Business, Commentary, Cultural, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors

Friendship Center Adult Day Services — The Friendly Finch: October

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I recently sat down with my dear friend and former Friendship Center colleague, Hope Saxon (who many of you may know has gone on to become a geriatric nurse practitioner!).  Our conversation turned into a walk down memory lane, reflecting on how much Friendship Center has changed and grown over the past few years. Of course, I know these changes are happening. I’m living them every day. However, it wasn’t until talking with Hope, who is one of the dear members of our community that has been so close to our organization for so many years (like many of you), that I truly appreciated the magnitude of what’s unfolding.

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

VCCF Power of Purpose – September 2025

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(Sept. 30) marks the last day of our fiscal year. For me, this moment always invites deep reflection, offers a pause for gratitude, and serves as a joyful reminder to celebrate all we’ve accomplished together.

This year, because of you, we contributed nearly $14 million to make our community a better place for all. Together, you mobilized to raise close to $1.5 million for those who lost their homes in the Mountain Fire, ensuring that critical support reached those most affected. Collectively, you awarded nearly $2 million in scholarships to help local students pursue their educational and career aspirations. You stood by families facing financial hardship to ensure their beloved pets were cared for; you provided groceries for thousands of households; and you strengthened local small businesses by supporting education, access to small business loans, and consulting services to navigate complex challenges. These are just a few of the many ways you’ve served our community.

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

Museum of Ventura County — Play Date in the Garden with Pinaysphere, more news, events

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Join us for a vibrant Play Date in the Garden with Pinaysphere, where kids dive into Filipino culture by crafting their own bahay kubo! A bahay kubo is a traditional Filipino house built on stilts, made from natural materials like bamboo and coconut fibers, showcasing Filipino ingenuity, sustainability, and community spirit. This playful activity celebrates the simplicity and creativity of these iconic homes, known for their adaptability and resourcefulness. Led by Pinaysphere, an organization dedicated to empowering Filipino women and youth through art and culture, this event will be filled with fun, learning, and creativity as we explore the beauty of Filipino heritage together! Register online HERE.

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

Bilingual report — Applications Open for City of Ventura Design Review Committee and Water Commission

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura is looking for community members to serve on two important advisory bodies that help guide the City’s future: the Design Review Committee and the Water Commission. These groups provide critical input on urban design and development, and water resource planning. These advisory bodies offer residents and professionals the opportunity to get involved, lend their expertise, and make a lasting impact in Ventura.

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Business, Cultural, familia, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Mountain Fire Rebuild Permitting Dashboard now available to track permitting progress

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VENTURA — As the community moves into long term recovery and rebuilding efforts, the Resource Management Agency (RMA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Mountain Fire Rebuild Permitting Dashboard. This new tool, available on both the Resource Management Agency’s website and the Ventura County Recovers website, allows users to track the rebuild permitting progress of properties affected by the Mountain Fire.

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

Port of Hueneme — Banana Fest makes Waves!

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PORT HUENEME —The Port of Hueneme’s 12th Annual Banana Festival set a new attendance record this past Saturday, welcoming more than 13,000 community members for a day of music, food, tours, and family fun.This year’s theme, “Making Workforce Waves Through Global Trade,” spotlighted the people who turn ships and cargo into local careers and opportunity.

Festivalgoers enjoyed banana-inspired treats, live performances from Instone Live, Morie & the Heavy Hitters, Savor, and The Brandon Ragan Project, and family-friendly activities like the kids’ zone and pie-eating contest. Land and sea tours offered a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse to the Port’s operations, showing firsthand how bananas, cars, and other global goods move through Ventura County’s only deep-water harbor.

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Business, Elections, Government, Local, News

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — Are You Aware of the Statewide Special Election (On Nov. 4)?

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I am reaching out to make sure you’re aware that California is having a statewide special
election on Nov. 4, 2025 to vote on Proposition 50, which would temporarily redraw Congressional district maps in response to redistricting by other states. 

