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

7 things to do on a Summer getaway in Lompoc

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LOMPOC — If your ideal summer getaway includes scenic beaches, local wine, outdoor adventure, and a slower pace, Lompoc deserves a spot on your Central 

Coast itinerary.  Located along California’s scenic Highway 1 corridor, Lompoc offers a refreshing mix of laid-back charm and unforgettable experiences.

One day you can hike through California history, the next you can sip Pinot Noir, watch a rocket launch, or relax at the beach with a famous burger in hand.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a full summer road trip, here are seven great ways to experience Lompoc this season.

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

UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Free Summer Cinema: Mixtapes & Misfits July 10 through Aug. 28

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Friday Nights Under the Stars at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden
July 10 – August 28 | 8:30 PM
(No screening on Friday, August 7 due to Fiesta)
UCSB Arts & Lectures and the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture present the 2026 FREE Summer Cinema lineup: “Mixtapes & Misfits,” seven films powered by iconic music, big emotions and unforgettable characters who refuse to fit the mold. Screenings take place Friday evenings at 8:30 p.m. from July 10 through August 28, under the stars at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden (no film on Friday, August 7 due to Fiesta).
This year’s lineup includes: Pretty in Pink, Say Anything…, La Bamba, Rushmore, Love & Basketball, Napoleon Dynamite and Hairspray. Begun in 2010, this collaboration between Arts & Lectures and the County Office of Arts & Culture has become a cherished Santa Barbara summertime tradition.

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Business, Education, Family, Health, Local, News, Youth

June 8 — $200,000 grant keeps mental health services in Santa Barbara schools

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SANTA BARBARA — Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County has received a $200,000 grant from the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara to fund its school-based mental health program over the 2026- 27 and 2027-28 academic years. The two-year gap funding will enable FSA to continue to provide mental health screenings, crisis response, and counseling for local students.

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Business, Education, Events, Family, Local, News, Youth

Santa Barbara Education Foundation announces Summer Music Camps

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SANTA BARBARA — As a child, Stephen Hughes took an Orff class at a local music school, where he fell in love with music. This inspired him to take piano lessons and later join the band and choir throughout his school years.

“In school or out, I’ve been involved in music ever since,” Hughes said.
Today, Hughes directs the Nick Rail Summer Band Camp, one of the Santa Barbara Education Foundation’s signature summer programs (SBEF). Over the years, he has watched students grow not only as musicians, but also as teammates, leaders, and friends.

“Not only do they learn a lot and keep their musicianship going into the summer, but students come back for years, wear their band camp shirts all throughout the school year, and talk about experiences from the camp with me in school,” Hughes shared.

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Business, Educación, Education, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

City of Ventura seeking applicants for Boards, Commissions, and Committees

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura is seeking residents interested in making a difference in their community to apply for vacancies on several boards, commissions, and committees that play a vital role in shaping the city’s future.

Residents have the opportunity to help influence local programs, policies, and services by serving on advisory bodies, including:

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Cultural, En español, Family, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Shelter announces 3rd Annual California Adopt-A-Pet Day on June 6

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VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is participating in the 3rd Annual California Adopt-A-Pet Day on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, from 1:00pm – 6:00pm at the Camarillo and Simi Valley Animal Shelters.  This is a statewide adoption event with over 150 participating shelters.

The goal of the event is to adopt out as many animals into loving homes as possible.  To help remove adoption barriers, VCAS is waiving all adoption fees!

Last year VCAS adopted out a record 60 animals during this statewide event, and they hope to break this record as VCAS remains overcapacity.

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

Museum of Ventura County — Two New Exhibits Open June 5

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Parallel Histories: Ventura County during the US Revolution
As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Parallel Histories explores what was unfolding at the same time in Ventura County. While British colonialism and the Revolutionary War reshaped the East Coast, California, not yet part of the United States, was being transformed by Spain.
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Patriotic Threads: Textiles, Tapestries, & T-Shirts
Patriotic Threads explores how textiles have long served as powerful expressions of national identity. Through handcrafted works, the exhibit reveals how textiles and design embody patriotism and collective memory.
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Education, Events, Family, Local, News, Public Safety, Youth

Free Water Safety Classes At the Yarrow Family YMCA June and July

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — June, July, and August are the peak months for childhood drownings, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Yarrow Family YMCA branch of the Southeast Ventura YMCA is hosting free water-safety classes for ages 5 through 12 with little or no water experience.

