Category: Cultural

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health confirms first Measles case in Ventura County since 2017

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health confirms first Measles case in Ventura County since 2017

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) has confirmed a positive case of measles related to international travel. This is the first confirmed case in the county since 2017. VCPH is conducting a thorough investigation and working closely with healthcare providers and exposed contacts to prevent further transmission. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing, and airborne particles. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. Unvaccinated or undervaccinated individuals are especially at risk of infection. If you have been fully vaccinated or were born before 1957, your risk of infection is extremely low.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. — Back to School traffic safety awareness

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. — Back to School traffic safety awareness

SANTA PAULA — As the beginning of the new school year approaches next week, the Santa Paula Police Department reminds residents, parents, students, and school staff to practice caution and safety in observance of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and school buses.

The first day of school is August 12, 2026. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be impacted during drop-off and pickup times. Here are helpful tips for back to school traffic safety:

Read more →

Community Environmental Council (CEC)’s Fall Climate Stewards course starts Sept. 15, more upcoming events

by  •  • Comments Off on Community Environmental Council (CEC)’s Fall Climate Stewards course starts Sept. 15, more upcoming events

Since launching the course, CEC has certified 256 CEC Climate Stewards — a growing, interconnected network of alumni who are putting what they’ve learned into practice. This diverse mix of educators, non-profit leaders, students, retirees, business owners, and climate allies are tackling challenges ranging from local policy change to plastic pollution to wildfire resilience.

Read more →

Ventura Housing helps students start the school year strong at Back-to-School Resource Fair

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura Housing helps students start the school year strong at Back-to-School Resource Fair

VENTURA — Ventura Housing on July 25 welcomed families from across the community to its Westview Property for its annual Back-to-School Resource Fair, providing free backpacks, school supplies, meals and entertainment alongside direct access to more than 20 community organizations to help students start the new school year prepared for success. Centered around the theme “Strong Families, Strong Futures,” the fair connected families with educational opportunities, health and wellness resources, workforce development programs, mental health services and youth enrichment activities. Participating partners included Ventura County Library, Ventura College, California Lutheran University, Clinicas del Camino Real, and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura, giving attendees direct access to programs and services that support student success long after the first day of school.

Read more →

United Way’s Fun in the Sun Scholars join the Music Academy of the West

by  •  • Comments Off on United Way’s Fun in the Sun Scholars join the Music Academy of the West

SANTA BARBARA — More than 350+ elementary school students enrolled in United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Fun in the Sun summer learning program participated in an arts education experience this week with a live performance of Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra by the Music Academy’s Chamber Orchestraconducted by William Long and featuring acting troupe Really Inventive Stuff, plus an instrument exploration station hosted by the Santa Barbara Symphony.

The field trip was made possible by the Music Academy of the West and sponsored by Montecito Bank & Trust and all partners of Santa Barbara County’s arts and education programs.

Read more →

Ventura Harbor Village celebrates the Summer with waterfront & island adventures, live entertainment, whale watching, coastal dining, shopping & relaxation

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura Harbor Village celebrates the Summer with waterfront & island adventures, live entertainment, whale watching, coastal dining, shopping & relaxation

VENTURA — Summer is in full swing at Ventura Harbor Village, Southern California’s premier seaside destination where visitors can savor ocean breezes, fresh coastal cuisine, boutique shopping, family-friendly entertainment, and unforgettable adventures on the water. Whether planning a day trip or weekend getaway, Ventura Harbor Village offers the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation along Ventura’s picturesque waterfront. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Read more →

Music Academy of the West — Announcing the Mariposa Concert Series 2026-27

by  •  • Comments Off on Music Academy of the West — Announcing the Mariposa Concert Series 2026-27

SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West proudly announces the 2026-2027 Mariposa Concert Series, a collection of intimate musical experiences held in Hahn Hall on the Academy’s Miraflores campus in Montecito. The series furthers the Academy’s mission to bring exceptional music to the community throughout the year by showcasing the artistry of esteemed Music Academy alums and world-renowned musicians.

