Friendship Center — Matching memories

As the season of giving approaches, we at Friendship Center are excited to announce the launch of our Matching Memories campaign, a special initiative to raise funds for our nonprofit and help continue the meaningful work we do each day.

At Friendship Center, we strive to be a place where older adults with dementia feel safe, included, and supported, while also having fun and making lasting memories. For our members, it’s not just about the activities—it’s about creating an environment where they can continue to enjoy the things they once loved and also make new memories to cherish.

8 Must-See Murals In Lompoc California Along California’s Central Coast

LOMPOC — History buffs and art aficionados, start planning your trip to Lompoc. The city is home to over 30 murals depicting aspects of the town’s history, from the age of dinosaurs and beyond! Here are 8 of our favorite murals to explore when you get here as part of Lompoc’s outdoor mural gallery. 

Here’s a mural map to help you plan your journey!

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces Small Business Saturday

HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday approaching, the 2024 holiday shopping season is about to begin! According to the 2023 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express, last year, approximately $17 billion was spent on independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday. 

Local small business purchases this holiday season make a big difference for your neighbors and community. Now is a critical time to encourage friends, family members and local businesses to shop local and join the Small Business Saturday movement!

Bilingual report — Single-parent Allan Hancock College students receive free Thanksgiving meals

SANTA MARIA — For the 16th year in a row, Allan Hancock College provided students who are single parents with a turkey and other Thanksgiving meal items free of charge.

A total of 60 individuals and families stopped by the Hancock EOPS+ program’s “Turkey Fest” booth outside the college’s Santa Maria campus on Nov. 26, where Hancock staff provided them with everything needed to prepare a delicious Thanksgiving meal. The packages included a turkey, potatoes, beans, cranberry sauce, rolls, stuffing, pumpkin pie, whipped cream, and butter. Also included were turkey preparation and cooking instructions. 

“It is impactful for the parents who are Hancock students because right now they’re having a really hard time,” said Director of EOPS+ Siboney Guardado. “They are part of our vulnerable student population, so it’s not just academics – it’s also managing their kids and daycare. This week, with the kids off school, it’s especially tough for them.”

Rain or Shine, the Port of Hueneme continues ‘Committed to Community’ With Turkey and Food Drives

PORT HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme hosted a food drive at Southwinds Park alongside community partners Lujan Transportation Services, Lucha Inc., Southwinds Neighborhood Council, and others. For the fifth year in a row, the Port joined local community efforts to provide residents of the Southwinds neighborhood, and surrounding communities, with food for the holidays. With Thanksgiving Day fast approaching, families were given a variety of food items for their holiday celebrations. The event occurred in “rain or shine” fashion and many folks brought their umbrellas and rain covers. With musical performances by the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center, community volunteers organized by the Port of Hueneme provided 300 local families with turkeys and bundles of food. Residents took home food items, cooking oil, and lettuce. The bundles of food also included items such as rice, beans, the Port’s signature bananas, and more.

Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell District 2 Update – Mountain Fire and Community Resources

This Thanksgiving, I want to share how grateful I am to be part of a community that shows such extraordinary strength, compassion, and resilience—especially in the face of challenges like the Mountain Fire. For many of our neighbors, this season has been unimaginably difficult. If you’ve been affected, please know I am here to support you every step of the way.

Next week, we’ll be holding a Phase 2 Debris Removal Workshop to help residents navigate the next steps in recovering and rebuilding their properties. It’s part of an on going effort to make sure you have the tools and resources you need to move forward.

If you need assistance, resources like 211 and Food Share are available for you. For those looking to give back, donations and volunteer efforts are a powerful way to make an impact. Donations can be made with the Ventura County Community Foundation for the Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund or you can learn about volunteer needs through the United Way volunteer program.

I continue to be moved by the stories of generosity and resilience that define our community. A neighbor using water from their pool to help protect a home before evacuating. First responders carrying disabled residents to safety. Volunteers standing shoulder to shoulder with families, helping sift through the ashes of what was lost. Past fire victims gathering with those currently impacted, sharing insights, lessons, and hope.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Thanksgiving Week, Let’s Honor Immigrant Farmworkers

With the approach of Thanksgiving, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the people who make this holiday possible. Many of the fruits, vegetables, and other staples of our Thanksgiving feasts are harvested by immigrant farm workers. 

