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

Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) — Ventura County Schools Show Progress in Attendance, Graduation Rate, and Academic Performance

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VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Schools are making improvements in attendance, graduation rates, academic performance, and other measures according to new data from the 2024 California School Dashboard released today by the California Department of Education. Highlights for Ventura County include:

GRADUATION RATE: Ventura County’s graduation rate of 89.3% for 2024 has improved by six percentage points since 2021 and is nearly three percentage points better than the statewide rate.
CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM: Ventura County’s chronic absenteeism rate of 18.3% for 2024 marks the third consecutive year of improvement and is more than two percentage points better than the statewide rate.
SUSPENSION RATE: Ventura County’s suspension rate of 3.2% for 2024 is a 0.4% improvement from the prior year and slighter better than the statewide rate.
MATHEMATICS: Ventura County students’ performance in mathematics on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) for 2024 improved by 1.2 percentage points over the prior year.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS: Ventura County students’ performance in English language arts on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress for 2024 improved by 0.63 percentage points over the prior year.

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

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan Launches $1.5 Million Scholarship Program to Strengthen Diversity in Behavioral Health Workforce

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CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) (on Nov. 18) announced the launch of a groundbreaking scholarship program that aims to develop a more diverse behavioral health workforce to ensure Ventura County residents have access to culturally responsive care. The $1.5 million initiative is funded through the state Department of Health Care Services’ Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program (SBHIP), which aims to expand access to behavioral health services for children and adolescents enrolled in Medi-Cal.

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Business, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Home, News, Public Safety

Ventura County Animal Shelter — Mountain Fire — Animal Rescue & Response

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We would like to take a moment to recognize the incredible work of our shelter staff, volunteers, and Emergency Volunteer Rescue Team (EVRT) during the recent Mountain Fire. In the midst of the emergency, 446 animals were brought to us for safety, either by their families or by members of our Emergency Volunteer Rescue Team, 38 of whom worked TIRELESSLY to rescue and transport animals from the fire’s path, often through hazardous conditions!

Our amazing shelter staff who worked 12-hour shifts, caring for animals at both the Camarillo Shelter and the Ventura County Fairgrounds. They managed intake, provided safe shelter for animals, and gave comfort to families who had lost so much.

We also want to recognize the 121 VCAS volunteers who collectively worked 416 hours at the Camarillo Shelter, managing donations, cleaning kennels, and comforting animals whose families had been evacuated.

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

Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit Corp. (OPAC) launches ‘Lotería de Oxnard:’ A Celebration of the City’s Culture and Community with events on Nov. 30, Dec. 12

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OXNARD — The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit Corp. (OPAC) is thrilled to announce the release of “Lotería de Oxnard,” a reimagined, Oxnard-centric take on the traditional Mexican bingo game that highlights the people, places, and iconic things that make Oxnard one-of-a-kind. This project was made possible through the generous support of the Port of Hueneme, commemorated as card #43 in the set

“The Port of Hueneme is more than a global trade hub—it’s a proud part of the fabric of this community and we’re delighted to partner with OPAC in reimagining Lotería as a way to bring people together and celebrate what makes our beautiful region unique,” – Drew Rodriguez, Public & Community Relations Senior Representative for the Port of Hueneme.

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Commentary, Education, Events, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Guest contribution — As America Recognizes Great American Smokeout (on Nov. 21), Take a Step Towards Kicking the Nicotine Habit

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Have you thought about kicking the nicotine habit to improve your health and reduce your chances of acquiring lung cancer or heart failure?

If you’re looking for extra motivation, then consider quitting smoking during the Great American Smokeout that takes place this Thursday, Nov. 21. Doing so won’t only improve your health, but it will also reverse years of likely damage done to your heart and lungs.

When it comes to giving up the nicotine habit, naturally, you may say that’s easier said than done, as giving up smoking can seem to be a daunting task. You may also think that it’s too late to quit smoking and reverse years of impact on your health.

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Business, Family, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Tim Blaylock appointed new executive director of the Humane Society of Ventura County

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OJAI — The Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) announced today the appointment of Tim Blaylock as its new Executive Director.

With over 30 years of experience in leadership and non-profit management, Blaylock brings a wealth of experience and passion to the organization’s mission of improving the lives of animals in Ventura County.

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Cultural, Education, Health, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI students learn dance designed to help those with Parkinsons disease

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CAMARILLO — The CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Dance Studies and Health Science programs teamed up this semester to offer a class designed to help students understand Parkinson’s disease from both a dance and neurological perspective. Plans are to open a community dance therapy clinic class in the Spring semester for Parkinson’s patients in the region.

“We have dance students and Health Science students working together,” said Professor and Chair of Health Science Sonsoles de Lacalle, M.D., Ph.D. “Our goal is to provide a service to the community by setting up a weekly dance studio session for people with Parkinson’s and other members of the community to come and dance with us once a week.”

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: Gail Pidduck’s “8² + 10”

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Gail Pidduck was born and raised on a citrus ranch in Santa Paula. After earning a B.A. in art from Brigham Young University in Utah, she returned to Santa Paula and started a family. With three young children, Pidduck made art when and where she could, in her kitchen or on her back porch. Her preference for oil painting stemmed from her ability to set the slow-drying medium aside in a house with busy kids.

