October 2026

Dear Community Members,

Scroll down to view the latest news from our agency, including an important reminder about changes to CalFresh eligibility and work requirements; safety tips to help you prepare for this year's El Niño; free community resources; upcoming events; and more!

Are You at Risk of Losing Your CalFresh Benefits?


The federal government has expanded CalFresh work requirements to include a broader age range and fewer exemptions. Use this online pre-screening tool to help determine if you’re at risk of losing your CalFresh benefits.

Visit our website for more information regarding recent federal changes to CalFresh eligibility and work requirements.

El Niño is Coming ...

California has already begun bracing for what could be the strongest El Niño on record. While no one is certain exactly what this year's El Niño will bring, we should prepare for severe winter storms and flooding across the state — which may cause road closures, power outages, damage to homes and businesses, and fast-changing conditions that leave little time to react. 

Governor Newsom has already declared a state of emergency in anticipation of extreme weather in the coming months. The declaration directs state agencies to begin protecting vulnerable communities, preparing roads and critical infrastructure, staging emergency supplies, and helping local partners reduce flood, landslide and coastal risks. 

Here are some tips and reminders to help you prepare:

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Celebrated every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), recognizes the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce. Its origin dates back to 1945, when Congress designated the first week of October as "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "Physically" was removed to acknowledge people with with all types of disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other non-visible disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to "National Disability Employment Awareness Month."

The 2026 NDEAM theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent.” In honor of America's 250th birthday, the U.S. Department of Labor is highlighting the role people with disabilities have played throughout our history and the skills, expertise, and perspectives they bring to workplaces today.

Did You Know? Professional Empowerment and Employment Resources (PEER) Up is a program from The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County designed specifically for job seekers with disabilities. Whether you’re looking to gain hands-on experience, boost your confidence, or work with employers who truly value your strengths — PEER Up is here to help. Learn more now.

Today and every day, we recognize and celebrate the diversity, history, traditions and contributions of all Indigenous peoples. Many of our team members are part of the Mixteco and Zapoteco Indigenous communities, as are many local farmworkers. Pictured above are team members from our Farmworker Resource Program: Flavio Reyes, Fatima Peña-Galindo, Espy Gonzalez, Israel Vasquez-Nicolas and Esperanza Ramirez Reyes.

Get Ready to ShakeOut!

This year’s Great ShakeOut earthquake drill will take place Thursday, Oct. 15, at 10:15 a.m. local time. Wherever you are during the drill — at home, at work, or in your car — make sure you know how to protect yourself when an earthquake strikes and practice with us!

The Great ShakeOut is an annual event that helps people around the world prepare for and stay safe during earthquakes. Register now to participate and have peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones will be better prepared to survive and recover quickly from the next damaging earthquake.

While disasters are top of mind, also make sure to sign up for VC Alert — the county's emergency notification system — to receive emergency alerts by phone, text and/or email.

VCAAA's HICAP Available to Help with Medicare Open Enrollment


With the Medicare Open Enrollment period starting soon, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) — part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) — will again provide countywide resources and help to community members.

Medicare Open Enrollment begins Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. HICAP counselors, who are registered by the California Department of Aging, are available to provide free, unbiased Medicare counseling.

From Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, HICAP counselors will host 35 One-Stop events at 14 different sites around the county to provide individual counseling sessions. If you're interested in a one-on-one appointment, please register online as soon as possible, as appointments fill up quickly.

Presentations on "2027 Medicare Changes" will be held between Oct. 5-15 at 13 different sites around the county. You are encouraged to register online to attend these presentations.

Both the individual appointments and presentations are free to attend. For more information, call the VCAAA at 805-477-7300.

VCAAA Advisory Council Seeks Veterans' Representative

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Advisory Council has an opening for a veterans’ representative. The Advisory Council is a volunteer-based body of advocates who share a mission to create and sustain programs that positively impact the lives of older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers in Ventura County.

Applications for the veterans’ representative must be received by Nov. 1.

There are additional openings for city representatives. Each city in Ventura County appoints two individuals to the Advisory Council. The following cities currently have vacancies: Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai and Oxnard.

For more information about the Advisory Council and to access instructions for applying, visit VCAAA.VenturaCounty.gov/ACvacancy.  

Are You in Need of Housing Support?

Our Homeless Services Program offers individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness information and referrals to available resources in the county. The program also offers rental assistance to community members who meet certain eligibility criteria.



Call 805-385-1800 or visit our website for details.

For more news, visit our website: HSA.VenturaCounty.gov