Category: Cultural

Bilingual report — County of Ventura reports $2.4 billion in agricultural value in 2025 Crop and Livestock Report

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura’s Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures presented the 2025 Crop and Livestock Report to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors during their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 23. The annual publication, which provides a snapshot of the county’s farming industry, reported the gross value of agriculture at $2,409,748,000, a 4% increase from 2024.

In addition to production statistics, the 2025 Crop and Livestock Report examines the economic realities facing Ventura County’s agricultural community. Through its theme, “Making Cents of Agricultural Production,” the report explores rising costs across six key production categories – labor, land, inputs, plant care, services, and compliance – and highlights the resilience and innovation that continue to drive Ventura County agriculture.

Museum of Ventura County — Summer programs, new exhibits & Taste of History 2026

by Community Contributor • June 23, 2026 • Comments Off

Step into the glamour of the 1920s for an unforgettable evening of fine dining, vintage-inspired cocktails, entertainment, dancing, and philanthropy as we celebrate Ventura County’s remarkable role in the early days of filmmaking.

TASTE OF HISTORY 2026

Thursday, September 10

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — A Year of Active Hope: FREE community events all summer long

by Community Contributor • June 22, 2026 • Comments Off

What does active hope look like? It looks like learning new skills, meeting inspiring people, celebrating community, coming together around shared solutions, and discovering practical ways to create change.

This summer, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) invites you to join us for A Year of Active Hope — a series of free events offering a welcoming space for people to unite, find courage, and take meaningful steps for our planet.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. breaks ground on Camino de Salud in the Ojai Valley

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) on June 5 celebrated the groundbreaking of Camino De Salud, a 49-unit supportive affordable housing development in the unincorporated Ojai Valley community of Mira Monte. Camino De Salud will reserve half of its units for residents who are experiencing homelessness and have been high health users with the remaining units serving residents earning 50 percent or less of the area median income.

“It’s truly a pleasure to be here in the beautiful Ojai Valley to celebrate the groundbreaking of Camino de Salud. A project whose very name reflects what the community stands for: health, opportunity and a pathway forward,” said Victoria Brady, Chief Executive Officer. “We’re building opportunity, we’re building a stronger, more connected community.”

Congressman Salud Carbajal honored by Central Coast healthcare leaders

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) was honored on June 1 by the CenCal Health Board of Directors with an official resolution recognizing his leadership and advocacy on behalf of Medi-Cal beneficiaries, providers, and communities across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

The resolution was presented by Santa Barbara County Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, alongside Marina Owen, Chief Executive Officer of CenCal Health, and CenCal Health Board Chair Sue Andersen, President & CEO of Dignity Health on the Central Coast.

Bilingual commentary — Dark Skies: Portals to the Cosmos

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2026 • Comments Off

There are several hundred thousand amateur astronomers in the U.S. I was one of them during my teenage years (my daughter, a mother of three boys, has made it a point to tell me that I was not a “normal” teenager). I had one big disadvantage: I lived in Los Angeles during those years and had never seen the Milky Way due to the massive amount of illumination from one of the largest cities in the world just north of the suburb where I lived.

One summer, my father took all of us to the mountains north of Los Angeles for a few days. I took my telescope with me.

Bilingual report — Community invited to the 35th annual Juneteenth Freedom Day celebration on June 20

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2026 • Comments Off

“For 35 years, the Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration has brought together our Ventura County community to honor history, celebrate culture, and embrace the values of freedom and unity,” said Bruce Stewart, President of the Ventura County Juneteenth Celebration. “We are proud to continue this tradition and remain committed to ensuring that future generations understand the importance of Juneteenth and the contributions of African Americans to our nation and our community.”

Bilingual report — Teatro de las América — Cerca de ti (Close to you), obra en español/play in Spanish continuing through June 28

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2026 • Comments Off

In 2080, there will be androids to satisfy your emotional needs. Who wouldn’t want to get the “love vaccine”? An author laments not having been a prophet in her own land and orders her little bonsai tree to report an interruption in her streaming of the acceptance of a major literary award. For a writer, there’s always the possibility of “killing off” a character, but what do you do when the protagonist demands that you write a few extra pages so she can deeply feel the pain and seek healing once the story ends?

