Business, Cultural, En español, familia, Family, Food, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Salud, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — Food Share Ventura County building new food bank for the future

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OXNARD — Food Share of Ventura County announces the launch of Feeding Our Future, a capital campaign project to build a new 85,000-square-foot food bank in Oxnard, CA.With a 12-acre parcel already secured, the new facility is designed to meet the growing demand and strengthen the region’s hunger-relief infrastructure for the long term.

Demand for food assistance in Ventura County has tripled since 2019. Food Share currently serves more than 250,000 neighbors each yearthrough a network of 200 nonprofit and community partners operating 335 distribution sites countywide. Today, Food Share operates out of three separate warehouses to distribute 21 million pounds of food annually. 

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

Ventura County Credit Union announces $500,000 gift to support Food Share’s capital campaign for centralized warehouse

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VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) on Feb. 5 announced a $500,000 commitment to Food Share of Ventura County to support the construction of Food Share’s new 85,000-square-foot facility. The partnership represents VCCU’s largest investment in the organization and builds upon decades of collaboration through donations and volunteer support.

“This long-term partnership with Food Share aligns with VCCU’s commitment to investing in the community and the organizations that ensure our community has access to essential resources,” said Linda Rossi, President and CEO of VCCU. “We believe in giving back to the organizations that enrich the lives of those we serve, and Food Share’s mission to address food insecurity is critical to the wellbeing of our entire community.”

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

The Collection at Riverpark reaches 95% leased occupancy rate as it welcomes six dynamic new tenants in 2026

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Ventura County’s entertainment, wellness and retail selection expand through new partnerships

OXNARD — The Collection at Riverpark announces the addition of six new tenants, bringing the premier lifestyle destination to a 95% leased occupancy rate. The new additions reflect The Collection’s continued commitment to blending shopping, dining, entertainment and wellness into an environment that embodies the Southern California lifestyle.

Now Open:

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Business, Health, Local, News

Cottage Health Names Katy Bazylewicz inaugural Werft Fellow for Innovative Leadership

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is pleased to announce that Katy Bazylewicz, Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Population Health, has been selected as the 2026 Werft Fellow for Innovative Leadership. Bazylewicz is the inaugural recipient of the fellowship, which is part of the Werft Leadership Institute, established in 2025 to honor the legacy of Cottage Health President Emeritus Ron Werft.

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

Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: ‘The 16th Art About Agriculture Exhibition’

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On view now through March 8, 2026

Sponsored by Brokaw Ranch Company

Art About Agriculture was founded in 2007 by Santa Paula photographer John Nichols and painter Gail Pidduck. Growing up on a ranch in Santa Paula and spending her college summers working in Oxnard’s flower fields, Pidduck has long understood how deeply agriculture has shaped both the landscape and way of life in California and Ventura County.

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Business, Finance, Government, Local, News

West Ventura County Business Alliance forms partnership with City of Port Hueneme

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OXNARD — The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the City of Port Hueneme. Through the partnership, WVCBA will help promote Port Hueneme businesses and City initiatives, host networking events and business forums in the community, and provide advocacy on issues that affect local employers.

“Having many of the larger businesses in Port Hueneme already as WVCBA members, we’re excited to introduce ourselves the business community as a whole and be a resource for them, as well as establishing a deeper connection with the City of Port Hueneme,” says WVCBA President & CEO Andy Conli. “Not only does this partnership expand our reach, it reinforces our position as advocates for the business community and regional economy.”

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News

Ventura College Foundation honors “Pirates of Distinction,” launches “Invest in Success” fundraising campaign

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VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation will hold a “Celebration of Success” on February 11 at the outdoor stage on the Ventura College Campus from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to honor the inaugural class of the “Pirates of Distinction” and the official launch of the Foundation’s “Invest in Success” fundraising campaign to support the Basic Needs Centers and VC Promise Program. The public is invited.

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Education, Health, Local, News

SBCC School of Extended Learning to offer Mental Health Services

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College’s (SBCC) School of Extended Learning (SEL) will now offer FREE one-on-one mental health counseling to students for the first time ever.