YMCA’s Safety Around Water (SAW) program offers multiple sessions. The 12-class session runs from June 29 through July 16. Classes take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Two-week sessions of eight classes each are from June 8 through June 17 and from June 22 through July 2, with a number of afternoon class times available.

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Public Safety

Ventura County Fire Dept. places Truck 29 into service for the Santa Clara River Valley

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THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department announced today that Truck 29 has officially been placed into service, enhancing fire protection and technical rescue capabilities for the Santa Clara River Valley and the entire county.

Truck 29 is a new 100-foot tractor-drawn aerial apparatus manufactured by Rosenbauer and equipped with specialized tools and equipment designed to support highly technical rescue operations and structure fire response throughout the region.

Until the completion of the new Fire Station 29 in Santa Paula, Truck 29 will temporarily operate out of Fire Station 27 in Fillmore.

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Business, Education, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — oin us June 5 — Preparing Santa Barbara’s Coastline for Climate Change

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How do we protect Santa Barbara’s beloved coastline amid rising seas and a changing climate?

Next week, join us for June’s Climate Fridays Santa Barbara to hear directly from local leaders working toward climate and coastal resilience. Melissa Hetrick, the City of Santa Barbara’s adaptation and resilience manager, will share updates on the Waterfront Adaptation Plan.

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Business, Cultural, En español, Local, News

Bilingual report — Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — We Are Full of Gratitude! Arte del Pueblo Capacity Reached

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Dear Artists Community,

We are overwhelmed with gratitude, this year we reached maximum capacity on the very first day of drop off, May 26th. This is a true testament to the incredible talent and enthusiasm within our community, and we could not be more grateful.

As of May 27th, we are no longer accepting any additional submissions.

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Business, Commentary, Education, Local, News, Youth

Ventura County Business Women announces June 2026 events

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VENTURA — Ventura County Business Women (VCBW), the county’s fastest-growing professional women’s network with over 6,600 members, announces its June 2026 event lineup designed to support women entrepreneurs through authentic connection, strategic collaboration, and personal empowerment.

With a diverse range of in-person and virtual opportunities, June’s calendar offers businesswomen across Ventura County multiple touchpoints for networking, skill development and community building—from signature morning networking events and a brand-new pop-up gathering in Ojai to an expert panel experience.

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Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Entertainment, Events, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — Mestizo Folklórico Dance Company presents Fiesta Folklórica at Oxnard College on May 30, 31

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OXNARD — The Mestizo Folklórico Dance Company presents Fiesta Folklórica, marking its 45th anniversary with two shows at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building, located at 4000 S. Rose Avenue.

The performances will take place on Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, May 31 at 4:30 pm.

For information on advanced online ticket sales, please visit: https://oxnard.vbotickets.com/event/mestizo_dance_company_presents_fiesta_folkl%C3%B3rica/192913, or you can scan the QR code or click on the link on the poster.

Tickets will also be available at the door one hour before each show.

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Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education

Bilingual commentary — The Higher Education-Industry Gap

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Throughout my teaching career at a local community college, my colleagues and I correctly assumed that we could teach foundational knowledge and send our students into a stable job market. However, after I retired, two things happened that ruthlessly upset the apple cart: COVID wreaked its havoc, and the explosive launch of the generative chatbot ChatGPT shocked the world by offering practical artificial intelligence to the masses. 

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Business, Cultural, En español, familia, Family, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Department partners with Parque 1055 Restaurant to host Tip-A-Cop for Special Olympics on May 29

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SANTA PAULA — On Friday, May 29, 2026, from 5-8 p.m., the men and women of the Santa Paula Police Department will be serving meals with the staff at Parque 1055 Restaurant at its Tip-A-Cop event, benefitting Special Olympics. Police Department officers and professional staff will be volunteering their time to earn tips that support local Special Olympics athletes. Proceeds collected will be donated to Special Olympics.

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Local

Bilingual report — Local bird tests positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) has received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that a bird collected on May 12th, 2026, from the city of Ventura has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected. This is the first detection of WNV activity this year in Ventura County. Ventura County Public Health confirms that no human cases have been identified to date in 2026.

The Division monitors and controls mosquito breeding sources throughout Ventura County. All mosquito breeding sources in the area where the bird was collected will be inspected and treated if evidence of mosquito breeding is observed.

