Category: Education

Por La Vida y La Dignidad (For Life & Dignity): A peaceful march to end deportations and win a living wage for farmworkers to be held March 30 in Santa Maria

This César Chávez Day, Alianza Campesina is demanding an end to deportations and ICE presence in our communities while urging the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors to pass a living wage for farmworkers. We invite community members, advocates, and allies to join us in a peaceful march as we demand justice, dignity, and safety for all.

Guest commentary — CC Was One of Us, Fought for Us and Spoke on behalf of Us. (Oxnard Library presentation on March 29)

CSU Professor Dr. Frank P. Barajas will present “Cesar Chavez’s Life and Legacy in Oxnard” from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at the Oxnard Public Library, 251 So. A., St. Oxnard. Learn about the life of famed worker’s rights advocate Cesar Chavez and his connections to the Oxnard Community.

Bilingual commentary — Rafting Ants: Lessons for Survival

The past few weeks have alarmed many of us who contemplate the future of our country. Yes, we’ve always had disagreements among ourselves. We’ve discussed issues and argued with each other. But over the past few years, our discord has devolved into a mean-spirited battle between liberals and conservatives, governments and disadvantaged groups, globalists and nationalists, the religious and the secularists, oligarchs and common citizens.

Don’t Delay – El Concilio accepting nominations for the 35th Latino Leadership Awards

OXNARD — El Concilio Family Services will celebrate the 35th El Concilio Latino Leadership Awards at the “50 Years of Strengthening America: Bridging Communities, Building Dreams Gala Celebration.  The event is slated for September 25th, 2025.  More information to follow. Stay tuned for details.

El Concilio Family Services, founded in 1975, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide direct assistance and educational programs to the underserved Latino Community.  The Latino Leadership Awards were established in 1990.
They were established by El Concilio to recognize Ventura County individuals, organizations or businesses that have made outstanding contribution above and beyond their realm for the betterment of Ventura County’s Latino Community.

CSUCI to host exhibit honoring Ventura County Vietnam Veterans

CAMARILLO — Ask Ojai filmmaker George J. Sandoval why he created an exhibit to honor Ventura County Vietnam veterans, and the weight of it catches in his throat.  

“I did this for the 114 guys from Ventura County,” he said, pausing to blink back tears. “Those are the vets who did the fighting and were shunned when they returned home.” 

Sandoval was 20 years old when he was sent to Vietnam on June 12, 1968. But he was lucky, he says, as he was not sent to the front lines, and he was able to come home. But 114 Ventura County soldiers did not.  

“We Remember: Ventura County to Vietnam and Back” is for them, Sandoval said. 

Santa Paula celebrates community, culture & education with new mural at Glen City Elementary

SANTA PAULA — The Isabella Project, in partnership with Glen City Elementary School, has unveiled a new mural by locally renowned artist Checkos Martinez.

Located at Glen City Elementary — a STEAM school in Santa Paula — the mural depicts a beautiful lemon tree (as citrus represents the region’s agricultural heritage), and monarch butterflies, which symbolize transformation, growth, hope, and freedom. More than art, this mural serves as a public reminder of the importance of education in the Santa Clara community. It reflects the deep cultural significance of murals in Hispanic and Latinx American traditions.

Abril Estrada leads the audience in a dance celebrating early childhood education at the Isabella Project mural unveiling event.

Bilingual report — Building Healthier Communities, Together: CenCal Health’s 2025 Annual Report

SANTA BARBARA — CenCal Health, the Medi-Cal health plan for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, presented its 2025 Community Report at a regular bimonthly meeting of its Board of Directors, held this month in San Luis Obispo.

Join Us for the April 1 County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting. Topics Include: Cachuma Lake RV Hookup Sites Fees; Parking Restrictions for Oversized Vehicles; Potential Expansion of Northern Branch Jail

he next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 
9 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
The public may participate virtually, or in person at the County Board Hearing Room in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. 

Spring Forward With Over 200 Classes for Your Life or Career, Starting Soon at SBCC School of Extended Learning

SANTA BARBARA — Spring is the perfect time to nurture your potential, acquire new skills, and advance in your career and life with SBCC School of Extended Learning. The next wave of essential workshops and engaging classes will start soon, with new offerings launching every week between March 31 and May 24. There are still spots open in over 200 free and fee-based classes designed to advance careers, hone life skills, and inspire creativity and camaraderie.

“We invite the community to embrace the spirit of springtime—the season of growth and renewal – by trying something new or rekindling a lifelong dream,” said Carola Smith, Assistant Superintendent / Vice President, School of Extended Learning. “We’re here to help you cultivate the future you envision.”

Ventura County Community Foundation welcomes new vice president and director of Strategic Initiatives

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation is delighted to announce its two newest team members, Vice President Gary Byrne and Director of Strategic Initiatives Roshin Mathew.

Before joining VCCF, Byrne served as president and CEO of the Community Foundation for San Benito County. As one of CFSB’s first staff members, he helped develop the foundation to reach the grantmaking capacity of over $100 million. He has dedicated the last 30 years to nonprofit development and management, in addition to working and volunteering in education, social services and the nonprofit sector.

