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

Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Our communities, our power

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CENTRAL COAST — For nearly two years, immigrant communities across the Central Coast have faced kidnapping, family separation, and escalating violence at the hands of ICE. And now, as Californians begin to vote, ICE activity is surging – in an attempt to bring more fear and intimidation into our communities.

As of Tuesday afternoon, at least 32 of our neighbors in the region have been taken by ICE this week. Parents. Neighbors. Workers. Families torn apart.

But we are not powerless. We know how to respond. We know how to protect each other. We know how to organize. And we know that information is power.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — The Tragedy of Linguistic Decay

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At times I scan newsworthy social media notifications that appear on my phone. One thing has become abundantly clear to me: the posts I see are a window into the linguistic decay that has been settling into our American culture.

I am struck by the paucity of commentary that is written well. The overwhelming majority of the posts offer a glimpse into the atrocious grammar and spelling that are a regular feature of our national discourse. This widespread deterioration of the English language, by which we communicate with each other, raises a seriously unsettling question about our society: why have we allowed ourselves to embrace and normalize this consistently sloppy writing?

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Local, News

Teatro de las Américas — Heard the buzz about Teatro De Las Americas’s production of Diego Rivera: His Story – A One Night Theatrical Event performed by Herbert Siguenza? (Oct. 10)

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Sat. October 10th 2026, 7:00 pm

Have you heard the buzz about Teatro De Las Americas’s spectacular production of Diego Rivera: His Story – A One?Night Theatrical Event performed by Herbert Siguenza? It’s an event you absolutely can’t miss! Secure your seat today by grabbing your tickets online. Join us for an unforgettable experience!

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

LEAP Names Juan Pimentel Chief Operating Officer and celebrates his 20 years of service

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GOLETA — LEAP celebrates Juan Pimentel’s 20 years of service and his new title as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner., recognizing his longstanding leadership and commitment to children, families and community.

Pimentel joined LEAP, then Isla Vista Youth Projects, in 2006 at age 19 as a Work-Study student attending the University of California, Santa Barbara, serving as a group leader in its after-school program.

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Business, Family, Health, Home, Local, News, Youth

Santa Barbara County local businesses raise 15,079 diapers for Diaper Bank

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GOLETA — This September, businesses, organizations, and community members across Santa Barbara County came together to collect more than 15,000 diapers for local families through LEAP’s annual Diaper Need Awareness campaign.

One in two U.S. families with young children struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their babies clean, according to The NDBN Diaper Check 2026: Diaper Insecurity among U.S. Children and Families. This lack of a sufficient supply of diapers is known as diaper need. Families experiencing diaper need report making difficult tradeoffs, including skipping meals, delaying rent or mortgage payments, or falling behind on other bills to afford diapers.

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

Ventura Music Festival — Last Call for Tea! Just 23 Tickets Remain. More upcoming events

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23 seats left for scones, sandwiches, and lively brass at the historic Pierpont Inn – get yours now, because these won’t last the weekend!

Some traditions are worth dressing up for. Picture it: a sunny Sunday afternoon at the historic Pierpont Inn. A pot of tea at your table. Warm scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and a tempting tower of pastries. And then, the trumpets. Tea & Trumpets is one of those VMF experiences that, once you’ve been, you make sure you don’t miss. It’s civilized and joyful in equal measure, and this Sunday, it opens our 2026 Fall Series. There are just 33 tickets left. Once they’re gone, they’re gone, so grab your seat before someone else gets your scone!

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

TOArts expands National Geographic Live 2026–27 season beyond the stage

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THOUSAND OAKS — TOArts is bringing National Geographic Live back to the Bank of America Performing Arts Center for the 2026–27 season, with four acclaimed explorers whose work spans wildlife filmmaking, ecology, photography and the science of sound. This year, with support from Bank of America, TOArts is adding on to the on the onstage experience with creative programming and expanded student access designed to bring audiences even closer to the ideas, stories and people behind each presentation.

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

Bilingual report — CenCal Health launches member navigation hub to help at-risk residents keep Medi-Cal coverage

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SANTA BARBARA — In response to Medi-Cal eligibility, enrollment and renewal changes affecting an estimated 44,000 local residents, CenCal Health and a coalition of community partners have launched Central Coast Coverage, a regional member navigation hub that helps eligible individuals keep their health coverage and avoid disruptions in care.

