“For over two decades, this scholarship has honored the legacy of Sergeant Darlon ‘Dee’ Dowell by investing in the educational journeys of students committed to service,” said Corporal Joseph Metz, President of the VPOA. “We are proud to continue that tradition and help inspire the next generation of public safety professionals.”
“Our Environmental Health Division team, along with our hired contractors and State partners, approached this effort with great care as we managed the program and supported property owners throughout the process”, said Charles Genkel, Environmental Health Division Director. “This wasn’t just about clearing debris. It was about helping people take an important step toward healing and recovery. As we move into the rebuilding phase, the County remains committed to supporting property owners every step of the way.”
Premiere Party: California Art Club’s “Plein Air Visions”
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Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM members, $10 Non-members
We didn’t quite plan for the entire Museum to be filled with art by members of the California Art Club, but we’re not mad now that it has happened! On Saturday, May 10, join us for the premiere of “Plein Air Visions,” featuring two dozen current CAC members. You’ll also enjoy CAC Signature Artist Anne Ward’s solo exhibition, “Painted Seasons,” and a mini-exhibit of works by historic CAC members Jessie Arms Botke and Cornelis Botke.
Building future careers in STEM, students in the FUERTE program travel to the Eastern Sierra to explore nature, gain field experience and learn from top scientists.
Read more about FUERTE in this special multimedia feature.
The Music Academy of the West is proud to welcome Untitled, Head, a monumental sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist Jun Kaneko, now installed on the Academy’s Fé Bland Plaza. Standing 13 feet tall and weighing nearly 2,000 pounds, the cast bronze work rests atop a stainless-steel base, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience Kaneko’s artistry up close before it takes center stage in two major Music Academy performances at The Granada Theatre.
VENTURA — NeighborWorks America is proud to announce that Victoria Brady, Chief Executive Officer of Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) in Ventura is one of 50 leaders selected for the NeighborWorks Achieving Excellence Program, conducted in collaboration with the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
The NeighborWorks Achieving Excellence Program is a 16-month program that equips executives with the skills to advance their organization’s performance. Each participant identifies and clearly defines a specific challenge or opportunity critical to their organization’s success then spends the program addressing that challenge.
“It is both an honor and a vital opportunity to be selected for the NeighborWorks Achieving Excellence Program. As we face growing challenges in providing affordable housing, collaboration with leaders across the industry is essential. Through this program, I look forward to working alongside innovative minds and leverage shared insights to create impactful solutions that strengthen our community and ensure access to safe, affordable homes for all,” said Victoria Brady, CEO of CEDC.
VENTURA COUNTY — We’re thrilled to announce Scharrell Jackson, celebrated author with over 25 years of executive leadership experience, as our keynote speaker for the Women United Education Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 30th at Cal Lutheran University. Scharrell is a champion of United Way’s collective community impact work, and we are honored to have her join us! Get your tickets today!
Media Arts and Technology doctoral students are helping to pioneer AI tools supporting mental health in Antarctica and other extreme environments.
Application deadline extended to Friday, May 16, 2025.
We’re now accepting applications for the 2025 Dorfman Incubator Grants (DIG). Startups can apply for $5,000 to $50,000 in non-dilutive grant funding. Ideal candidates have a connection to Cal Lutheran as a student, alum, employee or employer of Cal Lutheran students.
Now in its third year, Lavender Graduation has become a beloved tradition that fills students and employees alike with anticipation. The ceremony and afterparty reception, hosted in a rotation among the three colleges, was initially created in the 2022-23 academic year to be an inclusive graduation celebration that honors the achievements and identities of LGBTQIA+ students across the district. Since its inaugural year, the event has continued to draw a guest list of graduates, continuing students, and their supporters, as well as the LGBTQIA+ community members and allies employed by the district as faculty, classified professionals, and administrators.
VENTURA — With the return of warmer weather and an increase in motorcycles on the road, Ventura PD reminds drivers to share the road, reduce crashes, and help save lives throughout May, recognized nationally as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
“Motorcycles can easily be overlooked in traffic, making it essential to check your mirrors and blind spots carefully,” said Corporal David Curtis. “A simple second glance can prevent a tragedy. Unlike drivers in cars, motorcyclists lack the protection of a vehicle frame. We all share the responsibility to help keep our roads safe.”
