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

Museum of Ventura County announces upcoming Culture & Agriculture programs

by  • 

Saturday, February 22

11:00 am – 2:00 pm

@Agriculture Museum

926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula

Explore the Agriculture Museum’s Helen K. Pidduck Garden and learn how to use the basic elements of earth, wind, fire, and water in home gardening strategies to support sustainable agriculture. Learn how to plan and create a productive food garden that thrives in Ventura County’s coastal climate. There will be a presentation at 11:30 am given by UC Master Gardener Terry Garman. This will be followed by two hands-on workshops: putting together an irrigation system and effective composting techniques.

Read more →

Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Ventura County Fire Dept. —  Division Chief Barry Parker promoted to assistant fire chief of the Support Services Bureau

by  • 

Parker’s promotion marks a significant milestone in his distinguished 30-year career. Recognizing his dedication and leadership, Fire Chief Gardner stated, “Barry has consistently risen above expectations and stands in a league of his own. With this well-earned promotion, we are thrilled to recognize his unwavering commitment and professionalism.”

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

Former Santa Barbara PASF winner Alexander Lipay takes home two Grammy Awards

by  • 

Lipay won the awards for Best Classical Compendium 2024 and Best Orchestral Performance 2024 at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles earlier this month alongside the Los Angeles Philharmonic and conductor Gustavo Dudamel. The awards recognized the orchestra’s recording of Revolución Diamantina, a ballet score by renowned Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz. Lipay engineered the recording alongside his father, Dmitriy Lipay.

Read more →

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

Registration opens March 10 for CSU Channel Island’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) spring classes

by  • 

In OLLI at CSUCI’s Spring II session, you can enjoy fascinating courses without the stress of grades or tests. Explore subjects including world history, physical geography, music, philosophy, environmental studies, and more—all for the joy of learning!  We are also excited to offer even more flexibility with early morning and late afternoon classes, making it easier to fit learning into your schedule.

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — Educators, families, and members of the community are invited to attend the Ventura County Office of Education Equity Conference on March 11

by  • 

This free event will feature a variety of speakers and workshops in English and Spanish on increasing opportunities and removing obstacles for all students. Food, drinks, and language interpretation will be provided.

Keynote Presentation

We are thrilled to have a keynote presentation from Shane Safir and Dr. Jamila Dugan, the authors of Street Data, the landmark book about rethinking the ways data can be used to promote equity in schools.

Read more →

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

CSUCI to celebrate education with Black communities on Super Sunday on Feb. 23

by  • 

CAMARILLO —  CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will join other CSU campuses across California on Feb. 23 for Super Sunday, a day when predominately Black and African American faith-based organizations gather to stress the importance of preparing for college.  

This year’s Super Sunday event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center (OPAC) at 800 Hobson Way in Oxnard. Super Sunday will include food, activities and entertainment, as well remarks from CSUCI President Richard Yao. Staff members from CSUCI will be available to provide information on the application and admission process for prospective CSUCI students.? 

“Super Sunday in this iteration is designed to bring together community in celebration of the importance of education in our own backyard,” said CSUCI Vice President for Student Affairs Eboni Ford-Turnbow. “I look forward to how this event continues to grow and how community relationships support our students.” 

Read more →

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

Guest contribution — Take To The Great Outdoors For Island Packers Winter Whale Watching And Excursions To The Channel Islands National Park And National Marine Sanctuary!

by  • 

VENTURA — A winter whale watch excursion is the perfect way to gather with family and friends to witness the inspiring migration of Pacific Gray whales as they travel through the Santa Barbara Channel near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island.

“This mammoth migration of more than 20,000 whales and 6,000 miles continues to remain a major attraction in Southern California,” said President Cherryl Connally of Island Packers.  “Located in scenic Ventura Harbor Village, we invite visitors to plan on booking this “must-see” experience soon as part of their fun for the entire family Spring Break activities. “

Read more →

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

Ventura County Civic Alliance February Livable Communities Newsletter

by  • 

Volume 20 / Number 73 / February 2025 Your Livable Communities Newsletter VISIT OUR WEBSITE For almost 20 years, the Ventura County Civic Alliance Livable Communities working group has been publishing its quarterly newsletter. These newsletters were grounded by the American…

Read more →

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

Ventura County Community Foundation — From the Heart — The New Look of VCCF

by  • 

The Ventura County Community Foundation, your community foundation, has been in awe of this county’s love and generosity since we first opened our doors in 1987, and when we come together and bring our passions and talents to support our neighbors, anything is possible. From community leadership to philanthropic consulting, we work hand-in-hand with our neighbors to envision an engaged and thriving community inspired by growing generosity.

