Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria Joint Union High School District offer college classes in Guadalupe

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College and the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District have partnered to bring college-level courses directly to students in Guadalupe, expanding access to higher education opportunities within the community.

The new classes allow high school students in Guadalupe to enroll in general education courses for college credit. The classes include Communication Studies 101: Introduction to Public Speaking and Psychology 101: Introduction to Psychology and are held at the Guadalupe Senior Center.

Each course combines weekly in-person sessions from 5 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. with one hour of online instruction. The classes began on Jan. 21 and will run through May 14, with a capacity of up to 30 students per course.

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Business, Government, Local, News, Seniors

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Engages Community for Master Plan on Aging

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SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is developing a local Master Plan for Aging, inspired by California’s groundbreaking Master Plan for Aging (MPA). This initiative addresses the state’s rapidly growing and diversifying over-60 population, projected to reach 10.8 million by 2030, or one-quarter of the population. The MPA is a comprehensive blueprint designed to prioritize the health and well-being of older Californians and people with disabilities, outlining five bold goals and twenty-three strategies to create a “California for All Ages” by 2030.

Recognizing the importance of supporting its aging population, the Santa Paula City Council incorporated the development of a Senior Master Plan (Master Plan for Aging) into the two-year Strategic Plan under Category F: Community Vitality. This category aims to provide the residents of Santa Paula with sustainable resources and programs, making it a great place to live and grow. Objective #7 within this category specifically focuses on developing a Senior Master Plan tailored to the needs of Santa Paula’s residents.

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

LEAP Announces 6th Annual LEAP Awards Honoring Local Community Leaders

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“We are thrilled to recognize these inspiring leaders who exemplify the spirit of service and dedication that LEAP stands for,” said Lori Goodman, Executive Director of LEAP. “Dr. Fitzgibbons, through her exceptional medical leadership and education efforts at Cottage Hospital, and Ernesto Paredes, with his unwavering commitment to accessible transportation and community advocacy, have positively impacted countless lives. Amir Abo-Shaeer, as our Distinguished Alumnus, represents the transformative power of LEAP’s programs, and we are proud to celebrate his journey and contributions.”

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Business, Food, Government, Health, Local, News

Farm Bureau of Ventura County — Petition USDA to fully restore its inspection of avocados from Mexico

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In late 2024 USDA unilaterally downgraded its inspection obligations by shifting orchard inspections to Mexico. Shortly after, detections of stem and seed weevils in packing facilities increased with APHIS acknowledging that “the number of recent interceptions is notable given the infrequency of such interceptions over the history of the program.”

To date, the Commission has not convinced USDA to reverse course so we are outreaching to newly appointed leadership at USDA (see letter here) and are asking all of you to support the effort.

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

Assemblymember Steve Bennett authors legislation to streamline care of foster children

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SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) announced AB 276 today to ensure continuous, quality care for foster children at community care facilities.

On average, out-of-state background checks take almost three months to complete. These long waiting periods to onboard staff adversely affect community care facilities’ ability to provide top-rate services and programming for foster children and youth. The bill would allow these facilities (which include childcare facilities and foster family homes) to address staffing shortages by allowing qualified applicants to work at a facility while waiting for out-of-state clearance.

“Foster youth and families suffer when programs can’t hire the qualified staff they need due to lengthy background check delays,” said Adrienne Shilton, Vice President of Public Policy for the California Alliance of Child and Family Services. “By aligning state policy with federal law and adhering to California’s rigorous safeguards, this bill ensures that agencies can meet the urgent needs of California’s most vulnerable populations.”

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Business, Home, Local, News

Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors install officers, honor outstanding service

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VENTURA COUNTY — Camarillo resident Rebeca Elliott, an agent with Comfort Real Estate, was installed at the 2025 President of the Ventura County Coastal Association at the annual Installation Event on Jan. 16 along with this year’s officers and directors.

Elliott has been a Realtor for over 20 years after serving as a flight attendant for United Airlines and the administrative assistant to the CEO of Tenet Health Care, which was then based in Santa Barbara.

“They decided to relocate to Texas and the CEO asked if I wanted to relocate as well, and I said no,” Elliott recalled. “Soon after, I saw an ad about getting a real estate license, and I thought that would be a fun career move. I passed the test, and here I am – loving it.”

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

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. receives $175,000 from U.S. Bank to create safe and stable housing for children, families and communities in Ventura County

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“Creating equitable opportunities for our community requires resources, and we appreciate the support from U.S. Bank, which helps us continue to build and expand the innovative programs we’re proud to offer,” said Victory Brady, interim COO/CFO of Cabrillo EDC.

