Author: Community Contributor

Bilingual report — Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara presents Ballet Nepantla: A Fusion of Ballet, Contemporary, and Mexican Folklórico May 16-18

by Community Contributor • April 24, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Join ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) for three free community performances by Ballet Nepantla.

Ballet Nepantla

THREE FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES

Friday, May 16 | 7 PM | Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Rd, Goleta

Saturday, May 17 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St, Guadalupe, CA

Sunday, May 18 | 6 PM | The Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E Cota St, Santa Barbara

Ballet Nepantla combines classic ballet and contemporary dance with traditional Mexican folklórico, creating a truly special production. Founders Andrea Guajardo and Martín Rodríguez envisioned a new form of expression that fused these two distinct dance traditions, creating an aesthetic that reflects the historical, cultural, and social realities of a broader narrative of being Mexican, Mexican American, immigrant, and trans-cultural.

Bilingual commentary — Young People vs. Boomers Using AI

by Community Contributor • April 24, 2025 • Comments Off

Recently I was helping my eldest grandson with some technical homework he had in his college class. I was flipping through the index of his massive reference book, the way I used to do it in my college days. Meanwhile, he nonchalantly typed in a few words to an app on his phone and rapidly found the answer to the question that we were seeking.

Boomer grandpa asked Generation-Z grandson how he did that. Without batting an eye, he informed me that he was using AI.

Join us outside the Santa Maria Strawberry Festival on April 27 – Justice Can’t Wait

by Community Contributor • April 23, 2025 • Comments Off

This May Day, we’re showing up loud and clear in solidarity with farmworkers at the Santa Maria Strawberry Festival, and we want you there with us.

While the festival celebrates strawberries, it leaves out the very people who make the harvest possible. Farmworkers power a multi-billion-dollar industry in California, yet they’re still fighting for wages they can live on.

This isn’t just about fairness – it’s about people power. And when we show up together, we shift what’s possible through our collective voice and power.

Port of Hueneme, shipping lines, corporate leaders receive awards

by Community Contributor • April 23, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — International industry leaders came together at Alta Sea at the Port of Los Angeles April 16 for the annual Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) Awards Ceremony, which recognized the top-performing shipping lines for the 2024 season and celebrated 10 seasons of the program.

The busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere offered a fitting place to recognize shipping industry leaders who move cargo all over the globe for their exemplary efforts in the most impactful BWBS season yet.

May at the Santa Paula Art Museum

by Community Contributor • April 23, 2025 • Comments Off

Premiere Party:

“Plein Air Visions”

Presented by the California Art Club

Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 Members, $10 Non-members

The prestigious California Art Club was established in 1909 by early California Impressionists to promote the practice of traditional fine arts in the fields of painting, drawing, and sculpture. “Plein Air Visions” will feature 35 contemporary plein air paintings by two dozen current CAC members. The group exhibition celebrates the immediacy and spontaneity of the plein air technique in capturing the ever-changing light, colors, and moods of the California landscape. All of the paintings will be available for purchase.

Samara Harris joins Reicker, Pfau, Pyle and McRoy

by Community Contributor • April 23, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Samara Harris, a corporate and real estate attorney with experience working on a variety of complex transactions, recently joined the premier, full-service law firm Reicker, Pfau, Pyle & McRoy.

Harris joined Reicker Pfau on March 17 as an associate in the firm’s Transactions Department. Her practice focuses primarily on mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions and general contract and corporate matters.

A graduate of the University of Southern California, Harris has represented a wide range of clients, including private equity funds, public companies, developers, individuals, and hotel companies in connection with complex real estate deals. These transactions have included the acquisition, disposition, financing, leasing, land banking and franchising of diverse real estate assets, such as multifamily and residential developments, student housing, mixed-use developments, retail centers, hotels and single-family homes.

CI Fiduciary Group celebrates 10th anniversary

by Community Contributor • April 23, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Channel Islands Fiduciary Group, a company that offers private, professional fiduciary services for elders and dependent adults, is celebrating 10 years in business.

Founded by Courtney DeSoto, J.D., CLPF, NCG, TEP, Channel Islands Fiduciary Group offers a comprehensive range of fiduciary services to support populations that include at-risk seniors, people who wish to age in their own homes, individuals suffering from mental and/or emotional challenges, those suffering from substance use disorder, adults vulnerable to exploitation or abuse, and isolated adults. DeSoto provides services as a successor trustee, executor and agent on a power of attorney for finances and/or healthcare. She also serves by court appointment in conservatorships and probate administration proceedings.

