*** Teatro’s Christmas Party ***
Let’s celebrate another year of art, stories, friendship, drama, and smiles.
Saturday, December 13
Starting at 6 p.m.
7 p.m. Araceli Collazo & The Ensamble
8 p.m. Karaoke Night with DJ Mannu
2025 Annual Report and Accomplishments from Federal and State Legislative Advocates and 2026 Legislative Platform Adoption
(Estimated Time: 30 minutes)
VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department helped make the season brighter for local families on December 10, 2025, during its annual Shop with a Cop event, held at Walmart and hosted in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura and the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.
This year, 30 children from low-income households and families facing childhood cancer were paired with Ventura Police officers for an unforgettable evening of one-on-one shopping. Each child received $150 to choose gifts for the people they love, turning what can be a challenging time of year into an afternoon of joy and connection.
As federal policy and funding rollbacks threaten decades of environmental progress, it’s never been more important for all of us to step up, care for our neighborhoods, restore our ecosystems, and protect the places we love.
CEC’s Climate Stewards Certification Program empowers individuals from all backgrounds to advance bold climate solutions right at home. High school and college students, recent grads, teachers, community members, non-profit staff, business owners, retirees, and more are all invited to join us as we take collective action to move forward meaningful climate progress.
Call for Entries: Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit
Looking for a fun holiday project? Our annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit is the perfect way for family and friends to gather this weekend and create something sweet together.
Entries are due by next Tuesday, December 15.
Your gingerbread creation will be featured as part of our holiday display at Heritage Square.
View entry information: https://forms.gle/y7e8bHAoNfiiQcXC7
Inspiration from past entries here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/137180328@N06/albums/72157720188275462/
“Forty-five years of growth have reinforced a core belief: we don’t just build homes—we create opportunity, stability, and long-term value for the communities we serve,” said Sarah McCarthy-Garcia, Partner. “As we look ahead, our focus remains on thoughtful expansion, innovation, and advancing housing options that will endure for generations.”
VENTURA — On the morning of Saturday, December 6th, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County (Habitat Ventura) presented families with keys to their very own homes at Vista Campanario in Camarillo. The families, all first-time homeowners, helped build their homes alongside Habitat Ventura volunteers, with each family contributing 250-500 hours of sweat equity.The eight new townhomes are located at Vista Campanario, a new Camarillo development that includes rental units along with the eight for-sale Habitat town homes.
“We are always trying to be better at what we do. This build is the first time we’ve collaborated with multiple partners to build these units,” said Darcy Taylor, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County. “To continue to build low-income housing, it’s going to take more than just Habitat to do that. We’re grateful for the partners that have allowed us to put these wonderful homes together.”
In a ceremony full of splendor, music and admiration, professors Michel Devoret and John Martinis, alongside their mentor, UC Berkeley physicist John Clarke, on Dec. 10 officially received their Nobel Prizes from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.
“Students learn about specialty crop-related science, technology and engineering. They explore career opportunities at local farms and connect with agricultural professionals,” says Caitlin Paulus Case, SEEAG executive director. “To run a successful agriculture business today requires the skills to address the many challenges facing the industry, including soil science, plant nutrition and sustainability practices.”
Every Ventura resident will receive a printed copy of the Activity Guide in the mail. Additional copies are available for pick-up at City Hall and other City facilities during business hours, including the Westpark Community Center, Barranca Vista Community Center, Ventura Aquatics Center, and Ventura Avenue Adult Center.
Have you heard the buzz about Teatro De Las Americas’s spectacular production of Noche de Película/Movie Night? It’s an event you absolutely can’t miss! Secure your seat today by grabbing your tickets online. Join us for an unforgettable experience!
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.
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.
“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.”
“As a former deputy attorney general for California and Ventura County deputy district attorney, Megan Rayburn believes everyone’s rights are worth protecting. We are delighted that Megan will bring that advocacy to her new position as a litigation associate with A to Z Law,” said Susan McCarthy, civil litigation partner.
“Our goal is to strengthen connections within your team and inspire collaboration among new ones,” said Recreation Supervisor Tyler Nelson. “Together, you’ll gain a renewed sense of unity both on and off the field.”
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
CENTRAL COAST — NOAA’s Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applications to fill seven seats on its advisory council. The Sanctuary Advisory Council ensures public participation in sanctuary matters and provides advice on sanctuary management.
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.
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
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.
VENTURA — Ventura College is proud to announce that its Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program has been ranked first in the state of California and in the nation for its exceptional National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) first-time pass rate, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
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.
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.
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
