Why the “Billionaire Tax” Is Just a Beta Test for the Middle Class In November 2026, you’ll be asked to vote on the California Billionaire Tax Act, Proposition 1. The measure proposes taxing the billionaires in the State and using…
Thursday, May 7
Ahilan T. Arulanantham of the UCLA School of Law discusses the role of race discrimination in immigration and refugee policy.
SANTA BARBARA — For more than three decades, Jill Nida has been a steadfast advocate, volunteer, and champion for Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB). Her leadership and generosity have helped shape the organization into what it is today, and her personal story is deeply woven into its mission.
Over the past 37 years, Jill has served as Board Chair (twice), Board Member, Auxiliary Member, and Capital Campaign Chair for the Riviera office building. She was also honored as a Hero of Hospice in 2015. She served on the Hospice Foundation Board and is Board Emeritus. She was instrumental in the HSB butterfly logo design and color (aqua). Beyond titles, roles, and responsibilities she has been one of HSB’s most passionate ambassadors in the community, given the unofficial title “Cheerleader Emeritus.”
VENTURA — Ventura Charter School welcomed an estimated 2,500 attendees to its 15th Annual EcoFest on Sunday, April 26, as students, families, local businesses and community organizations gathered on the school’s Ventura campus to celebrate sustainability and demonstrate what a school rooted in its community looks like in practice.
All proceeds from booth fees, sponsorships, the silent auction and raffle ticket sales go directly to student programs and educational enrichment at Ventura Charter School.
SANTA BARBARA — Third Space Sauna, Santa Barbara’s first community sauna and cold plunge, is bringing its custom Finnish cedar barrel sauna to Rincon Beach for the first time this weekend.
On May 8th and 9th, the public is invited to drop in Friday and Saturday to meet founders Joey Mcguinness and Eli Pearlman, sweat it out in a 12-foot cedar sauna, take a plunge in the cold Pacific, and hang out on one of the most iconic stretches of coastline in California.
Third Space partnered with Santa Barbara County Parks with a goal to bring community wellness to public land as a service for everyone, not just those who can afford a resort day.
“We started Third Space to create a place where people can gather and connect,” said co-founder Joey McGuinness.
VENTURA — Ventura Land Trust released the following statement on May 4, 20206:
Public access to Ventura Hills Nature Preserve is under threat due to a lawsuit brought by Chevron and Aera Energy.
They claim that allowing the public to use Hall Canyon Road interferes with their asserted legal rights to use the road for oil operations. Chevron and Aera have asked the Court to close Hall Canyon Road and VLT’s trailhead to the public.
Ventura Land Trust is currently in active litigation fighting to keep this vital community asset open to the public. Ventura Hills Nature Preserve is the product of more than 25 years of community effort and public investment. This preserve exists today because people across Ventura came together to ensure it would be preserved and accessible for future generations.
SANTA BARBARA — On Thursday, April 30th, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), in partnership with 2nd Story Associates, hosted the Young at Heart Senior Fair at Presidio Springs. Approximately 150 HACSB senior residents gathered to receive important information and resources from a wide array of partnering organizations and service providers.
The event provided local seniors with access to essential resources related to health care, wellness, recreation, caregiving, and social services. Highlights of the fair included:
Celebrate leadership. Inspire community.
For over 35 years, El Concilio Family Services has honored outstanding Latino leaders across Ventura County who are making a meaningful difference through education, advocacy, volunteerism, health, and more. Know someone who is uplifting others and creating impact?
SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation has appointed two AHC alumni to its board of directors, further strengthening its mission to support student success and expand educational opportunities across the Central Coast.
In addition to being proud Hancock graduates, Claudia Ortiz and Luis Servin also bring a combined wealth of experience in community leadership, workforce development and education advocacy to the Foundation.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Trust Company has welcomed Raegan Erdman as a new trust administrator associate.
Raegan has more than 20 years of experience guiding clients through complex financial and real estate matters, especially in the larger Santa Barbara community. Her background spans escrow, lending, luxury real estate operations and property management, bringing a wealth of experience to the team.
