Bilingual report — Help shape Ventura’s future, apply to a City Board or Commission

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is currently accepting applications for open seats on the Housing Authority Board and Water Commission, two of the City’s Council Advisory Groups that help shape important local policies and initiatives.

These advisory bodies offer residents and professionals the opportunity to get involved, lend their expertise, and make a lasting impact in Ventura.

“Housing and water are two big topics of discussion in Ventura, and across the county,” said Assistant City Clerk Darrick Ryser. “Serving on a council advisory group is an opportunity to directly impact those local decisions and policies. It requires volunteers who are committed and passionate about the community.” 

Museum of Ventura County — Savor the Stories Ventura County’s Past

Sept. 4 — Join us for a cocktail hour and three-course fundraising dinner on the Plaza, followed by an oral history presentation from Elena Brokaw, the Barbara Barnard Smith Chief Executive Officer.

Step into a captivating journey back to the Gilded Age, a time of remarkable transformation in Ventura County. All proceeds support the museum’s educational and history preservation initiatives.

DRESS CODE: The Gilded Age/Cocktail Attire
CLICK TO REGISTER FOR TICKETS!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County welcomes Phil Fingerman to the agency’s Board Directors

VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is proud to announce the appointment of Phil Fingerman (Bank of America) to its volunteer Board of Directors to further the agency’s vision for youth mentorship programs in Ventura County.

Fingerman currently serves as Vice President of Business Intelligence Reporting at Bank of America, where he has also played a key role as an active participant in the Bank’s many volunteer programs and opportunities. His appointment to the Board at BBSVC reflects both his professional expertise, deep personal commitment to the organization’s mission, and drive to support the community as a whole.

Signups for YMCA After School Child Care Programs Underway For 2025-26 School Year

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — YMCA branches serving the Conejo Valley/Las Virgenes, Simi Valley and Moorpark areas are registering students in TK through fifth grade for after-school child care programs for the coming 2025-26 school year

Childcare is available on school days, pupil-free days and minimum days. Camp programs are held during Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks and any school furlough days. Each program provides a structured environment that includes homework time, arts and crafts, sports and science. All childcare staff are state-licensed and CPR and first aid certified.

August is hot with live entertainment and food experiences in Downtown Oxnard…

On the menu Thurs, Aug 7th:
Rice Balls of Fire 
Passion Empanadas 
Coyote Elote
Little Tony’s Wood Fired Pizza 
Wrapped California 
Juarez Tacos 
Takumi 
Happy Place 
El Maíz 
Cheesecake Plugg Caffe 
J&K Catering 
Pupusería La Llama 
Jimbo’s Funnel Cakes 

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) weekly event schedule

RESULTS

August 6 @ 10:30 am

Are you tired of guessing how to get more traffic, leads and sales from your website? In this NO-COST masterclass, you’ll learn practical, step-by-step strategies to boost your organic (NO-COST) traffic from Google and run Google Ads that actually work. Discover the exact formula that top businesses use to attract the right visitors and turn them into customers without wasting time or money. You’ll also see how to integrate SEO and Google Ads into one powerful marketing plan that maximizes your ROI. Learn how to create, manage and optimize your campaigns on the world’s biggest search engine — whether you want to do it yourself or work with an agency. Your instructor, Brandon Leibowitz, is the founder of SEO Optimizers with 18+ years of experience helping businesses rank higher and convert better. Brandon’s hands-on, easy-to-follow teaching style means you’ll leave this workshop with clear action steps you can apply immediately. Whether you’re a business owner, marketer or someone exploring a career in digital marketing, this session will help you take control of your website’s performance. Reserve your spot for this NO-COST masterclass today and start driving results!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! celebrates 20th season with exciting 2025-2026 lineup of renowned Latine artists

SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 2025-2026 season, marking 20 years of celebrating community, culture, and connection through the arts. This milestone season features an outstanding lineup of Latine performers guaranteed to captivate audiences throughout Santa Barbara County.

Viva will present five acclaimed acts that exemplify the vibrant and diverse cultural heritage of Latin America, in a special year commemorating Viva’s 20th season, with multiple opportunities for the community to celebrate together throughout the year.

Upcoming artists include: Grupo Bella, Gabby Moreno, Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles, Las Cafeteras, Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande

Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce Chair Gloria Martinez appointed to Ventura County Fair Board

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Board Chair Gloria Martinez has been appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to the 31st District Agricultural Association, Ventura County Fair Board. The appointment was officially announced by the Governor’s Office on July 25, 2025.

Martinez currently serves as the Economic Vitality Manager for the County of Ventura and brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in economic development, nonprofit management, and public affairs. Since making Santa Paula her home in 2020, Martinez has become an active and engaged community leader, bringing her background in economic development and small business support to initiatives that strengthen the local economy and promote inclusive economic opportunities.