Bilingual reports — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — GRANT OPPORTUNITY for California Restaurants, Food Trucks and Caterers

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2025 • Comments Off

RESTAURANTS CARE RESILIENCE FUND

Restaurants Care, a nonprofit program of the California Restaurant Foundation, has awarded $7.3 million in grants to 1,603 independent restaurants across California—supporting burger joints, taquerias, bakeries and more. In 2025, Restaurants Care is offering two grant opportunities to help restaurants thrive: $10,000 grants for LA County restaurants and food trucks impacted by the 2025 LA Fires and $5,000 grants for restaurants and commercial caterers in select CA counties (including Ventura & Santa Barbara!) to build resilience. Restaurants Care was created in 2017 as a safety net for food and beverage workers. To learn more about their fund for food and beverage workers, click here.

Bilingual report — El Concilio Family Services — Celebrate the power of trees!

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2025 • Comments Off

This Arbor Day, let’s get planting! Whether you plant a tree, grow native plants, or start a community garden, every green effort helps create cleaner air, cooler neighborhoods, and thriving ecosystems.
Ready to make an impact?

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara celebrating Earth Day with Cole Sternberg

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2025 • Comments Off

“In 1969, the devastating images of a massive oil spill from an oil platform off Santa Barbara’s coast galvanized California into action and caught the attention of the rest of the nation, including Senator Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day, who visited Santa Barbara shortly after the spill. The resulting swell of outrage and concern gave rise to the first Earth Day in 1970” (and our colleagues at the Community Environmental Council).

Bilingual report — April news People’s Self-Health Housing

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2025 • Comments Off

In April we celebrate Fair Housing Month and rightly recognize the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This landmark legislature came just two years ahead of People’s Self-Help Housing’s incorporation.

The Act, which protects people from discrimination when renting or buying a home, securing a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities, originally had four protected classes – race, religion, national origin, and gender. With the amendment of 1988, two additional classes, ability and familial status were added.

VCFD Junior Fire Academy registration opens May 1 – May 8

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Ventura County Fire Department will accept registrations for our Junior Fire Academy from 9am May 1, 2025 to 5pm May 8, 2025 (or earlier if all spots are filled).

The department will offer three, five-day sessions for girls and boys ages 13 to 15. Sessions are taught by firefighters and include hands-on activities, interactive learning, and field trips. Each session is limited to 30 spaces, which will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants will be able to register for the program starting on May 1st, 2025 at https://vcfd.org/junior-fire-academy

UCSB — The Current — UCSB to host second annual AI Spring Symposium and more news, events

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2025 • Comments Off

The virtual sessions, which are open to anyone, will tackle topics like chatbots, AI in clinical medical practice and college students’ use of ChatGPT.

CSUCI hosts its first-ever Datathon for Ventura County college and high school students on April 26

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — High school or community college students who would like to learn more about data collection and analysis are invited to a free “Datathon” at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.…

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2025 • Comments Off

IN-PERSON EVENT: MARKETING MASTERCLASS

April 24 @ 8:00 am

Are you struggling to attract profitable customers and grow your business? Do you want to stand out from the competition and maximize your marketing efforts? This must-attend workshop is designed for established business owners and new entrepreneurs looking to drive real results. Join SCORE Ventura County and EDC for this insight-packed session and discover the strategies you need to attract, win and retain high-value customers. Address: Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St., Ventura, California 93001.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College sparks conversation on future of AI at summit

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College welcomed more than 200 students, educators, industry leaders and community members to its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit on April 18 at the college’s Santa Maria campus.

The event, a first of its kind for the college, brought together experts from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, LinkedIn, Cal Poly, Moorpark College, Berkeley College and Hancock for a day of engaging discussions, keynote presentations, breakout sessions and panel conversations. Topics included AI trends, practical applications, ethical considerations and how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, employment, and everyday life.

Donny Most & his band take the stage May 9th for a dazzling old-Hollywood, supper club-style evening of big band classics, swing dancing, and light bites! See more events here

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2025 • Comments Off

Slide on down to the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach on Friday, May 9th, where the music is swingin’, the lights are low, and the vibe is oh-so right.