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Commentary, Cultural, Education, En español, familia, Family, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Opinion, Salud, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual commentary — Too Busy to Exercise

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When I used to work in offices and organizations, I heard all the excuses from colleagues for not exercising, such as:

I don’t have enough time for exercise
I’m too tired to do exercise after working all day
I’m not interested in exercising
Too much effort is required to exercise
I don’t have to lose weight
Exercise is “not necessary”
But in an era of unprecedented rates of obesity and lifestyle-induced diseases, it becomes imperative for us to somehow, in some way, carve out sufficient time for exercise in our daily lives. For without exercise in our routine, the body, designed for motion and exertion, begins to naturally degenerate. 

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

Bilingual report — Community Call to Action (event on Jan. 25): Response to ICE Sighting on Milpas Street, Santa Barbara

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Community event to be held at noon Saturday, Jan. 25 at La Casa de la Raza, 601 E. Montecito St., Santa Barbara

— A Call to Unite. The IAC is calling on community partners, including service organizations, advocacy groups, faith-based organizations, elected officials, and the broader public, to join forces and address this urgent issue. Together, we can protect the most vulnerable children and families, and ensure the continued vitality of our protected-class neighborhoods.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Assistance for Businesses and Residents Affected by the Fires

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Mountain Fire: SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s authorized representative, Director Nancy Ward, of the California Office of Emergency Services on November 25. The disaster declaration makes low-interest federal disaster loans available to residents and businesses the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Kern who were affected by the Mountain Fire that began November 6.

Wildfires and Straight-line Winds: SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced that low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Southern California businesses, homeowners, renters and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations following President Joe Biden’s major disaster declaration. The declaration covers Los Angeles and the contiguous counties of Kern, Orange, San Bernardino, and Ventura due to wildfires and straight-line winds that began on January 7.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, En español, Family, Finance, Food, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Trump’s First Immigration Executive Actions

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President Trump wasted no time trying to radically change the U.S. immigration system. On his first day in office, he issued 10 executive orders that seek to redefine America—excluding everyone from asylum seekers to countless children of immigrants. 

In the American Immigration Council’s new fact sheet, After Day One: A High-Level Analysis of Trump’s First Executive Actions, we break down what these policy changes seek to accomplish immediately and what they will mean for immigrants and all Americans in the future.

Read the Analysis

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Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces California Competes Tax Credit Program

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The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment and strategic importance to the state or region.

Application Period Timeline: For fiscal year 2024-2025, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during the following periods:

January 6, 2025 – January 27, 2025
February 24, 2025 – March 10, 2025

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

Bilingual Report — Community Environmental Council — Act Now: Save up to $24,000 on an EV

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Central Coast residents can receive up to $12,000 to purchase or lease an electric vehicle (EV) thanks to funding that was just released through the California Driving Clean Assistance Program. Combined with other incentives, participants could save up to $24,000 on an EV. You must be income-eligible to receive funding, and you must pre-qualify online before shopping for an EV.

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Business, Health, Local, News

Jim Owens Joins Cottage Health Board of Directors

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Owens is a partner with the global law firm of McDermott Will & Emery LLP and a member of the firm’s management committee. He has served as counsel to a variety of healthcare clients throughout California and across the United States, with a primary focus representing nonprofit hospitals and health systems in mergers and acquisitions and other complex transactions. His expertise also encompasses clinical integration and physician contracting, regulatory compliance, corporate governance and joint ventures.

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Bilingual report — Air Quality Alert for smoke issued in Ventura County

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is issuing an Air Quality Alert because unhealthy conditions exist.

Smoke from the Hughes Fire is causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to fall in the unhealthy range for everyone in Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Oxnard, Piru, Santa Paula, Simi Valley and Ventura. Smoke and ash from wildfires contain very small particles that can harm the lungs and heart.

The district issues Air Quality Alerts when the AQI has reached or is forecast to reach an unhealthy level for all. A lower AQI can affect sensitive groups. This includes children, older adults and people with heart disease or respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema.

The alert is in effect until conditions improve.

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Business, En español, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Public Safety, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Important Extreme Weather Updates and Resources – Jan. 21, 2025

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We recognize the challenges that come with facing yet another period of Red Flag conditions and Public Safety Power Shutoffs.

We know these weather conditions and power shutoffs disrupt routines, create uncertainty, and make it difficult to meet essential needs. Please know that we stand with you during this time, and we are here to provide support and resources to help you navigate these challenges.

We are committed to keeping you informed of resources that keep you prepared and provide support as we navigate this challenge together.

Your patience and resilience are deeply appreciated as we work together to navigate these conditions and keep our community safe.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we face these challenges together.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Finance, Government, Home, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — VCCDC’s Homebuyer Workshops are here to guide you every step of the way in 2025!

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Choose a date that works for you:

Saturday, January 25th (online)
Saturday, February 1 (online)
Sábado, 8 de febrero (Oxnard)
Saturday, February 22 (online)
To reserve your seat, simply click below to sign up. We can’t wait to help you achieve your dream of homeownership!