Read more →

California Lutheran University School of Management — Explore CESI’s Ventura County Social Issues Database

by  •  • Comments Off on California Lutheran University School of Management — Explore CESI’s Ventura County Social Issues Database

Ventura County, like many other places in California, brings affluence and poverty together across its neighborhoods. Deep, persistent inequalities continue to threaten the future of Ventura County’s children and communities.

The following infographic data from the CESI Database exposes some of these critical gaps. Take a look at the information provided, and do not forget that poverty is a byproduct of our economic system and can be eliminated by investing in ourselves and, most importantly, in our children.

Read more →

UCSB — The Current — ‘Christopher Costello recognized for his pioneering work in environmental markets’ and more news, events

by  •  • Comments Off on UCSB — The Current — ‘Christopher Costello recognized for his pioneering work in environmental markets’ and more news, events

The Distinguished Professor and emLab Director was just named a Fellow of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (AERE), the highest honor bestowed in the field of environmental and resource economics.

Read more →

Teatro de las Américas announces — Nube Obscura | Jumpers | Patty Soria En Concierto | Nos Traen Cortitios 2026

by  •  • Comments Off on Teatro de las Américas announces — Nube Obscura | Jumpers | Patty Soria En Concierto | Nos Traen Cortitios 2026

Nube Obscura ¡El cortometraje realizado durante el Taller de Cine del Teatro de las Américas 2025 ya está disponible para verse en YouTube! The short film produced during the Teatro de las Américas 2025 Film Workshop is now available to…

Read more →

Families invited to the YMCA Adventure Guides & Trailblazers Welcome BBQ, Aug. 15

by  •  • Comments Off on Families invited to the YMCA Adventure Guides & Trailblazers Welcome BBQ, Aug. 15

Adventure Guides & Trailblazers is a family-centered YMCA program for parents and their children (ages 5-11) in the Conejo and Simi valleys. Parent-child pairs join a Circle with families in their neighborhood or the school they attend. Adventure Guides is for children in kindergarten through second grade. Trailblazers is for children in third grade and up.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Santa Clara River Valley Communities to host Health Care Future Forum

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Santa Clara River Valley Communities to host Health Care Future Forum

VENTURA — As the Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA) approaches the August 18, 2026, Board of Supervisors meeting, HCA is finalizing its strategic review of continued health care service options for the Santa Clara River Valley (SCRV) and Santa Paula Hospital (SPH). With state-mandated 2030 seismic deadlines approaching, this work provides a timely opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery to be more sustainable, accessible, and responsive to residents.

HCA has engaged the consulting firm Health Management Associates (HMA) to support the health care planning for SCRV.  HMA is a national independent research and consulting firm that focuses on publicly-financed health care.

Read more →

Bilingual commentary — American Exceptionalism on the Soccer Field

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual commentary — American Exceptionalism on the Soccer Field

The results of Donald Trump’s latest venture as head referee at World Cup soccer matches prove that American soccer knows how to get tired of winning: just get the ref to issue an executive order when it looks like the American team is “being treated unfairly.” When your preferred team doesn’t like a lower referee’s call, all the head ref has to do is threaten to tariff the opponent’s soccer equipment and uniforms. This audacious merger of assertive diplomacy and international sports guarantees that if we can’t win on the field, we can at least tie things up in court for decades.

Read more →

Bilingual guest commentary by Kaiser Permanente — Want your child to succeed in school? Start with these healthy habits

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual guest commentary by Kaiser Permanente — Want your child to succeed in school? Start with these healthy habits

As families across Ventura County prepare for the new school year, parents can take a few simple steps to help their children start strong both academically and emotionally, according to a local health expert.

“Getting ready for school is about more than buying supplies,” said Dr. Kristina Kang, a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente in Camarillo. “Healthy habits, routine medical care and open communication with your child’s doctor can make a big difference in their success throughout the new school year.”

