It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Ventura City Hall (formerly the Ventura County Courthouse - California Historical Landmark #847) in Ventura, CA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Ventura, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Thank you so much for all your help with my mom. I cant thank you”
“We started using Always Best Care well over a year ago, and have received nothing”
“I have partnered with Tom in Thousand Oaks for a couple years now, I can”
“Caring and sensitive. David is so focused on helping families. He is such an asset”
“Always Best Care has been helping my 94 year old Mother very much! The Caregivers”
“Been with the company for approximately like 6 months ,love it , great supervisors n”
“I’ve worked with a few agencies and my experience with Always Best Care has been”
“I've worked with ABC for over a year now. I've worked for other organizations”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa was a great friend to my father and”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa is the best. Upbeat, knows what she’s”
“After researching several Home Health Care companies in my area, I choose Always Best Care”
“First let me say that this review was not solicited by any one at Always”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does”
“I am a current client of this provider We are with Always Best Care. We have”
“Tom and his team of caregivers do a great job. I highly recommend Always”
“I’m a registered nurse and having Erin help me with this process was seamless. She”
“I've been with the company a lil over 3months maybe longer and love the respect”
“This is the finest company in home care, I would highly recommend it for your”
“Stellar service and care! Highly recommend!”
“This is truly a team you can trust to take care of your loved one.”
“Thank you so much for all your help with my mom. I cant thank you enough. You have changed our lives for the better.”
“We started using Always Best Care well over a year ago, and have received nothing short of the Best Care Always! Dad is a Veteran, and when it came time to get Mom and Dad a Caregiver. David, our account manager helped us tremendously by guiding us to get us the most care that was available to them! Karina came to us with some pretty big shoes to fill, as our first caregiver was retiring. Well, Karina has done a fabulous job, helping with whatever is needed and caring for my parents as if they were her own! Karina has fit in with our family and friends perfectly, she is part of the family! Mom recently had two hospital stays and she took care of Dad while Mom was away, then when Mom came home, Karina made sure they both had whatever they needed! Thank you David and the Always Best Care team for matching us with Karina…..you hit a Grand Slam with this one! Thank you Karina for caring about my parents so much! ❤️????????❤️. The Peacock Family”
“I have partnered with Tom in Thousand Oaks for a couple years now, I can attest that he strives to provide the best quality care for his clients and a positive work environment for his employees. Great agency! Highly recommend!”
“Caring and sensitive. David is so focused on helping families. He is such an asset to our hospital. Families don't know where to start and David gets the ball rolling and smooths the way. What a blessing to these families.”
“Always Best Care has been helping my 94 year old Mother very much! The Caregivers are wonderful and helpful and willing to go the extra mile. I am so happy to have their team a part of our lives! Thank you!”
“Been with the company for approximately like 6 months ,love it , great supervisors n boss , overall great company for work for , great communication from supervisors ,n always a pleasure to work with wonderful clients”
“I’ve worked with a few agencies and my experience with Always Best Care has been phenomenal. The professionalism.and respect they show to us caregivers makes me feel appreciated as well as giving me opportunity to learn and grow in my services I provide to my clients with the workshops they provide every month.”
“I've worked with ABC for over a year now. I've worked for other organizations that provide senior care services but the Always Best Care Thousand Oaks location has been a wonderful place to work. The working relationship between staff, client and ownership/management is that it's important for us all to be happy. I've been placed with so many wonderful people that I can say are not only my clients but also my friends. They really try to provide the right client with the right caregiver and with me it has been a wonderful experience and a great place to work.”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa was a great friend to my father and treated him like family. It was reassuring to us to know he was looked after by a loving and caring person. She was always available to us and she was able to adjust her schedule to his needs. Nisa allowed my father to stay in his home longer and provided him new freedom he had not had previously.”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa is the best. Upbeat, knows what she’s doing, was great with my mom. We all felt very comfortable when she was caring for mom.”