We invite you to visit our brand-new website and get to know your community foundation below. You may learn something new about the good work happening in your community! Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey into the future of philanthropy in Ventura County.

Read more →

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

Nicholas ‘Scott’ Vincent joins the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Cottage Rehabilitation & Goleta Valley Cottage Hospitals

by  • 

Vincent holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Bucknell University and earned a J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law. He served as legal counsel for numerous departments at the City of Santa Barbara from 2004 until his retirement in 2018.

His previous board experience includes serving on various committees with the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College for ten years, including a four-year term as Board President. He is also active in volunteering and fundraising for several local charities such as Calm, the Alzheimer’s Association and Transition House.

Read more →

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

Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Dr. César Morales honored with CALSA M.A.S. Award

by  • 

VENTURA COUNTY — Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, was recognized last week by the California Association of Latino Superintendents & Administrators (CALSA) for his outstanding contributions to educational leadership. Dr. Morales received the prestigious M.A.S. Award—representing Mentorship, Advocacy, and Sponsorship—during the CALSA aPODERar Symposium in San Francisco.

The award was presented by Dr. Terry Walker, Director of the CALSA Women’s Leadership Network, who commended Dr. Morales for his commitment to creating opportunities for advancement in educational leadership.

Read more →

Commentary, Education, Local, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — Learning to Write Well

by  • 

Outside forces are conditioning our young people to absorb information from dubious sources via sound bites and swipes across tiny screens. As a result, it has become more challenging than ever to convince them that learning how to write—and write well—is increasingly important.

We could list countless indisputable reasons for the importance of learning how to write well. Among all those reasons for young people in particular, there are two that should serve as potent inducements: academic success and career advancement.

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Immigration, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

LULAC Officially Launches El Pueblo Unido: A Resource Guide for Community Leaders

by  • 

LULAC is proud to announce the official launch of El Pueblo Unido: A Resource Guide for Community Leaders—a vital tool designed to help key institutions navigate recent policy changes impacting immigrant communities.

This guide builds on El Escudo: Immigrant Rights and Resources Toolkit, which we launched just a few weeks ago. El Escudo serves as a one-stop shop for immigrants to understand their rights, prepare for potential deportation, and access critical resources. True to LULAC’s legacy of using El Escudo—“the shield”—to protect Latino communities from injustice, this latest resource shifts the focus to empowering community leaders so they can support and defend those most vulnerable.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Finance, Government, Local, News

CLU — Two weeks left to register ‘Affording a Dignified Life on the Central Coast of California: Challenges & Opportunities’ conference

by  • 

The Center for Economics of Social Issues invites you to register now for its upcoming conference, which will be held on February 28th at California Lutheran University’s campus. We implore you to come and see what is going on around you. The conference will release a comprehensive study that sheds light on the urgent challenges of enjoying a dignified life on the central coast of California.

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Health, Immigration, Local, News, Opinion, Seniors, Women, Youth

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Week in Immigration

by  • 

  Trump Is Sending Migrants to Guantánamo Bay to Look Tough Your weekly summary from the Council.  LATEST ANALYSIS Sending Migrants to Guantánamo Bay Is a Costly, Optics-Driven Shift in Immigration DetentionPresident Trump ordered the Secretary of Homeland Security to expand…

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Finance, Local, News

Ventura Music Festival — Do you have your Ticket to Ride?

by  • 

Ventura Music Festival Proudly Presents our Annual Gala Fundraiser

Bob Eubanks’ — BACKSTAGE WITH THE BEATLES

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Concert Experience and (optional) Intimate Award Dinner with Bob Eubanks & Ivor Davis

Saturday, March 22, 2025

5:00 PM Concert ? 7:30 PM Gala & Award Show

Top of the Harbor Room, Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell Community Update

by  • 

I hope this message finds you well. I want to take a moment to provide important safety information regarding the upcoming storm impacting our community.

The Ventura County Sheriff Office – Emergency Services and the National Weather Service are closely monitoring a moderate storm expected to impact Ventura County from Wednesday through Friday. Rainfall is anticipated to begin Wednesday morning, peak Thursday afternoon, and taper off by Friday morning.

Storm Details:

Rainfall Projections: 1”-3” along the coast and valleys, 3”-6” in the hills and mountains.
Rainfall Rates: .10”-.33”/hr, with the remote possibility of .50”-1”/hr during thunderstorms.
Wind: Gusty Westerly winds of 20-40 MPH throughout the region.
Residents are urged to stay updated with weather forecasts and monitor their homes for any changing conditions.