Read more →

LEAP — For Art’s Sake: Process Art builds lifelong skills for preschoolers

by  •  • Comments Off on LEAP — For Art’s Sake: Process Art builds lifelong skills for preschoolers

GOLETA — Tiny hands covered in paint. A sculpture made of sticks, feathers, and toilet paper rolls. A masterpiece that looks nothing like anyone else’s. At LEAP’s Children’s Centers, this isn’t a random art activity—it’s a strategic approach to early childhood development.

On July 28, LEAP’s Process Art Show at its Phelps Children’s Center showcased artwork created by children ranging from two years old through Pre-K. Students experimented with materials, made their own choices, solved problems, and expressed their ideas freely—creating one-of-a-kind works of art.

At LEAP, children engage in both product art and process art, each offering unique opportunities for learning and development.

Read more →

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria adds new music room to facilities

by  •  • Comments Off on Girls Inc. of Carpinteria adds new music room to facilities

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is thrilled to announce the addition of a fully equipped music room to its campus facilities and extends its gratitude to local Montecito residents and singers/songwriters, Lila and Georgia MacPhail, for their generous contribution of this exciting new learning space. 

The addition of this space for the creative arts allows the organization to expand its mission to offer girls abundant opportunities to learn and grow as they become the strong, smart, and bold leaders of tomorrow.

Read more →

Local high school artists take the stage at TOArts Creators Conservatory Showcase

by  •  • Comments Off on Local high school artists take the stage at TOArts Creators Conservatory Showcase

THOUSAND OAKS — TOArts invites the community to celebrate the next generation of local artists at the culminating showcase of its Creators Conservatory on Tuesday, August 4 at 1:00 p.m. in the Scherr Forum Theatre at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center.

The showcase will feature original adaptations of The Day the Crayons Quit, the bestselling children’s book written by local author Drew Daywalt, alongside musical theatre selections students have developed throughout the program.

Read more →

UCSB — The Current — ‘Deborah Williams joins Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame for decades of trailblazing public service’ and more news

by  •  • Comments Off on UCSB — The Current — ‘Deborah Williams joins Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame for decades of trailblazing public service’ and more news

The lecturer successfully advanced public health, environmental conservation, community infrastructure and youth empowerment across the Last Frontier

Read more →

Ventura College Foundation raises $7.1 million during ‘Invest in Success’ fundraising campaign

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura College Foundation raises $7.1 million during ‘Invest in Success’ fundraising campaign

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation announced it surpassed the $7 million goal of its “Invest in Success” fundraising campaign by $117,289.

The Invest in Success campaign was launched when the Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors approved a plan to sustain the long-term future of the VC Promise Program and Basic Needs Centers. 

“Ventura College exists because our community believes that education has the power to transform lives. The outstanding success of the Invest in Success campaign is a powerful reflection of that shared commitment in action. Together, Ventura College, the Ventura College Foundation, and our generous donors are ensuring that financial hardship doesn’t stand between a student and the opportunity to access education and pursue their educational goals,” says Dr. Luca E. Lewis, Ventura College president.

Read more →

Moorpark College Theatre Arts announces auditions for Thornton Wilder’s Classic ‘Our Town’

by  •  • Comments Off on Moorpark College Theatre Arts announces auditions for Thornton Wilder’s Classic ‘Our Town’

MOORPARK — The Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department is pleased to announce auditions for its upcoming Fall 2026 production of Thornton Wilder’s ”Our Town.” This production revisits the first play performed in the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center as a part of the college’s 60thanniversary celebration.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Farmers’ Market Discount Cards Distribution begins in August

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Farmers’ Market Discount Cards Distribution begins in August

VENTURA — The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency, is starting its annual distribution of discount cards to be used at participating Farmers’ Markets. Adults over the age of 60 who are on a limited income and meet the eligibility guidelines may receive this free benefit.

Cards are only available while supplies last at each distribution point. They can be used to purchase up to $50 in fresh, nutritious, unprocessed, locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs.

Read more →

Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing July 2026 e-newsletter

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing July 2026 e-newsletter

The overwhelmingly bipartisan supported and much awaited 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is now law and with it comes a raft of improved regulations and access to financing fit, as the name implies, for this century. Those provisions include:

Billions of dollars of unlocked bank equity allowed to invest in low-income housing tax credit funded projects

Reauthorization and reforms of housing production programs.

