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 the historic Quad 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 Moorpark, 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.
“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.”
“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 Peach Hill Park 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 M on High Restaurant or visit Strathearn Historical Park, 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 Moorpark, 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 Moorpark, 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 Moorpark, 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.
Moorpark, CA (June 29, 2025) – A traffic collision resulting in injuries was reported late Saturday morning on the southbound side of State Route 23 at the Tierra Rejada Rd off-ramp in Moorpark. The crash occurred at approximately 10:25 a.m., according to local emergency dispatches.First responders, including paramedics, assessed and treated individuals hurt in the crash. A variety of injuries were reported, though the number of individuals affected and the severity of those injuries have not been officially confirmed. Em...
Moorpark, CA (June 29, 2025) – A traffic collision resulting in injuries was reported late Saturday morning on the southbound side of State Route 23 at the Tierra Rejada Rd off-ramp in Moorpark. The crash occurred at approximately 10:25 a.m., according to local emergency dispatches.
First responders, including paramedics, assessed and treated individuals hurt in the crash. A variety of injuries were reported, though the number of individuals affected and the severity of those injuries have not been officially confirmed. Emergency crews worked at the scene to stabilize the injured and coordinate transport for medical care as needed.
The crash caused delays and partial ramp closures on the SB 23 Fwy, a key route connecting Moorpark to surrounding Ventura County communities. California Highway Patrol officers and Ventura County Fire personnel responded to the scene and are conducting an investigation into the cause of the incident.
No further details have been released regarding the vehicles involved or any potential citations.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this accident.
Freeway off-ramps like the one at Tierra Rejada Rd are often hotspots for collisions due to sudden braking, merging challenges, and traffic congestion. In Ventura County, routes like State Route 23 serve as critical connectors, and off-ramp crashes often result from driver inattention, speeding, or tailgating during transitions to surface streets.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, Ventura County records hundreds of freeway-related injury crashes each year, particularly in areas where off-ramps feed into busy commercial or residential zones.
For victims of such crashes, injuries may lead to prolonged recovery periods, medical expenses, and complications with insurance claims. It’s important to understand your rights and seek the support needed to manage both short- and long-term consequences.
Drivers are urged to reduce speed when approaching exits, maintain safe distances, and remain alert to avoid collisions during transitions from freeway to street-level traffic.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.
Note: These posts are created solely for the use of Local Accident Reports. We have not verified the information in these posts as the information is gathered from secondary sources. If you have personal knowledge that the information contained in these posts is inaccurate, please contact Local Accident Reports immediately so we can make the necessary corrections or remove the story.
Disclaimer: We are providing this information to the general public as a resource to use in the event you or a family member are injured in a similar incident. Every effort is put forth to honor the victims of accidents, and hope the information presented helps others avoid the same type of accidents in the future. The photos depicted in these posts are not representative of the actual accident scene. Please contact Local Accident Reports at (888) 657-1460 to be connected with an attorney in your area who will answer any legal questions you may have.
(This story has been updated with additional information.)A train collided with a semitrailer near Highway 118 outside of Moorpark June 25, killing the truck driver, authorities said.The crash occurred shortly before 2:15 p.m. on a private railroad crossing just off Los Angeles Avenue, said Ventura County Sheriff's Capt. Mike McConville.Metrolink train 118 was enroute to Union Station in Los Angeles, said Sabrina Davis, a Metrolink spokesperson. The train was carrying around 17 passengers with onl...
(This story has been updated with additional information.)
A train collided with a semitrailer near Highway 118 outside of Moorpark June 25, killing the truck driver, authorities said.
The crash occurred shortly before 2:15 p.m. on a private railroad crossing just off Los Angeles Avenue, said Ventura County Sheriff's Capt. Mike McConville.
Metrolink train 118 was enroute to Union Station in Los Angeles, said Sabrina Davis, a Metrolink spokesperson. The train was carrying around 17 passengers with only one complaining of pain following the collision, said sheriff's detective Jon Nungester.
The semi was a double trailer truck carrying lemons and reportedly caught fire after the collision, authorities said.
The train tracks between Camarillo and Moorpark were shut down during the incident, according to a post from Metrolink Ventura County Line.