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. — Holiday Safety Tips to Prevent Being a Crime Victim

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Department is reaching out with helpful tips to make our community safer during the upcoming holidays especially for shoppers, retailers, and travelers.

SHOPPERS

• Shoppers beware in crowded stores and shops for pickpockets that work in teams. In a common method, one suspect distracts the victim while the other suspect intentionally bumps the victim and removes a wallet from a back pants pocket simultaneously. Keep wallets in a bag snug close to your body or in a front pants pocket to avoid this.

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving, from my family to yours!

This year, I hope we can all reflect on why we celebrate this holiday. It’s the celebration of the first harvest in the New World by the Pilgrims. The Pilgrims settled in America to escape religious persecution and seek opportunity. The story of Native Americans welcoming them with open arms is a vital part of our history that we should not forget. Understandably, given the Navajo half of my family, what happened next also leaves us with many mixed feelings. But the symbol of Thanksgiving nevertheless defines who we strive to be.

Just as America has been the destination of people all over the world who seek refuge from danger and to build a better life, intolerance towards those people has also always been a part of American history. We have to remember that no American unless you are purely Native, belongs here more than any other one. At our best, we are the country where people go to escape persecution, not the country that persecutes people for originating somewhere else. May our arms stay open, as the Pilgrims encountered some 400 years ago.

Lumina Alliance Receives Generous $75,000 Donation from Dignity Health Central Coast to Support Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering those impacted by sexual assault and intimate partner violence, is thrilled to announce a generous unrestricted donation of $75,000 from Dignity Health Central Coast. This gift will help further the organization’s mission to provide prevention education programs and critical services, including advocacy , therapy , emergency shelter , and legal support for survivors in San Luis Obispo County.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Chief Darin Schindler to retire after decades of service

“Reflecting on my years with the Ventura Police Department, I feel immensely grateful for the privilege to serve this community and work alongside such dedicated and talented individuals—both our sworn officers and professional staff,” shared Chief Schindler. “Ventura has been more than just a place to work; it’s been home. I am thankful for the many relationships I’ve built with our residents, business owners, and local leaders, and for the opportunities to work together to make our city a safer, stronger community. It has truly been an honor to serve Ventura.”

CSUCI Sociology students present research at statewide Family Justice Center conference

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Sociology Lecturer Daniel Sandoval said there was “engagement and buzz” over CSUCI Sociology students’ research presentations at a recent statewide Family Justice Center (FJC) conference in Oxnard.

The conference was held at the CSUCI Boating Center where 24 CSUCI students in 12 research groups presented posters detailing their findings while answering questions from at least 50 family justice center representatives from around the state.

“Often times, the assignments we give are just that – one and done,” Sandoval said. “But this was something they have worked on for almost a year. To be able to present that work and see people excited about it is really impactful.”

The students’ research projects all dealt with the kinds of cases that come before the Ventura County Family Justice Center, which is an initiative out of the Ventura County District Attorney’s office. Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Jump, who is in charge of the FJC, had a connection with Sandoval as they were classmates at Santa Paula High School.

Ventura County Community Foundation Mountain Fire Update on Community Support

This week, as we reflect on the holiday season, we are reminded of the resilience and compassion that define our community. While many in Ventura County are grappling with the aftermath of the Mountain Fire, we also see extraordinary acts of kindness and solidarity that uplift us all.

Your steadfast support has made a meaningful difference in the lives of those most affected by this disaster. Thanks to your generosity, families have been able to secure temporary housing, injured animals have received lifesaving care, childcare has been provided to households navigating a difficult path forward, farmworkers displaced from both home and work have found some financial relief, and essential medical equipment lost in the fire has been replaced. These actions exemplify the heart of Ventura County.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Celebrating the Season of Gratitude

As we reflect on this season of gratitude, we are deeply thankful for the incredible support of people like you. Your generosity helps build a food system that empowers communities, uplifts local producers, and ensures families across Santa Barbara County can enjoy healthy, locally-sourced meals on Thanksgiving AND year-round.