We’re talkin’ about a night with the one and only Donny Most — yeah, that Donny Most, best known as Ralph Malph from Happy Days — but this time, he’s croonin’ with a 17-piece big band that’ll knock your socks off.

Bilingual commentary — Allan Hancock and Cuesta Colleges receive grant to develop high-tech hubs, cybersecurity degree

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College and Cuesta College have been awarded state funding through Uplift Central Coast’s Catalyst Predevelopment Grant initiative to establish the AHC/CC High Tech Hubs: Diversifying Careers Through Education project.

This initiative aims to address regional workforce gaps by preparing the next generation of aerospace engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and skilled technicians in high-demand industries. The grant is part of Uplift Central Coast’s recent $9 million investment in 36 projects across six counties, supporting economic growth, workforce development, and equitable job opportunities.

Bilingual contribution— Post-Action Momentum Continues: April 19 Community Gatherings in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Isla Vista

by Community Contributor • April 18, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Following the powerful momentum of the recent Hands Off! action, local organizers are calling on residents to come together again—this time to deepen connections and organize at the community level.

On Saturday, April 19 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, simultaneous Community Gatherings will be held in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Isla Vista. These events are designed to create space for real conversations, grassroots strategy, and mutual support as we build a stronger, people-powered movement.

RSVP today at https://t.ly/apr19 to join one of the gatherings.

Port of Hueneme “Energized” by $4 million grant to boost vessel plug-in capabilities

by Community Contributor • April 18, 2025 • Comments Off

“We’re thrilled to receive this critical funding for our Shoreside Power Project,” said Jess J. Ramirez, President of the Oxnard Harbor District/Port of Hueneme. “The Port takes its longstanding commitment to sustainability seriously, and we can now finish a project that will bring cleaner air to local communities.” The new funding, approved by the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) that administers the CMAQ program, will allow the Port to add building systems and equipment to protect against weather disruptions, enhance safety, and maximize the lifespan of the shore power system.

Bilingual commentary — The Intrigue of Eavesdropping

by Community Contributor • April 18, 2025 • Comments Off

Throughout history, eavesdropping on others’ conversations has served to gather information that might otherwise not be available. The ethics of eavesdropping varies from unreservedly unconscionable to harmless and even useful. Eavesdropping can prove to be harmlessly thrilling or profoundly exciting for our spirit.

Moorpark College — Dr. Julius Sokenu Joins Excelencia in Education’s Presidents for Latino Student Success Network

by Community Contributor • April 17, 2025 • Comments Off

MOORPARK — Dr. Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College, announced his affiliation with the national Presidents for Latino Student Success (P4LSS) network, an initiative of Excelencia in Education—the nation’s premier authority on efforts accelerating Latino student success in higher education. The network comprises presidents and chancellors who have committed to making their campuses learning environments where Latino, and all, students thrive.

Save the Date — 12th Annual World Trade Month event at The Port of Hueneme

by Community Contributor • April 17, 2025 • Comments Off

Celebrate the resilience and strength of global trade at the Port of Hueneme’s 12th Annual World Trade Month Event! As California’s #4 seaport and a critical gateway ranking in the top 10% of U.S. seaports for handling fresh produce and automobiles, the Port of Hueneme continues to drive economic growth and international commerce. This year’s theme, “Resiliency – A Path Forward,” highlights the unwavering commitment of our partners—locally and globally—who navigate challenges and seize opportunities to keep trade moving forward.

UCSB — The Current — Giovanni Batz wins book prize for ‘The Fourth Invasion’ for more news, events

by Community Contributor • April 17, 2025 • Comments Off

Distilling more than a decade of ethnographic research, the book examines ongoing resource exploitation in Guatemala by multinational corporations that fund and operate hydroelectric projects.

Teatro de las Americas — Don’t miss your chance to see Birthday Party Fundraiser on April 19

by Community Contributor • April 17, 2025 • Comments Off

Don’t miss your chance to see Birthday Party Fundraiser! Tickets are still available, but they’re selling fast. You can skip straight to the front of our line and secure your tickets by visiting our website.

