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

Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara announces winner of 2025 Solo Piano Concerto Competition

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SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West is thrilled to announce that Min Joo Yi has been selected as the winner of the 2025 Solo Piano Concerto Competition, held on June 20 at Hahn Hall as part of the Music Academy’s 2025 Summer Music Festival & School.

Min Joo Yi captivated the audience and a panel of judges with a commanding interpretation of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37, earning the opportunity to perform as part of the Santa Barbara Symphony’s Beethoven Piano Concerto Marathon on Saturday, January 17, 2026 — the first concert in a two-concert weekend showcasing all five of Beethoven’s piano concertos, each performed by a winner of an international piano competition. In addition to this prestigious performance opportunity, the winner receives a $2,500 award from the Music Academy.

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Emergency preparedness events to be held June 25, 26, July 10, 17, 24

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Our community has been deeply impacted by the tragedy of wildfire. We’ve seen firsthand the devastation it can bring — to our homes, our environment, and our sense of safety. That’s why it’s more important than ever to be prepared and take action before the next disaster strikes.

First, I hope you’ll join us for Wildfire Safety Day — a free, family-friendly event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Wednesday, June 25, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. This fun and informative day will include:

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Business, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors

Friendship Center Adult Day Services — Caregivers are carrying so much – Can you help lighten the load?

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Although Friendship Center’s main mission is to provide compassionate care for seniors living with dementia, we don’t stop there. We know it takes a village to provide care for someone else, and it is often a spouse, adult child, or sibling who are key components of one’s support system. It is important to us that not only are our program attendees are cared for, but that their caregivers feel supported during their loved ones journey with dementia.

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Local, News, Women, Youth

Ventura Improv Company still standing

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VENTURA — The Ventura Improv Company (VIC), making audiences laugh with made-up-on-the-spot comedy since 1989, is happily at home at NAMBA Performing Arts Space these days.

Closing the theater space in 2017 and losing long-time Artistic Director Gary Best in 2023 were two challenges that almost silenced the group permanently. But then, not wanting to end the run just yet, Judy Gottlieb stepped in.

“We already had a new home at NAMBA,” says Gottlieb, a long-time performer and current Artistic Director of the VIC. “Our monthly shows continue to draw audiences, and our drop-in improv workshops started to grow. I felt like it wasn’t time to quit.”

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Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Cleaver & Clark Commons in SLO: Pre-Applications Coming Soon | Cleaver & Clark Commons: Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles pronto

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Pre-applications available Tuesday, July 8, 9AM at pshhc.org/CCC
Pre-solicitudes disponibles el martes 8 de julio a las 9AM en pshhc.org/CCC

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Government, Local, News, Public Safety

2025-2026 Ventura County Grand Jury panel selected

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VENTURA  — The Judges of the Superior Court by an Order signed June 20, 2024, nominated thirty-three (33) Ventura County citizens (see attached list) to the panel from which the members of the 2025-2026 Grand Jury will be drawn.

Exercising an option available under amended statutes, the Judges have named among the thirty-three (33) member panel, six (6) members of the 2024-2025 Grand Jury as “holdovers” to the 2025-2026 Grand Jury. The nineteen-member 2025-2026 Grand Jury will be drawn from this 33-member panel on July 1, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in Courtroom 22 and eleven (11) persons not drawn from the panel for immediate service will remain alternate jurors to be drawn as replacements should that become necessary during the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

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Business, Family, Local

TruNorth Jets in Camarillo welcomes pets on board as private air travel with dogs takes off

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CAMARILLO — As more families embrace their pets as essential travel companions, TruNorth Jets is excited to officially welcome dogs and cats aboard its private jet charters.

The move reflects a fast-growing trend in pet-friendly private aviation. With hectic airports, unpredictable delays and cramped cargo holds, commercial air travel can be stressful for pets and their owners. Private air travel offers a far more peaceful alternative, giving travelers the chance to keep their pets right by their side in a quiet, luxurious cabin.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Government, Health, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SCORE: BUSINESS FORMATION UNCOVERED: NAVIGATING BUSINESS STRUCTURES

June 24 @ 10:30 am

This business formation webinar is tailored to help entrepreneurs and business owners thoroughly understand the advantages and disadvantages of each entity type (sole proprietor, LLC, S-Corp.) from legal separate entities, tax reporting structures, non-tax paying entities, liabilities, asset protection and more. In today’s competitive market, choosing the right business entity is more than just a procedural step; it’s a strategic decision that impacts every aspect of your operations and long-term success. The

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Commentary, Education, Events, Family, Finance, Local, News, Youth

Stuff the Bus — Help United Way of Ventura County provide backpacks with essential school supplies for 1,000 local homeless youth

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United Way’s Stuff the Bus campaign aims to increase school readiness of homeless youth and lessen the financial burden of back-to-school expenses on their families. Over 8,000 youth have been identified as homeless in Ventura County. The average cost for back-to-school supplies for one child is almost $600, which can be a challenge for low-income families.

