Dear Families & Friends,
So, I have some news….
We didn’t hit our $50,000 goal for the 2025 Spring Appeal…..
WE SURPASSED IT by raising $52,000! You surpassed it! This was one of our most successful spring campaigns to date, and it couldn’t have come at a more important time. With membership levels and activity scheduling at an all-time high, your support is helping us meet the immediate, growing needs of our community. We received gifts from 106 generous donors, including:
Thanks to a student-led sports-waste recycling program, Gauchos and visiting community members can recycle their old sports gear in the drop-off bin at the Rec Cen.
Read more about the program
CENTRAL COAST — The Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County, and Ventura County Air Pollution Control Districts (APCD) encourage residents to prepare for potential poor air quality caused by smoke, now that the area has entered peak wildfire season.
Smoke and ash from wildfires contain very small particles known as particulate matter that can travel hundreds of miles. These particles harm the lungs and heart and can cause coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulty, chest pain, nausea and, in severe instances, premature mortality. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, kids and pregnant women are especially sensitive.
VENTURA — The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is pleased to welcome Earthea Nance, PE to the role of Watershed Protection Director. Watershed Protection serves to provide control and conservation of flood and stormwaters, and to protect and maintain watercourses, watershed, life and property in the geographic County. Nance brings over 20 years of leadership experience in government, academia, and the private sector.
CAMARILLO — Dr. Richard Yao, President of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI), has announced that he will step down from his role effective August 1, 2025. Yao will assume the presidency of DataPhilanthropy, the giving arm of the Jeff T. Green Family Foundation. The Foundation, led by Jeff Green, Co-Founder and CEO of the Trade Desk and signatory of The Giving Pledge, focuses on applying data science to make its philanthropic efforts as impactful as possible.
“It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve as President of CSUCI,” said Yao. “This campus has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience through an era of unprecedented challenges. I have never wavered in my belief in our mission or in the transformative impact of our work.”
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SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has made a generous donation of $15,000 to Hospice of Santa Barbara, supporting ongoing patient care services for approximately 800 people annually in the Santa Barbara community. Patient care services encompass medical care management, volunteer support, anticipatory grief counseling, spiritual care, bereavement care management, and quality of life stipends.
“Hospice of Santa Barbara fills a critical need in the community, providing vital care and services to patients and their families,” said Kenneth Kahn, Tribal Chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “Our tribe is proud to support their efforts,” Kahm also shared.
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is proud to announce the acceptance of two leadership staff into prestigious national leadership programs and the addition of two exceptional women to its Board of Directors, deepening the organization’s commitment to strong, smart, and bold leadership at every level.
Melissa Cornejo, Campus-Based Program Manager at Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, has been selected to join the newest cohort of the Girls Inc. National Leadership Accelerator Program—an intensive, year-long professional development experience designed to strengthen leadership across the Girls Inc. network. This program supports and cultivates the next generation of organizational leaders through targeted learning opportunities, collaborative peer communities, and hands-on skill-building to expand each participant’s leadership capacity.
SCORE: IS EXPORTING FOR ME – GRANT-FUNDED ASSISTANCE
July 2 @ 10:00 am
Join SCORE for a webinar on a new, grant-funded Regional Export Training and Assistance Program (RETAP). This free webinar will introduce you to RETAP, to the many organizations supporting it and to the entirely cost-free services it offers to new and early-stage exporters. Attendees will have the opportunity to sign up for the program. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your export knowledge, connect with industry experts and get customized NO-COST support to help you start and expand your export activity.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
What a welcome! From the incredible VCCF staff, board members, donors, and nonprofit partners to the friendly barista at Old New York Deli & Bakery, I’ve felt an immediate sense of home and belonging here in Ventura County. I want to take a moment to share my reflections on my first 100-plus days and the deep hope and responsibility I feel stepping into this role.
After 22 years as CEO of a community foundation in Northern California, I stepped down last July in search of one final adventure—something meaningful to carry me into retirement with purpose. Vanessa and I have been friends and colleagues for over 10 years, and when she heard I was exploring what might come next, she invited me to Ventura County. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the dedication, humility, and heart of this community. I knew I had found something special.