Ventura Music Festival — Volunteers Needed – Sunday June 21

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2026 • Comments Off

With free live music and activations down Main Street, we expect a high volume of foot traffic for MMV, and we need your help!

Join us as a volunteer for Make Music Ventura and experience the day from a backstage perspective, while helping our community make the most of this wonderful, free event. Shifts are available all day, between the hours of 8am to 8pm, and we have numerous opportunities in stage support, wayfinding, booth staffing, and more! Thank you for joining us.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: ‘Cornelis Botke: Painter of the Western Scene’

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2026 • Comments Off

On view now through July 12, 2026

Santa Paula artist Cornelis Botke (1887-1954) is best known as a master etcher and as a supporting figure in the career of his wife, artist Jessie Arms Botke (1883-1971). His etchings earned international acclaim and entered the collections of the California State Library, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Institution. Yet from childhood, Cornelis’ true ambition was to be a painter.

Botke was born in Leeuwarden, Holland, in 1887. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised and educated in a Mennonite orphanage in Haarlem. Although he longed to pursue painting, his guardians worried about his livelihood and enrolled him instead at the Haarlem School of Applied Art, where students trained for professional trades such as architectural drawing, engraving, and metalwork.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves balanced budget for fiscal year 2026-2027

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2026 • Comments Off

“The adoption of this budget reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while continuing to invest in the services Ventura County residents rely on every day,” stated Chair of the Board Jeff Gorell. “This balanced budget maintains our strong fiscal foundation, supports public safety, infrastructure, health and human services, and positions our county to meet both current needs and future challenges. At a time when changes in state and federal funding are creating new challenges for counties across California, Ventura County remains focused on fiscal discipline, strategic planning, and delivering high-quality services to our residents.”

Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees place local funding measure on November 2026 ballot

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees voted unanimously June 16 to place a local facilities funding measure on the November 3, 2026, ballot, allowing voters throughout the Allan Hancock Joint Community College District to consider whether to authorize funding for repairs, upgrades and modernization projects at the college’s facilities.

If approved by voters, the measure would authorize up to $290 million in locally controlled general obligation bonds to improve and modernize projects at Allan Hancock College locations throughout the district.

Oxnard City Council places Measure O renewal on Nov. 3, 2026 ballot for voters to decide whether to maintain locally-controlled funding source

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The Oxnard City Council voted on June 16, 2026, to place the “City of Oxnard Public Safety, Financial Stability Measure (No Tax Rate Increase)” on the November 3, 2026 ballot, providing Oxnard voters the opportunity to choose whether to continue the City’s existing Measure O sales tax beyond its current expiration date in March 2029.

Measure O is a locally-controlled ½ cent sales tax that was approved by 65% of Oxnard voters in 2008. It has provided funding for a range of City services, including police and fire protection, 911 emergency response, street and alley maintenance, youth and senior programs, homelessness response, and other community programs. Measure O is currently scheduled to expire in March 2029 unless renewed by voters.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board Of Supervisors approves construction of new playground at Steckel Park

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, during their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 9, approved construction of a new playground at Steckel Park, marking a major investment in recreation, accessibility, and family-friendly amenities at one of the County’s most popular parks.

SCRV Pride Week Celebrates Inclusion, Community Leadership, and LGBTQ+ Pride in the Santa Clara River Valley

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA CLARA RIVER VALLEY — The Santa Clara River Valley (SCRV) Pride Committee is proud to announce SCRV Pride Week 2026, a weeklong celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, visibility, inclusion, and community. The week will bring together residents, families, allies, businesses, public agencies, and community-based organizations from throughout the region for a series of events that celebrate diversity, honor local leaders, and strengthen community connections.

SCRV Pride Week reflects the Santa Clara River Valley’s commitment to creating a community where all people are welcomed, respected, and empowered to thrive. This year’s celebration will feature the SCRV Pride Mixer, a City of Santa Paula Pride Proclamation, and the annual SCRV Pride Brunch, highlighting the power of community, advocacy, and belonging.

Bilingual report — Community leaders named as 2026 Hancock Honors Recipients

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation announced the recipients of the 2026 Hancock Honors, presented by CoastHills Credit Union. The annual celebration, set for Sept. 12, recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership, philanthropy and service have made a lasting impact on the college and the communities it serves.?