Bilingual report — Buenaventura Golf Course reopens with 14-hole design on Friday, May 2

by Community Contributor • April 17, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is excited to announce the reopening of Buenaventura Golf Course on Friday, May 2, 2025. The course has been closed since January 2023 as a result of extensive storm damage to buildings, equipment, and golf course features. The opening represents the first phase of a larger plan to design and integrate flood mitigation improvements that will protect the course from future flood events.

Ventura County Community Foundation — April 2025

by Community Contributor • April 17, 2025 • Comments Off

Last month, the Isabella Project was delighted to unveil our murals at Glen City Elementary to the Santa Paula community. The art celebrates the importance of highest-quality early childhood education in our community, and we are so grateful to everyone who joined us for such a special occasion. Watch the highlight reel and view the photo gallery below!

69th Annual Conejo Valley Days seeks vendors; Application deadline is June 1

by Community Contributor • April 17, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — Vendor slots are now available for the 69th annual Conejo Valley Days (CVD), June 19 through June 29 (dark June 23 and 24) at Conejo Creek Park South (Janss Rd./23 Freeway) in Thousand Oaks. The deadline for vendor application submissions is June 1.

CVD is accepting applications from local businesses and craftspeople wanting to show off their products or services in booths along CVD’s Main Street

CSUCI Sailing Club makes the 2025 Pacific Coast Collegiate Sailing Conference Championships

by Community Contributor • April 17, 2025 • Comments Off

The team will travel to the Bay Area city of Richmond, California to compete in the regatta April 19–20. The regatta is hosted jointly by UC Berkeley and the Richmond Yacht Club.

The CI Sailing Club landed one of just 18 spots in the championship after finishing 10th in the South Designate Semi-Final Regatta held in the city of Long Beach at the end of March. Their performance placed them ahead of notable sailing clubs from UC San Diego, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Santa Clara University. The CI Sailing Club was only nine points behind one of the region’s top teams – UC Berkeley.

Bilingual report — California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., Visits Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters Office

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2025 • Comments Off

Secretary Weber’s first stop was the County Clerk and Recorder division office on the main level of the County Government Center’s Hall of Administration. She and her staff greeted county recorder and county clerk staff and looked in on the Mark A. Lunn Wedding Room, named for the former County Clerk and Recorder. Secretary Weber also visited the Elections Division in the lower level, where she received a tour of the facility and engaged with election staff.

Registration open — Senior Concerns’ Love Run returns for 31st Year on June 1 to Support Meals On Wheels in Westlake Village

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2025 • Comments Off

This annual fundraising event supports Senior Concerns’ Meals On Wheels Program, which provides over 65,000 meals per year to over 450 homebound seniors in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park, and Agoura Hills.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) — Join us on the LA Art Tours!

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2025 • Comments Off

Travel from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles with our MCASB Team & Supporters like you! Immerse yourself in a curated tour of the LA Arts Scene and make new friends. $250/ person, transportation & box lunch included.

We will depart from Santa Barbara at 9am & return 5pm.

Special Ventura pick-up & drop off for our friends in Ojai/Ventura/Oxnard.

Spring Fever at the Museum of Ventura County!

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2025 • Comments Off

vor Davis: Up Close and Personal with Paul Harris

Thursday, April 17
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura

Enjoy a captivating evening featuring legendary photographer Paul Harris, interviewed by Ivor Davis. Doors open at 6 PM for refreshments.
From presidents to movie stars, rock legends to eccentric geniuses, Paul has been behind the lens for history-making moments. Now, he’s ready to share the fascinating inside stories behind his photographs.
?Tickets are on sale: free for members, $10 non-members, $5 non-member Zoom. For more information and to purchase tickets to this event, click HERE.

Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) March 2025 Recap — A win for transparency In Ventura County

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) is pleased to report positive developments regarding the financial transparency of the Ventura County Medical System (VCMS). The Ventura County Board of Supervisors (BOS) has approved a measure, advocated for by…

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $1,500,000 in funding for 111 new affordable housing units in Santa Paula

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2025 • Comments Off

The Topa Vista Villas development will provide 111 units of affordable housing with over a third of the units being allocated for formerly unhoused individuals. The development is a collaboration between Homes & Hope, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), and the Santa Paula Housing Authority (SPHA). Homes & Hope will serve as the Administrative General Partner, CEDC will oversee property management, and SPHA will provide support for long-term affordability.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura receives Excellence in Public Information and Communications Award for 2023 Annual Report

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2025 • Comments Off

The award was presented during CAPIO’s 2025 Annual Conference, which celebrated outstanding work in government communications for print and digital assets created by public information officials in 2024. The County of Ventura’s 2023 Annual Report took home top honors in the category. Overall, CAPIO received over 500 entries from public agencies throughout California, including cities, counties, special districts, and state departments for the more than 30 awards categories.

