Business, Commentary, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors

Friendship Center — The Friendly Finch March newsletter

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With sunshine peeking through the trees and filling our courtyard with energy, it’s the perfect time for something exciting—and Friendship Center is ready to welcome it with bells and whistles!

On March 18th, we’re officially opening the Carpinteria Healthy Aging Hub! This innovative satellite program captures our day program expertise and brings it right to the heart of town. Hosted at the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center on Tuesdays and Fridays, this program will offer connection, support, and engaging activities for older adults and caregivers in this special seaside community. We can’t wait to welcome new friends through our doors!

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

Registration Open For Conejo/Simi Valley YMCA’s Model United Nations Middle Schoolers Program

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Model United Nations, which runs through May 4, brings students together with their peers from across California to discuss international issues, discover other cultures, develop life-enhancing skills and make new friends

The Yarrow Family YMCA delegation meets on Tuesdays from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (31105 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village). The Simi Valley Family YMCA delegation meets on Tuesdays from 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (3200 Cochran Street, Simi Valley). Delegates should bring a laptop or tablet to each meeting.

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

El Concilio Family Services is seeking nominations for the 35th annual Latino Leadership Awards

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OXNARD — El Concilio Family Services is seeking nominations for the 35th annual El Concilio’s Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented in September 2025.

These awards honor outstanding Latino leaders who have made significant contributions to their communities. Join us in recognizing excellence and inspiring leadership. 

Nominate by May 15, 2025.

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Commentary, Cultural, Education, En español, Local, News

Bilingual commentary — Writing Well with Modern Tools

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In last week’s article, I wrote about the importance of learning how to write well.

In this article, I could focus on how to write well as if I were writing to an audience from only three years ago. And if I were to do that, I would issue the same tedious advice about cooking up an outline for a piece of writing, creating a strong introductory thesis, and ensuring that we use correct grammar and syntax.

But a powerful new writing tool has appeared on the literary horizon within the last couple of years. Artificial intelligence (AI) has thoroughly revolutionized the art of writing. This substantially modifies the advice that is traditionally dispensed to writers at all levels of proficiency. 

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Business, Finance, Food, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Urgent: Help SBCFAN Weather the Funding Freeze

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Dear Friends,

The federal funding freeze is impacting nonprofits across the country, and while we thought SBCFAN would be spared—since we don’t receive federal funds—we are now feeling the ripple effects. Many funding institutions have redirected their support to organizations that lost federal funding, leaving gaps for others–including us.

We cannot afford to slow down. We are at a pivotal moment, with ready to launch projects that will create jobs, generate income, and reinvest in our local food economy:

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

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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Thank you for staying up-to-date on news at the County of Ventura! Want to sign up for our newsletter?

Community members who are not already subscribed may sign up to receive our newsletter in English here and in Spanish here.

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

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County hosts annual meeting, announces $58M pipeline to fund affordable housing

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VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) welcomed a full room of community leaders to its Annual Meeting on February 27th at the Westview II Community Room in Ventura. The event highlighted key milestones, including a $58 million pipeline to fund affordable housing and $44.2 million raised since 2013, resulting in 1,780 affordable apartments and homes committed, funded, and produced throughout Ventura County. Attendees had the opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions regarding Housing Trust Fund VC’s products and services while gaining insights into the organization’s impact.

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

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting on March 4 — Topics Include: Task Force for Roadside Vending; Arroyo Hondo Bridge as a County Historic Landmark; Budget Status Report

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The next meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 
9 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
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, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — NEW Export Strategy Preperation Course

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The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) is excited to introduce Mastering Export Strategy Preparation, a NO-COST course designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in international trade! This course is jointly organized EDC and the EDC Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

This six-week course will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement successful export strategies. It combines theoretical concepts with practical applications, utilizing resources from government agencies supporting U.S. exporters, AI-powered exercises and technical assistance from trade experts.

A NO-COST One-Of-A-Kind Six-Week Course Completed at Your Own Pace!

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

Bilingual report — February News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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This year’s Black History Month has once again provided many opportunities to pause, reflect and learn more about the incomparable contributions made by African Americans in all spheres of life. And as it pertains to housing, while many will be aware of the ‘GI Bill’, perhaps not so many will be aware of its stark inequities which continue to have profound effects on the lack of intergenerational wealth building through homeownership.