This season, we invite you to celebrate gratitude with a gift that keeps on giving. Your donation helps us continue to amplify voices, share resources, and create solutions that uplift everyone in Santa Barbara County.

Museum of Ventura County — Help inspire hope and foster connection

Small Business Saturday

at the Ag Museum

Saturday, November 30

11:00 am – 5:00 pm

@Agriculture Museum

926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula

Join us at the Ag this Small Business Saturday to discover unique gifts, jewelry, specialty food items, and more. Shoppers will also enjoy a 15% discount on purchases!

City of Santa Paula Welcomes Dale Goodman as New Public Works Director

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is pleased to announce the appointment of Dale Goodman as its new Public Works Director. Goodman brings over 23 years of extensive experience in public works leadership across California, Oregon, and Utah, making him an invaluable asset to the City as it embarks on several critical infrastructure and road projects. 

Goodman’s expertise spans a wide range of public works disciplines, including engineering, streets, traffic safety, water, wastewater, parks, fleet, solid waste, and building inspection. His leadership will play a key role in advancing Santa Paula’s ongoing initiatives such as the Pavement Management Plan (PMP) and the City’s comprehensive efforts to enhance its streets, water systems, and sewer infrastructure. 

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

Thank you to Central Coast Moving for generously sponsoring a Turkey Drive for PSHH residents in Northern SLO County. If you’d like to create more holiday cheer with a year-end gift, visit our website or connect with our team.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: STRATEGIES FOR OVERWHELMED AND OVERTHINKING ENTREPRENEURS

November 26 @ 10:00 am

There are two reasons that the business of “working on your small business” rarely gets done. The first is that you are overwhelmed because you’re responsible for everything. Even if you can delegate, you still must check the work and make sure it’s done correctly. That takes a toll. The other half of that equation is when you do get into action to improve your business, you are shown dozens of options. This causes you to overthink your decisions. In this webinar, SCORE will look at ways you can solve these problems in your business with easy-to-implement solutions. Everyone who attends will receive a copy of, “The Marketing Checklist 4: Your Guide for Overwhelmed and Overthinking Entrepreneurs.”

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Air Pollution Control District program seeks to replace polluting tools

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is paying for residents and organizations to swap their polluting gasoline- and diesel-powered landscaping equipment with new zero-emission cordless electric tools.

The Lawn & Garden Equipment Exchange Program will provide a total of $937,500 in vouchers to Ventura County residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and public schools. Landscaping businesses and nonprofits can be based outside of Ventura County in California but must derive at least half of their revenue from within the county.

Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) announces Intake Forms Available December 2 for Home Ownership in San Miguel | Los formularios de admisión están disponibles el 2 de diciembre

Located in San Miguel, San Luis Obispo County, this new development will see a group of owner-builders constructing 14 single-story homes located at the end of N Street, south of 11th Street. Each home will have 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a two-car garage. They will also come equipped with energy-efficient features and PV solar.  

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC) announces a Donation Match for Sustainability

Today, the SJFVC Board of Directors launches a match opportunity. We will match your donation dollar-for-dollar up to a maximum of $8,656 through December 31, 2024. Please take advantage of this chance to make your donation more impactful. Your $250 contribution becomes $500, for example. Click below to “Donate Now” or send a check to Social Justice Fund for Ventura County, P.O. Box 1271, Camarillo, CA 93011.

Port of Hueneme — CAREGIVERS “Chari-Tee” Putt Putt Golf Tournament: A Celebration of Charity, Community, and Creativity

PORT OF HUENEME — The rain didn’t detract from the fun of the Annual Channel Islands Gulls “Chari-Tee” Putt Putt Golf Tournament was held in the scenic Silver Strand neighborhood for its fifteenth year in a row. This one-of-a-kind event was supported by contributions from the Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme’s Community Benefit Fund (CBF) to support the local Ventura County nonprofit CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly. The Strand Bar & Grill, Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant, The Beachcomber Tavern, La Jenelle Cafe and The Strandwich worked together in helping bring the day’s festivities to reality with Stark Realty hosting Oxnard Local Artists who dedicated a portion of their proceeds to help support volunteer caregiving.