VENTURA — At its June 24 meeting, the County of Ventura Board of Supervisors recognized 12 employees who have each served 25 years or more in public service, totaling 340 years of combined service to the people of Ventura County.
These long-serving employees were honored as part of the County’s Employee Continuous Service Recognition Program, which celebrates staff in five-year milestones starting at 25 years of service.
“These employees have dedicated decades of their careers to serving others, often behind the scenes, ensuring that vital services are delivered with care, consistency, and professionalism,” said District 4 Supervisor Janice Parvin, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Their commitment helps make Ventura County a stronger, safer, and healthier place for everyone.”
MONTECITO — Sese Ntem, a community leader with over a decade of service experience and a global outlook, will take the helm as president of the Rotary Club of Montecito on July 1.
Ntem will succeed Kim Stone, who is stepping down after serving the club with dedication over the past two years. Founded in 1953, the Rotary Club of Montecito has been a catalyst for community and global service for more than 70 years.
“I’m deeply honored to step into this role and build on the incredible work of those who have come before me,” Ntem said. “Rotary’s mission of service above self is something I’ve lived by for much of my life, and I’m excited to help grow our impact both locally and globally.”
VENTURA — In celebration of Summer and its 57th Anniversary last month, Island Packers, the official concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, is expanding its non-landing schedule to include Summer Whale Watching excursions from June – mid-September, 2025 to view some truly extraordinary, magnificent mammals.
With DJ Javier’s upcoming exhibition approaching dive into this amazing article about the artist behind the “cartoonish figures, bright colors, and catchy phrases.”
The 2024-2025 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury is proud to introduce its consolidated report, which includes the following final reports: Addressing Refund Delays in the Property Tax Assessment and Collection System; Prioritizing Best Practice Street Maintenance; Ventura County Animal Services Commission; and Water Rates for the City of Ventura and the Underground Dam in Foster Park. The consolidated report also includes a Compliance Review: Casitas Municipal Water District and the mandated Annual Inspection of Detention Facilities.
The Center for Economics of Social Issues at Cal Lutheran has fully updated its database with the most recent available data. This essential resource provides support to researchers, policymakers, nonprofits and government agencies in gaining a better understanding of the economic and social environment of Ventura County. The database includes information at a state and national levels, as well as Ventura County across its cities and zip codes.
VENTURA — The Valentine Road Apartments unveiled the first of its newly renovated units during a progress celebration at the largest Homekey initiative in Ventura County, marking a major milestone in the region’s efforts to address homelessness through permanent supportive housing.
Led by the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB), the Valentine Road Apartments are the result of a $32 million Homekey award secured in 2023 through the California Department of Housing and Community Development. That funding marked the largest Homekey grant in both City and County history and initiated the conversion of the 142-room hotel into 134 studio apartments for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
• Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is currently at 143% capacity!
• Approximately 22 animals enter our care daily.
• Stray animal intakes increase considerably during 4th of July due to fireworks.
The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment and strategic importance to the state or region.
Application Period Timeline: For fiscal year 2025-2026, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during:
July 21, 2025 – August 11, 2025
January 5, 2026 – January 26, 2026
March 2, 2026 – March 16, 2026
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing’s (PSHH) has announced a new Director of Homeownership: Emily Baranek.
As the Director of Homeownership, Emily leads a team of dedicated professionals working to make the dream of homeownership a reality for families across the Central Coast of California. With over two decades of experience in new home design, construction, and affordable real estate development, she brings a wealth of practical knowledge and strategic insight to PSHH.
“I am incredibly proud of the years spent working and learning with Habitat for Humanity. Providing affordable homeownership opportunities for our friends and neighbors throughout the Central Coast is a true passion of mine,” said Baranek. “I have always felt that homeownership is more than just a roof over your head – it’s a foundation for stability, growth and meaningful connection, and I am absolutely thrilled to be joining People’s Self-Help Housing in this shared mission.”
