Business, Government, Health, Local, News

Charging Forward to Zero Emissions: Port of Hueneme unveils second STAX Emissions Capture & Control Barge

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PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme celebrated another milestone in maritime sustainability this week with the unveiling of its second STAX Engineering emissions capture and control barge at a press conference held on-port Wednesday, July 16. Just eight barges operate in all of California, with the Port of Hueneme operating two–one at each terminal.

The arrival of the second barge, known as STAX 6, underscores the Port’s commitment to sustainability and further positions the Port as a national leader in clean air operations and zero emissions infrastructure.

“We have always been a community-serving port. The port that farmers built. We take that responsibility very seriously,” explained Jess Ramirez, President, Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners. “That’s why we continue to lead with innovation as we invest in solutions like these that bring real and tangible benefits.”

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

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard appoints Brenda Lopez as Housing Director

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Oxnard City Manager Alexander Nguyen stated, “We’re excited for Brenda to lead the Housing Department. Her housing policy knowledge and years of service to the Oxnard community will be an asset in addressing two of the State’s most pressing issues—housing and homelessness, which remain increasingly vital as we face both federal and state budget cuts.”

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

Bilingual report — El Concilio Family Services to hold Mobile Immigration Clinic in Santa Paula on July 24

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SANTA PAULA — El Concilio Family Services will hold mobil clinic from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 24 at Puente de Vida Church, 203 S. 8th St., Santa Paula

“Let El Concilio help you stay protected and prepared! Our Mobile Immigration Clinic offers on-site assistance with:

Resident Card Renewal Applications (Form I-90
Application submission support
Bilingual staff ready to help (English/Spanish)

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News

Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board — Novel emission-reducing projects sought for grants

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The Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board awards Clean Air Fund grants to support community projects that reduce emissions contributing to ozone and particle pollution. Ventura County exceeds state and federal standards for ozone and the state standard for PM 10, which is particulate matter with a diameter up to 10 micrometers.

The grants also fund proposals that address climate change, such as those that reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

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

Santa Paula Art Museum — The Art Auction Fundraiser is Aug. 6

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Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at the Santa Paula Art Museum’s 15th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16! Dozens of stunning artworks by historic and contemporary California artists will be up for bid, including museum-worthy pieces by Meredith Brooks Abbott, Jessie and Cornelis Botke, Robert Clunie, Paul Grimm, Douglas Shively, and many more. Plus, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Parque 1055 while you browse.

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

Music Academy of the West Music Note Gala Raises $750,000 to support music education and community engagement programs

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SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West, now in its 78th season, hosted its annual gala on Saturday, July 11, raising $750,000 in support of its mission to advance transformative musical education and foster meaningful community through music. This year marked the debut of the Music Note Gala, a dazzling new celebration held on the breathtaking Upper Lawn of the Montecito Club. The sold out event hosted 410 passionate supporters of the arts under the stars for an inspiring evening of philanthropy, celebration, and extraordinary music.

Thanks to the generosity of Gala attendees — through paddle raises, auction bids, a raffle, and heartfelt donations — the event surpassed fundraising goals, reinforcing the critical role the Gala plays in sustaining the Music Academy’s year-round impact. 

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Business, Events, Government, News

Bilingual report — Public invited to upcoming planning commission July 31 hearing on a Ventura County General Plan Amendment to implement updates to the County’s Initial Study Assessment Guidelines and CEQA Implementation Manual

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Ventura invites the public to attend a Planning Commission hearing on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. at 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, in the County Government Center, Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza Assembly Room. At the hearing, the Planning Commission will consider a General Plan amendment to implement updates to the County’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Implementation Manual and the Initial Study Assessment Guidelines (ISAGs). These two key documents guide how the County evaluates environmental impacts of proposed projects in the unincorporated areas of the County.

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

Bilingual report — Ventura County Assessor sends 2025 Annual Value Notices to property owners

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Assessor’s Office has begun mailing approximately 250,000 Annual Value Notices to property owners. These notices inform recipients of their property’s assessed value as of the lien date, January 1, 2025.

