Looking to the Future of Housing

By Pattie Braga | December 24, 2025 |

Sacheen Swan, Civil Law Clerk, County of Ventura – County Counsel   “The future is the result of our collective intention now.” ~ Nicholas Deitch, Architect, RRM Design Group Last Friday Ventura County Leadership Academy Cohort XXXI had our fourth session covering issues of housing and homelessness in Ventura County. The high cost of housing and…

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First 5 Names VCLA Alum as Executive Director

By Gwyn Vanoni | December 23, 2025 |

The First 5 Ventura County Commission recently appointed Lauren Arzu (VCLA Cohort XXIV) as the organization’s new Executive Director. Arzu joined F5VC in 2017 as a Program Manager, worked diligently on the Census project, and was promoted to Director of Human Resources & Operations in 2020. She also serves on CLU’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership…

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Beyond the Fleece

By Pattie Braga | December 23, 2025 |

Roshin Mathew, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Ventura County Community Foundation I just wrapped my immersion day for the Ventura County Leadership Academy, a program that dares you to leave your lane and dive headfirst into the systems, people, and contradictions that shape this region. So naturally, I chose Patagonia: part outdoor brand, part climate crusader,…

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VCLA Alum Named Navy Base VC Executive Director

By Gwyn Vanoni | December 17, 2025

Jon Gathman (Cohort XXIV) was recently promoted to Naval Base Ventura County’s Executive Director. This new position continues duties focused on strategic planning for supporting Sailors and their missions, with the addition of leading and mentoring the installation’s senior leaders.  Jon is always on the lookout for creative and cost-effective ways that the installation can…

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