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

Museum of Ventura County — Photography Workshop with Diego Huerta, more events

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Saturday, August 16
3 – 8 p.m.
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street., Ventura

Diego Huerta, the resident photographer behind the Enfoque exhibition and internationally acclaimed for documenting Indigenous communities throughout the Americas, leads this outdoor portrait workshop at Surfer’s Point. Designed for intermediate to advanced photographers ages 16 and up, the 60–90 minute session focuses on using natural light, flash, and strobe to create compelling portraiture.

?Participants must bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera, tripod, filters, lenses, and lighting gear. Be prepared to navigate uneven terrain and embrace changing weather conditions—this workshop runs rain or shine. Dinner is included after the session. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from a master in the field. Cost: $250 non-members, 15% off members. Register HERE.

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

Bilingual report — County of Ventura reports $2.31 billion in agricultural value for 2024

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“The 2024 Crop and Livestock Report focuses on the history of Ventura County’s top 10 crops and the issues that farmers face today in cultivating these crops,” stated Korinne Bell, Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner. “Ventura County is unique in that our agricultural community cultivates a significant number of crops with values well over $1 million. This allows for a wide range of products to be cultivated but also presents some substantial challenges for our farmers. Many thanks to the Ventura County agricultural community – growers, packers, and shippers – for providing the data on their efforts in 2024 and making the production of this report possible.”

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Business, Education, Health, Local, News

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — CEC’s Environmental Hub Expands Event Rental Offerings 

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“The Hub provides a space for our community to come together, celebrate, learn, and collaborate,” said Kathi King, CEC Director of Outreach and Education. “We’re thrilled to offer an outdoor option to complement the versatile indoor venue. The patio is a perfect add-on for a happy hour, outdoor lunch, or small private meeting — a great way to enjoy Santa Barbara in the summertime.” 

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Cultural, En español, Entertainment, Events, familia, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

City of Ventura — Marina Park Playground now open

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura is thrilled to officially open Marina Park’s new playground, delivering a modern and thoughtfully designed play space for the Pierpont Bay community and surrounding areas.

Local dignitaries, City staff, project partners, and community members gathered on Tuesday, June 24, for a celebratory ribbon-cutting to commemorate this exciting milestone. 

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Government, Health, Home, Immigration, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety, Salud, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — Joint Statement from the Fire Departments of Ventura County: Emergency services are for everyone

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VENTURA COUNTY — Every fire department in Ventura County is united in our commitment to protecting lives—no matter who you are or where you’re from. Everyone in our communities deserves safety, emergency care, and compassion. Our firefighters respond to every emergency without hesitation or judgment. Immigration status is never a factor in the care we provide, and we do not ask, record, or report that information.

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Commentary, Cultural, familia, Family, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Opinion, Public Safety, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual commentary — Compassion vs. Caution on the Street

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Having more time to walk the streets of the Oxnard and Ventura areas lately, I find myself navigating a world that had not been entirely apparent to me in the past. I am more aware now of the great number of people who are distressed, troubled, and immersed in mental illness.

Their plight becomes obvious as I witness people who are talking animatedly with themselves—sometimes cheerfully, but too often they are angry and threatening. It’s hard to feel safe when someone close by is screaming something such as, “I’m gonna kill every single person I find!”

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan denounces sharing of Medicaid enrollment data with Department of Homeland Security

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CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP), the local Medi-Cal plan for Ventura County, is deeply concerned about the possibility of sensitive Medicaid enrollment data—including names, addresses, and immigration statuses—being shared with the Department of Homeland Security as reported by the Associated Press. According to the article, the data sharing was conducted “despite internal objections from Medicaid officials” and without consent from states, health plans, or members.

The data includes information from individuals in various states, including California, that allow those with “unsatisfactory immigration status” to enroll in Medicaid programs funded by state dollars.

“This breach is not just a policy failure—it is a moral one,” said Dr. Felix Nuñez, GCHP’s chief executive officer. “Trust is the foundation of our health system. Undermining that trust by turning health care into a tool of immigration enforcement jeopardizes the well-being of entire communities. We must protect the right to seek care without fear.”

