura County Library launches ‘Reimagine Your VC Library’ strategic planning initiative; Invites community feedback to shape the future

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Through the initiative, VCL is inviting residents across Ventura County to share their ideas and feedback to help ensure that the library continues to meet the evolving needs of its diverse communities.

The planning effort will gather public input to:

• Identify community needs and opportunities
• Provide optimum access to resources and technology
• Design innovative programs that inspire and empower
• Create inclusive and welcoming library spaces
• Ensure alignment with the County of Ventura Strategic Plan

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

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan member information potentially exposed in data breach

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CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) recently discovered that one of its contracted business partners suffered a cyberattack that resulted in the potential disclosure of member information to an unauthorized third party.

Conduent Business Solutions, a longtime administrative services vendor for GCHP, reported that the cyberattack compromised a single employee’s email account, permitting the attacker to gain access to some files between Oct. 21, 2024, and Jan. 13, 2025. Upon discovery of the incident on Jan. 13, 2025, Conduent immediately safeguarded its systems and started an investigation. Conduent notified law enforcement of the incident and engaged a leading cybersecurity firm to assess the potential disclosure of protected health information.

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Commentary, Cultural, En español, Events, familia, Family, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

Join Hospice of Santa Barbara in celebrating 42nd Annual Light Up a Life ceremonies, honoring loved ones this holiday season (Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14)

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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.

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

26 recruits graduate from Allan Hancock College’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy

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“Today is the day you’ve been eagerly waiting for after more than a year,” Guadalupe Police Chief Michael Cash told the graduating recruits. “You have overcome every obstacle presented to you to get to this moment.”

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Elections, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Politics

Bilingual report — Ventura County certifies Nov. 4, 2025 statewide special election

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“As we close out this Special Election, I want to thank our voters and our dedicated election workers,” said Registrar Michelle Ascencion. “Even with a compressed timeline, the community showed its commitment to participating in and supporting the election process. I’m grateful for everyone who took the time to vote, and of course for our election workers and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure every legal ballot was validated and counted with care.”

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

Island Packers announces December 2025 holiday & seasonal cruises departing from Ventura Harbor

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VENTURA — Celebrate the holiday season with family and friends aboard Island Packers, (the official concessionaire to the Channel Islands) as part of company’s seasonal offerings, including a holiday caroling cruises, Ventura Harbor 49th Annual Parade of Lights & Fireworks Cruise with select weekly departures from Ventura Harbor, and   winter whale watching www.islandpackers.com Seasonal options include:

One-hour Holiday Caroling Cruise in Ventura Harbor on selected dates between December 5  – December 23, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.  Enjoy a cruise through the harbor to view holiday lights in the main channels of the marinas. Listen or sing to seasonal music.  Dates are December 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23. The fare is $24 per adult, $ 22 per senior (55+), and $18 per child.

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Business, Commentary, En español, familia, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — City of Ventura reflects on eight years since the Thomas Fire with rebuild progress and safety improvements

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VENTURA — This week marks the eighth anniversary of the Thomas Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in California history. Since 2017, the City of Ventura has remained focused on supporting impacted homeowners, strengthening wildfire preparedness, and improving the transparency of the rebuilding process.

As of November 2025, 404 homes have been completely rebuilt and approved for occupancy, 31 permits are under active construction, and another 18 more are under plan review. The City’s Thomas Fire Rebuild Overlay Zone, established in 2018 to support recovery by reducing fees, simplifying development standards, and providing greater design flexibility, will expire on December 31, 2025. Property owners who wish to rebuild under these provisions must submit a complete and substantial building permit application, including all required plans, before the expiration date.

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

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors to meet on Dec. 9

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View this email online The next regular meeting of the  County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for  10 a.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2025 County Administration Building Board Hearing Room, 4th Floor 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara The public may participate…

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

Music Academy of the West — A first look at our downtown music education center and its impact

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As we imagine the future of music, community, and creative belonging in Santa Barbara, I’m thrilled to share an exciting update on the Academy’s Music Education Center. This visionary new hub at 901 State Street—made possible by a landmark $20 million commitment from Academy Board Member and Music Education Center Founding Contributor Cheryl Goldberg—reflects the Music Academy’s belief in music as a powerful force for connection, inspiration, and the cultural vitality of our city. 

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

YMCA’s ‘Gifts of Hope’ donation drive for Mountain and Los Angeles fire victims through Dec. 9

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is seeking holiday gift donations for those impacted by the Mountain and Los Angeles Fires. Its Gifts of Hope holiday shopping experience is on December 10 at the Yarrow Family YMCA. It will provide parents and guardians who lost their homes in the fires an opportunity to “shop” for new, donated gifts for their children at no cost.

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