Of the total notices being sent, approximately 205,000 are postcards reflecting the standard 2% increase in assessed value in accordance with Proposition 13. In addition, more than 5,700 notices inform owners that their property’s market value is lower than its Proposition 13 factored base year value, indicating a temporary reduction in assessed value.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

Coasthills Credit Union donates $45,000 to support Hancock students and programs

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SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation received a generous $45,000 donation from CoastHills Credit Union to support a variety of college programs, scholarships and student engagement initiatives throughout 2025.

The contribution represents the continuation of a nearly 30-year partnership between CoastHills and the college and strengthens their shared commitment to supporting education and community growth across northern Santa Barbara County.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support and trust CoastHills has shown in Hancock and our students,” said Jon Hooten, Ph.D., executive director of college advancement and the Allan Hancock College Foundation. “Their investment reaches every corner of our campus and helps us build a stronger, more connected community.”

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

Museum of Ventura County announces new board leadership, welcomes new Board Members and COO

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VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County (Museum) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Richard Rush as chair and Al Lowe as vice-chair of its board of directors. Both esteemed community leaders and longtime Camarillo residents have served on the Museum’s board since 2017 and played instrumental roles in the organization’s recent strategic repositioning.

Dr. Rush, president emeritus of California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI), brings a deep legacy of educational leadership and civic engagement to his new role as board chair. A visionary administrator, Dr. Rush was the founding president of CSUCI, where he forged lasting connections between the university and the broader Ventura County community. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in English Renaissance Literature and a master’s degree in English Literature from UCLA.

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

Ventura County Credit Union amplifies support for VCCDC with additional $150,000 donation through FHLBank partnership

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“We’re proud to deepen our support for VCCDC through this incredible opportunity provided by FHLBank,” said Linda Rossi, president and CEO of VCCU. “Together, we’re not just celebrating our 75th year — we’re investing in the future of Ventura County by helping more families access the resources they need to achieve homeownership and financial stability.”

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Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Ronald L. Miller II sworn in as Ventura County’s Chief Probation Officer

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VENTURA — Ronald L. Miller II was officially sworn in, on Monday, July 14, 2025, as Chief Probation Officer of the Ventura County Probation Agency. The Ventura County Board of Supervisors appointed Miller to the position on June 24, 2025, following an extensive statewide recruitment process.

Chief Miller brings more than 35 years of experience in probation services, having previously served as the Chief Probation Officer in Riverside County. In that role, he led more than 1,000 staff members and oversaw the management of multiple juvenile facilities. He has also held numerous leadership positions within the field, including serving as the Southern Region Chair for the Chief Probation Officers of California.

“I’m honored to step into this role and serve the people of Ventura County,” said Chief Miller. “I look forward to working with our dedicated team and community partners to enhance public safety, support rehabilitation, and promote long-term positive change.”

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

Moorpark College Theatre Arts announces the addition of new faculty from the entertainment industry

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MOORPARK — The Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department is pleased to announce the addition of new faculty members to assist students in their entertainment career paths. Casting Director Jane Flowers will be teaching Audition Techniques and Tim Hornor will be teaching Improvisational Comedy this upcoming Fall 2025 semester.

After receiving her MFA from UCLA in Acting, Jane Flowers transitioned into casting in 2011.  She has been nominated for two Artios Awards which celebrates excellence in casting for TV, film, theatre and commercials.  Her casting credits include “Daisy Jones and the Six” (Amazon), “Seal Team” (CBS), “Dreamquil” (independent feature) starring Elizabeth Banks and John C. Reilly, and “Die Hart” (Roku) starring Kevin Hart, Katherine Hahn, Anna Garcia and J.K. Simmons. She is a member of the Casting Society of America.