As her children grew older, Pidduck was able to dedicate more time to painting and exhibiting her work in Ventura County and beyond. She built a studio and acclaim as a rural landscape painter. Gail’s work has been acquired by numerous private and public collections, including the City of Ventura, City of Santa Paula, City of Thousand Oaks, Museum of Ventura County, and Dixie State University.

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Business, En español, familia, Family, Government, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — The City of Ventura and ForeFront Power Break Ground on Solar Projects

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura, in partnership with ForeFront Power, has started construction on two solar energy projects at Ventura Community Park and the Police/Fire Headquarters. Together, these projects will deliver 900 kilowatt-DC (kW DC) of renewable energy through solar parking canopies at both sites.

Scheduled for completion by summer 2025, the solar installations will produce over 1.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually—enough to power 200 homes. Over their 20-year lifespan, the projects are expected to save the City approximately $2.3 million in electricity costs while supporting its environmental sustainability goals.

“This is the largest sustainability project of its kind for the City of Ventura,” said Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling. “Thanks to the support of our City Council and community, these solar energy projects will provide long-term benefits to Ventura.”

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

Cottage Health Opens New Primary Care Clinic in Goleta

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health announces the opening of a new primary care clinic, Cottage Primary Care—Goleta. Located at 334 S Patterson Ave, Suite 120, the clinic is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is now accepting new patients. Scheduling an appointment can be conveniently done online at cottagehealth.org/gpc

Primary care plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. At Cottage Primary Care— Goleta, physicians specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses and chronic conditions, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care for health issues ranging from minor ailments to more serious conditions.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Local, News

Santa Barbara’s Community Environmental Council update — How We’re Building Resilience to Wildfires

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Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events are driving the severity and frequency of wildfires. So far this year, California has had more than 7,000 wildfires — including our region’s recent Lake and Mountain Fire — that have ravaged a million acres, destroying homes and communities, impacting air quality, and releasing massive amounts of pollution into the atmosphere. Every one of these fires represents a setback to carbon reduction efforts.

But we have the collective power to stop this climate chaos.

The Community Environmental Council recognized early on that the California Central Coast provides the perfect climate lab to test solutions that can protect our and other regions from future fires. The good news is our solutions are working.

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

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. Focuses on the Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund for Giving Tuesday

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VENTURA COUNTY — As the season of giving approaches, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) is proud to announce that this year’s Giving Tuesday efforts will center around the Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund (RFLF) Scholarship Program, a program that has changed lives and opened doors for countless students within the community.

Established in honor of Cabrillo EDC’s founding Executive Director, Rodney Fernandez, the RFLF Scholarship Program provides scholarships to local youth and residents of Cabrillo EDC affordable housing communities, helping them pursue higher education and achieve their career goals. The program embodies Cabrillo EDC’s ongoing commitment to building stronger, more empowered communities through education, support, and leadership development.

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Education, Events, Health, Local, News

Nate’s Place, a Wellness and Recovery Center in Oxnard, receives national spotlight in People Magazine. Open House & Community Talk on Nov. 20

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VENTURA COUNTY — Nate’s Place, A Wellness and Recovery Center (Nate’s Place), a 501c3 nonprofit who’s unique “recovery recipe” program is designed to support teens and young adults at risk of substance use and/or mental health disorders, earned itself a place in the national spotlight recently, with a feature in People Magazine.

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Educación, Education, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Salud

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College celebrates grand opening of new student health center

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“With this new facility, we are providing vital resources that help address the challenges many of our students face, from food insecurity to health and wellness needs,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “All of us at Hancock are here to change the odds for our students, and today, we turn that vision into reality.”

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

Museum of Ventura County — Keep Art, History, and Hope Alive – Your Support Makes It Possible

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As we reflect on another successful year of bringing history, art, and culture to life, we are excited to share a story that embodies the heart of our mission. It’s the story of Elisa Torres, a young artist whose journey reflects the power of creativity, perseverance, and community—reminding us of why the work we do here at the Museum of Ventura County (MVC) is important.

Elisa’s story began right here in Ventura County. A first-generation Californian born and raised in Oxnard, Elisa’s first job after high school was in an assembly factory, where she worked alongside her mother piecing together fiber optic cables. It was honest work, but not her dream.

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Business, En español, familia, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Phase 1 of debris removal set to begin for hazardous waste removal for properties partially damaged and destroyed by the Mountain Fire

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VENTURA — As the Mountain Fire nears 100% containment, the County of Ventura continues to work with the City of Camarillo and multiple agencies to expedite recovery activities and ensure safe hazardous waste and fire debris removal and disposal from structures and properties damaged by the fire through a consolidated debris removal program. The Debris Removal Program takes place in two phases with Phase 1: Household hazardous waste (HHW) removal scheduled to begin this week.  