Increases to FHA multifamily statutory loan limits.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Ventura County Department of Child Support Services celebrates Child Support Awareness Month with ‘Strong Families Start with Support’

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Ventura County Department of Child Support Services celebrates Child Support Awareness Month with ‘Strong Families Start with Support’

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Department of Child Support Services (VCDCSS) invites the community to celebrate Child Support Awareness Month throughout August with this year’s theme, “Strong Families Start with Support.” As part of the celebration, VCDCSS will host Family Connections Day on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the VCDCSS parking lot.

Hosted by the Ventura County Department of Child Support, this free event will bring together families for educational workshops, community resources, and family-friendly activities that promote financial well-being, child safety, and strong family connections. The event reflects VCDCSS’s ongoing commitment to supporting parents, strengthening families, and helping children thrive.

Read more →

Allan Hancock College Community Education launches tuition-free barbering program

by  •  • Comments Off on Allan Hancock College Community Education launches tuition-free barbering program

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College Community Education is opening the door to a new career with the launch of its tuition-free barbering program this fall. The new program will provide aspiring barbers with an accessible, affordable pathway into one of California’s most sought-after skilled professions. An interest list for the program is currently open for potential students.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — City of Simi Valley Business Assistance Loan Fund

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — City of Simi Valley Business Assistance Loan Fund

The City of Simi Valley Loan Fund is a low-interest loan program that’s designed to help businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Available through the Economic Development Collaborative and funded by the City of Simi Valley, small business owners who have had difficulty obtaining pandemic resources and traditional bank lending can now access local, professional assistance and capital.

Read more →

SBCC’s Dual Enrollment Summer Bridge Program introduces more than 100 rising ninth graders to college

by  •  • Comments Off on SBCC’s Dual Enrollment Summer Bridge Program introduces more than 100 rising ninth graders to college

SANTA BARBARA — This summer, Santa Barbara City College’s (SBCC) Dual Enrollment Summer Bridge Program welcomed more than 100 rising ninth-grade students from the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) and Carpinteria Unified School District (CUSD) for an immersive week-long college experience designed to inspire confidence, build a sense of belonging, and encourage students to pursue higher education.

Presented through SBCC’s Dual Enrollment Program, in partnership with SBUSD PEAC Program (see below) and supported by the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College, the Dual Enrollment Summer Bridge provides first-generation and historically underrepresented students with an early introduction to college life before they begin high school. Throughout the week of June 22-26, students earned one unit of transferable college credit while developing the academic, personal, and social skills needed for future success inside and outside of the classroom.

Read more →

Bilingual commentary — A New Economic Weapon: Taxing Natural Disasters

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual commentary — A New Economic Weapon: Taxing Natural Disasters

Finally, Mother Nature will be held accountable for not respecting international borders. The White House, never one to accept “unfair treatment,” has decided to launch a courageous new economic weapon against our former friend, Canada. Since “meteorological” is a big word, Trump is calling this weapon “weather tariffs.”

A recent series of blistering Truth Social posts excoriated Canada for “actively wafting” filthy, polluted, unhealthy air from their wildfires across the border into the U.S. Never mind that the Canadians “wafted” their soldiers into Afghanistan to help us with the war on terror in 2001. Never mind that when we have wildfires, Canada sends help.

Read more →

Valerie Rachelle named new artistic director, dean of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA)

by  •  • Comments Off on Valerie Rachelle named new artistic director, dean of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA)

SANTA MARIA — Valerie Rachelle has been announced as the new Artistic Director and Dean of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA). We’re pleased to welcome back a familiar face to the nationally recognized conservatory after her years of leading professional theatre organizations across the country.

Rachelle’s appointment, which was approved by the AHC Board of Trustees at its July 21 meeting, marks a homecoming for the accomplished theatre professional, who previously served PCPA as an actor, casting director, resident director and choreographer, and movement instructor in the conservatory’s professional actor training program.