This year’s honorees are educator and Allan Hancock College?alumna?Dr. Nicolasa “Niki” Sandoval, pioneering Santa Barbara County winemaker and philanthropist Fred Brander and the Melsheimer Family, longtime supporters of education and workforce development on the Central Coast.

Meadowlark Service League distributes $265,000 to local charities

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Representatives from over 40 charities across Ventura County gathered to celebrate community along with the hard-working ladies of the Meadowlark Service League for a special “Breakfast of Champions” on Thursday, June 4th at the Las Posas Country Club.

The charities that are supported by the Meadowlark Service League impact the elderly, youth/children, the arts, the homeless, the disabled, veterans, hospice, health, feeding the needy, community services, and education. In addition, $10,000 in scholarships were given to new and continuing college students.

Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) Power of Purpose June 2026 newsletter

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2026 • Comments Off

Last month, I wrote about my experience at the Council of Foundations conference and the idea of connection being its own philanthropic cause, worthy of support, and how the work in front of us is not simply to gather with those who already affirm us. The deeper work is to break bread across difference and discover that we still belong to one another.

My email inbox was flooded with replies and messages expressing a shared concern for how polarizing and divided these times are. Your replies have stayed with me, and they fill me with hope. I really want to thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me, and please know how grateful I am for each and every one of you.

Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan Public Review Draft available. Comments due by June 22

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study & Action Plan, Public Review Draft, is now available. Provide comments by June 22, 2026

El Estudio y Plan de Acción sobre Vivienda para Trabajadores Agrícolas del Condado de Ventura, Revisión Pública Borrador, está disponible. Proporcionar comentarios antes del 22 de junio de 2026.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Inspiring Stories from the Ventura County Class of 2026

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

At the end of each school year, the Ventura County Office of Education takes the opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the remarkable students graduating from local high schools. Every year, we’re amazed by the stories we receive of students who have overcome great odds and achieved incredible things on the road to their high school diploma.

This year is no different, and we’re excited to profile just a few students who demonstrate the resilience, dedication and drive of the Ventura County Class of 2026. Among our featured graduates are a young man who journeyed alone from Mexico in search of a better life and a young woman whose family fled Ukraine to find safety and opportunity in Ventura County.

805 UndocuFund — One Year Later: Remembering the June 10 Raids and the Road to Glass House Farms

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

Dear Friends & Supporters,

June marks one year since Border Patrol carried out a series of immigration enforcement operations across Ventura County, reaching the Central Coast for the first time since the early 1990s.

Between June 10 and June 14, 2025, at least 95 community members were taken from their workplaces, homes, and families. Fear spread quickly throughout the region as workers stayed home, parents worried about their children, and entire communities braced for what might come next.

What many did not know at the time was that these raids were a warning of something far more devastating.

Together, we remember…

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency welcomes new assistant director

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

Tyburski is an accomplished public works executive, infrastructure leader, and licensed California civil engineer with nearly 30 years of experience managing complex public infrastructure programs, multimillion-dollar capital improvement projects, and large-scale governmental operations. His career spans both the public and private sectors, giving him a well-rounded perspective on infrastructure delivery, operational strategy, and organizational leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from California State University, Fresno and a Master of Public Administration from Arkansas State University.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — City of Camarillo Business Assistance Loans Now Available!

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

In partnership with the City of Camarillo, the Economic Development Collaborative has launched the City of Camarillo Business Assistance Loan Fund. This low-interest program is specifically designed to prioritize the vibrant business community in the City of Camarillo. Start-ups can get the necessary capital to launch their ventures and established businesses can secure funds to fuel their growth. With abundant opportunities for collaboration, a diverse customer base and an environment of innovation, Camarillo is a perfect place to start or grow your business.

Lumina Alliance’s Light the Way Campaign in San Luis Obispo reaches $1.9 million milestone to sustain critical survivor services

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

Launched in response to growing uncertainty surrounding federal and state funding, the campaign was designed to help sustain life-changing programs that provide safety, healing, and prevention throughout San Luis Obispo County. With nearly 50% of Lumina Alliance’s budget historically supported by government funding, the campaign focuses on building long-term community investment to ensure survivors continue to have access to 24/7 crisis support, emergency shelter, transitional housing, therapy, advocacy, and prevention education.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard celebrates groundbreaking of Endless Waves Skatepark, future home to an Olympic-quality skatepark

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard celebrated the groundbreaking of the Endless Waves Skatepark at Del Sol Park, marking a major milestone in the City Council’s continued investment in recreational opportunities and infrastructure improvements for the community. Once completed, the nearly 40,000 square-foot, Olympic-quality skatepark will be the largest skatepark in Ventura County.