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Business, Finance, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SCORE: FUND YOUR BUSINESS WITH SPONSORS, EVEN IF YOU’RE JUST STARTING OUT

July 15 @ 10:00 am

Would you like to do what you love and have someone else foot the bill? Have you ever considered corporate sponsors for your business, show, book, charity, speaking engagements or events? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this webinar is for you! America’s most successful companies partner with sponsors. Why not you? Linda Hollander can help you. She is the author of the #1 best-selling book, Corporate Sponsorship in 3 Easy Steps, and the CEO of Sponsor Concierge. Linda has consulted with many entrepreneurs to help them profit from the awesome power of corporate sponsors and has 20 years of experience in business. Her corporate sponsors have included Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Epson, Citibank, FedEx, Health Net, Southwest Airlines, Bank of America, Staples, American Airlines, Walmart and IBM.

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

County of Santa Barbara July 15 Board of Supervisors added item — Discussion on Recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Activities in Santa Barbara County

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Summary: 

The Board will discuss recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Santa Barbara County and hear from the public. Specifically, the Board will review federal enforcement actions that took place near Carpinteria on July 10, 2025, and in Santa Maria in early June. The discussion will include the community impact of these actions and any Board direction on this item.

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Business, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

United Way of Northern Arizona — One week left to drop off donations for Stuff the Bus

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SUPPORT A LOCAL COLLECTION DRIVE

The final day to drop off donations will be Friday, July 18th. Help us reach our goal of donating 1,000 backpacks stuffed with essential school supplies for homeless middle schoolers in Ventura County. When dropping off your donation, look for the pop-up bus and stop sign. Please note that only brand-new school supplies will be accepted.

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Business, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News

The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — The 2025 Art Award – Revealed!

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Ry Rocklen (b. 1978, Los Angeles, CA) is an American sculptor. His sculptures, born out of an array of found and readymade objects, reflect his pursuit of the sublime in the things we take for granted.

Rocklen participated in the critically acclaimed MCASB exhibition Home Show, Revisited in 2011.
Ancient Art Award (Cup from a torch-holder, Cyprus, 6th century BCE from The Met Collection)
2025
6 x 8.75 x 2.75
Ceramic, glaze, glaze decal
Edition of 5
Exclusive to the Art Award recipients.

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Business, Finance, Health, Local, News

Cottage Health names Matthew Morgan as Chief Financial Officer

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health appoints Matthew (Matt) Morgan, MBA, FHFMA, FACHE, as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective August 19, 2025.

Matt brings more than two decades of healthcare financial leadership and a proven ability to drive performance through strategic alignment and data-driven decision-making. Most recently serving as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Montage Health in Monterey, CA.

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Cultural, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — City of Ventura — Help shape public art at Surfers Point

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites residents and community members to help select the final artistic direction for the new seat wall tile artwork at Surfers Point. Take the quick, three-question survey now through July 27, 2025, at our website

Based on prior community input, the City has narrowed down the top color styles and theme options for the future tile artwork. Now, the public can help guide the final direction before the City launches a Call to Artists in early fall 2025.

“We’re excited to hear from the community about the final color palettes and themes, “ said Emily Fox, Assistant Parks & Recreation Director. “Their input will help guide the artists in creating designs that truly reflect the community’s values and vision for this public artwork.”

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Business, Cultural, Government, Immigration, Local, News, Public Safety

Mixteco / Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) members on scene at ICE immigration raid in Camarillo. Please see related stories

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(Editor’s note: Federal agents wearing military camouflage gear raided a state-licensed marijuana nursery located between Camarillo and Oxnard on Thursday, July 11. The federal agents then used smoke and chemical canisters after a growing number of protesters attempted to block the arrests of workers, according to various media reports.)

Images and content below courtesy of the Mixteco / Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP). Please see related news stories below.

From MICOP’s Radio Indígena Facebook Live: We have some team members still on site waiting (as of Friday morning, July 11) for ICE to leave to provide transportation to community members trapped. This has been going on for at least 12 hours. This is the moment ICE agents shot teargas at unarmed community members as they prepared to leave the area.

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Commentary, En español, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Women

Bilingual report — Kaiser Permanente — A remarkable recovery, surviving cancer against the odds

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As she was halfway around the world in New Zealand when her fight against cancer began, Santamaría would soon launch a journey that would bring her back to her California roots and back to Kaiser Permanente for care that she credits for her survival. She shares her story as a beacon of hope.

