Category: Cultural

Bilingual report — Ventura County Registrar of Voters announces semifinal official election night results of the Nov. 3, 2026 General Election and the beginning of the post-election canvass period

by Community Contributor • November 4, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura County Semifinal Official Election Night Results for the November 3, 2026 General Election were posted on vote.venturacounty.gov at 4:39 AM on Wednesday, November 4th. Statewide results are available on the Secretary of State’s website, electionresults.sos.ca.gov

The first results posted on Election Night included vote by mail ballots that were received and signature-verified before Election Day along with in-person ballots cast during early voting. Vote center ballots cast on Election Day were reflected in the updated results postings.

Teatro de las Américas — Nos Traen Cortitos 2026 — Spanish Short Film Festival to be held Nov. 6-7

by Community Contributor • November 4, 2026 • Comments Off

Nos Traen Cortitos 2026
Spanish Short Film Festival.
Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7, at 7 p.m.

Enjoy a selection of five short films in Spanish from different parts of the United States. At the end, Portales, the film made by the Teatro de las Américas 2026 Film Workshop, will be presented.

The same program will be screened on both Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 6.

All films have English subtitles.

Bilingual report — Decades of dedication help keep County of Ventura services strong

by Community Contributor • November 4, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — From the services residents turn to during emergencies to the everyday programs that support families and neighborhoods, the County of Ventura depends on an experienced workforce to meet the ever-evolving needs of the community. On Tuesday, October 20, during their regular meeting, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors recognized 15 employees who reached milestones of 25 years or more of continuous service, honoring careers that collectively represent 415 years of public service. Their decades of experience reflect a lasting commitment to the communities they serve and the important role they play in keeping County services strong.

California Ocean Summit in Santa Barbara (Dec. 9-10) opens to all: Kelp Forest concert, Ocean film screenings, family activities, free livestream, and more

by Community Contributor • November 4, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The inaugural California Ocean Summit today announced free livestreaming of its Working Summit Main Stage sessions, in addition to a full slate of ocean-themed film, music, storytelling, and hands-on experiences that open the ocean conversation to students, families, and the broader community on December 9-10, 2026.

The Summit is designed to move ocean leadership forward across interconnected outcomes: shaping California’s future ocean policy, investing in the next generation of ocean innovation, and advancing a shared Declaration for Ocean Stewardship.

5th Annual Holidays In The Village, A European Marketplace expands to two days (Dec. 5-6)

by Community Contributor • November 4, 2026 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The 5th Annual Holidays in the Village is expanding from one day to two this year, Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6 at The Oaks (W. Wilbur Rd. and W. Thousand Oaks Blvd. parking lot) in Thousand Oaks. Admission and parking are free. Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Last year, the festival drew more than 14,000 people. Visitors can experience a traditional European winter festival, browsing 60 artisan shops for handcrafted holiday gifts, sampling Bavarian and French foods and drinks, and enjoying live holiday entertainment all in a family atmosphere.

Smooth Sailing: Port of Hueneme highlights record growth, infrastructure investment and economic Impact at 2026 State of the Port

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2026 • Comments Off

PORT OF HUENEME — Business leaders, elected officials, port customers, labor representatives, and community partners gathered Thursday at the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club for the 2026 “State of the Port,” a special meeting hosted by the West Ventura County Business Alliance highlighting the Port of Hueneme’s economic impact, operational progress, infrastructure investments, and vision for the future.

In opening the event, Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners President Jason Hodge reflected on the yearly meeting. “The State of the Port is an important opportunity to bring together the people and organizations that help us live out our mission. It gives us a chance to recognize our progress and share our vision for how we’ll continue to impact our community and shape the region going forward,” he said.

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula partners with Ventura County to promote Winter Storm Preparedness

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — As Southern California prepares for a potentially active winter storm season, the City of Santa Paula is partnering with the County of Ventura to promote community preparedness, share important safety information, and help residents prepare for possible impacts associated with El Niño conditions.

One Step A La Vez announces upcoming events

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2026 • Comments Off

Visit our Website Calendar

Port of Hueneme — Port of Hueneme Newsletter – November, 2026

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2026 • Comments Off

Every day, the Port of Hueneme unites people, businesses, and neighborhoods around the world. From the longshore workers and employees who make cargo move, to the partners who help us thrive, to the community we proudly serve, our success is built on working together. This month, we’re recognizing the people, partnerships, and shared purpose that move our Port forward.