At the scene around 3:30 p.m., the truck's engine compartment was wedged under the front of the train on the tracks. The engine compartment had been sheered off from the rest of the cab by the force of the impact.
The Metrolink train with six cars total sat on the tracks. It had not derailed, officials said.
About a dozen emergency vehicles were parked on a nearby dirt road, leading to an orchard. Personnel from the Ventura County sheriff's office and fire department as well as officials from Metrolink and other agencies were on hand for the crash.
A group of passengers stood in the shade of a fire engine, waiting for a bus to take them to the Moorpark Metrolink station.
Mario Orozco, 19, was riding the train from his home in Oxnard to visit friends in Northridge when the crash occurred. He had hopped on the bus to the station and stood in the shade, charging his phone and trying to decide if he should take a rideshare credit offered by Metrolink or wait for the next train.
Orozco was in the train’s second car when it struck the truck and said he felt a jolt. From his seat on the left-hand side of the eastbound train, he saw a cloud of black smoke.
“There was fire, immediately fire,” he said.
The blaze was hot enough to feel through the train windows.
“I felt my arm burning, so I just jumped into the aisle,” Orozco said.
The train came to a stop. Orozco said he was unhurt. He smelled smoke and motor oil. The front of the semi truck ripped off, he said, leaving the rest of the cab behind.
The incident prompted roads closures in both directions from West Los Angeles Avenue between Gabbert Road and Montair Drive, officials said.
Just hours before, Metrolink train 114 struck a person at a railroad crossing between the Northridge and Van Nuys stations, said Davis. The crash at 12:45 p.m. required the person to be transported to a local hospital in stable condition.
The June 25 crash in Moorpark comes nearly two years to the day of another Amtrak train crash with about 200 people aboard. The train struck a Ventura County water truck in rural Moorpark June 28, 2023, derailing several cars and sending about 16 people to local hospitals.
Isaiah Murtaugh covers Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Camarillo for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at [email protected] or 805-437-0236 and follow him on Twitter @isaiahembee.
Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at [email protected].
Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation announces the addition of three esteemed professionals to its Board of Directors.Stacy Swanson, CFRELouie ValenzuelaCabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC), the largest developer of affordable homes in Ventura County, is thrilled to announce the addition of three esteemed professionals to its Board of Directors: Stacy Swanson, CFRE, Louie Valenzuela, and Alicia Morales.Stacy Swanson, CFRE, serves as the Chief Development Officer for Interface Children &a...
Stacy Swanson, CFRE
Louie Valenzuela
Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC), the largest developer of affordable homes in Ventura County, is thrilled to announce the addition of three esteemed professionals to its Board of Directors: Stacy Swanson, CFRE, Louie Valenzuela, and Alicia Morales.
Stacy Swanson, CFRE, serves as the Chief Development Officer for Interface Children & Family Services, bringing over 15 years of experience in fundraising, nonprofit management, and strategic planning. Swanson is responsible for philanthropic and resource development, and she oversees all marketing activities to drive support for Interface’s six core program areas. As a resident of Ventura County for over 30 years, she has collaborated extensively with Cabrillo EDC and other nonprofit organizations, witnessing firsthand the challenges of creating and sustaining affordable housing in the community.
Louie Valenzuela is the Chief Operations Officer at Associated Building Supply, Inc., with a robust background in agriculture and construction, complemented by nonprofit board experience. Valenzuela’s prior experience includes filling the roles of Vice President of Production for Reiter Berry Farms and District Controller for Reiter Affiliated Companies. Valenzuela has an extensive background in agriculture and holds a Master of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics from U.C. Davis. He is eager to share his expertise to support affordable housing for low-income families and farmworkers.
Alicia Morales began working in housing and services as Clinical Director at the Salvation Army in Ventura and currently works as a Management Analyst supporting homelessness programs and leading the Ventura County Continuum of Care (CoC) Veteran One Team committee to end veteran homelessness. She is a licensed clinical social worker and has over nine years of experience managing key programs and grants. Morales holds a master’s in Forensic Social Work from Cal State LA and a bachelor’s in Psychology from Cal State Channel Islands. Her extensive experience in housing programs, grant management, and homelessness prevention offers a unique and valuable perspective as a Cabrillo EDC board member.