SANTA BARBARA—The Music Academy of the West has revealed updated details behind The Muse, its forthcoming Music Education Center in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara — an architecturally ambitious project designed not just to house music, but to make inspiration visible, tangible, and shared across the city. On May 7, from 5 to 8 p.m., the public is invited to step inside that vision during a special Sneak Peek at The Muse as part of Santa Barbara’s 1st Thursday Art Walk.
Are you an individual artist who has a unique artistic vision, a sustained commitment to creative practice, and engages to make an impact on the cultural ecosystem in your community? If so, this grant opportunity is for you!
The California Arts Council’s Individual Artists Fellowship program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence, and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures.
The online grant application deadline is June 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
12TH ANNUAL ORANGE COUNTY WORLD TRADE WEEK FORUM
Join the District Export Council for an evening filled with world-class keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, and unparalleled business-to-business networking opportunities at the 12th Annual World Trade Week Forum Event. This is your chance to connect with key trade organizations, international business groups, and extensive global resources available in Southern California.
Presented by the District Export Council of Southern California and supported by key partners, including the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce and WITOC, this gathering is essential for those ready to embrace the future of international trade. Don’t miss this opportunity to propel your trade ambitions forward!
The Oxnard Harbor District proudly celebrated Earth Day along side the MERITO Foundation at the Ventura Earth Day Festival in downtown Ventura.
The Port continues its charge to Zero Emissions by 2030 as we utilize electric cargo handling equipment, solar arrays, emissions capture barges, and real-time air quality monitoring.
OXNARD — On May 1, 2026, workers, students, and families will join local organizations in Downtown Oxnard for a May Day Rally and March, as part of the May Day Strong Movement in over 1,000 cities nationwide to demand a country that puts people over profit. The action is part of a coordinated “No Work, No School, No Shopping” pledge to demonstrate solidarity with community members who continue to choose between basic needs amid increased fear due to ICE enforcement, while corporations and billionaires grow their wealth. Across California’s Central Coast, we rise together with one clear demand: ICE OUT OF THE 805.
SANTA BARBARA — On Thursday, April 23, the Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) hosted its 40th Celebration, marking four decades of impact in support of students and public schools in the Santa Barbara Unified School District. The milestone event welcomed over 200 guests and brought together community leaders, educators, and supporters to honor the people and programs shaping student success.
Thanks to the community’s generosity, the event raised more than $300,000, marking a record-breaking fundraiser for the organization. Highlights included a transformational $100,000 gift from Sara Miller McCune through the Léni Fund supporting the BRAVO! afterschool music program, a $10,000 lead gift from the John C. Mithun Foundation, and a $15,000 matching gift announced by keynote speaker Angel Martinez in support of teachers.
CAMARILLO — Making it easier than ever for students to put food on the table, campus bookstores at the community colleges of Ventura County now accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, known in California as CalFresh. The expanded payment option launched March 30, 2026.
According to the 2025 Real College California Basic Needs Survey, 46% of community college students statewide reported food insecurity — and research shows that more than half of eligible students aren’t accessing the CalFresh benefits available to them. By upgrading campus bookstore systems to accept Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, VCCCD is making it easier for students who are already enrolled in CalFresh to use their benefits right on campus.
…The fund is designed to create jobs, support the growth of Ventura’s small business community and revitalize the city’s older commercial districts.
VENTURA — Hermance Law is now The Heritance Lawyers.
The Heritance Lawyers, founded by Crista Hermance, is an all-female legal team serving Ventura and Los Angeles counties. The firm specializes in estate planning, wills, trusts, probate, guardianship and other legal matters regarding securing a family’s future, and the focus on family is part of what led to the name change.
‘Heritance’ comes from both the words heritage and inheritance, and represents the values families pass down, the protections and planning behind those decisions and the continuity and care that extends across generations.
With the Grackle Project, researcher Corina Logan is trying to understand how the highly social birds adapt to a variety of human-made environments.