Hiatus Craft House owners entrust $15 million to the Ventura County Community Foundation

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Dawn and Dave Gross, Newbury Park High School graduates of 1987, have spent years helping young people in Ventura County do what they love most: build something from the ground up. Now they are making that commitment permanent. NewCo Foundation, the philanthropic endeavor the couple built, is entrusting its assets to the Ventura County Community Foundation and its NextGen Ventures operation to Intentional Schools LLC.

UCSB — The Current— ‘n early-warning system for child health in West Africa

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2026 • Comments Off

Researchers at UCSB have developed a method for predicting the likelihood of low birthweights in West Africa, based on climate and socioeconomic data, that could ultimately help prevent malnutrition and its downstream effects.

Read more about birth weight predictions in West Africa

Bilingual report — City of Ventura appoints Maruja Clensay as Community Development Director

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Following an extensive recruitment process, the City of Ventura is pleased to announce the appointment of Maruja Clensay as its new Community Development Director. Clensay, who has served as Assistant Community Development Director since August 2024, brings extensive experience in land use planning, development, and public administration across both the public and private sectors.

CSUCI’s Napa Hall Art Gallery showcases Mick Reinman’s creative journey in ‘Footprints’ with reception on Nov. 5

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands’ Napa Hall Art Gallery will present “Footprints,” a solo exhibition exploring artist Mick Reinman’s decades-long career spanning fine art and entertainment design. The exhibition opens with a public reception on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. and the exhibit runs through Feb. 5, 2027. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Footprints” brings together work reflecting Reinman’s many creative roles as an artist, art director, illustrator and storyboard concept designer. The exhibition offers visitors a look at the breadth of his practice and the connections between his commercial projects and fine art.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura — Important information as voting for the Nov. 3 Gubernatorial General Election approaches the last day: NOW’S THE TIME TO VOTE!

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Voters are encouraged to take advantage of the last few days of early voting ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, November 3, to avoid the last minute pressure and potentially long lines at vote centers on Election Day.

“People should think of Election Day as the LAST day to vote, not THE day to vote,” said Michelle Ascecncion, County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters.

“So many unforeseen things can happen – a rainstorm, a flat tire, an illness or accident – that can derail your plans to go vote on Election Day,” Ascencion continued. “VOTE EARLY and check it off your list of things to do!”

Downtown Oxnard Autumn Edition

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2026 • Comments Off

Community Altar at the Carnegie Art Museum.The City of Oxnard Cultural Arts & Recreation Divisions invites you to join us November 1–3 on the steps of the Carnegie Art Museum for our Community Altar.

Bilingual guest commentary by Kaiser Permanente — Halloween Safety: Simple Steps to Keep the Holiday Fun and Injury-Free

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

As Halloween draws near, children across Southern California are eagerly preparing for a night of costumes, candy and neighborhood adventures.

While the excitement of trick-or-treating is hard to match, parents can take a few simple precautions to help ensure the holiday remains both memorable and safe.

According to Dr. Kristina Kang a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente in Camarillo, a little preparation can go a long way toward preventing common Halloween-related injuries and health concerns.

Among others, she recommends:

Camarillo Public Library’s Día de los Muertos Community Ofrenda accepting photos through Nov. 1

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

Join us in creating a community ofrenda, which is an offering place to remember past loved ones. Bring in copies of pictures to the 2nd Floor Reference Desk through Nov. 1. The ofrenda will be on display in the lobby through Nov. 3.

Celebrate Día de los Muertos: Visit the 2026 Community Altar at The Collection at Riverpark through Nov. 2

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Join us in honoring the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos with a heartfelt community altar, created in partnership with the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit (OPAC). This meaningful installation offers a space to celebrate, remember, and connect with loved ones who have passed.

Museum of Ventura County — Your Museum, Your Community | Quarterly Update from the Development Team

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

I want to begin this quarterly update with what may be one of my favorite things I have ever had the opportunity to report.

Our longtime Facilities Manager, Miguel Aguiar, recently purchased a commemorative Museum tile, not for himself, but in honor of the people he has worked alongside throughout his years at MVC.

Miguel held a small unveiling ceremony with staff and volunteers to recognize four people he affectionately referred to as “my blessings”: Shanon Rice, David Bayer, Clyde Hofflund, and John Treuer. These are people who have worked alongside Miguel and the Museum over the years, giving their time and talents to help make so many of our events and gatherings possible.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

Help Shape Ventura County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan

Ventura County is inviting residents, businesses, and community organizations to help shape the County’s next Hazard Mitigation Plan by reviewing the draft plan at a public workshop on November 18, 2026.

City of Santa Paula accepting applications for Harding Park volunteer caretaker

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department is now accepting applications for a volunteer caretaker at Harding Park. The opportunity includes use of a City-owned, two-bedroom residence located on the park property in exchange for assisting with routine park upkeep, maintenance, and oversight.

The City is seeking a responsible, dependable, and community-minded individual or household to help maintain Harding Park as a clean, safe, and welcoming community space. Responsibilities may include assisting with park and sports field maintenance, reporting facility concerns, and providing a regular on-site presence.

805title Inc. expands to three-state footprint with statewide California licensing and new Arizona approval

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — 805title, a Latino-founded and owned independent title and escrow company in Santa Barbara, is announcing that the California Department of Insurance has granted it licensing in every county in the state. The company also recently received its Arizona license for title and escrow, and it confirmed that 805title of Nevada has been operating since June 2025. With these approvals, 805title now serves clients across three of the West’s most active real estate markets.

People’s Self-Help Housing Named ‘Developer of the Year’

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has been selected by the Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing (SCANPH) as the recipient of the 2026 Developer of the Year Award, presented as part of the Homes Within Reach Awards program. The award recognizes SCANPH member organizations that consistently demonstrate creativity, innovation, and perseverance in overcoming challenges to expand affordable housing opportunities.

Presented annually at the SCANPH Conference, the Developer of the Year Award honors a nonprofit housing developer whose work exemplifies excellence in affordable housing production, community impact, and long-term commitment to residents.

Ventura Housing unveils future developments and celebrates resident success at Second Annual State of Ventura Housing Breakfast

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — On Wednesday, Oct. 21, Ventura Housing welcomed 160 residents, community leaders, elected officials and partners to The Livery at Rumfish y Vino for its Second Annual State of Ventura Housing Breakfast, raising about $42,000 for ATLAS, the agency’s philanthropic arm. Centered around the theme “Investing in Families. Strengthening Futures.,” the morning highlighted how funders, developers, government and community partners, and residents each play a role in making affordable housing possible. Ventura Housing also shared updates on five developments in its pipeline, led by Santa Clara Apartments and Pasteur Court Apartments, which are set to begin construction in April 2027.

CSUCI’s Extended University recognized among Nation’s Leaders in Student Satisfaction

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) Extended University has been recognized as one of the nation’s highest-performing colleges and universities for student satisfaction, earning a place on the inaugural 2026 Student Voice Score® (SVS®) Honors List, released by higher education technology company EdSights. CSUCI’s Extended University ranked No. 8 in the nation.

The Student Voice Score Honors List recognizes the top-performing 20% of participating colleges and universities within each higher education sector, celebrating institutions that are setting the national standard for student experience and success.

Gold Coast Transit District seeks development partner to create housing near transit in downtown Oxnard to help sustain public transportation

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified developers to transform its approximately 2.93-acre Third Street property in central Oxnard into a transit-oriented residential or mixed-use development. The project represents an opportunity to address local housing needs, make better use of publicly owned land, and create a long-term revenue source to help support public transportation services.

November at the Santa Paula Art Museum

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2026 • Comments Off

The year is swiftly coming to a close, but we’ve saved some of our best events for last! In November, don’t miss the premiere of Jim Wilson’s solo exhibition, our Día de los Muertos Free Family Day, downtown Santa Paula’s Holiday Sip & Shop, and more. (It’s also a great time to make a tax-deductible year-end donation to support the Museum!)

UCSB — The Current — ‘Powerhouse UCSB team awarded big grant to investigate mathematical foundations of AI’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

Researchers Nina Miolane, Haewon Jeong, Sanjuka Krishnagopal and Yao Qin win $1 million from NSF for their collaborative investigation.

Bilingual report — Ventura County residents urged to eliminate standing water following recent rainfall to prevent mosquito breeding

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Following last week’s rainfall and with warmer temperatures expected this week, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) is urging residents to eliminate standing water around their homes and properties to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus (WNV). The reminder comes as the California Department of Public Health reports West Nile virus activity at a five-year high statewide.

Standing water left in outdoor containers can quickly become a breeding source for mosquitoes. In as little as seven days, mosquito eggs can hatch, larvae can develop, and adult mosquitoes can emerge. With mosquito activity continuing into the fall, recent rainfall, and warmer temperatures may contribute to increased mosquito populations throughout Ventura County.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

CLAUDE 102: PROJECTS, ARTIFACTS, SOPS & WORKFLOWS

October 29 @ 10:00 am

If you’ve mastered the basics of AI prompting, it’s time to take the next step. In this interactive 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn how to transform Claude from a simple chatbot into a reliable business partner that helps you organize projects, create reusable business assets, document processes, and automate everyday tasks. You’ll discover practical strategies to reduce repetitive work while maintaining consistency across your business. This course is designed specifically for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Facilitated by: Deborah Deras, EDC SBDC Marketing Advisor, International Speaker, Author, AI Educator, Professor & Doctoral Scholar researching the impact of AI on Small Businesses. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Date announced for the 14th annual Ventura County Farm Day (May 8, 2027)

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) announced that the 14th annual Ventura County Farm Day will take place Saturday, May 8, 2027.

Farm Day is a free, interactive experience where the public visits farms and other agricultural venues throughout the county. It offers behind-the-scenes tours, tractor rides, produce tastings and giveaways, and kid-friendly activities while visitors learn first-hand how food is grown, harvested and delivered to stores locally and around the world.

Bilingual report — Women’s Economic Ventures to celebrate 35 years of impact with 35 for 35 Business Showcase

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) will celebrate 35 years of empowering women and strengthening local economies with its 35 for 35 Business Showcase on Tuesday, December 8, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County. Open to the public, the event will spotlight 35 WEV-supported businesses and bring together entrepreneurs, supporters, and community members to celebrate the people and partnerships that have shaped WEV’s legacy since 1991.

For 35 years, WEV has helped women build the knowledge, confidence, and connections to pursue entrepreneurship and greater financial independence. Behind that work are generations of business owners who have turned ideas into livelihoods, created jobs, supported their families, and contributed to the vitality of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. The showcase will bring that legacy to life through the businesses and people at its heart.

SB Museum of Art — Oct, 27-Nov. 8 — Sip & Celebrate at the Fall Opening Party

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

Don’t miss out! Come celebrate the opening of four new exhibitions at the Museum: Cassatt & Friends, Stage Craft: Pictorialist Photography and Performance, Elegies of Abstraction, and the new Portraits Revealed.

Ventura Music Festival — That’s a wrap on the Fall series. We’d love your feedback!

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

The Board and Staff of the Festival value your feedback! If you attended any of the Fall Series concerts as a patron or a volunteer, please fill out our short survey. You’ll automatically be entered to win a pair of tickets to Chanticleer or a 2027 standard concert of your choice!

Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing October 2026 e-newsletter

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

Our newest owner-builders are beginning their homeownership journey at Mission Gardens II in San Miguel! This new development is bringing 14 new single-story homes for first-time homebuyers to the community, with each household contributing over 1,600 hours of construction labor in lieu of a down payment. Learn more about Mission Gardens II and our build your own home program at pshhc.org!

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara celebrates Grand Opening of Bella Vista Affordable Housing Development

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) celebrated the grand opening of Bella Vista, its new affordable housing development at 200 North La Cumbre Road, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday.

The 48-unit development provides affordable rental housing for families with low and very low incomes, offering a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. All units are subsidized through Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers, allowing residents to pay 30% of their income toward rent.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Financing available for Child Care Providers

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

Supporting our county’s future and the next generation’s education and career success starts with quality preschool programs. Historically, Ventura County has had too few licensed commercial child care and preschool spaces to meet demand. The Economic Development Collaborative and First 5 Ventura County are committed to building more child care and early childhood education capacity in our community through the Child Care Investment Loan Fund.

The Ventura County Office of Education and Child Care Planning Council has documented that Ventura County is as many as 50,000 childcare slots short. Only 36 percent of children ages 0-14 whose parents are in the workforce have access to a licensed child care space. Further, studies find that children who are most likely to benefit from a high-quality preschool program are least likely to attend.

Ventura County Public Works Agency announces Matthew Ehret as Director of Watershed Protection

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2026 • Comments Off

Ehret brings more than 24 years of public works experience, with an extensive background in engineering, construction management, flood control, and infrastructure development. Most recently, he served as Deputy Director of Watershed Protection’s Design & Construction Division, where he oversaw major capital improvement projects, emergency projects, and environmental services.

CSUCI Expands Academic Offerings with New Degree Programs

by Community Contributor • October 27, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) is expanding its academic offerings with new degree programs designed to connect students with emerging fields, community needs, and evolving career opportunities.

The University’s new programs include bachelor degrees in Sustainable Agriculture, Black Studies, Spanish-English Translation and Interpretation, and Statistics, and a master’s in Psychology degree. Together, the offerings emphasize interdisciplinary study, applied learning, and preparation for careers in fields ranging from agriculture and data science to research, public policy and language services.

Explore Lompoc — News from Lompoc: Explore Space Country at Vandenberg’s Space And Missile Technology Center

by Community Contributor • October 26, 2026 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — The countdown ends. Engines ignite. A rocket climbs into the sky, leaving a bright trail above the California coast.

For a few unforgettable moments, all eyes are on the sky. In Lompoc, this kind of space-age excitement is part of the destination.

Welcome to Space Country, where you can watch a launch, explore the technology behind the missions, and get an up-close look at space history at the Space and Missile Technology Center (SAMTEC).

Central Coast Alliance United for A Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Years of organizing. A historic victory for Santa Barbara tenants

by Community Contributor • October 25, 2026 • Comments Off

The fight for rent stabilization in Santa Barbara has been years in the making, built by our community that keeps showing up, organizing, and building power together.Through long meetings, countless conversations, public comments, and years of organizing, we kept showing up and building power together. And last week, that persistence paid off: Santa Barbara City Council adopted the rent stabilization ordinance!

Make a one-time or monthly donation to help us keep building on this historic victory!

Allan Hancock College’s Ann Foxworthy Gallery showcasing the transformative power of art in ‘After the Cut,’ a new exhibition featuring works by artists Raphaele Cohen-Bacry and Juan Manuel Perez Salaza on display through Dec. 2

by Community Contributor • October 24, 2026 • Comments Off

Through a variety of artistic media, Cohen-Bacry and Perez Salazar use cutting both literally and conceptually to bring together fragments of materials, images and ideas. Their works reveal traces of what existed before while inviting viewers to consider how destruction, alteration and reconstruction can lead to new creative possibilities.

UCSB — The Current — ‘A new tool makes mapping the ocean easier’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 22, 2026 • Comments Off

The open-source software package developed by UCSB marine scientists makes it faster and simpler to find, organize and map data about the world’s oceans.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education Alternative Education honored with Golden Bell Award

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2026 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education is being honored with the prestigious Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association for its Alternative Education program, which serves students who have been expelled, are involved with the justice system, or face serious obstacles in school.

Oxnard Performing Arts Center to present 7th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration on Oct. 25

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Join us for a mesmerizing and heartfelt celebration of life and remembrance at OPAC’s 7th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 at 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard.

For seven years, we’ve gathered in the heart of Oxnard to honor our ancestors and celebrate the rich traditions of Mexican culture.

Immerse yourself in a vibrant experience filled with colorful calacas, beautifully adorned ofrendas, captivating performances, local food vendors, and the warmth of community. Whether you’re new to this tradition or have celebrated with us for years, all are welcome to come together, honor those who came before us, and embrace the beauty of life, remembrance, and tradition.

Dia de los Muertos festival Santa Maria 2026 to be held on Oct. 25

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2026 • Comments Off

Enjoy live music and dance, beautiful altars, cultural activities, food and artisan vendors, contests and more!

The celebration is free and open to all ages. Come celebrate culture, community, and tradition with us!

Bilingual report — Santa Barbara Museum of Art — Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a Free Family Day on Oct. 25

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — For the 37th year, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art honors the Mexican tradition of remembering the dead with a display of altars, created by students in the Museum’s school and outreach programs and local community groups from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. The Art Learning Lab will offer Día de los Muertos-inspired art activities for all ages on the Front Terrace.

Oxnard College will commemorate Día de los Muertos on Oct. 28

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Join us Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm in front of the Performing Arts Building (PAB) for a vibrant, family-friendly Día de los Muertos celebration at Oxnard College. Enjoy free food, cultural dances, live music, colorful altars honoring loved ones, and fun activities for children and families. Come celebrate our Hispanic culture, community, and tradition with us for an evening of connection, remembrance, and celebration! This FREE event is open to all!

Panteón Fest returns to Oxnard for its Fourth Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration on Oct. 17

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — Pipiripau will host the fourth annual Panteón Fest on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Heritage Square in downtown Oxnard from 1:00 to 9:00 PM. This year’s festival pays homage to Chespirito, the beloved Mexican comedian and creator of El Chavo del Ocho and El Chapulín Colorado.