“We are thrilled to have Stacy Swanson, Louie Valenzuela, and Alicia Morales on the Cabrillo EDC Board of Directors,” said Victoria Brady, CEO of Cabrillo EDC. “I am confident that our new members will provide exceptional insight and knowledge that will further Cabrillo EDC’s mission to provide sustainable, affordable housing solutions and support to residents.”
Cabrillo EDC believes the new board members’ diverse expertise and passion for community development will be invaluable in advancing Cabrillo EDC’s mission of providing high-quality, affordable housing and supportive services. Their leadership and insights will help strengthen Cabrillo EDC’s efforts to create thriving, inclusive communities for those in need.
CEDC is the largest developer of affordable homes in Ventura County. Cabrillo’s success is the result of decades of passion, dedication and vision. With a mission of providing comprehensive housing services and community economic development activities, Cabrillo facilitates self-sufficiency for individuals and families who are most lacking in opportunity. Since its founding in 1981, the organization has been committed to providing affordable housing solutions and creating sustainable communities for those in need. CEDC works with a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and community organizations, to address the housing needs of underserved populations.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Indigenous gathering welcomes public May 31-June 1 at Oxnard CollegeThe County of Ventura's logo appears on our powwow flier for the first time in the 31 year history of the gathering, and the significance runs deep.There are three counties I am aware of in southern California that chose not to recognize indigenous people and nations in their formation. In the case of Ventura County, that decision was made over 150 years ago....
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
The County of Ventura's logo appears on our powwow flier for the first time in the 31 year history of the gathering, and the significance runs deep.
There are three counties I am aware of in southern California that chose not to recognize indigenous people and nations in their formation. In the case of Ventura County, that decision was made over 150 years ago.* That act had sweeping, generational negative impact, as I am sure it was intended to.
It made the people of the land invisible and invalid. It stripped their connection to place, and to themselves. Its impacts were far-reaching, and can be felt today. Regrouping as a nation after centuries of active annihilation, both physical and spiritual, has been difficult...and for some, impossible.
In my lifetime leaders have emerged who helped illuminate the way for reparation. Sometimes they were recognized as leaders. Sometimes they faced a lack of support from their own people. Sometimes both. But they chipped away at fears, at business as usual, at symbology, at things that sometimes didn't seem important. They kept the pressure on to be recognized as native people on their own land. It took a toll on their physical bodies. But they never quit.
The first Redbird powwow was held in 1994 in Moorpark, 31 years ago. The 2025 powwow is our twenty third gathering. All but one of them happened in Ventura County. This is the first time the powwow (and blanket drive, and another gathering as of yet undetermined) has been recognized by the County of Ventura. Whose logo no longer includes the presence of missions. (Ironically, the very special Channel Islands which the logo now embodies is presently under threat by an Executive Order).
This (recognition by the County) has been slow in coming. This has been not always easy, and not necessarily embraced by everyone whom you might think would embrace it. The powwow culture itself came from other regions, and when it arrived in southern California, it wasn't always clear what local indigenous people spoke for the land, and if you found them, would the other local indigenous people recognize them as having the right to speak. But however awkward and uncomfortable, the genesis of recognition began within. Native people were the first ones to recognize that other native people were still maintaining a connection to their land. It began there.
What an honor it has been to be able to bring this gathering back (several times now). Redbird's powwow is a true community powwow, independent of sponsorship by an over-arching entity, but very much dependent on the support of individuals within the community, tribal nations, private foundations, governing bodies, the Ventura County Community College District. Independence is, in a sense, really a dependence on a greater matrix of community. And then once the weekend arrives, the powwow becomes an entity of its own. It is the energy that the people bring to it. It is born of that moment. It is a co-creation of those who gather.
May we all come to gather in a good and beautiful way.
* Regarding non-recognition of indigenous people and nations: Ventura was not alone in denying the existence of indigenous people. For Los Angeles County and Orange County, this occurred probably somewhere in the same time frame as Ventura. San Bernardino is a mix of recognition and non-recognition.
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?
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