“After researching several Home Health Care companies in my area, I choose Always Best Care and was extremely pleased with the decision I made. Always Best Care checked every box on my list and was the absolute best choice for my post-surgery needs. Start to finish, the entire organization was professional, responsive, and provided the services I was in need of. Caregivers were exceptional in responding to my needs in addition to providing warm companionship that aided in a worry free recovery. Always Best Care delivered as promised and I highly recommend them for Home Health Care needs. MMD”
“First let me say that this review was not solicited by any one at Always Best Care Senior Services. The services provided by Always Best are both personal and professional. All of my calls were always answered by Tom ( the owner). Never was I left to wonder if I was going to get assistance for my mother and her significant other. From the top down I found everyone to be patient, kind, attentive, accessible, problem solvers, with an “I can get it done” attitude. The services provided by Always Best, required end of life care. The care givers worked seamlessly with Hospice. Every step of the way I could see both my mother and the patient were lovingly cared for. I look forward to using this agency as needed for my mother. Thank you, Tom and all of your care angels!”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does not currently have a Gmail account. Always Best Care has been a true blessing with providing a wonderful caregiver who is kind, patient and supportive with my 95 year old mother's needs which include a downward cognitive slide. My mom enjoys the support and care too. I've heard horror stories about such services, but have been beyond pleased with Tom and his caregiving agency. Lori Robinson- Ventura County”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does not currently have a Gmail account. Always Best Care has been a true blessing with providing a wonderful caregiver who is kind, patient and supportive with my 95 year old mother's needs which include a downward cognitive slide. My mom enjoys the support and care too. I've heard horror stories about such services, but have been beyond pleased with Tom and his caregiving agency. Lori Robinson- Ventura County”
“I am a current client of this provider We are with Always Best Care. We have been with them for two weeks now. They were great, and we have had a good experience so far. The caregiver is great. She has been like a lifeline for us; she has been nice. The scheduling has been fine, and everything has been working great.”
“Tom and his team of caregivers do a great job. I highly recommend Always Best Care of Thousand Oaks.”
“I’m a registered nurse and having Erin help me with this process was seamless. She is comforting, empathetic, and very knowledgeable. Thanks again Erin! Natalie Schauwecker, RN”
“I've been with the company a lil over 3months maybe longer and love the respect they give us caregivers and employees. We are a team as they say welcome to the team and it truly is a team more like a family here. They take our schedules and work with us and don't pay us low as all other places. You get what you pay for. I've worked for Disneyland Resorts and this is much like the atmosphere there very friendly and non judgemental and truly caring understanding team. Tom the owner is one of us he doesn't put himself above us neither does Erin. They are both friendly. Moving up in the company is possible as i have already and my kids are much happier because mommy actually loves her job. No one is paying me to write this i don't do reviews typically because the time it takes but i believe in our team amd if you want great care and affordable care please try us for a week and I personally guarantee you, you'll be the next to write a review.”
“This is the finest company in home care, I would highly recommend it for your family!”
“Stellar service and care! Highly recommend!”
“This is truly a team you can trust to take care of your loved one. It is obvious, Tom and his team have a passion for the work they do. They are so patient and kind and treated us and our loved one like one of their own members of the family. We are forever grateful.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Marina Park in Ventura, CA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Rumfish y Vino or visit Ortega Adobe, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Ventura, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Ventura, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Ventura, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.On Tuesday at 2:38 p.m. the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA released an updated red flag warning valid from Thursday 6 a.m. until Friday 10 p.m. The warning is for Ventura County Beaches, Ventura County Inland Coast, Central Ventura County Valleys, Malibu Coast, Calabasas and Agoura Hills, Western San Fernando Valley, Eastern San Fernando Valley, Southeastern Ventura Count...
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.
On Tuesday at 2:38 p.m. the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA released an updated red flag warning valid from Thursday 6 a.m. until Friday 10 p.m. The warning is for Ventura County Beaches, Ventura County Inland Coast, Central Ventura County Valleys, Malibu Coast, Calabasas and Agoura Hills, Western San Fernando Valley, Eastern San Fernando Valley, Southeastern Ventura County Valleys, Los Angeles County San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles.