Nation’s Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Honors the Lessons of History and Urges the Nation to Stand Against Injustice in All Its Forms
Washington, D.C. – On this Cinco de Mayo, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) commemorates the historic victory of the outnumbered and outgunned Mexican forces who, against all odds, defeated the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Their triumph was not merely military. It stood for national dignity, justice, and self-determination despite overwhelming power. Today, LULAC calls upon every American to reflect on that legacy and its enduring meaning for our nation at this pivotal moment.
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Department invites those who are attending festivities to celebrate responsibly during the weekend leading up to Cinco De Mayo, which is Monday, May 5th.
Residents, business owners, and drivers are encouraged to be vigilant and report drunk drivers by dialing 911. If you are driving to Cinco De May celebrations over the next several days, please make responsible choices and designate a sober driver to get you home. Rideshare and public transportation are also available.
CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) announced the appointment of Dr. Felix Nuñez as Chief Executive Officer. A seasoned family physician and health care executive with nearly three decades of experience in managed care and health care delivery, Dr. Nuñez will lead GCHP’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, equitable care to more than 240,000 Medi-Cal members in Ventura County.
Dr. Nuñez joined GCHP in 2022 as associate chief medical officer and assumed the role of chief medical officer the following year. He assumes the CEO role following an eight-month tenure as Acting CEO. His three-year contract starts May 1, 2025, and runs through April 30, 2028.
“I have dedicated my life’s work to vulnerable populations and underserved communities, and I am happy that I can continue to lead that important work in Ventura County,” Dr. Nuñez said. “I look forward to strengthening GCHP’s partnerships, expanding access to high quality care for our members, and continuing to build a health plan that contributes to the overall health and wellbeing of our community.”
It is painful when we accompany someone who is in emotional pain. To some extent, we carry their pain along with them as they suffer. Watching someone we love or care about in the depths of hopelessness, worry or despair is emotionally taxing for us. This is compassion, something that the late Pope Francis tried to instill in us.
There are right ways and there are wrong ways to try helping someone who is in emotional pain.
50th Anniversary Celebration Event Will Honor the Latino Leadership Award Winners. Send your nomination today – Form here.
Have you — or someone you know – ever thought about stepping into public leadership, only to feel overwhelmed by where to begin?You’re not alone — and that’s exactly why the Justice Leadership Institute (JLI) exists.
Unidos 805, in partnership with CAUSE, FLA, MICOP, and the Fund for Santa Barbara, is proud to announce JLI, a six-month leadership academy designed to empower and equip progressive leaders from diverse backgrounds with the knowledge, confidence, and community needed to step into public service.
We know that barriers like institutional racism, systemic inequality, and gender bias have too often kept the people most impacted by policy out of decision-making spaces. JLI is here to change that.
LAST CHANCE to visit … Closing May 11!
Exhibitions
MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY
What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art
What is Beauty? invites us to explore diverse perspectives on beauty through fourteen portraits by Ventura County artists from the Museum’s permanent collection. Spanning works created between 1939 and 2011, this exhibition showcases a range of styles—from vibrant realism to minimalist simplicity—challenging traditional standards shaped by art, media, and society.
Artists featured in the exhibition: Carlisle Cooper / Hiroko Yoshimoto / Johanna Spinks / John Nava / John Nichols – featured in exhibition logo / Kitty Botke / Lis Schwitters / Michael Ward / Neal Barr / Omar d’León / Robert Clunie.
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) President Richard Yao plans to visit Santa Paula High School on May 7 as elementary students in a special pilot pre-engineering program showcase the remotely-operated underwater vehicles they built from scratch.
The students built their underwater vehicles under the inaugural SeaPerch STEM Outreach Program, which is the result of a partnership between CSUCI, Ventura College, Ventura County Office of Education, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) and the Santa Paula Unified School District.
To help protect bicyclists and pedestrians, the Ventura Police Department will conduct a focused traffic safety operation throughout the month, aimed at addressing violations that endanger people walking and biking. Enforcement efforts will focus on speeding, illegal turns, failure to yield, and stop sign or red light violations.
Stay connected—sign up for alerts now to be prepared ahead of the upcoming emergency alert system test.
For more than 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week (NSBW), which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. NSBW is co-hosted by SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of SBA.
