The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building
Board Hearing Room
511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.
VENTURA — A decade of healing, hope, and resilience was celebrated under the stars on May 29th, as the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation (VCFJC Foundation) set a new fundraising record at its annual Voices of Hope celebration. This year’s theme, Celebrating a Decade of Camp Hope, raised $305,827 to support Camp HOPE along with a generous surprise $75,000 from Ventura County Credit Union to celebrate their 75th anniversary. VCFJC Foundation was one of 10 organizations selected to receive this generous donation. During the celebration three community leaders were honored for their contributions to family justice in Ventura County – Greg Totten, Dr.Graal Diaz and Reins of H.O.P.E. The event brought together over 230 community members, leaders, and supporters for an evening filled with purpose, celebration, and camp-themed fun.
First Thursday Food Trucks at Plaza Park — Over a dozen trucks, Electronic Dance Music, shopping — and food starts at 5PM! Lineup:
Warmer air can suck up more moisture in dry regions and dump more rain in wet regions. New research reveals that the atmosphere’s drying capacity is outpacing increases in rainfall.
VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever Mounted Patrol Unit, featuring four trained horses and experienced officer riders. This new initiative aims to strengthen community engagement while enhancing public safety in high-traffic areas throughout the city.
The Mounted Patrol Unit will be deployed for proactive patrols focused on crime deterrence, crowd management, special events, and parades. Residents and visitors can expect to periodically see mounted officers in key locations such as Downtown Ventura, the Ventura Promenade, the Ventura Harbor, and local parks, both during the day and at night. In addition to their operational value, mounted officers foster more approachable, face-to-face interactions with the public.
New downtown Music Education Center will expand access to music education, foster year-round artistic innovation, and serve as a cultural anchor in Santa Barbara—strengthening community connection and shaping the future of the performing arts.
As a supporter, you know that we care deeply about investing in the next generation of movement leaders.
And next month, we’re proud to share that we’ll be kicking off our 15th year of the CAUSE Summer Youth Fellowship!
Consider making a gift of $15, $25, $50, $100, or more in honor of our Summer Youth Fellowships Quincenera!
Some of you have been building this program with us since the very beginning. Some of you know our graduates well or are alums yourselves!
SANTA BARBARA — At 6:44 am on June 29, 1925, a powerful earthquake devastated Santa Barbara, taking the lives of eleven people and destroying or damaging much of downtown. It was a pivotal moment in the City’s history that brought the community together, sharing resources and space to support one another through the aftermath, and out of the debris emerged the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture of today’s Santa Barbara.
Many City residents spent the rest of the summer sleeping outdoors in fear of the aftershocks that rolled periodically through the city. Meanwhile, City officials looked for ways to use this tragedy to improve Santa Barbara. Stricter building codes were enforced on new construction, and commercial buildings on State Street were required to conform to a Spanish-Moorish Revival style of architecture. The headline of the day was, “Spanish Architecture to Rise from Ruins.” The results of their efforts are evident in the distinctive look that has made Santa Barbara a popular tourist destination ever since.
Pre-applications available now through June 24 at pshhc.org/CYP
Pre-solicitudes disponibles ahora hasta el 24 de junio en pshhc.org/CYP
La Marcha Sound
This past Friday, we wrapped up the 4th Annual Palomazo Music Series with an unforgettable performance by La Marcha. It was truly epic—filled with incredible conversations, heartfelt stories, and even a little dancing! Huge thanks to everyone who came out and helped make this final Palomazo so special.
Juneteenth in Santa Barbara County: Gather, Reflect, Celebrate
Discover local Juneteenth events that commemorate history and celebrate Black culture.
Click to find events happening near you and be part of the celebration.
SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) brought together WEV clients, elected officials, donors and local partners at its Community Impact Event on May 22, 2025 at The HUB in downtown Santa Barbara. The event celebrated the transformative achievements of 2024 and unveiled the newly released WEV 2024 Impact Report. Highlighted was WEV’s far-reaching support of women entrepreneurs and a reaffirmation of its mission to advance economic equity across the Central Coast.
“Economic equity is about building healthy and thriving communities for everyone,” said Irene Kelly, WEV’s Associate Director of Community Engagement, as she opened the program. “Our clients remind us that feeling financially stable, confident and excited about the future is a shared dream we can achieve together.”
More than 7,400 students — a combination of both undergraduate and graduate — have declared their candidacy to earn degrees in 2025. And they’ll all be honored across nine official events over eight days.
The students graduating from Ventura County’s high schools in 2025 are entering a world full of uncertainty. Our nation’s political divisions seem to be at an all-time high, the economy is experiencing wild fluctuations, and the relentless march of artificial intelligence is reshaping the job market in ways we’re only beginning to understand. At the same time, our educational institutions from preschool to higher education are facing threats to their funding like never before.
Despite these challenges, our graduating seniors are full of promise and possess an intense commitment to making a positive impact on our nation and our world.
