Category: Cultural

UCSB — The Current — ‘The atmosphere’s growing thirst is making droughts worse, even where it rains’ and more news, events

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.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department launches first Mounted Patrol Unit to enhance community engagement and public safety

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.

Music Academy of the West acquires downtown Santa Barbara property to launch Music Education Center

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.

Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Our Youth Fellowship Quinceañera

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!

2025 marks Santa Barbara Earthquake Centennial Commemoration to be held through September

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.

Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Cypress Place: Pre-Applications Available Now | Cypress Place: Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles ahora

Pre-applications available now through June 24 at pshhc.org/CYP
Pre-solicitudes disponibles ahora hasta el 24 de junio en pshhc.org/CYP

May 30 Palomazo Highlights in Oxnard

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.

County of Santa Barbara June 2025 Newsletter

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.

Women’s Economic Ventures celebrates collective impact at community event and launches 2024 Impact Report

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.”

UCSB — The Current — UC Santa Barbara commencement events to celebrate 7,460 graduates for 2024–2025

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.

Ventura County Office of Education — Inspiring Stories form the Ventura County Class of 2025

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.

Mystic Whaler welcomes graduating Oxnard Union High School District seniors for a special photo opportunity

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.

Esteemed Barry Goldwater Scholarship awarded to California Lutheran University student

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.”

Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) hiring team members in Oxnard

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.

Ventura College Foundation distributes a record $940,854 in scholarships

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.”

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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 honored for innovation in the classroom

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. 

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard mourns the passing of former Mayor Tom Holden

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. 

Urgent call for unified support of Ventura CARE Policy protecting Trans, Immigrant, and Reproductive Rights

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.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College celebrates graduates at 2025 Commencement Ceremony

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.” 

Bilingual report — City of Ventura and ForeFront Power complete citywide solar portfolio

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.

Bilingual report — June 3 County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting. Topics include: Fire hazard severity zones, cannabis business licensing, operations, & tax revenue

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. 

Meet the 2025 Ventura County Teacher of the Year — Shi Young Kim

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.

Guest contribution — Urge Newsom: Stop Sable Oil Pipeline, protect May 29 at Gaviota State Park

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.

Santa Barbara Education Foundation Executive Director Pedro Paz announces departure

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.

People’s Self-Help Housing CEO & President celebrates 20 year anniversary

“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. 

June at the Santa Paula Art Museum

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!

Museum of Ventura County — History Never Looked So Good—Picture This!

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!

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Supervisorial Leadership & Excellence Awards

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.

Bilingual report — Mestizo Folklórico Dance Co. celebrating 44th year with two performances at Oxnard College on May 31, June 1

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. 

Bilingual commentary — Ventura County: ‘God’s Country’

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. 

Oxnard Film Society — Vietnam Exhibit closes with screening on May 30

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.

Bilingual report — Community Organizing Gatherings continue across Santa Barbara County on May 24

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.

Ventura County Community Foundation’s (VCCF) — Power of Purpose — May 2025

… In this time of nonstop headlines and uncertainty, I invite us not to lose sight of the good we are creating together. There are so many examples, including the meaningful and inspired leadership of the recent graduating class of the Ventura County Leadership Academy, where Cohort 30 raised more than $20,000 to help support neighbors who lost their homes in the Mountain Fire. I wish I could have bottled up their joy as they presented the check last week – it was such a beautiful thing to witness!

Bilingual report – Ventura County Public Works Agency recognizes 2025 Employees of The Year

VENTURA — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is proud to announce the recognition of its 2025 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 20th, during the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Evan Martinez, honored with the Operations & Maintenance Employee of the Year award, has been with VCPWA for just over five years, playing a key role in maintaining and operating the water systems across the Agency’s four service districts. His major duties consist of helping the Operations and

Productions team deliver safe drinking water to residents and keeping the water system in excellent working condition.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Foundation awards $605,000 at annual scholarship ceremony

SANTA MARIA — Over 800 students and donors gathered at the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium on May 22 to celebrate the Allan Hancock College Foundation’s annual scholarship awards.

This year, the Foundation awarded 518 scholarships totaling $605,000 to 416 Hancock students. Generous members of the community also funded 18 new scholarships in 2025.

“Each year, we find new ways to strengthen our support for Hancock students, and tonight’s celebration is a powerful reflection of that growth,” said Jon Hooten, Ph.D., executive director of college advancement and the AHC Foundation. “We’re incredibly proud of every student recognized this evening for their hard work and achievements.”

