Education, Family, Local, News, Public Safety, Youth

New Junior Lifeguard training programs at the Simi Valley and Yarrow YMCAs

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Those interested in becoming lifeguards can take the first step by enrolling in one of the YMCA’s new Junior Guards programs. The programs provide an introduction to basic lifeguard and leadership skills training. Two summer sessions are available and take place at the Simi Valley Family YMCA and the Yarrow Family YMCA (in Westlake Village).

Participants learn water safety, hands-on CPR, first aid, emergency response and small craft and open water safety. Classes are three times a week. An Intro to Junior Guards program is for ages 9 through 12 years old and a Junior Guards program is for ages 13 through 15.

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Business, Cultural, En español, Government, Health, Local, News, Noticias, Seniors

Bilingual report — VCAAA Advisory Council seeks new members

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s (VCAAA) Advisory Council has several openings for new members. The Advisory Council is a volunteer-based body of advocates who share a mission to create and sustain programs that positively impact the lives of older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers in Ventura County.

Applications are currently being accepted for two positions:

Veterans’ representative
Service provider

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Business, Local, News

Courtney DeSoto of Channel Islands Fiduciary Group earns Trust and Estate Practitioner designation

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Courtney DeSoto, a professional fiduciary and the founder of Channel Islands Fiduciary Group, has earned the sought-after Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) credential, certifying her as an internationally recognized expert in her field.

DeSoto, who holds several other professional credentials including a law degree, received the TEP designation from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), a global professional body that works to ensure fiduciaries and other practitioners who offer inheritance and succession planning meet the highest standards. The organization has more than 22,000 members globally, including lawyers, accountants and financial advisors.

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

Ventura County Technical Guidance Manual for Stormwater Quality Control Measures 2025 Reissuance Released, Online and Effective

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VENTURA — The Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program (VCSQMP) is pleased to announce the availability of the Ventura County Technical Guidance Manual for Stormwater Quality Control Measures 2025 Reissuance (2025 TGM). The 2025 TGM is a comprehensive resource that provides sizing and design guidance for post-construction stormwater quality control measures that comply with requirements in the Regional Phase I Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit for stormwater and non-stormwater discharges within the coastal watersheds of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties (CAS004004, Order No. R4-2021-0105, 2021 Regional MS4 Permit). 

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

Lumina Alliance opens girst transitional housing site for survivors in North County

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This milestone will be marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Paso Robles. The event is hosted in partnership with the Paso Robles & Templeton Chamber of Commerce and will include a brief program, a tour of the site, and recognition of key community partners.

The property was originally donated to Lumina Alliance in 2000 by Noreen Martin, her late husband Tom Martin, of Martin Resorts, and their family. Their generous gift laid the foundation for what has now become a vital resource for survivors in the North County. Ms. Martin will be attending the ceremony and offering a short speech in honor of this transformational milestone.

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Business, Cultural, En español, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Noticias, Seniors

Bilingual report — Nominations open for Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s LEGACY Awards

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VENTURA — The nomination period for the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s LEGACY Awards is now open. These awards recognize the contributions of Ventura County residents and businesses that are dedicated to helping older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers, to live optimally.

The deadline for submitting nominations is Monday, September 1, 2025. The winners will be announced in November. The nomination packet is attached.

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Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual commentary — The attacks on Jill Biden are attacks on women

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Around mid-May last month, former president Joe Biden’s office announced his prostate cancer diagnosis. The Trump family, in an astonishing lack of class even for them, unleashed their cruelty even as Mr. Biden was jolted into confronting his mortality. 

Donald Trump Jr. did not hesitate to launch a typically vicious tweet, questioning why “Doctor” Jill Biden had not issued her own diagnosis much earlier. Because, according to him, she is, after all, a “doctor.”

As anyone with any education or knowledge of the world knows, Dr. Jill Biden has the privilege of using that honorific because she earned that title in academia—not because she is a medical doctor. 

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

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department opens applications for 2025 Community Academy

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VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department is now accepting applications for the 2025 Community Academy, a free program for 30 Ventura residents and business owners. Participants will gain an inside look at local policing through interactive classes, ride-alongs, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Applications are open through Friday, July 4, 2025. 

Each year, the academy provides participants the opportunity to learn firsthand about the diverse operations of the Ventura Police Department. The program features a variety of topics, including patrol operations, investigations, crisis negotiations, K9 deployment, DUI checkpoints, and community outreach initiatives. Each night features a new topic with different speakers, demonstrations, and discussions. 

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

Museum of Ventura County — Experience Art & History: Join us for a special opening night of two new exhibits!

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Picturing the Past, How Photography Tells Our Stories invites you to reflect on how we come to understand history. Photographs are among the many tools we use to piece together the past—capturing faces, places, and fleeting moments. But do they tell the whole story? This exhibition explores the evolving, interwoven nature of historical narratives and the role of photography in shaping what we remember.

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Local

Ventura County Credit Union strengthens tech leadership with new CIO and Internal Promotion

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VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) is proud to announce the appointment of Richard Lipari as the organization’s new Chief Information Officer (CIO). With more than two decades of experience leading technology, operations, and innovation within the credit union industry, Lipari brings a proven track record of driving digital transformation and operational excellence.

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

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Celebrate Summer, Skip the Plastic

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From ocean gyres to grocery aisles, plastic is all around us, and it puts our communities and planet at risk. This summer, we invite you to connect with local activists, explore bold solutions, and take action to reduce your plastic footprint. Join our June and July events at CEC’s Environmental Hub and kick off the season in plastic-free style!

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Business, Cultural, Education, En español, familia, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara June 10 Board of Supervisors meeting — Topics Include: Mental Health Services Act Update, Homelessness Update, Williamson Act Overview

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The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 
9 a.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building
Board Hearing Room
511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. 