Read more →

Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) renews support for llan Hancock College’s Fire Academy

by  •  • Comments Off on Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) renews support for llan Hancock College’s Fire Academy

SANTA MARIA — For a second consecutive year, Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy will receive $50,000 through the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) to provide protective equipment and scholarships, helping reduce financial barriers for students pursuing careers in firefighting. 

“Programs like the Metallica Scholars Initiative continue to create meaningful opportunities for our students while helping address California’s workforce needs,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “This continued investment helps ensure more students can complete their training and begin careers serving their communities.” 

Read more →

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

Looking for your next career opportunity? Join us for the 2026 County of Ventura Career & Resource Expo + Candidate Connect on Wednesday, August 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Government Center Courtyard between the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Justice.

This free event is open to everyone and offers the chance to explore careers in technology, public safety, healthcare, engineering, environmental services and many other fields.

Meet representatives from County departments and agencies, learn about current job opportunities and, new this year, visit the Candidate Connect booth to speak directly with County recruiters and get your questions answered.

Whether you’re considering a career change, entering the workforce or looking for your next opportunity in public service, this event is a great place to start.

Read more →

Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) — Power of Purpose — July 2026 Newsletter

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) — Power of Purpose — July 2026 Newsletter

I am reminded every day just how much we are all part of the fabric of our Ventura County community, and how much good happens when we support one another and do it together.

In May, I attended the League of California Community Foundations’ Spring Convening along with VCCF President & CEO Vanessa Bechtel. There, we met with legislators on topics like access to highest-quality early childhood education through the Isabella Project, disaster resilience and support for our neighbors through the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund and more. I also got to exchange ideas with other community foundation board chairs, learn from their experiences and see what is applicable here in Ventura County.

Read more →

Ventura Music Festival to hold Ivor Davis Memorial Concert on July 26, more events

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura Music Festival to hold Ivor Davis Memorial Concert on July 26, more events

Friends of VMF, please join us this Sunday, July 26th for a concert honoring the memory of our friend, Ivor Davis. Chosen by his family, this program will be performed by the fantastic Akropolis Reed Quintet as we celebrate his legacy. Please stay after the concert for a reception in his honor.

Read more →

Explore Lompoc — Meet The Makers: 6 Artists & Creatives Shaping Lompoc

by  •  • Comments Off on Explore Lompoc — Meet The Makers: 6 Artists & Creatives Shaping Lompoc

LOMPOC — Lompoc doesn’t just display art. It lives it.

Around every corner of Old Town, color spills across walls, galleries welcome local talent, and hands-on experiences invite visitors to create something of their own.

It’s a city where creativity is part of everyday life, and the best way to experience it is to see it in person.

Spend a day exploring, and you’ll quickly discover the artists who shape its identity.

Read more →

Ventura County Probation Agency celebrates Probation Services Week 2026

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura County Probation Agency celebrates Probation Services Week 2026

VENTURA COUNTY — In recognition of Probation Services Week, observed July 19–25, 2026, the Ventura County Probation Agency is honoring the officers and staff who work every day to strengthen public safety, support victims, promote accountability, and help rehabilitate individuals in the justice system.

Every day across California, probation professionals work behind the scenes supervising justice-involved individuals, responding to crises, supporting victims and families, and connecting people to the services and resources they need to successfully rebuild their lives. As California’s justice system continues to evolve, probation departments play an increasingly important role in balancing accountability, rehabilitation, and long-term community safety.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Third Local Bird Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Third Local Bird Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County

VENTURA —The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that a bird collected on July 2nd, 2026, from the city of Thousand Oaks, tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected.Ventura County Public Health confirms that no human cases have been identified to date in 2026.

Read more →

Escape The Heat & Experience — A Coastal Getaway To Lompoc

by  •  • Comments Off on Escape The Heat & Experience — A Coastal Getaway To Lompoc

LOMPOC — It’s peak summer in California, and the heat is not being subtle about it.

Visitors experience heat waves, hot pavement, crowded coastlines, and a constant search for indoor, air-conditioned activities.