CSUCI to offer a Master of Science in Business Analytics

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2025 • Comments Off

“Business analytics is about understanding data that helps you tell a story to better inform business strategy and business decisions,” explained CSUCI Director of Business Special Sessions Philipa Moguel. “This is a degree program that can help across a wide range of industries like healthcare informatics, digital advertising, government agencies, nonprofits, legal organizations—the possibilities are really wide-ranging.”

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) awarded $50,000 from Uplift Central Coast to support EmpowerPath: A bold new initiative for single parents

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has been selected as one of 36 organizations across the Central Coast to receive Catalyst Predevelopment Funding through Uplift Central Coast. WEV was awarded $50,000 to support early-stage research and planning for EmpowerPath,…

Bilingual report — County of Ventura recognizes dedicated public service from 23 longstanding employees

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2025 • Comments Off

“Behind every County program, service, and local initiative that supports our residents, there are dedicated individuals working tirelessly to make those efforts possible,” said Supervisor Janice Parvin, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We are proud to acknowledge the career milestones for these employees. Their willingness and dedication to serve the community have made a lasting impact through decades of service and commitment.”

Announcing Community Environmental Council (CEC)’s 2025 Environmental Heroes

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2025 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival will return to Alameda Park on Saturday, April 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 2025. Now in its 55th year, the community-organized festival is one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country and is one of the largest Earth Day festivals on the West Coast. Presented by the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and produced by longtime festival partner, CarpEvents, the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival continues to serve as a beacon for environmental advocacy and education.

Santa Barbara Pickleball presents Kenny Loggins’ ‘Pickleball in the Danger Zone’ Tournament – A Star-Studded Benefit for The Unity Shoppe

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Pickleball is thrilled to announce the return of its signature annual event—now rebranded as Kenny Loggins’ “Pickleball in the Danger Zone” Tournament. Celebrating its eighth year, this highly anticipated tournament was formerly known as the American Riviera Classic Pickleball Tournament and has grown into what may be the largest amateur athletic event in the city.

Set to draw over 400 registered players, the tournament will feature men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles divisions, showcasing top-tier amateur competition in a vibrant community atmosphere.

UCSB — The Current — ‘New microCT machine unites biologists and materials scientists’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2025 • Comments Off

World Music Series
Wednesday, April 16
Los Catanes del Norte will perform music from different regions in Mexico including corridos, rancheras, and boleros norteños.

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula to Celebrate grand opening of Santa Paula Creek Sports Park on May 3

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2025 • Comments Off

The Grand Opening Celebration will offer a full afternoon of fun and excitement for the whole family. Guests will enjoy live drills and demonstrations by Santa Paula’s talented youth softball and soccer teams, showcasing the community’s athletic spirit. A live band will take the stage at the new amphitheater, filling the park with music and energy.

Food lovers can grab a bite from a selection of local food trucks, while kids explore the Parks & Recreation equipment displays or hop aboard a charming kids’ train ride. The celebration will also feature interactive booths hosted by community-based organizations, offering educational resources and hands-on activities.

Ventura County jurisdictions provide 40 tons of Agromin Compost and mulch to local schools during fourth quarter 2024 at no cost to schools

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2025 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The cities of Oxnard and Ventura, along with the County of Ventura, enlisted the help of Agromin, California’s largest organics recycler and manufacturer of environmentally friendly soil products, to distribute 40 tons of compost and mulch to local schools during the last quarter of 2024. This distribution was coordinated by Ventura County Farm to School, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting environmental, agricultural and nutrition education.

Schools receiving compost and mulch for their school gardens included Haycox Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, Mesa High School, Oxnard High School, Rio Del Norte Elementary School, Rio Del Sol STEAM School, Rio Del Valle Middle School, Rio Real Elementary, Tierra Vista Elementary, and Sunset Elementary School.