For veterans coming home after brave and honorable service in World War II, The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 – better known as the GI Bill – was envisioned as a pathway back and up into society for the millions returning to civilian life. One of the best-known components of that leveling up legislation was access to low interest financing. But for 1.3M African American heroes, the promise of homeownership was a dream denied with less than 1% successfully securing those life changing down payments and mortgages.

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Cultural, Education, En español, Family, Government, Local, News, Public Safety, Youth

Bilingual report — Ventura Police teen Explorer Program accepting new applications

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VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department (VPD) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the next class of its teen Explorer Program. Apply online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Explorers. 

Since its launch, the program has successfully mentored over 50 local students, with 8 graduates going on to become part-time police cadets and many more pursuing law enforcement and public service-related education. Since its launch in 2022, Explorers have contributed more than 4,200 hours of volunteer service in Ventura County, assisting at community events like the Aut2Run, X-Games, Strawberry Festival, Ventura County Fair, and dozens of Ventura PD events. 

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Local

Port of Hueneme Dock Talk February Community Newsletter

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The Port of Hueneme celebrates Black History Month as an essential time to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions and achievements of Black Americans throughout history. It serves as a reminder to reflect on and address the ongoing challenges and systemic inequalities that Black Americans face today.

Join us as we honor the resilience, strength, and enduring spirit of Black Americans and educate current and future generations about the diverse and dynamic history so that we may help foster greater understanding, empathy, and unity among all citizens.

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

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College’s Ann Foxworthy Gallery presents retrospective exhibition of Kam Jacoby photographic works

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Spanning 40 years of Jacoby’s career, the exhibition takes visitors on a visual journey from his early days as a student to his evolution as a professional photographer and educator. Jacoby’s work reveals a boundless curiosity, capturing beauty in everyday moments, patterns in nature, and the quiet dignity of historical or abandoned spaces. 

“These groups of work are selections from over 40 years of photography,” said Jacoby. “Some projects were completed in a matter of hours or days, while others have developed over years. With each project, I set simple parameters—like camera choice or geographic area—to create a framework for exploration.” 

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Business, Local, News

Ventura County Coastal Association of REALTORS® (VCCAR) names new CEO

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Holden brings a decade of association management experience, with a strong track record of leading strategic initiatives while overseeing daily operations, staff, and member services. His expertise spans professional development, member engagement, and strategic planning—making him a strong fit to lead VCCAR into the future. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at East Tennessee REALTORS®, a 6,300-member association serving 12 counties. 

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

SEEAG receives $135,000 funding from Uplift Central Coast

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The funds will enable SEEAG to provide 1,000 high school students with SEEAG’s three-part STEM career exploration program. Students who take part in STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture are introduced to agricultural career options, experience real-world career exposure during farm field trips, connect with industry professionals and learn about educational pathways to pursue their future in agriculture.

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

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — City of Simi Valley Business Assistance Loan Fund

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The City of Simi Valley Loan Fund is a low-interest loan program that’s designed to help businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Available through the Economic Development Collaborative and funded by the City of Simi Valley, small business owners who have had difficulty obtaining pandemic resources and traditional bank lending can now access local, professional assistance and capital.

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

March at the Santa Paula Art Museum

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Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 SPAM members, $10 Non-members

The Santa Paula Art Museum will mark the start of spring with the premiere of “Painted Seasons,” a stunning solo exhibition by Ojai artist Anne Ward. Ward, who grew up in the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, is obsessed with light, color, and pattern. It was while working in France as assistant to the director on the film “French Kiss” that Anne realized her love of painting outdoors. Primarily self-taught, Ward has been painting and exhibiting her work for over 30 years.

The upcoming exhibit features over 50 paintings teeming with life and joy and painted in oil, acrylic, and gouache. The majority of the artworks will be available for purchase. “Painted Seasons” will be on view from March 15, 2025, to July 6, 2025.

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Business, Health, Local, News

Respected healthcare leader Scott Wester selected as president and CEO of Cottage Health

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SANTA BARBARA   — The Cottage Health Board of Directors has selected experienced healthcare leader Scott Wester, MHA, as Cottage Health’s next president and CEO. Mr. Wester will assume his post April 7, 2025.

Cottage Health chose Mr. Wester after an extensive national search. He replaces Ron Werft, MHA, who will retire after 38 years at Cottage Health, the last 25 as president and CEO.