Then there’s Lompoc.

Just a few miles from the Pacific, the temperature takes a deep breath. Ocean breezes drift in, mornings often start with a light coastal mist, and summer  days settle into something far more comfortable than you’d expect from peak season in California.

Read more →

Ventura Music Festival Opening Night Gala announces upcoming events

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura Music Festival Opening Night Gala announces upcoming events

Monday, July 20, 2026
Palomino | 6:00 PM
Attire: Semi-Formal
?(Feel free to dress the part!)
Join us for an evening at the speakeasy as we enjoy absinthe-inspired libations, exceptional bites, and 1930s French swing jazz by the renowned San Lyon ensemble. Proceeds to benefit VMF’s music education and community programs.

Read more →

Ventura County Assessor sends 2026 Annual Value Notices to property owners

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura County Assessor sends 2026 Annual Value Notices to property owners

VENTURA — The Ventura County Assessor’s Office has begun mailing approximately 250,000 Annual Value Notices to property owners. These notices inform recipients of their property’s assessed value as of the lien date, January 1, 2026.

Of the total notices being sent, approximately 206,000 property owners will receive postcards that reflect the standard 2% increase in assessed value in accordance with Proposition 13. In addition, more than 6,500 owners will receive letter notices informing them that their property’s market value is lower than its Proposition 13 factored base year value, indicating a temporary reduction in assessed value.

Read more →

Bilingual commentary — Can AI Help Our Children Discover a Career Path?

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual commentary — Can AI Help Our Children Discover a Career Path?

Over the past few years, I’ve been watching my two older grandsons agonize over their career decisions. One of them has not quite settled on a choice. I see him pursuing one objective, and then another, only to change yet again.

The other grandson is just starting to focus on his path, realizing that the clock is starting to tick and that he’ll soon be making choices that will determine his initial foray into adult life.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Extreme heat warning within Ventura County

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Extreme heat warning within Ventura County

VENTURA COUNTY — The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a widespread extreme heat warning for … through Thursday, July 16, 2026. Temperatures in the interior valleys and mountain areas are expected to exceed the 100-degree mark for a prolonged period, with relatively poor overnight recovery in the mountains and foothills. A heat advisory has been issued for the coastal plains, where temperatures are expected to reach between 90 and 100 degrees.

High temperatures may create a dangerous situation in which heat-related illness is possible. Residents are encouraged to: drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, check on relatives and neighbors, take extra precautions if working or spending time outside, and wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Read more →

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) — Announcing our 2026 Roots and Branches Fellows!!

by  •  • Comments Off on Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) — Announcing our 2026 Roots and Branches Fellows!!

The Museum of Contemporary Art congratulates the 2026 Roots and Branches Fellowship recipients, each will be honored in person at the Art Awards this Sunday. Each fellow will receive a $1,000 unrestricted award, thanks to our 2026 program donors. 

Read more →

Final State Budget brings $5M for new behavioral health pilot to Central Coast

by  •  • Comments Off on Final State Budget brings $5M for new behavioral health pilot to Central Coast

SANTA BARBARA — The Central Coast healthcare community is poised to advance behavioral health innovation following the approval of California’s 2026–27 state budget. The budget includes a one-time $5 million investment for CenCal Health and the behavioral health departments of both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties to launch a groundbreaking behavioral health pilot focused on supporting individuals living with severe schizophrenia and anosognosia. The funding marks a significant milestone for CenCal Health and its community partners in a promising step forward to expand effective, community-based behavioral health care across the region.

Read more →

Bilingual report — City of Ventura opens applications for inaugural citywide Community Academy

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — City of Ventura opens applications for inaugural citywide Community Academy

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is now accepting applications for its inaugural citywide Community Academy, a free eight-week program designed to give community members an inside look at how local government works and the people behind the services that keep Ventura running.

Participants will visit City facilities, hear directly from City staff, leadership, and elected officials, and gain a deeper understanding of the programs, services, and decisions that shape the Ventura community.