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News

Brenda Allison receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Rotary Club of Ventura

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OXNARD — Brenda Allison, CEO of Coast General Insurance Brokers and a dedicated community advocate has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rotary Club of Ventura.

A Rotarian since 2005, Allison has served in multiple roles at the Ventura club over the past two decades, including as service director, membership director, risk management support and community service director. She is currently the club’s treasurer, a position she’s held since November 2023.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

CLU School Management Community Newspaper

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Hard to believe, but another academic year has come to a close. Just a few weeks ago, School of Management undergraduate and graduate students walked the stage at Cal Lutheran’s annual Commencement on our beautiful Thousand Oaks campus.

They worked tirelessly to reach this milestone, and for many, the experience was bittersweet. During their time at Cal Lutheran, the School of Management has become a home — a place where they found their tribe, discovered their calling, built skills that will stay with them for life. Now, they look ahead with excitement: to entry-level opportunities in the corporate or nonprofit worlds, to promotions at their current organizations, or to further study in graduate programs. Whatever comes next, we are proud of them and remain committed to supporting each one of them every step of the way.

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Business, En español, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Commander Matt Cain promoted to Assistant Chief

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Cain currently oversees the Professional Standards & Development Unit, which includes employee relations, recruitment and hiring, background investigations, internal affairs, department training, and the Volunteer Program. He also serves as Executive Officer for the Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team. 

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

NeighborWorks Week 2025: Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. brings vital resources to residents

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VENTURA COUNTY — Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) concluded its 2025 NeighborWorks Week celebrations with two community-focused events that brought critical services and resources directly to residents. Under this year’s theme, “Creating Homes, Building America,” Cabrillo EDC’s resource fairs united neighbors, service providers, and local leaders to facilitate connections and opportunities.

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Education, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI Biology faculty member and students return endangered fish after rescuing them from the Palisades fire

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CAMARILLO —  A crisis that began with the Los Angeles fires came full circle this week with a CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Environmental Science & Resource (ESRM) faculty member, his students, and other agencies and organizations returning endangered fish back to a safe environment after five months.  

On June 17, ESRM faculty member Brenton Spies and students from a CSUCI summer research program helped to return Northern tidewater gobies back into the Topanga Lagoon after the fish spent five months in two Southern California aquariums, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and Heal the Bay Aquarium in Santa Monica. 

“The fish are doing really well,” Spies said. “They were kind of on a vacation, getting fed twice a day, with no stress of predators.” 

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Business, Cultural, Educación, En español, familia, Family, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — June news from Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH)

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June is Homeownership Month and so I would like to shine a special light on our own Home Ownership department: the oldest team in our organization, the very reason we were founded 55 years ago. If you haven’t yet had a chance to check out some of People’s Self-Help Housing’s amazing early history, you can do that right here!

Of course, it is the incredible owner-builders themselves, the people who learn to dig, saw, hammer, and drill, who have been the stars of the show ever since the self-help program began. The physical and emotional investment made by the over 1,200 families who have completed building with us since 1970 is of a magnitude few of us could commit to. Usually over 40 hours a week (on top of regular day jobs!), 14 months of construction, and the desire to push through whatever the weather, or the date on the calendar.

Our organization has many facets which help those just trying to have a safe, decent, and affordable place to enjoy life. I hope you’ll join me this month in recognizing the efforts and achievements of just one of those – affordable homeownership.

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

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Reminder: Cypress Place (Oxnard) Pre-Applications due Tuesday, June 24 | Recordatorio: Cypress Place Las pre-solicitudes deben entregarse el martes 24 de junior

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Reminder: pre-applications due Tuesday, June 24 at 5PM
Recordatorio: pre-solicitudes deben entregarse el martes 24 de junio a las 5PM

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Business, Local, News

The Collection at RiverPark welcomes a fresh wave of tenants

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OXNARD — The Collection at RiverPark is turning up the excitement this summer with a fresh lineup of new tenants ready to join the vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment destination. From crave-worthy eats to cutting-edge services, these new arrivals are sure to delight visitors and add even more flavor to the community’s favorite gathering place.

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News

Ventura County Grand Jury announces release of its report Ventura County Animal Services Commission

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The 2024-2025 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury identified concerns regarding the Ventura County Animal Services Commission’s adherence to its bylaws, inconsistent meeting schedules, and ineffective communication. These and other issues have weakened the Ventura County Animal Commission’s core mission: to advise, guide, support, and collaborate with Ventura County Animal Services.

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