Join us in celebrating National Small Business Week and participate in the NO-COST SBA National Small Business Week 2-Day Virtual Summit throughout the week! The event will cover information to help you START, GROW and EXPAND your small business.
SBA National Small Business Week 2-Day Virtual Summit
May 6 and May 7 @ 7:00 am PST
This year’s event will include educational presentations by experts, exhibit booths, NO-COST business resources, multiple peer-to-peer networking rooms and expert business advice from SCORE mentors. The event is NO-COST to view for both established and aspiring business owners. However, you must first register to gain entry.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Restoring Dunes to Protect Shores
Marine Science Institute researchers have found that restored dunes at Santa Monica Beach can help protect that section of California’s coast from the severe storms and sea-level rise that come with a warming ocean.
Watch to learn about dune restoration
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Nights: Dancing with Our Stars has already raised over $122,000 for Lumina Alliance—and the competition is just heating up. As the three-night event kicks off tonight at the Pavilion on the Lake in Atascadero, guests will continue “voting” for their favorite dancers by donating—each dollar a vote of support for local survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence.
Local stars have been hard at work fundraising, with County Supervisor Heather Moreno leading at nearly $35,000, followed by Rob Garcia of Corvus Wealth Advisors with $32,000, and Mary Verdin of Verdin Marketing at $24,000. Fellow dancers Eric Yun (Community West Bank), LeBren Harris (Downtown SLO), and Jennifer Idler (Idler’s Home) are also lighting up the stage with passion and purpose.
“Hundreds of institutions nationwide are providing students an excellent opportunity to use higher education as a springboard to a better life,” said Ted Mitchell, president of ACE. “The Student Access and Earnings Classification highlights the depth and breadth of schools where student success is front and center.”
We are at 135% capacity in our dog kennels. To help relieve overcrowding we are holding a free dog adoption promotion* through Sunday, May 11th, 2025 at both the Camarillo and Simi Valley Shelters.
CENTRAL COAST – This past weekend, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) hosted the 2025 Builder Games. Presented by Mechanics Bank, eight teams competed in a series of fun building-related challenges to imaginatively transform a standard 4’x 4’ playhouse into a child’s dream.
Winning this year’s title of ‘Builder Games Champion’ and the ‘People’s Choice Award’ was first-time competitor Tricamo Construction for their “Chicken Coop”. The ‘Judge’s Choice Award’ was awarded to BMA Mechanical+, another team new to this year’s Games, for their inventive recreation of the iconic San Luis Obispo landmark, Frank’s Hot Dogs Restaurant.
The City of Oxnard and the Economic Development Collaborative have partnered to support small business owners! With a low-interest rate, terms designed for businesses and NO-COST professional advising, this fund is perfect for those who haven’t been unable to qualify for traditional bank loans.
CARE Act Town Hall Meeting on Mental Health and Support Services
Join the County of Ventura and the Ventura County Superior Court for an upcoming *CARE Act Town Hall Meeting* to learn about a new program offering voluntary support and treatment for individuals facing serious mental health and substance use challenges.
This informative session will cover eligibility, the petition process, and how the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act is being implemented locally to connect people with the care they need.
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Ventura County Government Center
Hall of Administration – Lower Plaza Assembly Room, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009
Or Join via Zoom:
Meeting ID: 814 194 7530
Passcode: 484640
Download Zoom at: zoom.us/download
**Spanish interpretation will be provided.
Speakers include representatives from the Ventura County Superior Court, County Counsel, Public Defender’s Office, and Behavioral Health, all working together to support residents through this new state program.
LEARN MORE
First Thursdays celebrates Cinco de Mayo with over a dozen trucks, DJs, and a local makers marketplace. Food starts at 5pm at Plaza Park, 500 South C Street
There are still a few spots left to join us on Saturday May 3, departing Santa Barbara at 9:00 am.
Our LA adventure begins with a Pace gallery director guided tour of legendary Light and Space artist Robert Irwin In Los Angeles, an exhibition of work produced between 1960 and 1971, marking the first exhibition of Irwin’s work mounted by Pace since the artist’s death in 2023 and his first posthumous presentation in California. We’ll enjoy our boxed lunches in the gallery garden then head to Marciano Foundation for Lightscape: Doug Aitken, and a special screening of Aitken’s FRONTIER followed by a conversation between Ed Ruscha and Aitken. A very full and rewarding day of art and ideas – register here!