The last day to register to vote for this election is October 20, 2025. According to California’s Secretary of State, all registered voters in California will receive a vote-by-mail ballot in October. Vote-by-mail ballots can be returned by mail, drop-off locations, or at your county elections office.

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

100 artists unite for OPAC’s 2025 Día de los Muertos with El Velorio. Opening reception Oct. 2

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OXNARD — This year’s altar is inspired by the monarch butterfly, a powerful symbol of the soul, transformation, and migration. In a city shaped by immigrant stories, the theme highlights the beauty and resilience of movement across borders. In Mexican tradition, the monarchs’ annual arrival in central Mexico each fall is believed to carry the spirits of departed loved ones back to earth, making them a cherished emblem of Día de los Muertos. Community members are invited to submit a photo of a departed loved one to be lovingly displayed. The Opening Reception will feature a ceremonial Aztec blessing and dance and a performance by Ballet Folklórico Mestizo of Oxnard College. 

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Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, News, Technology

Bilingual commentary — AI: My Expert Helper

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In the ancient past, up to around the end of 2022, I used to grapple with complex technical issues (for me, anyway) as I pursued some of my projects. When I first started building websites, for example, I often found myself stumped by some of the technical barriers that kept emerging in front of me. 

When confronted with an intractable problem that appeared insurmountable, I found myself hunting for web pages that would illuminate me and provide the answers I was looking for. Sometimes I succeeded in ferreting out a solution to a dilemma that would sometimes take days to resolve because I often didn’t even know quite what to search for.

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

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula announces transition of Deputy City Manager Jonathan Royas

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SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula today announced that Deputy City Manager Jonathan Royas will be leaving the City to assume the role of Assistant City Manager for the City of Moorpark. Royas’s last day with Santa Paula will be October 3, 2025.

“Jonathan has served Santa Paula with dedication and skill,” said City Manager Dan Singer. “His leadership on Measure R, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, trail connectivity grants, and community engagement work has made a lasting impact. We thank him for his service and wish him well in Moorpark. The City will maintain continuity of operations as we begin the process to fill this role.”

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Business, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Port of Hueneme — Bunches of Fun — The Banana Festival (Sept. 27) is Back!

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The Port of Hueneme invites the community to the 12th Annual Banana Festival (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, a free family-friendly celebration of the Port’s famous bananas and the other global goods like blueberries and automobiles that cross its docks each day.

This unique event honors international trade and the hardworking local workforce that makes it all possible. Guests can enjoy banana-themed bites, blueberry-inspired concoctions, behind-the-scenes Port tours, local vendors, arts & crafts, and more.

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

Pre-sale tickets (ending Oct. 1) now available for Panteón Fest in Oxnard

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This year, with the help of Allee and Sue, we’re excited to present Vuelo de las Almas—an art gallery showcasing works by over 20 artists, each created on a wooden monarch butterfly canvas. The gallery will be held inside the Chapel, with a meet-and-greet hosted by Allee and Sue at 5 PM.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Women

SBCC’s Dr. Melissa Menendez selected for national HACU Enlace Mid-Level Leadership Program

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SANTA BARBARA — The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and SBCC are pleased to announce that the third cohort of its Enlace Mid-level Leadership Program includes Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) professor Dr. Melissa Menendez, who was selected along with 39 participants across the nation to begin this fall, 2025. 

The six-month leadership development program for mid-level college and university professionals is designed to increase the number, variety and quality of talent in leadership positions at Hispanic-serving Institutions and in higher education overall. 