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

Driving into the Future: Port of Hueneme and NYK Line sign historic MOU to launch Green Automotive Shipping Corridor

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PORT HUENEME — In a monumental step toward sustainability and environmental stewardship, the Port of Hueneme and NYK Line have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a Green Automotive Shipping Corridor between Japan and Southern California. The signing ceremony took place on February 12, 2025, at the Port of Hueneme, marking the continuation of an exciting collaboration aimed at driving both innovation and environmental progress.

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Cultural, En español, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Noticias, Public Safety, Salud, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Board of Supervisors vote to support new state legislation for fire safety

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We have experienced devastating fires in the last seven years and this bill aims to address the issues we have seen in water delivery,” stated 1st District Supervisor Matt LaVere. ““Supporting AB 367 is a critical step toward ensuring our community has the resources needed to fight fires even in the most challenging circumstances.”

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Business, Cultural, Family, Local, News, Women

Women’s Economic Ventures and the City of Goleta announce Business of Care Program Awardees

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GOLETA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) and the City of Goleta recently partnered together to address the childcare crisis in our region through the “Business of Care” program. Eleven home-based childcare business owners joined a six-week training course designed to bolster their business growth and provide them with essential skills such as record keeping, basic finance, and marketing. Program participants will receive a supend for their business which will be awarded at a ceremony at the Goleta Community Center on Wednesday March 12, 2025 at 6pm.

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

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County — Awareness and Gratitude

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Hope in Their Hands

January was Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Years ago, Alia Azariah, Social Justice Fellow, was trafficked as a young girl here in Ventura County … a victim, a survivor, her story heartbreaking and unfortunately to this day not uncommon.

But her story has evolved … resilience, healing, justice … hope. Now a powerful change agent, Alia is an unrelenting force and advocate for vulnerable and trafficked children and shares her story nationally and globally.

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

SBCC Awarded Grant from Uplift Central Coast Coalition

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“With gratitude to the Uplift Central Coast Coalition through the State’s California Jobs First program and our Ocean Collective partners, SBCC will lead the way in enhancing the Blue Economy in Santa Barbara County,” said Superintendent/President Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D. “This grant takes us one step closer to expanding our local economy and developing yet another sustainable workforce pipeline. We are excited to get to work!”  

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Local, News

TOArts welcomes new officers and celebrates Matthew Burke appointment to its Board of Directors

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Al Lowe has been appointed as the new Board Chair, succeeding David Mead who remains an active board member, while Keith Wintermute steps into the role of Treasurer. Kyle Rohrbach continues his leadership as Vice Chair, and Janet Scherr remains in her position as Secretary. Each officer brings a wealth of experience and commitment to advancing TOArts’ mission of enriching the cultural vitality of Ventura County and the surrounding community.

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

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — February 2025 update

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On March 11, the Ventura County Office of Education will present our 5th annual Equity Conference. Since we launched the event in 2021, its purpose has been to ensure that all students can use the power of education to build a foundation for a happy and successful life. Opening the door to that opportunity requires acknowledging that students come to our classrooms with a variety of challenges based on their family backgrounds and life experiences. In many cases, they need additional help and support to thrive in school and beyond.

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Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

County of Ventura Medical Examiner’s Office — Special Report: 2024 Fatal Overdoses

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VENTURA — 1,931 deaths were reported to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office during the 2024 calendar year. Jurisdiction was accepted for 903 of these deaths, requiring further investigation and certification. Postmortem examinations were performed on 701 cases. Of the cases investigated, 200 deaths were due to overdose with illicit drugs medications, alcohol or other substances.

Of the 200 overdose deaths, 183 were accidents, 15 were suicides and two deaths were of undetermined manner. Of these overdose deaths, men accounted for 145 deaths (72.5%) and women accounted for 55 deaths (27.5%).

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

Bilingual report — New Services Announced at Ventura County Clerk and Recorder Office in Thousand Oaks

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THOUSAND OAKS — Michelle Ascencion, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, has announced the expansion of services at the Clerk and Recorder East County Office in Thousand Oaks.

Along with the existing services typically provided by the County Clerk – including vital records, marriage licenses and ceremonies, and fictitious business names – County Recorder services are also now available. Customers will now be able to record deeds, mortgage documents, and court decrees at the Thousand Oaks office, as well as file California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents such as environmental impact reports, mitigated negative declarations, notices of determination/exemption, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife receipts.

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