SANTA BARBARA — CenCal Health, the Medicaid managed care plan for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, provides health insurance to over 242,000 low-income people on the Central Coast. Recent federal proposals to reduce Medicaid funding and constrict eligibility would negatively impact local hospitals, healthcare providers, businesses, and thousands of area residents.
Throughout our country’s history during the time that I’ve been alive, we have had presidents who embraced traditional values and customs. Despite their political maneuverings and strategies, for the most part these presidents adhered to cultural norms. Some were great orators (e.g., Kennedy, Obama, Reagan) while others were not, shall we say, “out of the top grandiloquent drawer” (e.g., Nixon, Bush II, Biden, Trump).
And then there are those presidents who, for better or for worse, deviate from tradition and norms.
CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) (on June 25) announced the inaugural recipients of its new Resilience, Innovation, Sustainability & Equity (RISE) Grant Program—a three-year initiative with an initial commitment of $21.9 million dollars and second- and third-year opportunities for applications. The program is aimed at strengthening Ventura County’s health care infrastructure and improving access to care for Medi-Cal members.
Join us for an unforgettable evening Sept. 25) as we celebrate the 50th anniversary
of El Concilio Family Services recognizing our legacy of empowering families, bridging communities, and creating brighter futures through citizenship, immigration services and youth leadership development. And recognizing the outstanding Latino Leadership Honorees for 2025.
The Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association presents “Re-Dial: In Memoriam of the Payphone,” a one-night-only art reception on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 519 South C St. from 6 pm – 9 pm.
This free public event celebrates the imaginative spirit of 11 local artists who reimagined abandoned payphones throughout downtown, turning relics of the past into striking works of street art.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures is pleased to announce the appointment of Dorothy Largay andPatricia MacFarlane as the new Co-chairs of the Arts & Lectures Council, a leadership group of dedicated volunteers who support the organization’s mission to educate, entertain and inspire through world-class cultural and artistic programming. Largay officially assumed her role as Co-Chair with incumbents Richard Janssen and Kath Lavidge on January 1, 2025. Patricia MacFarlane will begin her tenure on July 1, 2025. Lavidge and Janssen, who served in a leadership capacity for more than seven years, including through the COVID-19 pandemic, will remain key advisors on the Council.
In July we will be screening three films on consecutive Mondays starting with WHEN FALL IS COMING on July 7, a French mystery thriller. On July 14 a Special Screening of AMERICAN AGITATOR, the Fred Ross story, an American independent film with a Q/A post screening. And on July 21 THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND, a British comedy. Screening August 4 will be NYTimes Critics’ Pick, CAUGHT BY THE TIDES, from Chinese auteur, Jia Zhang-ke.
In accepting the new role, Bush said that she is “honored to succeed my mentor, Celesta Billeci, as the Miller McCune Executive Director. Having worked closely with Celesta, the Arts & Lectures Council, and our dedicated team for many years, I look forward to building on our shared legacy and supporting Arts & Lectures’ continued growth and flourishing.”
LOMPOC — History lovers and cultural enthusiasts, don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with one of California’s most storied regions! Long before Lompoc became known for its colorful murals and lush wine country, it was part of a vast territory (over 7,000 square miles!) inhabited by the Chumash people. These Indigenous communities thrived along California’s Central Coast for thousands of years, leaving behind a legacy of art, innovation, and resilience.
The Chumash were skilled artisans, engineers, and seafarers whose traditions and innovations continue to inspire today. Here’s how you can immerse yourself in their incredible history and culture while visiting Lompoc and its surrounding areas.
In the spirit of community and creativity, we warmly invite you to join us tomorrow for the Arte Del Pueblo Assembly, a gathering where artists and art lovers can connect, support one another, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
Come together in this open forum to reflect on the state of contemporary art today, share your voice, and uplift each other’s visions. Let’s build bridges through mindful conversation and collective inspiration.
Your presence and perspective matter, see you there!
“We’re very excited to welcome Ronald Miller to our team as he steps into this important leadership role,” shared 4th District Supervisor, Janice Parvin, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We’re confident that his longstanding experience and proven leadership will guide the agency forward with success. His deep commitment to community investment, combined with an extensive career in law enforcement, makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead the Ventura County Probation Agency.”