Read more about grackles
Are you, or someone you know, looking to get involved in social justice this summer and help build real people power?
We’re now accepting applications for our 8-week paid Summer Internship in Digital Communications – an opportunity to grow your skills while supporting grassroots organizing and movement-building work.
This internship is rooted in the belief that strong movements are built by everyday people coming together, sharing their stories, and taking action.You’ll gain hands-on experience in social media, storytelling, and community engagement while helping amplify the voices and experiences of those most impacted by economic, social, and environmental injustice.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura’s Economic Development team is celebrating Small Business Week, May 4-8, with a series of events and opportunities designed to support and connect the local business community.
“Small businesses are a vital part of Ventura’s economy and what makes our community unique,” said Meredith Hart, Economic Development Manager for the City of Ventura. “We’re committed to providing the resources, connections, and tools they need to succeed.”
THOUSAND OAKS — Senior Concerns is seeking an experienced business or community leader to serve as a Volunteer Engagement Advisor, in pro bono leadership role designed to support and strengthen its network of more than 440 volunteers.
The organization invites retired or semi-retired professionals looking to give back in a meaningful way to contribute approximately 10 hours per week in a flexible, collaborative environment.
Earlier this month, the crew aboard the Orion spacecraft made history, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them. It was special to follow Pilot Victor Glover among them, as the fourth Cal Poly SLO fellow alumni who studied in our organization’s headquarters home town, and went on to become an astronaut. Like many others, I had the privilege of listening live to the transmissions between the astronauts 252,760 miles from home and the science team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The technology enabling that achievement was extraordinary of course, but what struck me most was not the machinery – it was the communication.
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura Land Trust (VLT) has been awarded a highly competitive grant from the California Coastal Commission’s Whale Tail Grant Program to expand coastal and environmental education access for Santa Paula youth.
The funding is part of a $2 million statewide investment announced on April 17th, 2026, supporting coastal education, conservation, and public access. The Coastal Commission selected just 47 projects from a record-breaking total of 434 applications, highlighting the significance of this award.
SANTA BARBARA — In recognition of National Donate Life Month, Cottage Health has introduced a new tool that allows patients to register as organ, eye and tissue donors directly through MyChart, the same secure portal they already use to manage their care. This enhancement expands access to donor registration at a time when more than 23,000 Californians are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.
This weekend, thousands of people came together on the Central Coast for the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival.
Together, we celebrated, connected, and recommitted to building a healthier, more resilient future.
Thank you for being part of it.
To carry this momentum forward, CEC is working to raise $75,000 by May 15 — and every gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has been awarded a $10,000 Connect4Impact Grant by Women Connect4Good at the 2026 Giving List Women (GLW) Summit, which recently convened in Montecito. The award was announced by two members of the Connect4Impact Class of 2026 — a cohort of young women ages 16–20 who evaluated multiple nonprofit proposals from around the country, conducted their own review process, and selected the awardee themselves.
HOW TO IMPORT COFFEE INTO THE UNITED STATES
May 1 @ 9:00 am
This session focuses on the operational and regulatory aspects of starting a coffee business that sources and imports its own coffee. Participants will learn how coffee moves from origin to the U.S., what is required to import legally, and how to structure their supply chain efficiently. Price: FREE.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
VENTURA — The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC), a regional public workforce agency, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 WIOA Trailblazer Award by the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). This national recognition, out of 570 boards across the United States, highlights WDBVC’s outstanding leadership, community partnerships, and innovative approach to workforce development.
THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) is proud to announce the promotion of Division Chief Dan Horton to Assistant Chief of Operations.
Chief Horton’s promotion marks a significant milestone in his 25-year career with VCFD.
He has served in every rank within the department — from Firefighter through Division Chief — demonstrating a strong commitment to leadership, service, and operational excellence at each level.
The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) will present a FREE Webinar Series for small businesses ‘Work Smarter, Grow Stronger with AI’ May 21 through June 30 including AI 101 for Small Business; Google AI Tools for Growth and Scale: The Small Business AI Toolkit; more…
SANTA BARBARA — Bartron Real Estate Group on April 25 hosted Pickleball for a Purpose at The Picklr Santa Barbara, the city’s newest indoor facility. The event brought the community together for a fun-filled and meaningful tournament in support of DignityMoves.