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

Pismo Beach Five Cities Rotary Club donates over $13,000 to give Judkins Middle School 8th Graders a graduation send-off

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PISMO BEACH  — The Rotary Club of Pismo Beach Five Cities has donated more than $13,000 to Judkins Middle School to give its graduating eighth graders the celebration they deserve. On Monday, May 26th, the Class of 2026 will enjoy an exclusive, full-day outing at Boomers— courtesy of the club’s year-long fundraising efforts and the community’s generous support.

The gift comes after budget constraints forced the cancellation of what had long been a beloved end-of-year tradition: a class trip to Magic Mountain. With that milestone gone, eighth graders faced graduating without any special send-off. The Rotary Club decided to change that.

“Every kid deserves to be celebrated as they make this big leap to high school,” said Jenny Dierck, a parent and club member involved in organizing the event. “We’ve been working hard all year to make this happen, and we couldn’t be more excited to give these students a day they’ll always remember.”

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Cultural, Education, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College celebrates graduates at 2026 commencement ceremony

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the achievements of 1,196?graduating students at the college’s 105th?commencement?ceremony. 

“No matter what path brought you to this moment, you should be proud of what you have accomplished,” Hancock Board of Trustees President Hilda Zacarias said to the more than 600 graduates who participated in the May 22 ceremony, which took place on the college’s athletics field at its Santa Maria campus. “Wherever your path leads, know that you leave here with knowledge, experience, confidence, and the ability to create opportunity for yourselves and for others.” 

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, Finance, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Get the capital you need to move your business forward

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Designed to pair you with the financial expertise and right amount of capital you need to move your business forward, the Economic Development Collaborative works with more than 30 professional advisors and a full-time loan fund director, available to local businesses at no cost.
The EDC’s Business Development Loan Fund stimulates job creation and economic activity by providing small businesses with greater access to capital and specialized technical business assistance. The fund is open to businesses in all industry sectors and is supported by funds from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the cities and County of Ventura, and private capital. This loan fund makes available long-term, affordable financing to new and existing businesses throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara County.

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

Community Colleges of Ventura proudly celebrates more than 5,000 graduates during 2026 commencement ceremonies

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CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) this week celebrated the achievements of more than 5,000 graduates during commencement ceremonies held across its three colleges: Moorpark College, Oxnard College and Ventura College on May 20, May 21 and May 22.  

The Class of 2026 earned a collective 4,768 certificates and 8,237 degrees, reflecting thousands of hours of academic study, hands-on training, internships, clinical experience and workforce preparation. Graduates will continue serving communities throughout Ventura County as educators, healthcare professionals, first responders, skilled technical workers, business leaders and community advocates. 
 
This year’s graduates represent the diversity, resilience and ambition of Ventura County. Many balanced academics with jobs, family responsibilities and community leadership while pursuing certificates and degrees designed to open doors to transfer opportunities and high-demand careers. 

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Business, Education, Family, Home, Local, News

My Way Home — Smart Shopping Starts Here: Couponing Webinar

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Looking to stretch your budget a little further? Join us for this beginner-friendly workshop where you’ll learn simple, realistic ways to save on groceries and household items. We’ll cover couponing basics, where to find coupons, how to stack coupons with sales, smart strategies to maximize your savings and more! Perfect for individuals and families ready to make the most of every dollar!

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Foundation awards $725,000 at annual scholarship ceremony

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SANTA MARIA — Hundreds of students and donors gathered at the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium on May 21 to celebrate the Allan Hancock College Foundation’s annual?scholarship?awards. 

This year, 409 students received 578?scholarships totaling $725,000— the most awarded in the foundation’s 49-year history, and a 20 percent increase over the previous year. 

“Scholarships do more than help students pay for college. They create opportunities, remove barriers, and remind students that their community believes in their potential,” said Jon Hooten, Ph.D., executive director of college advancement and the Allan Hancock College Foundation. “It’s inspiring to see so many students recognized for their dedication, perseverance, and academic success.” 

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Business, Cultural, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety

Bilingual report — Roadway improvements planned for State Route 34 for enhanced traffic safety

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SOMIS — AMCAL Multi-Housing, Inc. in partnership with the County of Ventura will be performing off-Site roadway improvements to the recently completed Somis Ranch Apartments to enhance safety for future residents, as well as the general public. As previously announced on the April 2d press release, the project will include construction of two new bus stops, new right- and left-turn lanes, a new traffic signal at the entrance to the housing development, roadway widening, drainage upgrades, updated signage and striping, and the addition of a bike lane. These improvements are designed to enhance safety and accessibility for residents and the traveling public along SR-34.

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