OXNARD — The educational tall ship Mystic Whaler was honored to have welcomed graduating seniors from the Oxnard Union High School District to Mystic Whaler for a Class of 2025 portrait. The students arrived in their graduation finery and posed for a variety of photos to celebrate the graduates of 2025. Accompanying them, and proudly standing beside them, was OUHSD Superintendent Dr. Tom McCoy.
THOUSAND OAKS — Elisha Tong is furthering her student research at California Lutheran University amid the growing health crisis of antibiotic resistance, thanks to a scholarship from The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. The nonprofit awards scholarships to college students pursuing research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering. A total of 441 sophomores and juniors nationwide were selected from over 5,000 who applied for the 2025-2026 academic year.
“This scholarship reflects my hard work and the support I have received from Cal Lutheran professors, mentors, friends and family,” said Tong, a Cal Lutheran junior. “Being selected as a Goldwater Scholar has reaffirmed my aspiration to contribute to our growing understanding of the world through science.”
We’re building power – and we’re building our team.
CAUSE is excited to announce that we’re hiring two new team members in Oxnard to grow our environmental justice organizing and advocacy work.
Right now, powerful industries are trying to turn our communities into sacrifice zones – polluting our air, threatening our health, and putting profit over people. And with growing attacks from the federal level, we know we need bold, grassroots leadership now more than ever. That’s why we’re expanding our team to meet this moment.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Opening Act: The Barrelhouse Wailers
Friday, July 25th at 6:00 PM
The Ventura College Sportsplex Stadium
West Campus Way, Ventura, CA
VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation distributed a record $940,854 in scholarships to students during its 36th Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony held May 17 at the Ventura College Sportsplex Field.
The foundation presented 435 scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year, marking the highest distribution amount in the organization’s more than 40-year history.
Of the total awarded, $885,800 went toward 413 general scholarships and $55,054 supported 22 paramedic and other career scholarships. The funds benefited 269 student scholarship recipients, many receiving multiple awards.
“The cost of college is a barrier to many who want to receive an education that will lead to well-paying and rewarding careers,” said Nicole Kreutz, chair of the Ventura College Foundation board of directors. “Scholarships can be a huge help. Many of our students face incredible adversity yet still excel and stay focused on their education goals. Everyone can learn and be inspired by them.”
Memorial Rose Garden Unveiled at the Government Center Honoring Supervisor Carmen Ramirez …
Recently close friends and family gathered at the Ventura County Government Center to honor the legacy of Supervisor Carmen Ramirez with the unveiling of a new rose garden in her memory.
Located between the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Justice, the garden, constructed by our General Services Agency, features vibrant roses and peaceful benches, offering a space to reflect on Supervisor Ramirez’s lifelong dedication to justice and public service.
May her memory continue to inspire our community.
VENTURA COUNTY — Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony last night in Camarillo, the Ventura County Office of Education presented Impact on Education grants totaling in $6,000 to thirteen teachers. Photos from the event are available here.
OXNARD — The City of Oxnard joins the community in mourning the loss of former Mayor Dr. Thomas E. Holden, who passed away on May 26.
Dr. Holden served as Mayor from 2004 to 2012, following a decade of service on the City Council beginning in 1993. His leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on the Oxnard community.
VENTURA — Ventura Trans Sanctuary is calling upon community members, allies, and local leaders to rally in support of the proposed Ventura CARE Policy, a critical measure designed to protect transgender individuals, immigrants, and reproductive rights within the region. This initiative comes at a time when federal policies threaten to undermine the safety and freedoms of these vulnerable communities.
The CARE Policy aims to establish Ventura and Ojai as sanctuary cities, ensuring non-cooperation with external enforcement efforts that target transgender individuals, immigrants, and those seeking reproductive healthcare. With the policy scheduled for a vote in Ventura on June 11, 12, 18, or 19, and a similar proposal expected in Ojai during the second week of June, the need for immediate and collective action is paramount.
New research shows that, globally, men and women tend to use the ocean in different ways, with implications for how marine spaces are used and valued.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the achievements of 1,287 graduating students at the college’s 104th commencement ceremony.
“Whether your journey here was fast and focused or winding and full of unexpected turns, today is the moment where it all comes together,” said Hancock Board of Trustees President Hilda Zacarías. “It is a joy to celebrate with you.”
New solar canopies support Ventura’s Climate Action Plan and will save $2.3 million in energy costs
VENTURA — The City of Ventura held a ribbon-cutting ceremony (May 29) celebrating the completion of a new 900 kilowatt-DC solar portfolio, marking a major milestone in the City’s commitment to sustainability and long-term cost savings. Developed in partnership with ForeFront Power, the project features solar parking canopies at two high-usage facilities: the Ventura Police and Fire Headquarters and Ventura Community Park.
The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara,CA
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.
VENTURA COUNTY — Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that Shi Young Kim, a visual arts teacher from Rio Mesa High School in the Oxnard Union High School District, is the 2025 Ventura County Teacher of the Year. Ms. Kim received the surprise news during a classroom visit today by representatives from the Ventura County Office of Education and OUHSD. With a career marked by creativity, leadership, and dedication to student growth, Ms. Kim has inspired countless students through a dynamic blend of traditional and digital visual arts instruction.