“Today is not an ending, but rather a beginning,” said Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Vincent Wasilewski. “It is the beginning of a career in one of the most demanding and rewarding professions anywhere.”
All 12 graduates of CORE Academy Class #19 completed a comprehensive California Standards and Training for Corrections course consisting of 260 hours of instruction. The six-week academy is designed to prepare students to work as correctional officers. Some of the instruction included emergency planning in a custody facility, report writing, ethics, investigation procedures, contraband, arrest and control, physical fitness training, CPR/First Aid and emergency vehicle operations.
Public education is facing an unprecedented challenge. As political rhetoric intensifies, the U.S. Department of Education has come under attack, with calls for its elimination shaking the foundation of our nation’s commitment to equitable learning opportunities. Yet, despite these challenges, the focus of Ventura County educators remains clear: ensuring the well-being and success of students.
At this time, when public education is under scrutiny, our schools need unwavering support from the communities they serve. The narrative around education must shift from one of division to one of shared responsibility and appreciation. We need to reinforce the idea that teaching is not just a profession, but a privilege—one that shapes the future of our society. Strong, compassionate educators and leaders remain essential to guiding our schools through these uncertain times.
Public education is facing an unprecedented challenge. As political rhetoric intensifies, the U.S. Department of Education has come under attack, with calls for its elimination shaking the foundation of our nation’s commitment to equitable learning opportunities. Yet, despite these challenges, the focus of Ventura County educators remains clear: ensuring the well-being and success of students.
At this time, when public education is under scrutiny, our schools need unwavering support from the communities they serve. The narrative around education must shift from one of division to one of shared responsibility and appreciation. We need to reinforce the idea that teaching is not just a profession, but a privilege—one that shapes the future of our society. Strong, compassionate educators and leaders remain essential to guiding our schools through these uncertain times.
VENTURA COUNTY — The ninth annual Take 5 and Read to Kids! campaign will kick-off May 2nd at preschools, childcare centers, and public libraries throughout Ventura County. First 5 Ventura County hosts these free community events to help raise awareness about the importance of early childhood literacy for the more than 55,000 children in Ventura County who are age 5 and younger. For more information, visit www.first5ventura.org/talk-read-sing
SANTA MARIA — Students in Allan Hancock College’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs took home a staggering 50 gold, silver, and bronze medals from the statewide SkillsUSA competition in Ontario, California, earlier this month.
A record-breaking 40 Hancock students who participated in this year’s competition earned gold medals across 25 categories, including cybersecurity, architecture, welding, crime scene investigation, web design, and more.
In addition, seven Hancock students earned silver medals and three earned bronze medals.
“The work and dedication of our SkillsUSA students demonstrates their drive to succeed and their passion for their career pathways,” said Hancock Administration of Justice Instructor Kurt Kruse, who attended the competition as a SkillsUSA coach. “As an instructor, I was proud of every student who competed.”?
VENTURA — Early education about food helps young people see the value of eating fruits and vegetables instead of ultra-processed foods. A fun program helps 3rd grade students learn where their food comes from, the science of agriculture, and related career opportunities. Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) provides a Farm-to-Table Laboratory that teaches children in Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara counties in California, thanks to a grant from Kaiser Permanente.
CAMARILLO — Representatives from area businesses, the non-profit sector, the health industry, and a faculty member from the campus were recognized as valuable partners to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) during the annual CSUCI Connections Breakfast.
The sold-out event took place on campus where participants had a chance to mingle and look over student research projects on display before sitting down to breakfast and welcome remarks from CSUCI Vice President for Advancement Richard LeRoy and President Richard Yao.
“We are excited to welcome Chief Dickey as the next leader of the Ventura Police Department,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “His extensive experience, collaborative leadership style, and dedication to the community make him well-equipped to address evolving public safety challenges with professionalism.”
VENTURA — The County of Ventura has named Roger Robinson as the new director for the Ventura County Human Service Agency. Robinson was selected following an extensive recruitment process, which included both internal and external candidates. He steps into the role following the retirement of former director Melissa Livingston this month.
Author Melody Jue, an associate professor of English, departs from common coral narratives in her new collection of essays.
Read more about the book