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

2025 Events & Festivals announced In Lompoc, On California’s Central Coast

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LOMPOC — Lompoc is gearing up to welcome 2025 with a lineup of exciting events! From now until December 31, 2025, immerse yourself in the small-town charm of this vibrant community. Explore the unique festivals and experiences that make Lompoc Valley stand out. Wine lover or history buff, Lompoc Valley has something extraordinary to offer for every type of adventurer!

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

Farm Bureau of Ventura County — Webinar and Resources on Immigration (webinar on Jan. 29) & CBP Activity

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National Immigration Project Webinar on Immigration

Join the National Immigration Project on Wednesday, January 29 at 5pm ET for a free webinar for community defenders, advocates, and impacted community members to go over the basics of what you can do to protect yourself and your community in the face of potential immigration enforcement.

We’ll go over what immigration policies have changed in the first week of the Trump administration; a primer on your Fourth Amendment rights; and ways for families to prepare in case of an arrest by immigration officials. Our 1.5-hour program is meant to address your most burning questions and to remind you of the protections you already have. As policies change, we will continue to provide community defenders with the information and trainings they need to fight back and to keep their people ready to face whatever comes.

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Business, Commentary, Education, Family, Government, Local, News, Public Safety, Seniors, Women, Youth

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Community Update

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I want to ensure you’re ready for the extreme conditions forecasted for our area. The National Weather Service and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services are closely monitoring a Red Flag wind event expected to last through Tuesday.

During this period, dry conditions combined with northeast winds of 25 to 40 MPH—and gusts reaching up to 60 MPH—create a heightened risk of wildfires.

Southern California Edison is implementing Public Safety Power Shutoffs in wind-prone areas. The primary period of concern for shutoffs extends through Tuesday morning, though circuits restored earlier may still be at risk for additional shutoffs depending on conditions.

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

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Last Chance to Register: CEC’s Climate Stewards Course

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When climate disasters strike, knowing how to help impacted communities and habitats can be daunting. CEC’s Climate Stewards certification program equips you with the knowledge to take climate action and connects you with a network of local activists working to promote community recovery and resilience.

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

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College students return for Spring classes

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“It’s always exciting when we get to see students back on campus for the start of classes,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Our entire team of faculty and staff are dedicated to helping make their college experience as rewarding as possible.” 

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Sara Miller McCune Arts Library opens for study, research and learning resources’ and more news, events

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Culminating a multiyear effort to unite library collections and services in a central, state-of-the-art space, the newly opened facility also represents the vision of its namesake, a longstanding donor to campus

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Business, Finance, Health, Local, News, Seniors

Hospice of Santa Barbara Surpasses $1 Million Legacy of Compassion Campaign Goal

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SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is thrilled to announce that it has reached and surpassed its 2024 Legacy of Compassion Campaign goal raising $1,155,410 during the year-long campaign which launched, in part, in celebration of the organization’s 50th anniversary. The campaign initiated a multi-stage effort to ensure the continued sustainability of HSB’s free compassionate care services, helping to meet current demand while building a stronger foundation for years to come.  

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Business, Education, Finance, Local, News, Youth

Ventura College Foundation Provided $738,558 In Direct Student Support During 2023-24 Academic Year

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VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and school programs, distributed $738,558 in direct assistance support to 7,858 students during the 2023-2024 academic year and another $1.33 million to 56 Ventura College programs across 14 departments and divisions.

“The Ventura College student body is made up of 40 percent first-generation college students,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “Ventura College students know the value of a solid education. They are well on their way to becoming our next scientists, first responders, educators, workforce technicians, public servants and innovators.”

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

Steering the Ship, Jess Ramirez sworn in as president of Oxnard Harbor District

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PORT HUENEME — At a ceremony held at the Port of Hueneme, Jess J. Ramirez was sworn in as president of the Oxnard Harbor District.

Ventura County Supervisor Vianey Lopez administered the oath of office. Ramirez, a long-serving member of the International Longshoreman’s and Warehouse Union Local #46, has dedicated over 51 years to the port, starting as a casual longshoreman and rising through the ranks to a respected leader. Ramirez was sworn in alongside Commissioner Celina L. Zacarias who just completed a successful year at the helm as board president. The presidential baton for 2025 has now been passed to Ramirez.

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

Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara kicks off the New Year with three free performances (Jan. 24, 25, 26) by La Santa Cecilia

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La Santa Cecilia exemplifies the modern-day creative hybrid of Latin culture, rock and world music. The group draws inspiration from all over the world, utilizing Pan-American rhythms including cumbia, bossa-nova, rumba, bolero, tango, jazz and klezmer music. Their unique sounds and the experience of their colorful, passionate performances continues to captivate both loyal fans and new listeners.

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