40 Years Strong: Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital’s Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp wraps up week of achievement and celebration

SANTA BARBARA — Last week, Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital celebrated the conclusion of the 40th annual Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp, following a week of adapted sports, new friendships and unforgettable experiences. Campers, volunteers and staff reflected on the lasting impact of this one-of-a-kind program.

Hosted July 21–25 at the UCSB Recreation Center, the camp welcomed approximately 40 campers and more than 75 volunteers—all gathered to support and celebrate the power of inclusive recreation. The event marked a milestone year in the camp’s history, which spans four decades of empowering youth with physical disabilities through sport.

Ventura Superior Court adds service hours and walk in services

VENTURA — Beginning August 4, 2025, the Clerk’s Offices and the Records Department will be open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm each weekday except Court holidays. These offices will no longer close during the lunch hour, allowing customers greater flexibility in accessing court services. Each of the Court’s three courthouses – Hall of Justice in Ventura, Juvenile Courthouse in Oxnard, and East County Courthouse in Simi Valley – will feature these extended hours.

Bilingual report — Re-opening of Santa Paula Police Department public lobby After Renovation

SANTA PAULA — After several months of operating a temporary Public Lobby at the City’s Community Development Building, the Santa Paula Police Department is re-opening its Public Lobby for business hours at 214 S. 10th St. The re-opening begins Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Renovations, including several needed improvements, were recently completed and include safety features for police employees and the public. The Police Department Public Lobby is open for business hours Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The Public Lobby will also be open every other Friday, beginning this Friday, August 1, 2025.

Housing Trust Fund VC and Housing Land Trust VC receive $5.1 million from SCAG REAP 2.0, U.S. Bank and Mechanics Bank

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has been awarded $5,000,000 from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) as part of the Regional Early Action Plan (REAP 2.0). The funding will support the development of the Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s Revolving Long-Term Loan Program for Infill Affordable Housing Developments.

Ventura Music Festival — That’s a wrap!

On Sunday, we humbly wrapped up our 30th summer season with hearts full of gratitude (and a touch of birthday cake). Kicking off with Ottmar Liebert last month, we delivered eight inspiring shows concerts — 17 to 25 in our “30 for 30” series — featuring 30 talented musicians, while supporting dozens of local businesses and hiring community contractors, from staff to crew and caterers. Together, we brought vibrant live music to over 2,000 concertgoers, neighbors, and visitors. It’s all about fostering connections through music and creating lasting community impact.

Huge thanks for your incredible support. As thanks, we are offering a 15% early bird discount with code EARLYBIRD now through August 12 when you buy tickets for concerts 26 through 30 at our fall festival line up listed below.

Please take a moment to share your feedback on the July Series with us. We look forward to more harmony and shared moments ahead!

Moorpark College Theatre Arts announces auditions for Angels In America: Part One — Millennium Approaches

MOORPARK — This fall, the Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department will present Angels in America: Part One — Millennium Approaches, Tony Kushner’s landmark play exploring politics, identity and the AIDS crisis in 1980s America. Auditions will be held August 12-14 at the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center.

The production calls for a large, versatile cast and offers a range of challenging roles that span gender, race, and age. All lead roles will likely be double cast, and auditions are open to Moorpark College students and the wider community. Rehearsals begin August 18, with evening rehearsals held Monday through Thursday.

Music Academy of the West celebrates 2025 Winners of Duo Competition and Marilyn Horne Song Competition

SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West is proud to announce the winners of its two premier summer competitions: the Duo Competition and the Marilyn Horne Song Competition, recognizing the extraordinary artistry and collaboration of its 2025 fellows. These cornerstone events of the Summer Music Festival & School offer young musicians a platform to shine through world-class performance, interpretation, and musical partnership.

August at the Santa Paula Art Museum

Fine Art Auction Fundraiser

?
Saturday, August 16, from 3 PM to 5 PM

$15 SPAM Members • $20 Non-members

Take home a rare piece of California art while supporting the Santa Paula Art Museum’s arts education programs during our Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16. Bid on stunning artworks by historic and contemporary California artists, including Meredith Brooks Abbott, Jessie and Cornelis Botke, Robert Clunie, Paul Grimm, Douglas Shively, and many more.

The silent auction runs from 3 PM to 4 PM. The live auction runs from 4 PM to 5 PM led by professional auctioneers from California Auctioneers. Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Parque 1055while you browse! All proceeds benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum.

BROWSE LIVE AUCTION ITEMS

Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) — Climate Stewards course starts on Tuesday, September 9 — register now!