View this email online The next regular meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2025 County Administration Building Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara The public may participate…
LOMPOC — Ready to make this summer unforgettablke? Lompoc is calling! From flower fields to fine wine, skydives to sunsets, this Central Coast gem is full of sunny advenfures. Whether your’re planning a weekend escape or a season-long staycation, this summer bucket list will help you squeeze every drop of fun of your Lompoc days.
Let’s dive in!
LOMPOC — Tucked between the Santa Rosa and Purisima Hills in western Santa Barbara County, the Sta. Rita Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area) is a world-class wine-growing region renowned for its cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Just minutes from downtown Lompoc, this unique valley offers visitors an immersive experience where maritime breezes, diverse soils, and passionate winemakers converge to produce some of California’s most celebrated wines.
Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a casual sipper, this guide will help you explore the best of the Sta. Rita Hills wineries and tasting rooms—many of which are right here in Lompoc, with others tucked into the surrounding hills for unforgettable vineyard experiences.
OXNARD — Brian C. Israel, an attorney whose expertise spans estate planning, trust administration, probate and corporate law, has joined the offices of Lowthorp Richards, LLP, as a partner.
A practicing attorney for over a decade, Israel received his Juris Doctorate degree from California Western School of Law where he earned numerous academic achievement awards. He was admitted to the California State Bar in 2013 and began practicing law in his hometown of Ventura that same year.
Israel specializes in several areas of law including conservatorships, estate planning, trust administration and probate, as well as corporate law and business representation. He is highly regarded for his extensive knowledge and compassionate approach to serving his clients.
SANTA BARBARA — Though it lasted less than three decades, California’s Mexican period (1822–1846) helped shape the distribution of land, wealth, and power after California officially entered the union in 1850.
Telling Stories of Mexican California reflects on this past, and how romanticized retellings made lasting impacts on the state’s culture and popular understandings of its history.
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula proudly hosted its first independent State of the City event on June 12, 2025, marking a departure from previous joint events traditionally held with the Chamber of Commerce. With more than 176 guests in attendance, the evening was a vibrant celebration of community, progress, and civic engagement, and by all accounts, a resounding success.
Held at the Ventura County Agriculture Museum, the evening began with a festive outdoor reception featuring live folklórico dancing by Proyecto Esperanza, musical performances by local group Chucumite, and hors d’oeuvres provided by local favorites including Flight 126, El Capricho, Mr. Shrimp, and Parque 1055. The community came together to enjoy food, music, and connection before moving indoors for formal remarks and presentations.
The Summer Celebration will be held at the Ventura County Agricultural Museum in Santa Paula. Guests will enjoy the flavors of summer with brunch stations, appetizers, and locally crafted beverages curated by Seasons Catering—featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients from SEEAG’s farm partners and artisanal products from Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Attendees can learn about SEEAG’s programs, be the first to view its vision for its new farm campus, explore the museum’s current exhibition, enjoy live music, and participate in a live auction.
SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West is thrilled to announce that Min Joo Yi has been selected as the winner of the 2025 Solo Piano Concerto Competition, held on June 20 at Hahn Hall as part of the Music Academy’s 2025 Summer Music Festival & School.
Min Joo Yi captivated the audience and a panel of judges with a commanding interpretation of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37, earning the opportunity to perform as part of the Santa Barbara Symphony’s Beethoven Piano Concerto Marathon on Saturday, January 17, 2026 — the first concert in a two-concert weekend showcasing all five of Beethoven’s piano concertos, each performed by a winner of an international piano competition. In addition to this prestigious performance opportunity, the winner receives a $2,500 award from the Music Academy.
Our community has been deeply impacted by the tragedy of wildfire. We’ve seen firsthand the devastation it can bring — to our homes, our environment, and our sense of safety. That’s why it’s more important than ever to be prepared and take action before the next disaster strikes.
First, I hope you’ll join us for Wildfire Safety Day — a free, family-friendly event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Wednesday, June 25, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. This fun and informative day will include:
