Category: Cultural

Bilingual report — Community invited to participate in online survey for Surfers Point project

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites community members to actively engage in the Surfers Point Managed Retreat Project by participating in an online survey. This survey will be open until Friday, May 31, 2024, and is available in English and Spanish, providing flexible options for individuals to share their insights and preferences.

Through the online survey, residents and stakeholders can play a pivotal role in shaping the amenities and potential themes of public art at the Surfers Point site, as well as other key aspects of the project.

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First District Supervisor Das Williams — Board of Supervisors Adopts Housing Plan

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Last week, the Board of Supervisors took a unanimous 5-0 vote to adopt re-zones as the last step to having our Housing Element Update certified by the State. I believe this plan strikes a balance between the State mandates, the County’s legal responsibilities, and the need to have more housing, to reduce traffic commute trips, and to protect our environment.

The final re-zone site list includes District 1 sites in Cuyama, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, and the Eastern Goleta Valley (in addition to pending projects in Montecito and Toro Canyon).

By re-zoning certain “Builder’s Remedy” sites in the Carpinteria Valley and Eastern Goleta Valley (projects that would have moved forward regardless without our ability to the deny them), we secured traffic mitigations, and a higher percentage of affordable housing.

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Allan Hancock College Foundation names 2024 Hancock Honors Recipients

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SANTA MARIA — On May 10, the Allan Hancock College Foundation announced the community leaders it will recognize at the college’s second-annual Hancock Honors celebration, presented by CoastHills Credit Union, on September 7. This year, the college will honor the Luis and Consuelo Chavez family, owners of L&G Farming, Inc.; Joyce Howerton, former Lompoc Mayor and community advocate; and Larry Lahr, former member and president of the AHC Board of Trustees. 

“This year’s honorees exemplify Hancock’s mission to change the odds for our community,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “The Hancock Honors is an opportunity for us to celebrate that shared vision and commitment to Northern Santa Barbara County.”

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Santa Barbara County Food Action Network announces grant opportunity

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I am contacting you because I thought you or someone you know may be interested in applying for the Food Justice Micro Grant program.  Applications are being accepted now.  This is really a unique opportunity as you can dream, plan, research, launch, grow, leverage – the options are fairly limitless in terms of how you may use these funds.  The key is that the funds drive food justice, food sovereignty, and/or agroecological practices.  

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Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department recognizes exemplary service during National Police Week

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VENTURA — During National Police Week, happening May 12-18, the Ventura Police Department proudly acknowledges the valor of its 135 dedicated officers, who pledge their lives to safeguard Ventura. Amidst the commendations, Ventura PD honors Detective Stephanie Avila as Officer of the Year.

“I am incredibly proud of our officers and deeply grateful for their families’ steadfast support throughout the challenges they face,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “Leading a team of compassionate professionals who serve with integrity is an absolute privilege.”

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Happy World Trade Month!

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The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize World Trade Month. Observed annually in May, World Trade Month celebrates how international trade unlocks new business opportunities, creates jobs and helps strengthen the United States and global economy.

The EDC is proud to support our community by providing professional technical assistance through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

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Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter

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This quarter’s Livable Communities Newsletter takes a look at who we are in the county, who needs help, and what we are doing to address that. Kerry Roscoe gathered data from the State of the Region Report to lay the groundwork for Marni Brook’s article on steps being taken to gather community input and move toward a strategy of assistance.

Let us know what you think.

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Social Justice Fund for Ventura County seeking a program manager

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The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County welcomes all candidates who have a passion for social justice, a desire to play an active role in helping to further social justice in Ventura County, can work independently, and take initiatives to help us develop and grow our programs.

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Cadets graduate from Allan Hancock College’s Fire and EMS Academies

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The graduates were honored during two ceremonies at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC) in Lompoc.  

“These cadets represent the next generation of first responders,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “They are highly trained and prepared to serve their communities.”  

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Observed annually in May, AANHPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of the AANHPI community in our nation’s history. To commemorate AANHPI Heritage Month, the Small Business Administration highlights resources, funding and training available to all AANHPI-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Creative Studies student earns coveted Knight-Hennessy Scholarship’ and more news, events

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Ashley Yeh ’24 will go on to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience at Stanford School of Medicine. The Knight-Hennessy Program, established in 2018, provides fellows up to three years of tuition and a stipend for living and academic expenses.

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20th annual Rebozo Festival returns to Camarillo Ranch on May 19

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CAMARILLO — The 20th annual Rebozo Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 19 at the Camarillo Ranch House, Camarillo Ranch Road.

The Rebozo Festival is a benefit event established to raise funds for Ventura County non-profit charitable organizations focusing on the cultural, social and educational needs of the community. This unique cultural event promotes the rich heritage of our area by highlighting the colorful Mexican rebozo (shawl) as our theme.

This year we celebrate the 20th Year Anniversary that began with a dream and dedication of community leader Irma J. Lopez. She was soon joined with other county women leaders to create the Rebozo Festival to benefit our county nonprofit. 

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Bilingual commentary — Basic Needs and the College Experience

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Poverty can cast a long, pervasive shadow over the dreams and ambitions of an untold number of college students. Due to the accumulation of mounting debt as they forgo earning opportunities while pursuing higher education, their academic journeys and the prospects for their futures are often threatened. 

Sometimes their dedication to improving their lot in life ironically becomes an obstacle to securing their very basic needs, such as food and shelter. This scenario is further complicated by challenges to their academic performance as well as their mental health. 

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Historian Jeffrey Stewart elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences for his work in the visual arts’ and more news, events

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The Black Studies professor, who won a Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award for his acclaimed biography of Alain Locke, brings to 49 the number of UCSB faculty that have been named fellows of the academy.

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Chumash Sign Unveiling Ceremony on May 8 Honors Chumash People and the Villages of Mispu and Syuxtun

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) and the Chumash Signage Project Committee are excited to invite the campus and community at large to officially share the Chumash Signage Project that has been added to the SBCC West Cliff Drive Campus. The event will be held May 8, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at SBCC West Cliff Campus Great Meadow. (See event details below.)

The sign installation is a series of educational signs along the bluffs of campus. The signs cover a wide range of topics from history, language, and art as well as more recent history of colonization and the ways Chumash people continue to resist and thrive. Each sign is accompanied with stunning artistic elements to bring the stories to life in a visual way. 

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Strawberry Kabobs, Strawberry Nachos and Strawberry Tacos — Just Some of the Tastes at the California Strawberry Festival, May 18, 19

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VENTURA — If you love strawberries, the 38thAnnual California Strawberry Festival is the place to be. The festival is May 18 and 19 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura.

Fifty food and drink vendors will be at the festival, many with strawberry-themed offerings. Festivalgoers can treat themselves to chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry-topped funnel cakes, strawberry pizza, strawberry nachos, deep-fried strawberries, berry kabobs, strawberry tacos and strawberry beer and smoothies. There is also strawberry-covered fried dough, strawberry kettle corn and strawberry lemonade.

“The food and drink list goes on and on,” says Michael Thompson, festival board member. “For $5, you can pile on strawberries and whipped cream as high as you can at our ‘build-your-own’ Strawberry Shortcake Experience.”

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Probation Agency recognizes National Correctional Officers Week

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VENTURA — For 40 years, the first full week of May has been recognized as National Correctional Officers Week. This week provides a platform to recognize the sacrifices and dedication of these unsung heroes. As a 24/7, 365 days a year operation, Corrections Services Officers for the Ventura County Probation Agency serve a vital role in public safety.

“Corrections Services Officers serve a vital role in public safety, one that often goes unnoticed,” shared Chief Probation Officer Gina Johnson.  “Their responsibility of caring for youth and young adults at our Juvenile Facilities is monumental.  They have an unwavering dedication to their jobs, to the youth and young adults, and to each other.  It is befitting that they have a week dedicated in their honor!”

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County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors Select Rezone Sites for Future Housing

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The County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in Santa Maria and Friday, May 3, 2024, in Santa Barbara to review and select sites to accommodate affordable housing throughout the county. On Friday, the Board voted to rezone ten sites in the North County and 18 sites on the South Coast that can accommodate affordable housing units for lower-, moderate-, and upper moderate- income households countywide. The Board also selected nine County-owned sites to provide needed housing units, all in the South County. This is the final step in the Housing Element Update process and ensures the County remains in compliance with State Housing Law.

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CSUCI plans two Commencement ceremonies May 18

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CAMARILLO — An estimated 2,380 students are graduating with 1,550+ registered to participate in CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) 2024 Commencement ceremonies planned for Saturday, May 18 at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

President Richard Yao will address the Class of 2024 during the ceremony, along with two student speakers – Associated Students Inc. (ASI) Student Government President, Daisy Navarette, and Communication major, Sean Himebaugh.

The University will recognize two outstanding county leaders this year with honorary doctorates.

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SBCC South County Black Grad Celebration honors more than 100 graduates

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SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Umoja Program hosted the second annual Black Grad Celebration in partnership with Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) and Goleta Union School District (GUSD) on Sunday, April 28, at SBCC’s West Cliff Campus Student Services Courtyard. The event brought together more than 300 community members who honored more than 100 Black identifying graduates from transitional kindergarten (TK) to SBCC graduates from Gaviota to Carpinteria.

“Today, we gather to celebrate not just the completion of an academic journey, but also the persistence, resilience, and unyielding spirit of our Black graduates,” opened SBCC Superintendent/President Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D. “Each of you has not only pursued academic excellence but has also enriched your campus with vibrant cultural contributions and invaluable perspectives.”

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California Lutheran University Commencement Celebrates 1,031 Graduates

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THOUSAND OAKS — After pursuing their passions and discovering their purpose through academic study, California Lutheran University’s Class of 2024 has reached a coveted goal: graduation. Cal Lutheran will celebrate its 1,031 graduates at the 2024 commencement ceremonies on May 10 in

William Rolland Stadium on the Thousand Oaks campus. 

The 61st annual Undergraduate Commencement at 8:30 a.m. will honor 604 traditional undergraduates and 44 in the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program. Graduate Commencement at 2:30 p.m. will honor 383 students, including 358 earning master’s degrees and 25 receiving doctorates.

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CLU School of Management — Watch and Explore second video from ‘Separating Myths From Realities’

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We’re delighted to present the second short video in our series that brings attention to the pivotal themes of the recent conference, “Separating Myths from Realities,” hosted by the Center for Economics of Social Issues. Our second video focuses on the crucial topic of “Fear of Undocumented Immigrants”, containing key insights from our esteemed presenter and panelists. We invite you to watch this informative video, which aims to present how fear is a human emotion that oppressors use to subjugate and rule over lives. Stay tuned for more insightful videos covering various aspects related to undocumented immigrants in California, from the demographics and economic impact to the degradation they experience.

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Bilingual report — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! Presents Final Three Free Performances of the Season with Jarabe Mexicano — May 17, 18, 19

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SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) returns with its final installment of the 2023-2024 season. Enjoy three free eclectic and upbeat performances by bordeño-soul music group, Jarabe Mexicano. 

Jarabe Mexicano captures the nostalgic spirit of their border roots with their brand of “Bordeño-Soul,” which honors the musical tastes and cultural influences of its members. Jarabe, which translates to ‘concoction,’ highlights the eclectic mix of genres they perform ranging from Mexican Folk, Rock & Roll, and Norteño/Tex-Mex to Latin Rock, Trio Romántico, and popular Cumbia. Their traditional Mariachi string instruments and Norteño-inspired drums complement dramatic vocals in English, Spanish, and Spanglish, and show how this multi-generational ensemble embraces change while still honoring the past.

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Bilingual commentary — Should Prospective Writers Be Discouraged by AI?

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We cannot deny that artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a threat to the livelihoods of writers. How concerned should writers, or prospective writers, be?

The frustratingly simple answer is, “It depends.”

Writers who devote themselves to creating content for publications are particularly vulnerable because AI is remarkably adept at content creation. It scans the universe of language and generates literary content in a flash that is nearly as spirited as that of the human mind.

There are already books sold on Amazon that are generated by AI. Any books that we might write and place on the Amazon marketplace will be competing with a superabundance of books that may or may not have been written by humans. 

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Port of Hueneme Delegation On-the-Move During Trade Mission to South Korea and Japan

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PORT HUENEME — What is a more fitting way to usher in World Trade Week in Southern California than by having the Port of Hueneme complete a series of collaborative discussions, strategic meetings, and site visits during a whirlwind 10-day economic and green corridor trade mission to South Korea and Japan. Commissioners of the Oxnard Harbor District and senior Port of Hueneme leadership visited these two countries to reinforce, reinvigorate, and reimagine trade with key industry leaders and policymakers alike and align on innovation initiatives to green shipping lanes and operations.

“I was especially honored to be a part of this historic trade mission to Japan and South Korea, it is important for the Port of Hueneme to be a bridge to foster robust relationships with two of our most esteemed trading partners,” said Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District.

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CSUCI Partners with Excelencia in Education to Champion Evidence-based Programs for Latino Student Success

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CAMARILLO — California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) has chosen to become a leadership partner with Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education, to release a compilation of evidence-based programs that are at the forefront of improving higher educational achievement for Latino, and other, students.  

Titled “Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action – 2024,” the compilation focuses on cultural responsiveness and asset-based approaches to support Latino and post-traditional students in five key areas: 

Engagement to Prepare Students and Families for College 
First-Year Experiences Building Strong Foundations for Success 
Bilingualism Enhancing Academic and Career Connections 
Experiences and Partnerships Building Career Pathways 
Gender-Based Learning Communities to Support Success 

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County of Santa Barbara May Newsletter

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Join us as we celebrate the unsung heroes who embody the spirit of selflessness and dedication, from tireless volunteers to dedicated public servants. Next up is Florice Soto, a Custody Deputy for the North Branch Jail.

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CSUCI’s OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) Taste of Summer is here

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If you have been curious about OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute), now is a great time to

try it for only $15 per class. OLLI is offering the acclaimed Taste of Summer term for six weeks

starting on June 10 th. We have a variety of 25 one-time classes taught by expert instructors.

Step back in time and explore life and love in Roman Britain or the art and architecture of

Pompeii. Be a part of examining recent decisions of the supreme court.

What made Abraham Lincoln’s speech so powerful? This class will consider Lincoln’s life and

how it influenced his speeches.

Meet your cousins, the primates: apes, monkeys and lemurs. Visit the southern African nation

of Botswana to enjoy living with elephants. Look up and open your hearts and eyes to the

wonders of the summer skies and explore the perils of sailing beneath the sea as a submariner

and a frogman during WWII.

Plan for an active and fulfilling retirement with the classes Inspired Retired and Recreation at

Any Age.

Enrollment begins on Tuesday, May 28 th at 8:30 AM.

For additional information visit the OLLI website – go.cusci.edu/olli. Or call 805-347-2748.

The classes are in person in Camarillo, Ventura and the CSUCI campus, and on Zoom. OLLI also

offers day trips and social events for its members.

Visit – go.csuci.edu/olli or call 805-437-2748 for more information.

Experience the joy of lifelong learning and meet new friends with OLLI!

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VCCCD Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Students at Second Annual Lavender Graduation

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CAMARILLO — Building on the success of last year’s inaugural celebration, the Community Colleges of Ventura County proudly hosted the second annual Lavender Graduation on April 26, 2024, at Moorpark College.  The districtwide ceremony was open to all students identifying as LGBTQIA+ who attend Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura colleges and Ventura College East Campus. Family, friends, and other supporters were invited as well.

This year’s event was a sincere showcase of diversity and empowerment. The ceremony featured addresses from all three college presidents and inspiring speeches by three student speakers from each college, which underscored themes of resilience, inclusivity, and the importance of embracing one’s personal identity.

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Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $12 million in loans for 492 new affordable housing units in Ventura County

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VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces $12,000,000 in loan commitments approved by its Board of Directors. Seven million of the $12 million will be matched by Prop 1 funding. The Valentine Road Apartments in Ventura, a Homekey development by the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura, will receive a $5,000,000 construction loan. Two developments by Red Tail Multifamily Land Development, Citrus Flats in Santa Paula and Arrive Ventura in Ventura, will each receive a $1,000,000 pre-development loan. Many Mansions’ Aspire Apartments in Oxnard will receive a $5,000,000 construction loan. Together the developments will bring 492 new affordable homes to Ventura County.

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MICOP — New Trilingual Website Sheds Light on SLO County’s Mexican Indigenous Population

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SAN LUIS OBISPO — A new trilingual website shares survey findings that shed light on the demographics and health needs of San Luis Obispo (SLO) County’s Mexican indigenous population. 

The website, written in English and Spanish with audio available in Mixteco (a group of languages native to the Oaxaca and Guerrero regions of Mexico), is an openly accessible resource for local organizations and agencies serving this community. The key findings of this study reinforce that Mexican indigenous community members—estimated to be between about three and eight thousand people living in SLO County—face unique health risks driven by poor housing and economic conditions as well as barriers to health services.

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Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College seeks students for California College Corps program

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Students who are accepted into the program as?College?Corps?“fellows” will?work with K-12 schools, food banks or climate action organizations to build healthier and more equitable communities across California. In exchange, they can receive up to $10,000, including a living stipend throughout the service term and an Education Award upon completion of 450 service hours. The program also provides students with valuable job experience and skills, as well as access to training, networking, and professional development opportunities. 

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MICOP — Nearly Two Hundred Farmworkers Organized, Marched, and Rallied to Launch a Living Wage Campaign

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SANTA MARIA — In Celebration of May Day, on April 28, 2024, over a hundred farmworkers – along with CAUSE and MICOP – organized a rally and march to launch a new farmworker living wage campaign for Santa Barbara County.  

 
“Nearly two hundred farmworkers are here today because of the ongoing and increasing difficulty to afford housing, childcare, healthcare, and food despite their essential work for the Central Coast, state, and nation,” said Hazel Davalos, Co-Executive Director of CAUSE. “In the face of doing physically strenuous labor to support an essential part of our local economy, those who toil in the fields are paid low wages, denying farmworker families the ability to live in dignity. The community of Santa Maria showed up today to celebrate May Day and stand in solidarity with farmworkers. Our state and society has deemed farmworkers as essential, and it’s past time that these very workers deserve to be treated as essential and paid wages that honor the sacrifice, health risks, and the hours farmworkers endure.”  

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Museum of Ventura County — Ventura Campus Closes May 13 – June 7 to Install New Exhibitions!

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Last Call to See Current Exhibitions!

?The Museum of Ventura County, Ventura campus, will be closed May 13 – June 7. On Saturday, June 8, MVC will host a free Exhibition Opening celebrating our new exhibitions from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
Don’t miss out! May 12 is the last day to view our current exhibitions – Proximity to Water: Works from MVC’s Permanent Collection, Spin Cycle: Unfolding the Science of Laundry, and The Murder of Tom More: A True Crime Story.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Economic 411 Labor Market Report

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The California Labor Market Information Division released its March 2024 report, displaying a strong improvement in the Ventura County unemployment rate, from an adjusted 5.1% in February down to 4.6% in March. Job creation was more moderate in improvement, with a net increase by 2,900 payroll jobs, driven primarily by an increase in Farm jobs, up 1,800 in March.

Looking year-over-year, Ventura County added 7,200 jobs across all industries, 5,000 in the private sector, 1,200 in the public sector. 

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Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation announces 2024 music contest winners

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SANTA BARBARA — Six young musicians took home thousands of dollars in scholarships Sunday, April 28, after competing in the annual music contest organized by the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation.

A professional panel of judges selected first and second place winners in the adult instrumentalist, junior instrumentalist and vocalist categories. Eleven finalists performed at the event. Awards ranged from $500 to $6,000 and totaled $26,000 overall. The contest took place at Music Academy of the West in Montecito.

This year’s vocal division winner is Ava Kimmel, 22, a soprano and junior at Westmont College. Second prize goes to Xeni Tziouvaras, 29, a mezzo-soprano and freelance vocalist embarking on an international opera career following graduation from the Manhattan School of Music.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘New book explores gay, queer and feminist community in early advances in computer science’ and more news, events

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Patricia Fancher digs into Alan Turing’s technical and scientific writing, highlighting his role in computing’s inception and his collaborations with women and queer individuals.

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Rio School District to receive 2024 Green Ribbon Schools recognition

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OXNARD — The Rio School District has been selected as a 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools District Sustainability Awardee. In addition, Rio has earned the 2024 California Green Ribbon Schools District Sustainability Honoree, Green Achiever designation, the state’s highest recognition for this award. These prestigious awards follow Rio’s 2023 recognition as a California Green Ribbon Schools District Sustainability Honoree, Silver.

The Green Ribbon Schools Awards Program celebrates the school district’s excellence in resource efficiency, health and wellness, and environmental and sustainability education. Districts applying for Green Ribbon distinction must demonstrate progress towards goals in three pillars:

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New 2024 Guide to Summer Fun in Lompoc, California On California’s Central Coast

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LOMPOC — California has long been known as the land of Endless Summer. In recent years, actual summertime in much of the state has meant scorching temperatures and sweltering heat waves. Not in Lompoc! The city’s coastal location keeps it at a cool 74 degrees in July and August, so it’s the perfect place to escape the heat! There are loads of things to do here in summer — here are some of our favorites.

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May events at the Santa Paula Art Museum

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Painting Demo: Linda, Marian, and Debra of PAC6
?Saturday, May 4, 2024 • 2 PM to 4 PM
Included with regular admission (free for members and students)

In conjunction with their current exhibition, “From Field to Frame: The PAC6 Show How It’s Done,” PAC6 Painters Linda Brown, Marian Fortunati, and Debra Holladay will be setting up their easels to paint inside the Museum, looking to each other’s work for inspiration! Visitors can walk freely between the three artists to chat and ask questions. Reservations are not required.

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Kid-Tastic Summer Fun Activities & Events To Experience In Lompoc

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LOMPOC — Looking for somewhere new to explore this summer? A place that’s fun for the whole family, but not somewhere you’ve seen plastered all over your Insta feed? Plan a trip to Lompoc and enjoy family fun on California’s Central Coast. Convenient to multiple California cities, it’s easy to have a road trip adventure!

Away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, the sweltering heat of inland summers, and busy freeways clogged with traffic, a getaway to Lompoc will help you slow down, relax, and reconnect with the people who matter most to you, while still having a great time.

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The first Major Line-Up Announcement is Kenny Loggins for September’s One805LIVE! Event

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SANTA BARBARA — One805 is thrilled to announce the 2024 One805LIVE! concert supporting Santa Barbara’s First Responders. One of our hometown favorites, Kenny Loggins, will give his first performance since last year’s final tour. The benefit will once again be hosted by Academy Award winner Kevin Costner at his oceanside estate. Additional artists and special guests will be announced soon.

Kenny Loggins has sold more than 25 million albums and has won two Grammy Awards. In addition to his string of successful recordings, both solo and as a member of the famed duo Loggins & Messina, Loggins was the first major rock star to dedicate himself to recording music for children and families. Kenny’s remarkable career also garnered him the nickname of “The King of Soundtracks” for his work with Footloose, Top Gun and Caddyshack. Kenny has rocked stages worldwide, and now he has generously agreed to support Santa Barbara’s First Responders by performing at One805LIVE! 2024.

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Dr. María L. Villagómez of Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) selected for the Aspen Institute’s Rising Presidents Fellowship

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SANTA BARBARA — The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (Aspen) recently announced that Dr. María L. Villagómez, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Academic Affairs at SBCC, is one of 40 college leaders from across the U.S. selected for the 2024-25 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship. Applying lessons from over a dozen years researching exceptional community colleges, the Aspen fellowship aims to select and prepare the next generation of presidents who can lead institutions to higher and more equitable levels of student success.

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Bilingual commentary — A Glimpse into Autism

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Decades ago, I had a student in my college classroom who was mathematically brilliant. His behavior, however, was sometimes a bit “unconventional,” and he seemed to have no desire (or ability) to interact with any of his classmates.

Recently, I decided to try to fathom this segment of our population, about which I knew little. I embarked on an exploratory journey that took me to a new, fictitious series, Astrid, on PBS Passport. This French-language program (with English subtitles) teaches viewers about the strengths and challenges of people who struggle with autism. 

Astrid opens our minds to the varied tapestry of human experience. It invites us to explore with empathy and understanding the diverse ways in which individuals perceive and interact with the world around them.

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Santa Barbara City College Promise Rally registered almost 600 South Santa Barbara County Seniors

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SANTA BARBARA — On Friday, April 19, 2024, Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) hosted over 560 South Santa Barbara County high school Seniors for the first ever SBCC Promise Registration Rally. The event provided the visiting high school students the resources needed to enroll at SBCC for the Fall semester as SBCC Promise students. The Seniors were bused in from Dos Pueblos, Santa Barbara, San Marcos, Carpinteria, Bishop Diego, La Cuesta and Alta Vista High Schools. 

“We were delighted to welcome new students to our campus,” said Superintendent/President Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D. “Bringing new students to campus, showing them their classes, and having them meet faculty and staff is an important step in creating a sense of belonging and community. We are committed to making SBCC a place where all students are welcome and can thrive.”

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