With environmental protections under threat and the impacts of climate change accelerating, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Transform concern for our planet into meaningful local action through our Climate Stewards course.

Through the program, you’ll join a cohort of motivated climate advocates, explore local solutions through lessons and field trips, and design a personal Stewardship Project that makes a real difference in your community.

The climate crisis demands bold, informed action and engaged activists ready to lead. Whether you’re a high school or college student, recent graduate, business owner, nonprofit professional, or retiree, Climate Stewards provides the tools, knowledge, and support to help you make an impact.

Bilingual report — VCCF — Introducing the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF), in partnership with the County of Ventura, Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE), Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), Ventura County P-20 Council, Weingart Foundation, Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA), Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU), League of Women Voters of Ventura County, Museum of Ventura County, Isabella Project, Social Justice Fund for Ventura County, Montecito Bank & Trust, Premier America Credit Union, County Schools Federal Credit Union, McCune Foundation and many others announced on June 28 the launch of the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund—a united, community-wide effort to support local families and small businesses experiencing sudden hardship and disruption.

YMCA Adventure Guides taking sign-ups in Simi Valley and Moorpark

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is taking signups for its Adventure Guides programs in Simi and Conejo valleys and Moorpark for the 2025-26 school year.

Adventure Guides (for Kinder-6th graders) is set up into parent-child groups called Circles. Parent-child pairs join a Circle with families in their neighborhood or the school in which their children attend. They usually meet once a month for games and crafts and other activities. Also planned this year are a Pinewood Derby, a trip to Descanso Gardens, camping at Big Bear and Lake Casitas, and taking part in a plant restoration community service project.

Bilingual report — Get involved, get informed: Applications open for Future Leaders Academy Cohort II

SANTA PAULA — Building on the success of its inaugural cohort last spring, the City of Santa Paula is now accepting applications for the second cohort of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy, a 9-week program designed to give residents and business owners a behind-the-scenes look into city management and operations.

Cohort II will run from September 11, 2025 through November 6, 2025, with sessions held on Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at various city facilities. This unique program provides residents with in-depth knowledge about our streets and roads, city finances, homeless issues, youth and senior programs, police and fire, and other key city services.

Movie Nights return to Ventura Harbor Village with a blockbuster lineup by the waterfront

VENTURA — Lights. Camera. Coastline! Evenings on California’s Central Coast at Ventura Harbor Village just got a lot more fun, as the waterfront destination unveils its highly anticipated 2025 Seaside Movie Nights – a 

cinematic experience that fuses beloved throwback films with coastal charm. This free movie series spans from Summer to Fall  2025 at Ventura Harbor Village. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Bilingual report — Ventura Police prepare for increased traffic during Ventura County Fair

VENTURA — With thousands expected to attend the Ventura County Fair from July 30 through August 10, the Ventura Police Department advises the public to expect traffic congestion near the Ventura County Fairgrounds and throughout the surrounding area. Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead, utilize public transportation, or take advantage of off-site parking options to minimize delays and support pedestrian safety.

Ventura County Leadership Academy announces the members of their 31st Cohort

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) is pleased to announce the forty members of their upcoming cohort year. They are: Adri Howe, Deputy Director, Mystic Ocean Adventures/Central Coast Ocean Adventures Alfredo Martinez, Financial Inclusion & Education Officer, Premier America Credit…

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College fire academy selected for Metallica Scholars Initiative

“This is an exciting opportunity to support our students and respond to critical workforce needs in California,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “With the support of the Metallica Scholars Initiative, we can help more students—many from historically underserved communities—overcome financial barriers and launch meaningful, life-saving careers.”

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit Program

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment and strategic importance to the state or region.

Application Period Timeline: For fiscal year 2025-2026, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during:

July 21, 2025 – August 11, 2025
January 5, 2026 – January 26, 2026
March 2, 2026 – March 16, 2026

Bilingual report — City of Ventura begins new fiscal year with balanced $637.3 million budget

VENTURA — The City of Ventura kicked off its new fiscal year this month with a balanced operating and capital budget of $637.3 million for Fiscal Year 2025-26 (FY26). Spanning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, the adopted budget reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility, long-term planning, and delivery of high-quality public services. 

The General Fund, the City’s largest operating fund, is balanced at $157.3 million and is primarily supported by local property and sales taxes. It funds daily operations for most departments, including police, fire, parks and recreation, public works, and administrative services. 

The City continues to prioritize environmental stewardship through major infrastructure projects, including the Olivas Park Drive Extension and key water and wastewater initiatives such as the State Water Project Interconnection, the Advanced Water Purification Facility, and the Membrane Bioreactor and UV Disinfection system. Public safety also remains a central focus, with ongoing funding for Fire Station 7.