Supported by a $2 million investment from CenCal Health – the region’s Medi-Cal health plan serving more than 220,000 members in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties – the new resource connects residents with navigation assistance, resource guides, and information about Medi-Cal. 

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Commentary, Cultural, Family, Finance, Local, News

Museum of Ventura County — October 8 is DAF Day

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Thursday is DAF Day—a national day encouraging donors to put their Donor Advised Funds to work for the organizations and causes they care about most.

If preserving Ventura County’s stories, celebrating its art and culture, and creating opportunities for our community to learn from the people and places that shaped our region are important to you, we invite you to consider making a gift to the Museum of Ventura County through your Donor Advised Fund (DAF).

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, En español, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — County of Ventura highlights winter storm preparations, encourages residents to get ready now

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VENTURA — On Tuesday, October 6, the Board of Supervisors heard a report on the County’s inter-agency efforts to prepare for a potentially strong El Niño storm season. Staff from the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, Fire Department, Public Works Agency, and the County’s Public Information Office shared updates on work already underway to help ensure the community is storm ready ahead of a potentially wetter winter.

Pre-season efforts are focused on reducing risk and ensuring the County is ready to respond quickly if significant storms impact local communities. Preparations include inspecting and maintaining flood-control infrastructure, clearing drainage systems and debris basins, preparing swift water rescue resources, and coordinating emergency response plans for areas at higher risk of flooding and debris flows. The County’s Public Works Agency has already removed more than 235,000 cubic yards of material from detention basins and waterways in preparation for the winter storm season.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Events, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors

Friendship Center Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — Special Edition Friendly Finch: 50th Anniversary October 2026

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We did it!

After months (well, years) of planning, our 50th Anniversary Weekend has officially come and gone, and we are all still buzzing.

There are a few things in my life that I am really, really proud of. Most of them have something to do with Friendship Center. One involves successfully teaching my pug to use a doggy door independently. But hosting our inaugural Dementia Care Conference alongside my teammate Shyra Jain, surrounded by some of the most remarkable people I’ve had the privilege of learning from and working alongside, followed the very next day by a Family Reunion filled with people who have been part of Friendship Center’s fifty-year story…that one is going to be hard to top.

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Business, Education, Entertainment, Food, Local, News, Youth

Santa Barbara City College announces the reopening of the JSB Café

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is excited to announce that the JSB Café is now open and ready to serve students, faculty, staff, and members of the community. The cafe will once again serve as both a restaurant and a training ground for students in SBCC’s School of Culinary Arts with direction from Chef Roberto Lopez Carrillo.

“It is with great joy that we announce the reopening of the JSB Café for our campuses and the community-at-large,” shared SBCC Superintendent/President Dr. Erika Endrijonas. “The reopening marks another milestone for SBCC in the recovery from COVID-19 and adding another community resource at our Cliff Campus. Thank you to the amazing Chef Carrillo and culinary students.”

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Business, Commentary, Education, Finance, Home, Local, News, Women

Santa Barbara Fiduciary launches Presidio Private to help families prepare for the “What Ifs”

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“People are usually pretty good at planning for the life they expect to have,” Tull said. “It’s the things we haven’t thought through that can leave families scrambling. I want to help people think about those situations before they happen, rather than trying to sort everything out in the middle of a crisis.”

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

Ventura Harbor Village invites families, furry friends and witches to celebrate Halloween By the Sea

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VENTURA  — Halloween gets a coastal twist this October as Ventura Harbor Village welcomes families, witches, zombies, four-legged companions and Halloween enthusiasts to celebrate Fall with a festive lineup of Seaside Halloween happenings.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Ventura Harbor, this year’s Halloween festivities feature a dog costume contest, family-friendly trick-or-treating, Halloween entertainment and activities, and the colorful spectacle of costumed witches and warlocks paddling across the harbor. Visitors can also enjoy waterfront dining, shopping, harbor views and attractions throughout Ventura Harbor Village.

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

Museum of Ventura County — You’re invited to the opening reception – Jungleland, USA

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Jungleland, USA celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the legendary tourist attraction that put Thousand Oaks on the map. Jungleland was home to animal stars of the silver screen like Tamba the Chimp and Leo the MGM Lion, and featured animal trainer Mabel Stark.

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Business, Family, Health, Local, News, Women

Dr. Adrian Hill Joins Cottage Primary Care–Goleta

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SANTA BARBARA — Dr. Adrian Hill, a primary care physician specializing in internal medicine, has joined Cottage Primary Care – Goleta, where she practices alongside Drs. Daniel Crossman, Amir Jalilian, Casey Whipple and Jayson Wright.