Read more →

Business, Finance, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard hosts groundbreaking ceremony for $134.5 million Rice Ave. and Fifth St./State Route 34 Grade Separation Project

by  • 

“The importance of this project to our City cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in enhancing public safety. We sincerely appreciate the continued efforts of our state legislature and agency partners, who are committed to collaborating on these important improvements in Oxnard,” said Mayor Luis Mc Arthur.

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — Ventura celebrates Marina Park Playground groundbreaking

by  • 

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is thrilled to announce the official groundbreaking for Marina Park’s new playground. This project represents a key milestone in the revitalization of one of Ventura’s most treasured parks, delivering a modern and thoughtfully designed play space for the Pierpont Bay community and surrounding areas.

In 2022, the original playground was removed due to structural deterioration after years of exposure to seaside conditions. Plans were immediately made to replace the equipment with a more resilient design using traditional wood materials, better suited for the coastal environment.

Read more →

Business, Local, News

Attorney Charley Stoll joins employment law firm LightGabler LLP

by  • 

Stoll, who previously had his own legal practice in Camarillo, advises companies in all areas of employment disputes. He has extensive experience in labor relations, with special focus on agriculture, wage and hour litigation, collective bargaining, employment risk analysis, personnel management employment contracts, union issues, sexual harassment/workplace violence prevention and management and supervisor training. He also represents clients at trial and in arbitrations.

Read more →

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara holds Bella Vista groundbreaking

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — On Friday, February 7, 2025, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) celebrated the official groundbreaking of the Bella Vista affordable housing project. The Bella Vista development is located at 200 N. La Cumbre Rd in Santa Barbara.

The 48-unit development will provide much-needed affordable housing for families with low and very low incomes. The project will feature a two and three-story building, with 48 apartments constructed on top of a podium. The development will also include a semi-subterranean garage with 58 parking spaces for the tenants and a 10 space surface parking lot for the guests accessed off Via Lucero.

Read more →

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

SEEAG’s ‘Bus Bucks’ Fundraiser supports student farm field trips

by  • 

“We want to ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate in our hands-on Farm-to-Food Lab programs. Covering transportation costs helps remove a major financial barrier,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, SEEAG executive director. “We often hear from students that their trip to Farm Lab is their very first field trip. It leaves a lasting understanding of the connection between agriculture and the food we eat.” 

Read more →

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

Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: Joanne Julian’s ‘Nature’s Spirits’

by  • 

On view now through March 9, 2025

Joanne Julian decided early on to be an artist. Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Julian inherited a strong immigrant work ethic and sense of discipline from her first-generation Armenian American parents. From her father, Joanne also acquired a fondness for gardening; from her mother, a love of art, dancing, and music. Julian’s first art lessons at age 12 included formative exercises in line and inspired her love of draw

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College offers help with financial aid applications at ‘Cash for College’ workshops on Feb. 22

by  • 

?During the workshop, Hancock staff will be available to help participating students and their parents fill out a FAFSA (Free Application?for?Federal Student Aid) or a California Dream Act application. Students will also be able to apply?for?state and federal grants, including a Cal Grant, which offers?cash?for?college?and does not have to be repaid.?The application process takes about one hour to complete. Spanish-speaking staff will also be available. 

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Finance, Local, News, Technology

Guest contribution — Telecommunications company Bludog Telecom expands reach with purchase of Northwest Telecoms Systems

by  • 

Bludog Telecom provides Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP phone systems to businesses. These systems are a modern and reliable way for companies to communicate with customers while saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars compared to traditional business phone services. Additional communications tools such as text messaging, voicemail and video conferencing can be integrated into the system and presented using a single, streamlined interface. Known as Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), these integrated communications systems allow businesses to manage a variety of customer interactions all in one place.

Read more →

Business, Family, Home, Local, News

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County strengthens leadership with five new board members

by  • 

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) proudly welcomes five distinguished community leaders to its Board of Directors in 2025. The new class of directors includes Elsa Brown, Maruja Clensay, Garry Collett, Angel Garcia and Sean Morreale. These new additions bring a wealth of expertise in finance, government affairs, housing development, and real estate investment, helping to further position Housing Trust Fund VC as a leader in addressing the area’s affordable housing crisis. Their expertise and dedication will support Housing Trust Fund VC as the organization continues to drive forward its mission to increase affordable housing options throughout Ventura County. Housing Trust Fund VC extends its utmost appreciation to outgoing Board members—Marni Brook, Jennie Buckingham, Carrick DeHart, and Emilio Ramirez—for their dedicated service and unwavering commitment to advancing housing affordability. Their leadership and contributions have made a lasting impact.

Read more →