Read more →

Museum of Ventuara County — News and Updates from the Development Team

by  •  • Comments Off on Museum of Ventuara County — News and Updates from the Development Team

This quarter, our Barbara Barnard Smith CEO, Elena Brokaw, had the privilege of meeting with the City Councils of Camarillo, Moorpark, Port Hueneme, Oxnard, and Ventura to share the many ways the Museum is serving communities across Ventura County and to explore opportunities for continued partnership.

The Museum belongs to all of us. Every city in Ventura County is represented in our collections and stories, and it is our honor to preserve, celebrate, and share that rich history through exhibitions, educational programs, school tours, community outreach, and public events.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC — Get the Capital You Need to Move Your Business Forward

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC — Get the Capital You Need to Move Your Business Forward

Designed to pair you with the financial expertise and right amount of capital you need to move your business forward, the Economic Development Collaborative works with more than 30 professional advisors and a full-time loan fund director, available to local businesses at no cost.
The EDC’s Business Development Loan Fund stimulates job creation and economic activity by providing small businesses with greater access to capital and specialized technical business assistance. The fund is open to businesses in all industry sectors and is supported by funds from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the cities and County of Ventura, and private capital. This loan fund makes available long-term, affordable financing to new and existing businesses throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara County.

Read more →

Santa Barbara Education Foundation welcomes Leonor Reyes as programs manager

by  •  • Comments Off on Santa Barbara Education Foundation welcomes Leonor Reyes as programs manager

Reyes, a San Marcos High School graduate and parent of three Santa Barbara Unified School District alumni, brings a lifelong connection to local public education and a passion for supporting students, families, and educators. As Programs Manager, Reyes will oversee SBEF’s enrichment programs and initiatives that enhance student learning and engagement across the district, including programs such as the Summer Music Camps and the Foundation’s annual Educator Grants program, which will invest more than $228,000 in innovative classroom projects across Santa Barbara Unified School District schools this year.

Read more →

Bilingual commentary — Mount Trumpmore, or Mount Trumpless?

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual commentary — Mount Trumpmore, or Mount Trumpless?

We can never accuse President Trump of having small ambitions. After all, he recently sought a Nobel Peace Prize, though to no avail. But even more monumentally, so to speak, he has not denied seeking to have his visage carved into and enshrined forever on Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota. 

In 2018, Trump undertook what he considered a serious conversation with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem about that very possibility. That friendly chat has blown up to become one of MAGA’s highest aspirations.

Read more →

805UndocuFund to present ‘The Glass House Raids, One Year Later: A Vigil honoring the families and communities impacted,’ to be held July 10

by  •  • Comments Off on 805UndocuFund to present ‘The Glass House Raids, One Year Later: A Vigil honoring the families and communities impacted,’ to be held July 10

CAMARILLO — “The Glass House Raids, One Year Later: A Vigil honoring the families and communities impacted,” will be held from 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 10 at 645 Laguna Road, Camarillo.

The event will publicly gather the community to mourn the loss of our community one year ago, to remember the efforts of our community to defend itself, to remember that we are still supporting our community after the events of that day. (Spanish Interpretation Available).

Read more →

Bilingual report — Mosquito sample tests positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Mosquito sample tests positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County

VENTURA — The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that mosquitoes collected from the City of Fillmore on June 17th, 2026, tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected. This is the first mosquito sample collected in 2026 from Ventura County to test positive for WNV. Ventura County Public Health confirms that no human cases have been identified to date in 2026.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College faculty member creates documentary to support conservation efforts in Namibia

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College faculty member creates documentary to support conservation efforts in Namibia

SANTA MARIA — What began as a personal connection during a trip to southern Africa has become a documentary project aimed at protecting one of the world’s most unique ecosystems and the Indigenous communities who call it home.

Allan Hancock College film studies instructor Tim Webb recently completed a short documentary for Himbaland Indigenous Conservation, a nonprofit organization working in the remote Namib Desert of northwestern Namibia. The film was created to help the organization share its story with a broader audience and support fundraising efforts focused on community development and wildlife conservation. 

Read more →