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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Business, Events, Family, Finance, Local, News, Seniors

Senior Concerns’ Golf Tournament rallies critical support for area seniors & family caregivers

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THOUSAND OAKS — Senior Concerns, a leading nonprofit serving older adults and family caregivers throughout western Los Angeles and eastern Ventura counties, held its 4th Annual “Par and Away” Golf Tournament presented by Logix Federal Credit Union on November 18 at Moorpark Country Club. 

More than 200 golfers, sponsors, and supporters participated to raise critical funds for programs that support seniors across the region.

The tournament featured breakfast, the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders, a putting contest, on-course games and activities, and exceptional food and drink vendors throughout the day. An awards dinner with former Los Angeles Dodgers catcher and two-time World Series Champion, and former manager of the Los Angeles Angels, Mike Scioscia, and auctioneer Zack Krone led the live auction.  

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Friendship Adult Day Services — The Friendly Finch: December

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How is it December… who did this?!? Between the holiday closures and the quick pace of this past month, it felt like we blinked and it was over. With three program closure days in November, and three again in December, I know how challenging that change in schedule can be for caregivers juggling a hundred things at once. That’s why I’m especially proud that this month, we’re once again offering three free Saturday respite days as a holiday gift to caregivers: a gift of time.

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C.A.R.L. announces new board, kicks off year-end giving season

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SANTA PAULA — The season of giving has officially begun at Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.). Last week, the charity hosted its third annual “Pupsgiving,” whereby C.A.R.L. supporters donated $25 each for a Thanksgiving meal for the non-profit’s 50-plus dogs currently available for adoption at its Santa Paula-based sanctuary.

Canines housed at C.A.R.L. had a healthy heaping of turkey, mashed potatoes and carrots with peas, which the new Governance Board members at C.A.R.L. personally delivered to each dog.

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Bilingual report — City of Ventura’s Foul Weather Shelter Plan reactivated for 2025

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VENTURA — To prepare for upcoming winter weather, the City of Ventura has reactivated its Foul Weather Shelter Plan to provide temporary shelter and “stay warm” packs to Ventura’s most vulnerable residents during extreme weather events, such as severe rain, high winds, or low temperatures. Effective December 1, 2025, the The Foul Weather Shelter Plan will run through March 31, 2026.

To date, more than 4,650 meals have been provided, 280 stay warm packs distributed, and over 435 individuals have received shelter through the program.

“Ventura has an active community of local social service providers and nonprofits that work together to serve the needs of our most vulnerable population,” said Housing Services Manager Leona Rollins. “This program is needed now more than ever to help protect those who face the harshest impacts of winter weather.”

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Ventura County Animal Shelter — Donate Locally this Giving Tuesday!

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Dear Animal Lover,

We’re asking for your support this Giving Tuesday. Your local donation to Ventura County Animal Services funds countless lifesaving programs and initiatives.

Your gift directly impacts thousands of animals in our care and in the community.

Thank you for your support,
Ventura County Animal Services

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SBCC introduces upcoming improvements to its School of Extended Learning

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SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) School of Extended Learning is excited to announce that a number of previously offered fee-based classes are now FREE!  The long-standing fee-based program is transitioning to a fully free noncredit model. This change means that many of the same high-quality classes students have enjoyed for years will now be available at no cost.

Many of these classes are now part of the Wellness for Older Adults program, which is open to students 18 years or older and focuses on health and lifelong learning. Students will continue to enjoy the same engaging instructors and community connections, now with expanded access for all.

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December at the Santa Paula Art Museum

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Season’s Greetings!

We’re feeling extra thankful after November’s premiere party for The 16th Art About Agriculture Exhibition, which drew 200 guests despite the rain. We’re also delighted to share that seven artworks sold during the exhibit’s opening week! You can see the show now through March 8, 2026.

This year has been the Museum’s busiest yet thanks to the support of our donors, members, and volunteers, and we’re excited to close 2025 with some extra-special events. Scroll down to learn more.

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Community Colleges of Ventura County earn innovation honor from Ventura Chamber

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CAMARILLO — Big ideas are reshaping what’s possible for students and their future careers across Ventura County. At the 2025 Poinsettia Awards Luncheon, the Ventura County Community College District will be honored with this year’s Innovation Award. Presented by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, this recognition highlights the ongoing work of the Community Colleges of Ventura County to advance student success and opportunity through forward-thinking pathways and transformative programs.

The annual Poinsettia Awards celebrates excellence in business, public service, and education, honoring individuals and organizations who are making a lasting difference in the Ventura community.

“To be honored by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce is a powerful affirmation that our work is making a real difference,” said Rick MacLennan, chancellor of the Community Colleges of Ventura County. “It tells us that the innovation happening across our colleges is not only visible: it’s valued, and it’s meeting the needs of the community we’re proud to serve every day.”

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Ventura Music Festival — DOUBLE your gift of music!

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This year, we performed in parks, museums, schools, hospitals, concert halls, senior centers, and neighborhoods across Ventura County — reaching thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds with live music that uplifts, inspires, and connects.

And this week, on Giving Tuesday, we’re asking for your help to make that reach even greater.

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Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — You’re Invited: Support, Celebrate, Engage

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Campaign match:
Gifts up to $250 will be matched by two anonymous donors until 12/31 to support the Roots & Branches Arts Fellowship – empowering emerging artists whose work is rooted in their cultural communities, nurturing the next generation of creative leaders in Santa Barbara

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Bilingual report — 805UNDOCUFUND newsletter update — Major Advocacy Wins & Giving Tuesday 2025/Principales Logros en Defensa y Martes de Donaciones 2025

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Major Advocacy Wins & Giving Tuesday 2025/Principales Logros en Defensa y Martes de Donaciones 2025 Community Win #1: Santa Barbara County Halts Transfers & Layoffs Victoria de la Comunidad #1: El Condado de Santa Bárbara Detiene Traslados y Despidos On…

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Guest commentary — Indivisible updates + actions: the Black Friday blackout (Nov. 27 through Dec. 1), a message to Trump’s corporate collaborators, more…

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This week, we’re getting out votes for a massive special election in Tennessee and calling on you to put the pressure on three of Trump’s biggest corporate collaborators. Before we jump into your to-dos, here’s Ezra to explain why We Ain’t Buying It this weekend (Nov. 27 through Dec. 1)!

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Guest commentary — Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Buy CA for CA – We’re Standing on Business

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Whether you work in the field or an office, run a small business or a kitchen, raise children or are grinding through school – your hard work fuels the 4th largest economy in the world. The California you’ve built should work for you – not billionaires and corporations.

Small businesses, workers, and families like yourself keep our state running, not the billionaires. Our wallets should support the people who treat us with respect, pay fair wages, and reinvest in our communities.

That’s why today we’re launching Buy California For California, a campaign to use our buying power to support community over cruelty.

Until the end of the year, we’re asking you to boycott businesses that profit from our pain and instead spend your hard-earned cash on the people from our neighborhoods, who really fuel our cities, care for their workers, treat customers with respect, and reinvest in their community.

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