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Business, Education, Events, Finance, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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IN-PERSON EVENT: CITY OF OXNARD: READY • SET • GROW: SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES

September 30 @ 9:00 am

Join the City of Oxnard and Economic Development Collaborative for a 3-part series to help business owners improve legal compliance, financial planning and marketing. Participants will receive hands-on, practical training to achieve real results, such as official registration, funding readiness, and customer growth. This 3-workshop series will be conducted in English, with the option to answer questions in Spanish. Hands-on materials will be provided in both languages. Address: Oxnard Main Library, 251 S A St., Oxnard, CA, 93030.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Bilingual report — Child Passenger Safety Week: Protect your child with the right car seat

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“Every child deserves to travel safely,” Sergeant Mark Knackstedt said. “We urge all parents and caregivers to know for sure that their children are in the right seats and that those seats are installed correctly. Keeping a child in the right seat for their age and size can make all the difference in a crash.”

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Education, Local, News, Public Safety

VCCCD swears in Robert Davidson as new Chief of Police

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CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) swore in Robert Davidson as its new chief of police September 22, bringing nearly 35 years of county law enforcement experience to guide and strengthen the District’s police department.

Davidson began his career with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office in 1991 where he rose up through the ranks to Assistant Sheriff. Over more than three decades, he successfully led major investigations, directed Internal Affairs and training programs, and oversaw the Sheriff’s largest division with a $120 million budget.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Government, Home, Local, News

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers appointed to Santa Maria Fairpark Board

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The board oversees the Santa Maria Fairpark, which serves as the premier event center in the Santa Maria Valley. As a subdivision of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the board is tasked with supporting the community by providing venues for education, recreation, entertainment, and by promoting agriculture, industry, commerce, and tourism.

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

13th Annual Ventura County Farm Day moves to Spring 2026

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“We looked at planting schedules and weather and felt that a move to spring offered many benefits. It means the public can visit farms during the heart of the growing season,” says Caitlin Paulus Case, executive director of Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), the nonprofit that puts on Ventura County Farm Day each year. “We are expecting more farms to participate with new hands-on experiences and activities.”

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Finance, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Join us for a NO-COST workshop series for businesses!

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Join the City of Oxnard and EDC for this workshop series, which has been developed to help advance business formalization, financial resilience and strategic visibility among small businesses in Ventura County. It addresses core areas where entrepreneurs often face barriers—legal compliance, financial planning, and marketing execution—offering hands-on, actionable training that leads to real outcomes: formal registration, funding readiness and customer growth.

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Business, Education, Local, News, Public Safety, Youth

14 cadets graduate from Allan Hancock College’s CORE Custody Academy

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All 14 graduates of CORE Academy Class #20 completed a comprehensive California Standards and Training for Corrections course consisting of 260 hours of instruction. The six-week academy is designed to prepare students mentally, morally, emotionally and physically to work as correctional officers. Some of the academy instruction included emergency planning in a custody facility, report writing, ethics, investigation procedures, contraband, arrest and control, physical fitness training, CPR/First Aid and emergency vehicle operations.  

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

Santa Paula Art Museum — Come Hang Out With Us!

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Creative Hang with

The One Oh One

?
Wednesday, September 24, from 6 PM to 9 PM

Free for everyone (food not included)

We’re excited to host The One Oh One’s September Creative Hang inside SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center! Mingle with fellow creatives while you enjoy live music by Matterform band. Anna’s Cider and brewLab Craft will keep you hydrated, and Chavas Tacos will be serving up yummy bites. The event is free for everyone (food is not included).

MORE INFO

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Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Cabrillo Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) IN-PERSON EVENT: Executive Talent Management Forum on Sept. 25

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Join California Lutheran University for their 10th Annual Executive Talent Management Forum on Talent Mobility & Workforce Agility. In today’s volatile business environment, organizations must develop workforce agility and talent mobility strategies to remain competitive. Economic uncertainties, geopolitical shifts, technological and environmental disruptions, and evolving employee expectations require companies to rethink how they deploy, develop and retain talent. This forum topic would explore how businesses can build a resilient workforce capable of adapting to rapid change.

Thursday, September 25, at 8:00 am

Address: Lundring Events Center, 60 W. Olsen Rd., California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

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