“We are thrilled to break ground on the incredible new skatepark—a bold project that showcases our commitment to creating vibrant spaces where our youth, families, and entire community can come together to enjoy social and health benefits,” said Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur. “The Endless Waves Skatepark will become a premier amenity for our community members throughout Ventura County and a proud symbol for the neighborhoods of La Colonia, Rose Park, and the City of Oxnard for generations to come.”

Tickets on sale for Community Environmental Council (CEC)’s 2026 Green Gala on Sept. 19, more news

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Bilingual report — Couple celebrates 20 years of learning together through Allan Hancock College’s Community Education Art Classes

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — For the past 20 years, Nick and Deborah Carpenter have shared a tradition that has become an important part of their lives: taking Community Education art classes together at Allan Hancock College.

Over two decades, the couple has explored a variety of creative pursuits through the college’s tuition-free art offerings, developing new skills while building lasting memories. Among their most meaningful projects were creating the rings they later exchanged on their wedding day.

Community Rallies around survivors at Voices of Hope Gala, Fueling Expansion of Ventura County Family Justice Centers

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation (Foundation) raised over $234,000 at its annual Voices of Hope Gala on Wednesday, May 27, at Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark. The evening drew 240 community leaders, elected officials, and supporters who gathered to raise critical funds for the Foundation’s free programs serving individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking, and other violent crimes.

Proceeds from the gala will support Camp HOPE, Voices of Ventura County, and the Pathways to Hope program, as well as the Foundation’s continued expansion. Two new Family Justice Centers are on track to open in 2027: the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center in Oxnard and the East County Family Justice Center, both of which will extend critical, trauma-informed services to communities across the county.

Downtown Oxnard announces June events

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

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Friendship Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — The Friendly Finch: June 2026

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

“You like me, you really like me!”
-Sally Field, 1985
-and Friendship Center, 2026

I know Friendship Center is beloved by so many in our community; it would be impossible for us to have existed for 50 years otherwise. But May was one of those months where we really felt the love.

We were honored to receive our first-ever grant from the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara, supporting the operation of our dementia-friendly transportation service. If you’re unfamiliar with the incredible research, diligence, and care that the Women’s Fund invests in every grant decision, let me assure you, this recognition is no small thing. Their team spent months getting to know Friendship Center, understanding our work, evaluating our impact, and determining whether we could deliver on the promises we make to our community.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency recognizes 2026 Employees of The Year

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is proud to announce the recognition of its 2026 Employees of the Year. These exceptional individuals have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, dedication, and innovation in their roles, contributing to the Agency’s ongoing success. The awards were presented on Tuesday, May 19th, during the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Ivan Gonzales, honored with the Operations & Maintenance Employee of the Year award, has been with VCPWA for 19 years, playing a key role in the Roads and Transportation Department. His major duties include coordinating emergency response efforts during storms, floods, fires, and landslides; supervising road maintenance crews and field operations; managing budgets and projects; overseeing personnel, training, and development; and responding to resident and roadway concerns to help keep the community safe.

City Impact’s 16th Annual Beachfront Run in Ventura sets new record

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — City Impact, Inc. celebrated a landmark morning on the Ventura Promenade on Saturday, May 30, as the 16th Annual Beachfront Run drew its largest field in event history. With 1,267 registered runners — a new record — participants of all ages and abilities took to the scenic coastal course in support of City Impact’s mental health, youth outreach and family services programs serving over 500 Ventura County residents annually.

This year’s event not only attracted regional runners in Ventura County from Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Fillmore, Simi Valley, Santa Paula, Camarillo and Ventura, but also runners from San Diego, Carpinteria, Long Beach, Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, Santa Maria, Whittier, Santa Barbara, Bakersfield, Sylmar and Reno, Nevada. Following are finalist winner results for first and second place runners.