Starting this week, SEL will offer mental health counseling and connections/referrals to resources on both Schott and Wake campuses. Students can access these services by visiting the office adjacent to the Welcome Center on each campus.

“The mental health counseling will help SEL students enrich and enhance their personal lives and personal growth, which will then advance them in achieving their educational goals,” said Monica Campbell, Director of SBCC’s School of Extended Learning.

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Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Join us for a NO-COST workshop series for businesses on Feb. 12, 19

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Join the City of Moorpark, Accelerate CA 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, Cultural, Education, Local, News

First Father-Son presidents of historic Santa Barbara nonprofit

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“It’s a real honor to serve as president of the Trust, especially following in my dad’s footsteps,” Cody said. “With deep family roots in Santa Barbara, I feel a strong responsibility to help preserve the places and stories that make this community so special, and to ensure they can be shared with future generations.”

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Business, Finance, Government, Home, Local, News

Center Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Santa Paula residents urged to address City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb 4

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The fight for housing justice in Santa Paula is reaching a breaking point – and City Council must decide who they stand with. 

For over a year, mobile home residents in Santa Paula have been living under constant threat of displacement, all because a corporate landlord is trying again and again to squeeze more profit out of our working class community.

Here’s what residents have endured over the last year:

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Business, Local, News, Seniors

Friendship Center Adult Day Services — The Friendly Finch: February 2026

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Dear Friends,

Bear with me for a moment as I do what I do best (or worst), overshare:

February is wrapped in hearts and flowers and Valentine’s cheer, and while we’re leaning fully into that spirit this month over here, I do need to acknowledge that the ache in my stomach is more than just too much chocolate. This Valentine’s Day, February 14th, marks ten years since my dad died. As someone who has dedicated my education and career to bringing light to end-of-life work, it’s painful to admit that my own dad’s final chapter was quite dimmed.

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Business, Education, Health, Local, News, Veteranos, Youth

Cottage Health and Santa Barbara Unified School District partner to launch Cottage Health Careers Academy at San Marcos High School

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“This partnership represents a meaningful investment in our local community and the future of healthcare,” said Scott Wester, President and CEO of Cottage Health. “By expanding access to educational pathways and engaging students early, we’re helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthening care across Santa Barbara.”

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

Free admission, new exhibitions, and more happenings at MVC

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FREE ADMISSION IN FEBRUARY

Thanks to the generous support of Ventura County Credit Union, admission to the Museum of Ventura County is FREE for all visitors in February. This support helps the Museum welcome more visitors to experience Ventura County’s history, art, and cultural heritage.

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

Nomination Period Announced for offices in the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election

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VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the February 9, 2026 opening of the nomination period for the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election. Those who are interested in running for office should make an appointment to obtain their candidate filing documents from the Ventura County Elections Division for the following offices:

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Business, Education, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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

February 5, 12 and 19 @ 8:00 am

Join the City of Moorpark 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: Moorpark City Council Chamber 323 Science Drive, Moorpark, CA 93021

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Cultural, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — Call to artists for Surfers Point Public Art Tiled Sculpture

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This opportunity is open to artists residing and working in the State of California. Special consideration will be given to those based in Ventura County and Santa Barbara County.

Based on community surveys and workshops, the project theme has been identified as a combination of Marine Life and Surf & Beach Culture. The artwork should serve as a cultural and ecological narrative, visually connecting visitors to the coastal marine life, beach and surf culture with a color palette of natural coastal tones

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Business, Local, News, Women

Santa Barbara corporate law firm Trusted Legal adds senior attorney

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SANTA BARBARA — Trusted Legal is proud to announce that Natasha Bhushan is joining the firm as a senior attorney.

Bhushan, an experienced corporate and transactional law attorney, has guided many clients and businesses through complex legal matters, transitions, real estate transactions and other issues like governance and compliance. She loves walking with her clients during their journeys from just starting out to seasoned entrepreneur.