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Local, News, Public Safety, Youth

A decade of HOPE: Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation celebrates 10 years and raises record-breaking $305,827 for Camp HOPE

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VENTURA — A decade of healing, hope, and resilience was celebrated under the stars on May 29th, as the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation (VCFJC Foundation) set a new fundraising record at its annual Voices of Hope celebration. This year’s theme, Celebrating a Decade of Camp Hope, raised $305,827 to support Camp HOPE along with a generous surprise $75,000 from Ventura County Credit Union to celebrate their 75th anniversary. VCFJC Foundation was one of 10 organizations selected to receive this generous donation. During the celebration three community leaders were honored for their contributions to family justice in Ventura County – Greg Totten, Dr.Graal Diaz and Reins of H.O.P.E. The event brought together over 230 community members, leaders, and supporters for an evening filled with purpose, celebration, and camp-themed fun.

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

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department launches first Mounted Patrol Unit to enhance community engagement and public safety

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VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever Mounted Patrol Unit, featuring four trained horses and experienced officer riders. This new initiative aims to strengthen community engagement while enhancing public safety in high-traffic areas throughout the city.

The Mounted Patrol Unit will be deployed for proactive patrols focused on crime deterrence, crowd management, special events, and parades. Residents and visitors can expect to periodically see mounted officers in key locations such as Downtown Ventura, the Ventura Promenade, the Ventura Harbor, and local parks, both during the day and at night. In addition to their operational value, mounted officers foster more approachable, face-to-face interactions with the public.

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

Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Our Youth Fellowship Quinceañera

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As a supporter, you know that we care deeply about investing in the next generation of movement leaders.

And next month, we’re proud to share that we’ll be kicking off our 15th year of the CAUSE Summer Youth Fellowship!

Consider making a gift of $15, $25, $50, $100, or more in honor of our Summer Youth Fellowships Quincenera!

Some of you have been building this program with us since the very beginning. Some of you know our graduates well or are alums yourselves!

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

FREE pet adoptions this Saturday only! Camarillo & Simi Valley Shelters

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FREE ADOPTIONS this Saturday!  Ventura County Animal Services is participating in California Adopt-a-Pet Day, a statewide pet adoption event organized by CalAnimalsand sponsored by the ASPCA! The event is this Saturday, June 7th, 2025 at both the Camarillo and Simi Valley Animal Shelters from 1:00pm – 6:00pm.

All adopted animals will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before going home.  Each adopter will receive a special FREE Adoption Gift Bagcourtesy of Supervisor Janice Parvin!

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

2025 marks Santa Barbara Earthquake Centennial Commemoration to be held through September

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SANTA BARBARA — At 6:44 am on June 29, 1925, a powerful earthquake devastated Santa Barbara, taking the lives of eleven people and destroying or damaging much of downtown. It was a pivotal moment in the City’s history that brought the community together, sharing resources and space to support one another through the aftermath, and out of the debris emerged the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture of today’s Santa Barbara.

Many City residents spent the rest of the summer sleeping outdoors in fear of the aftershocks that rolled periodically through the city. Meanwhile, City officials looked for ways to use this tragedy to improve Santa Barbara. Stricter building codes were enforced on new construction, and commercial buildings on State Street were required to conform to a Spanish-Moorish Revival style of architecture. The headline of the day was, “Spanish Architecture to Rise from Ruins.” The results of their efforts are evident in the distinctive look that has made Santa Barbara a popular tourist destination ever since.

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Education, Events, Family, Health, Local, News, Public Safety, Women, Youth

Registration is open for free YMCA Safety Around Water Classes

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Registration is open for the YMCA’s Safety Around Water (SAW) classes. The free, seven-session program provides water safety and basic swimming skills to youth and adults ages 5 and older with little or no water experience.

Weekly classes run from June 16 through August 9. Lessons are held during the late afternoon and early evening. SAW classes take place in the Simi Valley Family YMCA (3200 Cochran Street) and Yarrow Family YMCA (31105 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village) indoor swimming pools.

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

Women’s Economic Ventures celebrates collective impact at community event and launches 2024 Impact Report

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SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) brought together WEV clients, elected officials, donors and local partners at its Community Impact Event on May 22, 2025 at The HUB in downtown Santa Barbara. The event celebrated the transformative achievements of 2024 and unveiled the newly released WEV 2024 Impact Report. Highlighted was WEV’s far-reaching support of women entrepreneurs and a reaffirmation of its mission to advance economic equity across the Central Coast.

“Economic equity is about building healthy and thriving communities for everyone,” said Irene Kelly, WEV’s Associate Director of Community Engagement, as she opened the program. “Our clients remind us that feeling financially stable, confident and excited about the future is a shared dream we can achieve together.”

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

Ventura County Office of Education — Inspiring Stories form the Ventura County Class of 2025

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The students graduating from Ventura County’s high schools in 2025 are entering a world full of uncertainty. Our nation’s political divisions seem to be at an all-time high, the economy is experiencing wild fluctuations, and the relentless march of artificial intelligence is reshaping the job market in ways we’re only beginning to understand. At the same time, our educational institutions from preschool to higher education are facing threats to their funding like never before.

Despite these challenges, our graduating seniors are full of promise and possess an intense commitment to making a positive impact on our nation and our world.

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Business, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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IN-PERSON: DIGITAL MARKETING 101

June 3 @ 8:30 am

Join SCORE Ventura County, City of Moorpark and EDC for this insight-packed workshop. It aims to educate business owners on the essential digital marketing skills, including social media dos and don’ts, tips for both digital and print marketing, creating engaging and effective content, avoiding common mistakes and so much more! Location: Moorpark City Hall, 323 Science Dr., Moorpark.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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