Bilingual report — People’s Self-Health Housing May 2026 eNewsletter

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

To all who joined us for last week’s Cleaver & Clark Commons Grand Opening, thank you! Located in central Grover Beach, this new property is providing 53 affordable apartments to low-income households, farmworker families, and those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Public Health Department attains national reaccreditation

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) on May 29 announced it has successfully completed a rigorous process to maintain national accreditation status through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). This announcement follows PHAB’s national release, recognizing 14 health departments across the country for achieving accreditation or reaccreditation. As the first local health department in California to earn PHAB accreditation in 2014, VCPH continues to lead ahead among the other local health departments by meeting national standards and demonstrating excellence in protecting community wellness and delivering high?quality public health services. In California, 29 out of 61 local health departments are accredited by PHAB. By maintaining its accreditation for another five years, VCPH has demonstrated that it meets or exceeds PHAB’s quality standards and continues to improve in its efforts to protect the health of all Ventura County residents.

Bilingual report — Guidelines for Santa Paula 4th of July Fireworks Event

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — In advance of the Fourth of July Holiday and Fireworks event, the City of Santa Paula and the Santa Paula Police Department are announcing schedule and guidelines for those making plans to attend the fireworks show at Santa Paula Creek Sports Park at Harvest.

Please be aware, as with any community fireworks show, there will be extended traffic delays upon exiting the event for those who choose to drive a vehicle and park it in spaces available at Santa Paula Creek Sports Park.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosts EMS and Paramedics graduations

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated a new group of graduates from its emergency medical services and paramedicine academies May 29.

The college hosted two separate ceremonies for both programs at its Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.

“Today marks the culmination of their dedication, sacrifice and hard work,” Hancock EMS and Paramedicine Coordinator Sean Newton said. “They are ready to serve their communities with skill and compassion.”

Reserve your seat for Field to Fork Today! Event to be held July 15 in Moorpark

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

“From Field to Fork” brings together farmers who produce Ventura County’s agricultural bounty, chefs who celebrate that bounty on their menus, and the farm workers whose labor makes it all possible.

Enjoy a multi-course gourmet dinner while helping promote affordable, safe, and stable housing for Ventura County farm workers and their familie

Bilingual report — Ventura Housing marks completion of the largest Homekey housing project in Ventura County history

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura Housing, in partnership with the City of Ventura and the County of Ventura, is pleased to announce the grand opening and 100% occupancy of Valentine Road Apartments. The development transformed a former La Quinta Inn into 134 units of permanent supportive housing through a $32 million Homekey grant from the State of California. The Valentine Road Apartments represent the largest Homekey Project completed in both the City and County of Ventura and is a cornerstone of the regional and statewide effort to address homelessness through permanent supportive housing.

According to the Ventura County Continuum of Care’s 2026 Point-in-Time Count, homelessness in Ventura County declined 11.8% from 2025 and 28% since 2023. The report attributes part of that decline to the expansion of permanent supportive housing countywide, including the 134 units at Valentine Road Apartments.

Save the Date — Panteón Fest returns October 17 to the vibrant city of Oxnard

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — We’re putting our heart and soul into making this year’s Panteón Fest one to remember.

Thank you for always supporting what we do. Please help us spread the word and we’ll see you October 17 at Panteón

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves donation of laboratory equipment to California State University Channel Islands

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2026 • Comments Off

“This donation reflects our commitment to being responsible stewards of public resources while creating new opportunities for students and researchers,” said Board Chair Jeff Gorell. “We’re pleased that this equipment will continue serving the community through education, training, and scientific discovery at CSU Channel Islands”.

CLU’s Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival Celebrates 30 Years

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2026 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival launched in 1997 with the professional production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and the goal of presenting the magical comedy every decade with a different theme. Now, as the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company celebrates its milestone 30th year, it will again honor the tradition. This summer’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is set in the 1920s jazz and gangster world of Chicago and will run June 19 to July 5. “Hamlet” is the second production, July 10 to 26, and will be set in the late 19th century. All performances are at 8 p.m., Friday through Sunday, in Kingsmen Park on the California Lutheran University campus.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Alex Fabros, 80, makes history at UCSB’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2026 • Comments Off

From farmworker fields in California to war in Vietnam to a doctoral degree in history, Fabros is UCSB’s oldest Ph.D. recipient.

Santa Paula Cruise Night draws 3,000+ on June 5

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — More than 3,000 attendees packed Historic Main Street for the June edition of Cruise Night 2026 on Friday, June 5 — one of the strongest turnouts in the event’s 25-year history.