SANTA BARBARA — Amid growing outrage over Governor Gavin Newsom’s silence regarding Sable Offshore’s oil operations, community members and student activists will gather for a peaceful demonstration on Thursday, May 29 at 7:00 AM at Gaviota State Park.
Sable Offshore has begun pumping oil from offshore platforms that were abandoned for more than a decade, and pipeline work at Gaviota State Park is expected to finish this week. Environmental advocates say the silence from the Governor’s office—and the waivers granted by State Parks and Fire Marshal agencies—suggest tacit approval from the highest levels of state government.
The Board of Directors supports Pedro in his decision and extends its deep gratitude for his leadership and service over the past three years. During his tenure, Pedro helped advance SBEF’s mission to support programs that enrich the academic, artistic, and personal development of all students in the Santa Barbara Unified School District. Under his leadership, SBEF developed a comprehensive Strategic Plan and strengthened its operational effectiveness to lay a strong foundation for the future.
“We are so grateful for his passion and steadfast guidance over the past two decades,” said Shelly Higginbotham, PSHH Board Chair. “For his dedication and leadership, we congratulate Ken on reaching this significant milestone.”
Since joining PSHH in 2005, Ken has served in many roles, including Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Vice President of Real Estate Finance. With extensive experience accumulated through a 30+ year distinguished career in banking and affordable housing, Ken brings an innovative combination of executive skills to his role as CEO & President. He earned his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Business Management from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and his MBA in Finance & Banking from Golden Gate University, San Francisco.
Kids’ Art Fest
?
Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 11 AM to 3 PM
Free for all ages
We’re kicking off a summer of creative fun with Kids’ Art Fest on Sunday, June 1! This free, outdoor celebration is packed with hands-on art activities for all ages, plus face painting, giant bubbles, live art demos, yummy food vendors*, community performances, and more.
Don’t miss folklórico and mariachi performances by young artists from Oxnard’s Inlakech Cultural Arts Center from 12 PM to 1 PM. Kids’ Art Fest 2025 is sponsored by Calavo Growers, Brianne McGrath, and Rotary Club of Santa Paula.
*The cost of food is not included, but everything else is!
Behind-the-Scenes – Stories of Hearst Castle
Tuesday, June 3
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street., Ventura
Registration closes Friday, May 30 at 12 p.m.
Join Montecito Bank & Trust M-Club & Museum of Ventura County for an informative Lunch & Learn with architectural historian, Victoria Kastner. Kastner will share many behind-the-scenes stories about Hearst Castle at San Simeon—examining its buildings, gardens, swimming pools, and glamorous guests. She will also reveal new information about Julia Morgan—its talented architect—and Julia’s unique collaboration with her influential client, William Randolph Hearst. Enjoy a catered lunch provided by Peirano’s!
The physicist and computer science assistant professor explores a hybrid approach to scalable, error-resilient quantum machines.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 1st Annual District 2 Supervisorial Leadership and Excellence Awards—a special evening celebrating the “Great Navigators” of our community. From public safety and education to environmental stewardship and economic development, our honorees represent the best of Ventura County.
A heartfelt thank you to Amgen for graciously hosting us on their Thousand Oaks campus, and to the New West Symphony for providing beautiful music that elevated the evening.
To our recipients, sponsors, guests, and supporters—thank you for making this inaugural event such a success. If you missed it, I encourage you to watch the inspiring tribute videos linked below.
The dance company has represented the college throughout the community performing for civic and school events as a way of celebrating the cultural and artistic traditions of México. The group takes pride in educating audiences about the music, dances, and traditions that have existed for generations and offers programs that demonstrate discipline and dedication, combined with a love of performing before appreciative audiences. As a unit, the Mestizo Folklórico Dance Com[any aims to transmit the elegance, joyfulness, and vibrancy of Mexico’s culture to their audiences.
My extended family consists of about 60 cousins and an untold number of their children. My paternal grandparents had 14 children, and one of those children had 14 children. Sometimes I think I must be related to half the population of Los Angeles.
We cousins are scattered all over the map. I grew up next door to five of them, all brothers. One lives in Tokyo, Japan. Another is in Manchester, England. Two are near Seattle, Washington. One remains in Los Angeles.
VENTURA COUNTY — The last day of the WE REMEMBER exhibit is May 30 when at 2 pm we will present a 8 minute work-in-progress documentary on Deported Veterans followed by We Remember: End of Innocence a 47 minute doc on Ventura County veterans on their Vietnam experience. A Q/A with veterans and director George J. Sandoval will follow.
The John Spoor Broome Library at CSU, Channel Islands is open from 9am to 4pm Tuesday – Friday and unfortunately is closed on Memorial Day.
Looking to take action in your community? Join the Santa Barbara Transgender Advocacy Network for a countywide day of community organizing this Saturday, May 24th, from 12 to 2 PM in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Isla Vista.