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Government, Local, News, Public Safety

CAL FIRE to Review VCFD Operations on wildfire that preceded Mountain Fire

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THOUSAND OAKS — Delivering on a commitment by Fire Chief Dustin Gardner, the Ventura County Fire Department has reached an agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for an independent review of VCFD’s operations during a wildfire that preceded and eventually led to the Mountain Fire.

“CAL FIRE is the nation’s leading expert on wildfire operations,” Chief Gardner said. “No agency is better prepared to conduct this type of review and provide recommendations to enhance our future work.”

The Balcom Fire was started by a tractor clearing brush in the Balcom Canyon area near Somis. Firefighters contained it at 1.8 acres.

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Business, Commentary, Education, Government, Local, News

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Oak Park MAC Meeting Recap

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Last night’s Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council monthly meeting saw strong community engagement. Thank you to all those who attended or tuned in. I am pleased to announce the new leadership roles for 2026: Michelle Santucci will serve as Chair of the MAC and Brianna Adams will serve as Vice Chair.

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Business, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — City of Ventura to begin waterline project on the Eastside to strengthen water reliability

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“The project includes upgrades to underground water lines along Foothill and Kimball roads and represents the second phase of constructing new transmission pipelines that improve efficiency throughout the City,” said Ventura Water Gina Dorrington. “This project reflects how local water rate dollars are used to maintain critical infrastructure and ensure reliable service for our customers.”

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Business, Education, Finance, Local, News, Youth

Statement from SBCC Board of Trustees President Jonathan Abboud on unauthorized use of McKenzie Scott Gift

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SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Board of Trustees is concerned by the unauthorized use of the 2021 MacKenzie Scott gift funds disclosed by the SBCC Foundation. 

While we were disappointed to learn that the MacKenzie Scott funds were used without explicit authorization by either the SBCC Foundation board or the College, SBCC is nevertheless grateful to the SBCC Foundation’s current leadership and staff for identifying the past unauthorized activity and initiating a comprehensive review of the SBCC Foundation’s past accounting practices and swiftly improving internal controls. SBCC works closely with the SBCC Foundation, which is a separate legal entity, to support student success and further the institution’s educational mission. 

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

Ventura’s 4th of July Street Fair seeking artisan vendors

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura is seeking artisan vendor applications for the annual 4th of July Street Fair. This annual event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the 4th of July in Ventura’s Downtown District and attracts more than 15,000 attendees. This year will feature additional events and activities celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence.

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

Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — We Just Passed a Rent Freeze in Santa Barbara

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SANTA BARBARA — Community power and organized tenants delivered a major victory for Santa Barbara renters.

On Tuesday, the Santa Barbara City Council passed a temporary rent freeze while the city implements a strong, permanent rent stabilization ordinance.

Who is covered:

Generally speaking, if your building was built in 1995 or earlier, is multi-family, and is not low-income or government-subsidized housing, these protections apply to you.

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Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Opinion, Youth

Bilingual commentary — More Masculinity—As If We Didn’t Have Enough Already

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More In Common US, a nonpartisan nonprofit that studies the roots of division in our society, recently interviewed 10,000 Trump voters over 10 months. The result was an eye-opening “Beyond MAGA” report that shed light on Americans’ attitudes regarding patriarchy and women. 

Almost 50% of members of Gen Z who took the survey want Trump to serve a third term. That the Constitution prohibits this authoritarian maneuver doesn’t appear to dissuade them.

Furthermore, a disheartening 26% of young Trump voters believe that “men should lead, and women should follow,” an outlook that appears to be fueled by the “trad wife” movement, which encourages women to marry into a “traditional” lifestyle that diminishes their autonomy and relinquishes them to subservient roles in service to their husbands.

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Business, Government, Home, Local, News

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County to receive $4.4 million from Prop 1 program

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VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has been notified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) that it has been awarded $4,406,179 from the final round of the Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) Matching Grant Program. This brings the organization’s total LHTF funding to $18,425,566 out of $25 million available since 2020. Housing Trust Fund VC was also awarded a $125,396.82 grant from the California Investment & Innovation Program (Cal IIP).

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