Transforming Lives: The Women’s Fund in Santa Barbara awards? a record $1.25 million to local nonprofits

SANTA BARBARA —The power of collective giving was on display on May 20th when the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara awarded an unprecedented $1.25 million in grants to 11 local nonprofits —showcasing the power of collective giving in the Santa Barbara community. This accomplishment was made possible through the generosity of 1,426 local women members who have combined their charitable contributions into a substantial grants pool.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) presents free event, webinar schedule

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here EDC MAY AND JUNE EVENT AND WEBINAR SCHEDULE The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost events and webinars. Space is limited. Register today! Plan ahead! Our full EDC and partner event schedule is updated…

The Selma March, the future of National Parks and getting acquainted with AI all part of CSUCI’s Summer Taste of OLLI

CAMARILLO — It was the summer of 1965 and Ojai civil rights veteran Lanny Kaufer was standing behind an outdoor stage in Virginia where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was speaking. 

“They have something in India called “darshan,” which is the feeling you get when you are in the presence of a holy man,” Kaufer, 78, said. “I had that experience hearing him speak. He was truly one of the great orators of our time. Then he came down the platform and shook all of our hands, thanking us for what we were doing.”  

Kaufer will speak about the summer of his 18th year during CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Summer Taste of OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute), which features 25 single session, two-hour classes from June 9 through July 17.Registration  opens Tuesday, May 27 at 8:30 a.m.  

UCSB — The Current — ‘Community science helps reveal population growth among SoCal’s endangered giant sea bass’ and more news, events

Photos from the diving community document around 1,200 adult giant sea bass as the species slowly recovers from decades of overfishing.

Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) — Hundreds Join March Against Deportations, Honoring Indigenous Resistance

OXNARD  — On Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM, the Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP), in collaboration with CAUSE and SEIU 2015, hosted a powerful May Day march against deportations, bringing together hundreds of community members in a strong show of unity and collective action.

The May Day March reflected MICOP’s ongoing mission of supporting, empowering, and organizing the Indigenous migrant communities across California’s Central Coast. Participants marched through the streets of Oxnard in honor of International Workers’ Day, raising their voices to call for an end to deportations, family separation, and unjust immigration policies that impact our communities.

“Our communities are not just surviving systems that were never built for us—we’re preserving languages, raising families, and keeping traditions alive in the face of constant threat,” said Ofelia Flores, Community Organizer at MICOP. “This march is a reminder that Indigenous migrant communities are not invisible. We deserve to be protected, celebrated, and heard—not just on May Day, but every day.”

Momentum Growing for Early Childhood Education in Santa Paula

SANTA PAULA — With the leadership of over 125 partners and input from hundreds of community members, the Isabella Project is excited to announce the location of a new early care hub, adjacent to undeveloped land on the Briggs Elementary School property in Santa Paula.

The mission of the Isabella Project is to ensure all children in Ventura County, starting in Santa Paula, have access to high-quality, full-time early care and education that meets their families’ needs. In Santa Paula, there are more than 2,000 children under age 5, but only 881 formal early learning spaces. The early care hub will create approximately 200 more spaces for early childhood education, serving children ages 0 to 5, and will include a variety of wrap-around services to better serve young children, families and childcare professionals.

California Lutheran University names John A. Nunes, Ph.D. as new president

THOUSAND OAKS — The Board of Regents of California Lutheran University announced today the appointment of John A. Nunes, Ph.D., as the university’s ninth president. Nunes has served as the university’s interim president since June 1, 2024, and assumes his new role June 1. He is a former president of Concordia College New York.

“Dr. Nunes has demonstrated his commitment to Cal Lutheran’s mission and our students every single day since his appointment as interim president, and the board is excited to have him join us on a longer-term basis,” said Board of Regents Chair Ann Boynton, Class of 1983. “This is a challenging time for higher education, and the need for committed leadership has never been greater.”

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula to host State of the City event

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula welcomes all Santa Paula residents, business owners, partners and supporters, to attend the annual State of the City event on June 5th. The event will take place at the Ventura County Agriculture Museum, located at 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula, CA 93060.

This year’s event, themed “Feel the Progress,” offers a chance for residents, community leaders, and stakeholders to hear about the City’s recent accomplishments, ongoing efforts, and what lies ahead. Join us to explore Santa Paula’s current priorities and community focused initiatives shaping our future.