Hundreds of classic cars filled the street as families, car enthusiasts, and visitors from across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles counties came together for a free evening of community, culture, and live music by Ventura County-based bandRed Rock Road. Downtown shops and restaurants stayed open late, bringing the city’s historic core to life well into the evening.

“We are absolutely thrilled by the incredible community response to the Cruise Night on June 5. More than 3,000 attendees came out to celebrate on Main Street, and the energy was electric from start to finish. Seeing so many families, car enthusiasts and visitors from across the region come together in historic downtown Santa Paula reminds us exactly why this 25-year tradition matters. We can’t wait to see everyone again on August 7.”

Pacific Conservatory Theatre in Santa Maria announces Summer Season 62 — An unforgettable Summer of music, heart and adventure

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — This summer, PCPA invites audiences to enjoy a season of inspiring true stories, family-friendly adventures, and memorable music. Performances run from June 11 through August 23 at the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria and the Solvang Festival Theater. Experience the true-life triumph of Come From Away, the magic of Frozen, the excitement of Luchadora!, and the energy of Beehive. This season promises theatrical experiences that will move, delight, and inspire, both under the stars and on stage.

32 recruits graduate from Allan Hancock College’s Law Enforcement Academy

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Thirty-two recruits graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Basic?Law?Enforcement?Academy June 10 at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.

The graduating recruits of Class #26-131 gathered with their friends and families to celebrate the completion of more than 872 training hours required to graduate from the academy and enter careers as peace officers. All?of the recruits have already been hired by Central Coast?law?enforcement?agencies.?

“This is the end of your academic training here at the academy, but your career and your training are far from over,” Arroyo Grande Police Chief David Culver told the graduates. “The real work is just beginning.”

7 things to do on a Summer getaway in Lompoc

by Community Contributor • June 11, 2026 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — If your ideal summer getaway includes scenic beaches, local wine, outdoor adventure, and a slower pace, Lompoc deserves a spot on your Central

Coast itinerary. Located along California’s scenic Highway 1 corridor, Lompoc offers a refreshing mix of laid-back charm and unforgettable experiences.

One day you can hike through California history, the next you can sip Pinot Noir, watch a rocket launch, or relax at the beach with a famous burger in hand.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a full summer road trip, here are seven great ways to experience Lompoc this season.

UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Free Summer Cinema: Mixtapes & Misfits July 10 through Aug. 28

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2026 • Comments Off

Friday Nights Under the Stars at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden
July 10 – August 28 | 8:30 PM
(No screening on Friday, August 7 due to Fiesta)
UCSB Arts & Lectures and the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture present the 2026 FREE Summer Cinema lineup: “Mixtapes & Misfits,” seven films powered by iconic music, big emotions and unforgettable characters who refuse to fit the mold. Screenings take place Friday evenings at 8:30 p.m. from July 10 through August 28, under the stars at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden (no film on Friday, August 7 due to Fiesta).
This year’s lineup includes: Pretty in Pink, Say Anything…, La Bamba, Rushmore, Love & Basketball, Napoleon Dynamite and Hairspray. Begun in 2010, this collaboration between Arts & Lectures and the County Office of Arts & Culture has become a cherished Santa Barbara summertime tradition.

Museum of Ventura County — Two New Exhibits Open June 5

by Community Contributor • June 4, 2026 • Comments Off

Parallel Histories: Ventura County during the US Revolution
As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Parallel Histories explores what was unfolding at the same time in Ventura County. While British colonialism and the Revolutionary War reshaped the East Coast, California, not yet part of the United States, was being transformed by Spain.
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Patriotic Threads: Textiles, Tapestries, & T-Shirts
Patriotic Threads explores how textiles have long served as powerful expressions of national identity. Through handcrafted works, the exhibit reveals how textiles and design embody patriotism and collective memory.
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UCSB — The Current — UC Santa Barbara’s 2026 Commencement events to celebrate 6,727 graduates and more news, events

by Community Contributor • June 4, 2026 • Comments Off

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. For graduates, especially. Commencement season has arrived.

Port of Hueneme — Dock Talk May 2026 Community Newsletter

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2026 • Comments Off

This May 5, the Port of Hueneme celebrated its 89th birthday with cake and a special preview of the Richard Bard Founders Plaza Memorial. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the Port and its rich history!

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