Santamaría is the associate vice president of strategy at California Lutheran University, where her role encompasses driving diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and belonging initiatives to deliver optimal offerings to students through partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, municipalities and healthcare organizations.

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Business, Education, Local, News, Women, Youth

Susan A. Andrzejewski appointed interim president of California State University Channel Islands

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SANTA BARBARA — California State University (CSU) Chancellor Mildred García has appointed Susan A. Andrzejewski to serve as California State University Channel Islands’ interim president. Andrzejewski, who currently serves as the university’s dean of the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics, will begin her new appointment on August 4, 2025. 

“Dr. Andrzejewski is an innovative and collaborative leader, recognized for advancing student success through data-informed initiatives, experiential learning and regional partnerships,” said Chancellor García. “In addition, she has been a trusted and strategic partner to outgoing President Richard Yao, demonstrating impressive university-wide leadership and undeniable strategic acumen. With her strong connections to CSU Channel Islands and outstanding professional skills and personal qualities, Dr. Andrzejewski is the ideal person to lead the university through this time of transition.”  

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Family, Government, Immigration, Local, News, Politics, Public Safety, Seniors, Veterans, Women, Youth

LULAC hails Federal Court Victory preserving Birthright Citizenship in the United States

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) (July 10) celebrates a landmark decision by U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante of New Hampshire, who issued a ruling blocking the Trump administration’s executive order seeking to strip automatic birthright citizenship from children born in the United States to undocumented parents. This decision marks a crucial victory for members of LULAC, the first organization to file a lawsuit challenging the administration’s attempt to undermine one of the most fundamental rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Immigration, News

Pew Research Center’s Race & Ethnicity report — Birthright citizenship, deportation worries and Trump’s 2024 voter coalition

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U.S. public is split on birthright citizenship for people whose parents immigrated illegally

Half of U.S. adults say people born in the United States to parents who immigrated illegally should have U.S. citizenship, while 49% say they should not. By contrast, nearly all say people born in the country to U.S.-born parents (95%) or to parents who immigrated legally (94%) should be citizens.
Related: Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship draws more disapproval than approval

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

Ventura Harbor Village makes waves with a full lineup of Summer fun

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VENTURA — A summer road trip to California’s Central Coast isn’t complete without a stop at Ventura Harbor Village—a sun-kissed seaside escape offering postcard-perfect sunsets, salty breezes, and a lively mix of coastal experiences. This July and August, Ventura Harbor Village invites locals and travelers alike to soak up the season with a vibrant array of mid-week events, live music, dining, and seaside adventures. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/

Plan a perfect summer day and beat the heat to enjoy unforgettable moments along the waterfront. Guests can indulge in fresh coastal cuisine, wine tastings, one-of-a-kind boutique shopping, and ocean activities like paddle boating, electric boats, and kayaking. Free midweek parking and engaging events make it even easier to plan a visit.

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

United Way of Ventura County announces 20th Annual Spirit Award recipients

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VENTURA COUNTY — United Way of Ventura County is pleased to announce the 20th Annual Spirit Award Recipients. These awards honor our Founding members. Every year since 2005, individuals and organizations who embody the qualities of Milton M. Teague, Douglas Shively, and Roy Pinkerton are selected for this prestigious honor. This year we will also award our President’s Award. The awards and awardees are list below:

The Milton M. Teague Award is given to a board member for outstanding community volunteerism, voted on by their peers. This year we proudly give this award to Tim Harrington.
Douglas Shively Award for Outstanding Community Impact is given to individuals who have served our community through our unique programs. This year we proudly give this award to Mayur Patel who is a champion of our Homelessness Initiative.
Roy Pinkerton Award for Top Corporate Citizenship goes to Procter & Gamble for their support through their corporate giving campaign, and sponsorship!
Cal Lutheran University will be honored with the President’s Award for their leadership and partnership with United Way’s Community Impact programs including Women United. 

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