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

Moorpark College Alumnus Mike Madrid Recognized as a 2024 Distinguished Alumni Honoree

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MOORPARK — Moorpark College alumnus Mike Madrid will be honored with the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award by the Community College League of California (CCLC) at its Annual Convention on November 22 in Burlingame, California.  

Madrid and fellow honorees Marlin “Skip” Davies (Yuba College) and Mike McGuire (Santa Rosa Junior College) were nominated by their peers and colleges to receive this honor. 

“On behalf of the Community College League of California, I am immensely proud to celebrate the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award honorees,” said Larry Galizio, CCLC president and CEO.  “Their achievements exemplify the transformative power of California’s community colleges and reflect the profound impact our community colleges have on individual lives and our society as a whole.” 

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Business, Family, Finance, Health, Home, Local, News, Youth

California Strong Accepting Applications For Financial Assistance By Those Impacted By Mountain Fire

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — California Strong, founded by the Southeast Ventura County YMCA and professional athletes after the 2018 California wildfires, and dedicated to providing immediate financial support to victims whenever a disaster strikes in the state, is accepting applications for assistance from those impacted by the Mountain Fire. The first round of funding is in early December.

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

Bilingual report — County of Ventura reports property tax relief available for property owners affected by the Mountain Fire

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VENTURA — Property owners whose property was physically damaged by the Mountain Fire and sustained losses over $10,000 may be eligible for property tax relief. Through services offered by the Ventura County Assessor’s Office, property owners can work with the office to adjust their property’s current assessment to reflect the damage incurred by the fire and reduce their current year property taxes.

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Business, Education, Family, Finance, Government, 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

November 19 @ 10:00 am

Would you like to do what you love and have someone else foot the bill? Have you ever thought about corporate sponsors for your business, show, book, charity, speaking 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, Fed Ex, Health Net, Southwest Airlines, Bank of America, Staples, American Airlines, Walmart and IBM.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Youth

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County kicks off the “WICKED Kindness Challenge” in a BIG way!

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VENTURA COUNTY — In a national partnership with NBCUniversal and inspired by the theatrical release of WICKED, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) youth led the creation of “The WICKED Kindness Challenge” – an online experience that explores what kindness really means, for oneself, their family and friends, and the greater community. 

Fifteen BBSVC youth participants of all ages from across the county came together for four full days to brainstorm ideas on what kindness looks like, and how to teach and inspire others to make kindness an everyday part of their lives. They worked closely with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Learning and Development Team, playing a BIG part in structuring, developing, and creating the content and messages for the script and videos for the challenge. A film crew met with youth to create the videos that were featured in the challenge. Everything for the ongoing challenge was organized at the BBSVC@Ventura Youth Room at the Pacific View Mall. 

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Family, Finance, Food, Health, Home, Local, News, Youth

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Transform the Future of Food

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At the Santa Barbara County Food Action Network, we’re redefining the possibilities in our food system by taking on the risks few others will. We believe that real change requires bold steps, and with your support, we’re ready to go further, building lasting foundations in advocacy, shared resources, and community connections.

We’ve already demonstrated what’s possible. By connecting food producers, policymakers, advocates, technical assistance providers, and more, we’re able to channel resources to the communities that need them most. These early successes are not just local victories—they’re prototypes for sustainable, equitable change across food systems everywhere.

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Entertainment, Family, Government, Local, News, Public Safety, Youth

Ventura County Fire Dept. — Sparking Joy: Annual Holiday Toy Drive Returns to Brighten the Holidays

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This heartwarming community campaign centers around collecting new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for underserved children and teenagers in Ventura County. In partnership with the American Red Cross, the drive Spark Of Love will prioritize supporting those will work to prioritize families affected impacted by the recent Mountain fire.

Donations of non-perishable food and toys can be made at any participating Spark of Love donation location, ensuring that your generosity directly impacts our local community.

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

Farm Bureau of Ventura County — UPDATED list of Resources and Mountain Fire Ag Recovery Series Linked Below

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A representative from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA) will be available onsite this week to assist ranchers and growers.

November 19th, Tuesday 9am-2pm
VC Ag Commissioner’s Camarillo Office
555 Airport Way, Suite E
Camarillo, CA 93010

November 20th, Wednesday 9am-2pm
VC Ag Commissioner’s Camarillo Office
555 Airport Way, Suite E
Camarillo, CA 93010

November 21st, Thursday 9am-2pm
VC Ag Commissioner’s Camarillo Office
555 Airport Way, Suite E
Camarillo, CA 93010

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

Anacapa Dental Art Institute launches “Holiday Smile” initiative to give one community member a life-changing smile makeover

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The “Holiday Smile” Initiative aims to not only restore one individual’s smile but also to renew their confidence, health, and quality of life. Through this giveaway, Dr. Saj and the Anacapa Dental team are excited to bring the joy and life-changing impact of a healthy smile to a local resident just in time for the New Year.

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

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Mountain Fire Resources Update

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UPDATED: Local Assistance Center for Mountain Fire Recovery

Local Assistance Centers are designed to provide one centralized location for information, referrals, resources and services to individuals and families impacted by disasters. Several Local, State, and Community-Based Organizations will offer support and services at the Local Assistance Center. 

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