A Santa Barbara native, Dr. Hill is grateful for the opportunity to continue caring for patients in the community that shaped her.

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Government, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — New live webcam offers real-time views of historic Ventura Pier and coastline

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VENTURA — A new live webcam overlooking the historic Ventura Pier and City beach is giving residents, visitors, and viewers around the world a real-time look at one of Ventura’s most treasured landmarks. The launch comes just in time to celebrate the 154th anniversary of the original Ventura Wharf, completed on October 5, 1872. Today, the Ventura Pier is the oldest pier in California.

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Commentary, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Youth

UCSB — The Current — ‘Luis J. Rodriguez Papers at UCSB Library document life and work of the renowned author and activist’ and more news, events

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Now open for research, the collection provides scholars, students and community members with a rich resource for studying Chicano literature, grassroots activism and social movements.

Read more about the Luis J. Rodriguez Papers

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Last chance: Tell CEC what matters to you. Upcoming events

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There’s still time to share your perspective with CEC — but our community survey is closing soon!

We’re asking Central Coast residents to share how they want to hear from CEC and what would make it easier to connect with the climate action work happening in our communities. Your feedback will help us better understand how to reach more people and create accessible pathways to get involved.

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Business, Commentary, Family, Finance, Local, News

Sponsors Wanted For National Philanthropy Day Celebration, Nov. 12

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SANTA BARBARA — Once a year, nonprofits come together to celebrate the people and institutions that give generously to the local community. This year’s National Philanthropy Day celebration will be held November 12 at the Rincon Beach Club in Carpinteria, and organizers are seeking sponsors.

The event is hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter (AFP), an organization that brings together those in the fundraising and nonprofit fields.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Allan Hancock College hosted Career Exploration Day for high school and college students

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College invited 1,300 local high school and college students to its Santa Maria campus Oct. 2 for the college’s annual?Career?Exploration?Day.

The in-person event provided participating students with the opportunity to explore potential career paths and learn more about the college’s academic and career technical education programs. 

“Career Exploration Day helps students see what’s possible beyond the classroom,” said Hancock Career Counselor David Hernandez. “By talking directly with employers and industry professionals, students can discover careers, companies and opportunities they may not have known were out there.”

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

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. celebrates 45 years of bringing community home

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“Over forty-five years ago, a group of farmworker families worked together to protect their homes, and everything we have built since carries that same spirit forward,” said Victoria Brady, Chief Executive Officer of Cabrillo EDC. “This milestone belongs to the residents who have trusted us, the staff who have dedicated their careers to this mission, and the partners and supporters who have stood beside us through decades of growth. We are proud of how far we have come, and just as excited about what the next 45 years will bring.”

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Opinion, Public Safety, Technology

Bilingual commentary — The Impressive Tesla Safety Record

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Let me start by saying that I am not receiving any compensation from Tesla Corp. for this article. Nor am I trying to promote the make or model of any car. 

I am simply writing as someone who has driven cars for over 60 years. Over just the past year, I have had the opportunity to drive an electric vehicle (EV)—specifically, a Tesla. 

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Women, Youth

CSUCI doctoral student Liliana Manriquez Loza receives CSU’s highest student honor

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Manriquez Loza is one of 22 students across the CSU selected for the annual award, which recognizes superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service and financial need. She was honored as the CSU Foundation Board Member Ron and Mitzi Barhorst Scholar during the CSU Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 22.

A first-generation college student, Manriquez Loza is pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Equity and Justice at CSUCI, where she maintains a 3.9 GPA. Her academic and professional work reflects a longstanding commitment to empowering Indigenous communities and improving educational opportunities for historically underserved students and families.

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Education, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

Ventura County Office of Education wins Golden Bell Award

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VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) has received the prestigious Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association (CSBA) for its innovative approaches to alternative education that are helping students overcome significant barriers to graduation and success after high school.

VCOE’s Alternative Education program received the award for its submission “From Incarceration & Expulsion to Graduation, College & Workforce: Sustaining an Impactful Whole Child Ecosystem in Court & Community Schools.” The program serves students in grades 6–12, including expelled students, justice-involved youth, and students facing significant academic, behavioral, and social-emotional challenges. It operates Gateway Community School in Camarillo and Providence School at the Ventura County Juvenile Facility in Oxnard.

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