The Tournament—Players competed in a lively round robin format with rotating partners, ensuring everyone had plenty of time on the court. With guaranteed games and additional rounds for top competitors, the energy stayed high, and the matches kept everyone engaged from start to finish.
SANTA BARBARA —The Music Academy of the West continues its commitment to supporting its alumni as they advance their careers and proudly announces mezzo-soprano Sun-Ly Pierce as the recipient of the 2026 Alumni Performance Award, sponsored by Kandy Budgor and the Luria/Budgor Family Foundation. As part of the award, the Music Academy will present Pierce’s professional debut at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on April 15, 2027, featuring the world premiere of a Music Academy commission by Carlos Simon.
CAMARILLO – In chaotic times, how much is peace of mind worth?
Traditional airports and airplanes have faced a slew of hurdles in the past few years, and recent news that airlines are beginning to cancel long-haul international flights in the face of rising fuel challenges only underscores those difficulties.
For the business traveler, though, being in-person can make or break a big moment. Contract negotiations often require a personal touch, and clients are more likely to sign on to bigger deals with the assurance of knowing who exactly they’re working with.
OXNARD —The Ventura County Environmental Health Division has collected ocean water samples from the public beaches affected by the sewage release that occurred on April 21, 2026. The samples collected on April 23, 2026, indicate that the beaches from Port Hueneme Beach Park south to the Point Mugu Naval Base meet State ocean water quality standards and are now open. All beaches previously closed due to the sewage release have been re-opened, and warning signs have been removed.
We often hear of the plight of young people who are despairing of ever owning a home. We can’t blame them. It is not because they “don’t work hard enough.” Many of them, I’m sure, work longer hours than some of us in the boomer generation ever did. But we boomers grew up in very different economic times. We were riding the winds of a post-war boom that formed a very favorable backdrop for our economic lives.
The keys of a first home represent “adulthood” and the ultimate fulfillment of the American Dream. The milestone is celebrated with parties and social media high-fives. But what many younger people may not thoroughly understand is that a home is both a blessing and a burden.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura is inviting public input as it prepares to apply for the State of California’s Prohousing Designation, a program that recognizes jurisdictions that go beyond state housing laws to accelerate housing production and reduce barriers to development. On April 28, 2026, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors will consider adoption of a resolution at 10:30 a.m., authorizing the County to apply for, and participate in the program, marking the start of the public process. The hearing of the item at the Board of Supervisors meeting represents the first opportunity for community members to share input on the proposed application.
More than 50 years ago, a devastating oil spill off our coast sparked a powerful movement.
In 1970, our community came together to organize one of the first Earth Day celebrations — and the Community Environmental Council was born.
This weekend, we will gather again.
Earth Day is a reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together to demand change and build solutions.
But today, we are once again facing efforts to expand fossil fuels and roll back progress.
VENTURA — The 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival is set for Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). The festival is the ultimate experience for strawberry lovers. It is filled with tasty strawberry-themed food and beverages, live entertainment, carnival rides, an artisan and crafters area, and other activities, all in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., both days.
SANTA BARBARA — COPE (Cottage Outpatient Program Experience) Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) provides flexible, accessible behavioral health services for individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders and mental health conditions across the Central Coast and throughout California.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) announced the release of the first annual report from the Measure P Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC), providing the community with a transparent update on how voter-approved bond funds are being managed and invested up to December 31, 2025. Click here to see the full report in English and Spanish: CBOC.SBCC.edu
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) held a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest affordable housing development located at 15 South Hope Avenue on Wednesday, April 22. This new construction, multifamily rental housing project will provide 46 affordable units and represents a major step in addressing the region’s housing needs. Neighbors, local officials, community partners, and housing advocates gathered to celebrate this milestone.