Expect winds to be northeast to east 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph. Isolated gusts of 50 to 60 mph possible in the hills and relative humidity minimums of 5 to 15% common.
"Moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds will quickly develop on Thursday, peak Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon, then weaken through the weekend. Meanwhile, dry air will settle over the region and dry out any helpful effects of the recent rains. The previous Fire Weather Watches were upgraded to Red Flag Warnings. Some of the windiest areas may see Red Flag conditions linger into Saturday. As the winds expand Thursday Night into Friday, Red Flag conditions may form over the interior mountains of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties on Friday, where a Fire Weather Watch is now in effect," describes the NWS. "If fire ignition occurs, conditions are favorable for extreme fire behavior which would threaten life and property."
This warning is in effect until Friday at 10 p.m.
A red flag warning indicates that either extreme fire weather conditions are currently happening or will happen soon, as per the NWS. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire to spread rapidly.
During a red flag warning, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution and be prepared to take immediate action in case a fire starts. The NWS offers these steps you can take to lower the risk of fires igniting and ensure your safety:
1. Bolster burn barrel safety:
If burning is authorized in your vicinity, ensure that all burn barrels feature a weighted metal cover with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
2. Mindful disposal of smoking materials:
Never discard lit cigarette butts outside, and avoid tossing cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly small actions can lead to dry grass ignition, potentially sparking a wildfire.
3. Properly extinguish outdoor fires:
To thwart accidental fires, diligently extinguish all outdoor fires. Suffocate them with an ample deluge of water and stir to ensure complete cooling. Submerge charcoal in water until it's entirely devoid of heat. Never leave live charcoal unattended.
4. Never leave fires unattended:
Refrain from leaving any fire unattended. Even minor parks or embers might be carried into leaves or grass, kindling a fire that can swiftly expand.
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay informed, and act responsibly to protect lives and property.
Source: The National Weather Service
United Robots California
Barbara Courteen Rose, a longtime resident of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, died on August 27, 2026, at the age of 80.Barbara was born on October 17, 1945, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Newburgh, New York, to Robert Dubois Fowler and Jane Courteen Fowler. She graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in 1962 and from Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, in 1965.After college, Barbara spent ten years working in hospitality at Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, Arizona. Those years left an indelible mark on her. It...
Barbara Courteen Rose, a longtime resident of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, died on August 27, 2026, at the age of 80.
Barbara was born on October 17, 1945, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Newburgh, New York, to Robert Dubois Fowler and Jane Courteen Fowler. She graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in 1962 and from Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, in 1965.
After college, Barbara spent ten years working in hospitality at Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, Arizona. Those years left an indelible mark on her. It was there that she began a lifelong love affair with the American West and gained an appreciation for the Arizona desert, horseback riding, and Native American art and jewelry. Rancho de los Caballeros remained a very special place to Barbara throughout her life, and she returned often, bringing along extended family and friends and sharing with them a place that meant so much to her.
In 1977, Barbara married David Raber and made Santa Barbara her home. She became an active member of the community and a longtime parishioner of All Saints by the Sea, where she served on the Vestry as Senior Warden. During her years in Santa Barbara, Barbara worked at Raber Lighting, Direct Relief International, and, ultimately, the Santa Barbara Foundation. She approached each of her endeavors with the same quiet dedication and genuine interest in people that would characterize her life.
In 1999, Barbara moved to the Ventura Keys, where her commitment to community continued. She served on the Board of Directors of the Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation and later joined the organization as a Development Assistant, working on the campaign to build the new Community Memorial Hospital. Always more comfortable behind the scenes, Barbara was very successful in developing strong connections with community members and was proud to contribute to a project that would serve Ventura County.
Barbara also had a particular passion for education. She was an active member of the Ventura County Community Foundation Scholarship Committee and personally established and funded the Science Matters scholarship. Each year, she volunteered countless hours to carefully read hundreds of applications. Her scholarship was a personal expression of her belief in the importance of education and the potential of young people.
In 2002, Barbara married Ron Rose. Together they enjoyed many good times traveling, exploring the outdoors, and treasuring their time at their mountain home in Colorado, the “Wild Rose Ranch.” Ron shared Barbara’s passion for the American West, and she would have loved many more wonderful years with Ron, but sadly, he passed away in 2017.
Barbara maintained deep and meaningful connections with her family throughout her life and had a remarkable number of dear friends. She was generous with her time, energy, and resources, but perhaps her greatest gift was the genuine interest she took in her community and the lives of others.
The family would like to thank the many neighbors and friends who helped care for Barbara and her dear dog, Latte. They would also like to thank the wonderful caregivers who were tirelessly devoted to her.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at All Saints by the Sea on Monday, October 19, at 2:00 p.m.
Ventura County Transportation Commission Regional Intercity Fixed Route Transportation Services RFP No. 2627-001-FR The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) is soliciting responses to a Request for Proposals (RFP) dated October 9, 2026, from qualified transportation contractors willing to operate regional intercity fixed route transit services originating and terminating within Ventura County, California, designated portions of southern Santa Barbara County and the Woodland Hills area of west Los Angeles County. Service is current...
Ventura County Transportation Commission Regional Intercity Fixed Route Transportation Services RFP No. 2627-001-FR The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) is soliciting responses to a Request for Proposals (RFP) dated October 9, 2026, from qualified transportation contractors willing to operate regional intercity fixed route transit services originating and terminating within Ventura County, California, designated portions of southern Santa Barbara County and the Woodland Hills area of west Los Angeles County. Service is currently projected to begin on May 4, 2027. Services to be provided under this RFP are fixed route, intercity transit and vehicle maintenance services that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
Copies of the RFP may be obtained beginning Friday, October 9, 2026, after 1:00 p.m., local time. from the VCTC website, http://www.goventura.org?q=about-vctc/working-with-vctc.
A pre-proposal conference will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. local time, in the conference room of VCTC offices, 751 E. Daily Drive, Suite 420, Camarillo, CA, 93010. Attendance is not mandatory; however, VCTC anticipates that discussion at this conference will be an important part of the overall procurement process. Interested parties are asked to e-mail questions regarding the procurement process at least 48 hours prior to the pre-proposal meeting to Mike Houser, Planning Manager, [email protected]. Responses to questions submitted will be distributed verbally or in written form to all attendees. Responses to proposal questions submitted during pre-proposal meeting that cannot be answered at the meeting will be distributed electronically to all attendees within 48 hours of the conclusion of the pre-proposal meeting. Questions submitted after the conclusion of the pre-proposal meeting should conform to the requirements of the RFP. All RFP related questions must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. local time, Tuesday, November 10, 2026, to ensure adequate time to respond. Questions submitted after this deadline will not be answered.
The deadline for proposal submission is 1:00 p.m., local time, on Friday, December 4, 2026. Proposals not delivered by the deadline and in accordance with the instructions in the RFP will be deemed “non-responsive” and will not be opened or considered.
Anne Hogya, Ventura County Library Regional Librarian [email protected] | (805) 561-9826WHAT: Ventura County Library (VCL), in partnership with the Ventura County Arts Council (VCAC), is extending an open invitation to local artists ages 5 and up to submit artwork for its upcoming Mini Art Galleries. Artists working in all mediums, including painting, drawing, photography, and mixed media, are encouraged to apply. There is still time to submit, but the window closes soon.WHO: Ventura County Library in partnership wit...
Anne Hogya, Ventura County Library Regional Librarian [email protected] | (805) 561-9826
WHAT: Ventura County Library (VCL), in partnership with the Ventura County Arts Council (VCAC), is extending an open invitation to local artists ages 5 and up to submit artwork for its upcoming Mini Art Galleries. Artists working in all mediums, including painting, drawing, photography, and mixed media, are encouraged to apply. There is still time to submit, but the window closes soon.
WHO: Ventura County Library in partnership with the Ventura County Arts Council. Open to local artists ages 5 and up across Ventura County.
WHERE: Selected works will be exhibited at three Ventura County Library branches, each featuring a unique theme celebrating local culture, history, and community:
DEADLINE: Submissions are open through Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
HOW TO SUBMIT: Visit the Mini Art Galleries information page at library.venturacounty.gov/mini-art-galleries to learn more and apply. Each participating branch has its own application form corresponding to its featured theme.
Background
With support from the California Arts Council, the Ventura County Arts Council (VCAC), in partnership with Ventura County Library, is launching Mini Art Galleries at three library branches from October through December 2026. Curated by VCAC, the galleries will give local artists opportunities to showcase their work while bringing art into accessible community spaces. The participating locations were selected to expand access to art in communities with limited dedicated public exhibition space. The initiative celebrates local creativity while offering library visitors new ways to connect with art, culture, and their communities.
About Ventura County Library
Ventura County Library serves communities across Ventura County through its branch libraries, mobile library services, and digital resources, offering free access to books, programs, and lifelong learning opportunities. Learn more at library.venturacounty.gov.
About the Ventura County Arts Council
The Ventura County Arts Council (VCAC) is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive arts community where creativity thrives, artists are valued, and Ventura County’s diverse cultural heritage is celebrated. VCAC strives to preserve the region’s rich artistic traditions, inspire creative expression, and strengthen the cultural vitality and well-being of Ventura County. Learn more at vcartscouncil.org.
Federal immigration agents swarmed the Central Coast last week, taking 114 people into custody across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.The agents targeted workplaces, neighborhoods and busy streets — detaining people on their way to work, the grocery store and even the ICE field offices to update their immigration paperwork.From Oct. 5 to Sunday, agents took five people into custody from San Luis Obispo County, 75 from Santa Barbara County and 34 from Ventura County, according to data collected by 805 U...
Federal immigration agents swarmed the Central Coast last week, taking 114 people into custody across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
The agents targeted workplaces, neighborhoods and busy streets — detaining people on their way to work, the grocery store and even the ICE field offices to update their immigration paperwork.
From Oct. 5 to Sunday, agents took five people into custody from San Luis Obispo County, 75 from Santa Barbara County and 34 from Ventura County, according to data collected by 805 UndocuFund, a local nonprofit organization that supports undocumented immigrants and their families.
In San Luis Obispo County, all five arrests happened in San Luis Obispo.
In Santa Barbara County, 55 people were detained in Santa Maria, 16 in Lompoc, three in Santa Barbara and one in Guadalupe.
In Ventura County, 13 people were detained in Oxnard, eight in Ventura, seven in Simi Valley, one in Thousand Oaks, one in Newbury Park, three in Santa Paula and one in Port Hueneme.
Since Jan. 1, 2025, 2,986 people have been taken into custody in that same tri-county area on the Central Coast.
805 UndocuFund collected the data from rapid responders who witnessed the arrests and community members who reported the arrests of their friends and family members. The group then checked the numbers to ensure there weren’t duplicates of the same incident in the dataset.
Normally, ICE agents target local jails, taking inmates into custody as they are released. But last week, agents plucked people off the street — and they’ve shown no signs of stopping.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said this activity is part of a “nationwide public safety surge in sanctuary cities.”
“We are making lawful arrests of illegal aliens utilizing the same tactics we have always used within policy,” DHS said. “Our officers are highly trained in de-escalation tactics and regularly receive ongoing use of force training. The latest ICE use of force policy is available here.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom condemned the recent ICE operation.
“Donald Trump is using fear and panic as a weapon — putting families at risk, undermining our economy and terrorizing communities,” Newsom said in a statement. “No president is above the Constitution. No one in this country is without rights. California will stand up for our communities and hold federal agents accountable.”
San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg criticized ICE’s lack of transparency regarding its operations in a statement posted on Facebook, calling it “deeply concerning.” She said ICE recently detained the parent of a local middle school student.
“When enforcement actions affect local families, the absence of clear information can have far-reaching consequences, especially for children who deserve to feel safe and secure in their communities,” Ortiz-Legg said in a statement.
A video and photos circulating on Facebook showed a group of ICE agents tackling a man to the ground before taking him into custody in Guadalupe on Sunday morning. The arrest happened in front of La Favorita Market at 771 Guadalupe St., the video showed.
When asked if this behavior is compliance with ICE’s use of force policy, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said its officers are “making lawful arrests” that use "the same tactics we have always used within policy.”
“Our officers are highly trained in de-escalation tactics and regularly receive ongoing use of force training,” a statement from the agency said.
An anonymous 65-year-old Guadalupe resident said she often visits La Favorita Market on Sunday mornings with her sister. It’s not the first time ICE agents have darkened her doorstep this year, she said.
The Tribune excluded her name from the article to protect her from retaliation.
About seven months ago, ICE agents showed up at her church in Guadalupe and demanded to see people’s identification before they entered the building.
“That was the last day I went to church,” she said.
She is an American citizen, but she could no longer associate with congregants who thought the presence of ICE agents at church was acceptable, she said.
“I was baptized there. My mother was married in that church. My father, my grandparents were married in that church. My husband and I were married in that church. All of my children were baptized in that church, and now I can’t go back to it,” she said. “The hypocrisy — it’s just too much for me.”
Since President Donald Trump was re-elected, she’s noticed more ICE activity in Guadalupe — and their tactics are more aggressive. But she’s not surprised, she said.
“This is just the same old America we’ve always lived in,” she said.
Some of her neighbors don’t leave their houses because they are afraid to be stopped by ICE. Others are making family plans, in case one or both of the parents are deported.
She agreed to watch over her neighbor’s three daughters if their mother is deported. The girls are 7, 10 and 11 years old.
If the girls come home from school and their mother isn’t home by 6 p.m., they’ve been instructed to go to this woman’s house, where they’ll be taken care of until their aunt can arrive from Chicago to take custody of them.
“She always has a bag for them packed,” she said. “She rotates their clothing inside that little suitcase. That’s how they live.”
She urged Tribune readers to remember that undocumented immigrants are people, just like citizens, and their lives have equal value.
“They could be your family,” she said. “We don’t know who our children will grow up and marry.”
Guadalupe mayor candidate Christina Hernandez spoke out against the recent ICE activity.
“No family should live in fear or be afraid to send their children to school,” she said in a statement. “Everyone deserves dignity and respect. Our community has constitutional rights, and it’s important that residents know and assert those rights. When our families feel safe, our entire community is stronger.”
While ICE agents picked people up off the streets — they also waited in the San Luis Obispo County Jail lobby for undocumented inmates to be released.
San Luis Obispo County resident Jennifer Guernsey volunteers as a rapid responder with 805 UndocuFund. She often waits in the jail lobby to film ICE operations and offer support to people being detailed.
On Wednesday morning, she stood on a chair in the lobby, her phone camera held high, waiting for an inmate to be released. Six ICE agents stood behind the red line outside the jail release door, listening to songs like “It’s My Party,” snapping their fingers and laughing with each other.
“They were in a really antagonistic mood,” she said.
At about 7:30 a.m., Guernsey hopped down from her chair and walked a little closer to the jail release door to get a better angle with her camera. She did not touch any of the ICE agents, she said.
As a 5-foot-4, 115-pound, 75-year-old woman, “the ICE agents are pretty imposing compared to me,” she said.
As she was looking through her phone camera, one of the agents approach her, placed his hands on her shoulders and pushed her backwards — telling her to get out of his way.
She shouted at him, “Don’t you dare touch me,” then she walked away to stand on a chair farther from him.
“He was using his physicality to intimidate me,” she said. “I’m not scared, but I did not like him touching me.”
This reflected the aggression ICE agents frequently display in the jail lobby, she said.
On May 7, an ICE agent pinned a man’s arm behind his back while detaining him in the lobby at 7:25 p.m., Guernsey said.
“He was hurting him, and he was screaming,” she said.
As they exited the lobby, the ICE agent hit the man’s head on a metal door.
Then, in June, an ICE agent dragged a citizen by her arms along the jail lobby floor to move her out of his way, video footage showed.
“They get real aggressive,” Guernsey said.
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