“The work of CAREGIVERS in providing support for Ventura County’s senior population is of critical importance,” said Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners. “The Port is honored to be able to sponsor this event and continue in our mission to enrich our community!”

People’s Self-Help Housing Commemorates Retirement of Sheryl Flores, Director of Home Ownership

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) recently commemorated the retirement of their Director of Home Ownership. After more than 28 years of service to affordable housing, California native and longtime San Luis Obispo resident, Sheryl Flores is stepping down.

“Sheryl has been a tremendous asset to the growth and success of our organization,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO & President. “It would be impossible to list all of her contributions, but we simply would not be who we are today without her leadership, expertise, and passion for the work.”

Born and raised in Sunol, CA in the rural east bay area of San Francisco, Sheryl settled on the Central Coast after studying at Cal Poly.?Coming to the organization in 1996 from the world of agricultural and business lending, she brought with her a set of financial and development skills which would prove invaluable to PSHH over the years.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

Ventura County Fire Department Observes 19th Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service

On November 20th, first responders, families, community members, and local community leaders came together for the 19th Annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service at the Ventura County Government Center.

This moving ceremony pays tribute to the brave firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the residents of Ventura County. The ceremony included a uniform procession, a moment of silence, and bagpipes were played by the Ventura City Pipes and Drums. The ceremonial firefighters bell rang as names of the fallen were read in memory of their sacrifice and service.

We are forever grateful for their dedication and commitment to keeping our community safe.

Bilingual report — Ventura secures an additional $60 million in federal funding for Ventura Water Projects

VENTURA — The City of Ventura has been awarded an additional $60.4 million in federal grant funding under the Department of the Interior’s Large-Scale Water Recycling Program. This new award brings total federal investments in Ventura Water’s projects to $108…

Bilingual report — Ventura County Library offers essential computer and internet resources for residents free of cost

VENTURA — In the aftermath of the recent Mountain Fire, many Ventura County residents are facing significant challenges, including limited access to computers and the Internet. Whether it is work, school, or essential services, the Ventura County Library has technology resources to connect residents with the vital services and information they need during this difficult time.

The Ventura County Library offers the following resources to the public free of charge: 

Edie DeVine joins Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation board

SANTA BARBARA — The Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation (PASF), a nonprofit supporting classical music education in Santa Barbara County, has welcomed communications expert Edie DeVine to the organization’s board.

An Oxnard resident and supporter of the arts, DeVine has worked in the communications industry for over two decades. She currently serves as executive vice president leading global medical and health technology work across GCI Health, one of the most highly recognized global integrated healthcare communications agencies in the world.

County of San Luis Obispo Assessor’s Office Annual Report

SAN LUIS OBISPO — It is my pleasure to present the 2024 Annual Report for the Assessor’s Office. This report provides the latest data regarding the value of property in San Luis Obispo County. It is also an opportunity to express my appreciation to the great staff of the Assessor’s Office and the people we are privileged to serve.

Each year the Assessor is required to prepare an Assessment Roll of the value of all property subject to property taxation. The Roll for this year indicates moderate growth in the value of real property. This resulted in a 5.03% increase in value for 2023-24.

Camarillo’s TruNorth Jets Founder Sarah Oberman receives Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 award

CAMARILLO — Sarah Oberman, the founder of private jet charter company TruNorth Jets, has been recognized as one of the top 40 young aviation business professionals in the country by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

Oberman just received the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 award, which recognizes emerging leaders who are actively helping shape the future of business aviation. She joins an esteemed group of young professionals driving real change in the aviation industry and setting the standard through impactful contributions.

The NBAA Young Professionals (YoPro) Council receives hundreds of nominations for the award each year. In 2024, the organization received a record number of nominations across nine career categories. The council carefully reviews each submission and selects candidates based on their community involvement, professional achievements, innovative mindset, and commitment to the business aviation community.