CENTRAL COAST — After widespread opposition from constituents and conservation groups, House leaders have indefinitely postponed a vote on the “ESA Amendments Act” (H.R. 1897), a proposal that would have gutted the Endangered Species Act. The bill was pulled from consideration on April 22 moments before it was scheduled for a vote, after mounting concerns about its impact on more than 1,700 protected plant and animal species across the country.
Time is running out. The deadline to weigh in on a major federal housing proposal is tomorrow – and what happens next could determine whether thousands of families can stay in their homes. The Trump administration’s attacks on immigrant families are spreading to impact affordable housing for children and others living in mixed-status homes.
Right now, federal policy allows families with mixed immigration status to stay together and receive housing assistance for members of the family who are eligible. The new proposed policy would end that.
If finalized, it would shift to an “all-or-nothing” rule: If even one person in a household isn’t eligible, the entire family could lose housing assistance.
IN-PERSON: STOP GUESSING: UNDERSTAND YOUR BUSINESS NUMBERS WITH QUICKBOOKS REPORTS
April 21 @ 8:30 am
QuickBooks Online can generate dozens of reports, but which ones truly matter for running and growing your business? Join SCORE Ventura, City of Ventura, Accelerate CA and Economic Development Collaborative in this practical workshop, business owners will learn how to create and interpret the most important financial reports on QuickBooks Online. Whether you are new to QuickBooks or have been using it for years, understanding your financial reports is essential for making informed decisions and managing your business with confidence. Participants will explore a few of the most critical reports every business owner should review regularly and learn how to interpret the numbers behind them. Check-in: 8:00 am – Coffee and Pastries Provided; Event starts at 8:30 am. Address: Ventura City Hall | 501 Poli St, Ventura, CA 93001 | Community Room. #202. Price: FREE.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) is hosting “Foundations of Financing for Entrepreneurs,” a free workshop today at the HIVE Autonomous Innovation Center in Camarillo.
The workshop is part of a national pilot program, CEED to Success, designed to expand entrepreneurship and business financing education to underserved founders. As part of this initiative, VCCCD is partnering with the program’s founder, Baker Hill, through its Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) and a partnership with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE).
CAMARILLO — Aspiring entrepreneurs across Ventura County will have the opportunity to develop and pitch business ideas in just one day at Startup Day Channel Islands, taking place Friday, April 24, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at California State…
Teatro de las Américas
34th Anniversary
Dinner/Concert Fundraiser
Teatro de las Américas is celebrating its 34th anniversary as the only organization dedicated to Spanish-language theater on the Central Coast, and we invite friends, volunteers, and anyone interested in supporting the arts and culture in our community to join us for our annual benefit event.
CESI’s 2026 conference, “California’s Housing Crisis: Roots of the Problem and What Lies Ahead,” is now fully available—bringing together opening remarks, cutting-edge research, a dynamic panel, and candid Q&A throughout.
Explore three short highlight videos tackling housing affordability, economic inequality, and the mounting pressures facing communities across California.
This is more than a recap—it’s a call to action. Join the conversation, challenge the status quo, and help drive the long-overdue change Californians deserve.
Watch CESI Conference!
SANTA BARBARA —. Vejas Skripkus, a board-certified physician specializing in family medicine, has joined Cottage Primary Care – Santa Barbara – Bath St., where he practices alongside Dr. Barry Statner, Dr. Nastassia Sylvestre, Dr. Brett Trzcinski and Dr. Jane Varner.
VENTURA — More than six centuries of public service were recognized this week as the County of Ventura honored 24 employees reaching career milestones of 25 to 35 years. Their combined 660 years of service reflect decades of experience supporting essential programs and services across the county. The recognition took place during the April 14 meeting of the Board of Supervisors.
VENTURA — Ocean water quality results from samples collected this week indicate that ocean water quality at the following Ventura County beach sampling locations failed to meet State standards for bacteria:
Rincon Beach – South of Creek
Surfer’s Knoll Beach
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Elections Division released its Election Observation Schedule, outlining the dates, times, and descriptions of observable activities, for the upcoming June 2nd election.