“Panteón Fest is about bringing our community together to celebrate our culture, remember where we come from, and create something meaningful for the next generation,” said co-founders Rolando and Heriberto Rubalcava.

Bilingual commentary — The Joys of Meal Preparation with Family

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

Gathering around the dinner table is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but I recently discovered how I could make these events even more joyful.

For years, I carried the entire weight of these gatherings on my own shoulders. I used to shop, prep, and cook everything by myself, treating dinner as a solo performance while they hung around and watched me as their appetites grew. Eventually, I realized the true joy of a family meal isn’t just in the eating after waiting what must seem like an eternity to them—it is found in the beautiful, chaotic collaboration of preparing it together.

Port of Hueneme — DOCK TALK – Community Newsletter – October 2026

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

The Port of Hueneme’s 13th Annual Banana Festival set a second consecutive attendance record as nearly 19,000 guests came to the Port for a celebratory day of live music, banana treats, tours, a classic car show, and family-friendly fun. This year’s theme, “Gateway to the World,” highlighted the Port’s role in connecting local consumers to global goods and markets.

Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees has selected Hancock Elisa Pardo to fill Area 1 seat

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees has selected Hancock alum and longtime community leader Elisa Pardo to represent Trustee Area 1, filling the vacancy left by outgoing trustee Hilda Zacarías.

The board selected Pardo during a special meeting Oct. 9, and she was officially sworn in at its Oct. 13 regular meeting at Santa Ynez Valley High School.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Brain surgery by autonomous robot? It’s possible — and could save lives’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2026 • Comments Off

With a federal grant from the Advanced Projects Research Agency for Health, researchers are working to bring soft robotics to cardiovascular surgery with a method that combines maximum precision with minimal harm.

Bilingual report — Veterans find community through noncredit art class at Allan Hancock College

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — When Allan Hancock College Community Education introduced its new Image Transfers from Photographs course, instructor and U.S. Navy veteran Helen Boursier expected to bring together students interested in art and creativity.?

What she did not expect was that the class would become a gathering place for seven veterans representing more than six decades of combined military service.?

“I wasn’t surprised to see so many veterans in the class because I already knew several of them through the local veteran community, but I was incredibly pleased that they decided to sign up,” Boursier said. “It was especially rewarding to hear that they enjoyed the experience and wanted to know when I would be teaching the class again.”

Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: ‘Wrona Gall and Ted Gall: Stories in Pigment and Metal’

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2026 • Comments Off

Wrona Gall and Ted Gall: Stories in Pigment and Metal
On view now through November 8

Santa Barbara Museum of Art Exhibitions & Events Oct. 13 through 25

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2026 • Comments Off

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a Free Family Day
Sunday, October 25
11 am – 4 pm

Explore a vibrant display of community-created altars, engage in hands-on art activities for all ages, and enjoy a festive Calenda procession featuring traditional music and dance from Oaxaca and Guerrero.
Now in its third year, the procession, produced by the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, celebrates Mexican traditions while bringing the community together in a joyful expression of remembrance, culture, and connection.

Central Coast joins 1.6 million+ voices calling for Roadless Rule protections

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2026 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — With the closing of the final public comment period last week, more than 1.6 million people—including more than one thousand Central Coast residents—voiced their support for keeping the Roadless Rule in place. The rule — which the Trump administration is proposing to repeal—protects some of the country’s last intact backcountry forests, including 635,106 acres across 37 inventoried roadless areas in Los Padres National Forest.

The latest comment period on the Trump administration’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule closed October 6.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula City Council approves temporary pause on certain RV parking enforcement

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is temporarily pausing enforcement of certain recreational vehicle (RV) parking regulations following a unanimous (5-0) City Council decision on October 7, 2026. The temporary pause allows the City to review its existing ordinance and explore potential updates with input from the community. The decision follows ongoing public comments and concerns from residents regarding RV parking restrictions and their impact on the community.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Refugee studies meets environmental justice in new special journal issue’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2026 • Comments Off

Scholar Heidi Amin-Hong explores how systems of colonialism, militarism and global capitalism create displacement and treat people and environments as disposable.

Bilingual guest contribution — 805 UNDOCUFund — Operation Safe California targets the Central Coast-100 community members disappeared in five days

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2026 • Comments Off

Thank you for standing with us during these increasingly difficult times. At 805UndocuFund, our mission has always been rooted in protecting the dignity and safety of undocumented and mixed-status families across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. Today, that work is more urgent than ever.

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