Ventura Land Trust announces name for new preserve

Last year, VLT embarked upon a community conversation to engage residents in the search for a name for an area that has held many names throughout history. It was once simply called “the hills” by the Chumash people living in the village known as Shisholop. With the arrival of the Spanish and subsequent colonization of the region, the hillsides were part of the Rancho Ex Mission San Buenaventura land grant. More recently, the hillsides were referred to as Mariano Rancho.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Fuel Your Business Growth with Ventura’s Low-Interest Loans!

Grow, update and revitalize your business through the City of Ventura Business Assistance Loan Fund. In partnership with the Economic Development Collaborative, the City of
Ventura funds three separate loan options for businesses. This fund is designed to create jobs, support the growth of Ventura’s small business community and revitalize the city’s
older commercial districts.

REACH in Santa Barbara welcomes largest cohort to date

SANTA BARBARA —  REACH, a leading organization dedicated to empowering first-generation, low- to mid-income students in Santa Barbara County, proudly announces its largest cohort to date. With 60 Fellows, their Cohort 2025 (Class of 2026) reflects REACH’s commitment to transforming lives through academic preparation, outdoor experiences, and personal development.

CLU announces upcoming events including Junior Achievement Company Program on March 26, Government Insights on March 27

You can’t start early enough. The Cal Lutheran School of Management cooperates with Westlake High School on many levels. On Wednesday, March 26 (9:30 am to 12:30 pm) at our own Hub101 we will host the 2025 Student Business Competition by the Junior Achievement Company Program.

2025 Ventura County Science Fair Awards

VENTURA COUTY — The award winners of the 70th annual Ventura County Science Fair were announced at a ceremony this evening at the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) in Camarillo. Awards were presented in a variety of scientific categories,…

Bilingual report — Ventura Fire Department announces release of new Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map for public input

The draft Fire Hazard Severity Zone map for Ventura provides an updated assessment of local fire hazards and will help guide local fire prevention efforts, inform building regulations, and support emergency response planning. The map updates previous version approved in 2011 to reflect current fire risk conditions and new data. Hazard areas are rated moderate, high, and very high depending on the factors that contribute to fire behavior, like historical fire patterns, vegetation growth, weather, and terrain, among others. 

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics Encourages Community to be Screened for Colon Cancer

SANTA BARBARA — March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to highlight a deadly but preventable cancer responsible for more than 50,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, over 154,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer in 2025, making it the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. Though the disease is highly treatable when diagnosed at an early stage, it is the second most deadly cancer in the U.S., which is why, every March, healthcare providers including Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, work to educate people on how to detect and treat it.

Spring Guide to visiting Lompoc on California’s Central Coast

LOMPOC — Spring has is in the air in Lompoc, California, and with it comes welcoming warmer weather and a wide array of activities sure to satisfy the outdoor adventurers, wine lovers, history buffs and thrill seekers.  From Insta-worthy flower fields to scenic hiking trails and breathtaking vinewyards, travelers discover that Lompoc is the place to explore.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: FUND YOUR BUSINESS WITH SPONSORS, EVEN IF YOU’RE JUST STARTING OUT

March 26 @ 10:00 am

Would you like to do what you love and have someone else foot the bill? Have you ever thought about corporate sponsors for your business, show, book, charity, speaking or events? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this webinar is for you! America’s most successful companies partner with sponsors. Why not you? Linda Hollander can help you. She is the author of the #1 best-selling book, Corporate Sponsorship in 3 Easy Steps and the CEO of Sponsor Concierge. Linda has consulted with many entrepreneurs to help them profit from the awesome power of corporate sponsors and has 20 years of experience in business. Her corporate sponsors have included Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Epson, Citibank, Fed Ex, Health Net, Southwest Airlines, Bank of America, Staples, American Airlines, Walmart and IBM.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

More than 300 Shop at Prom Closet at Simi Valley Family YMCA

SIMI VALLEY — Over 300 teens and their parents picked out free prom attire at the Prom Closet at the Simi Valley Family YMCA on March 23. Hosted by the Southeast Ventura County YMCA and Soroptimist International of Simi Valley, the Prom Closet was filled with donated gently used and new formal wear for use by high schoolers at their prom.

Families expressed their gratitude for the event. “The cost of prom has become so expensive. One mom said that she could only budget $60 for a prom dress,” says Dani Hutchison, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA chief development officer. “Her daughter selected a brand new $415 designer dress at the Prom Closet that she absolutely loved. Everyone who came found something special.”

Runners Dash to the finish in year two of the Port/City 5k, highlighting fitness and wellness with free community fair

PORT HUENEME — Building on the success of its inaugural year, the City of Port Hueneme and the Port of Hueneme once again teamed up to host their second annual 5k race over the weekend.  

Organizers introduced a fresh look for the event, now called the Sea Splash Color Dash. The update brings exciting new features including a 1k kids’ run and expanded offerings to the free health and wellness fair.

 Jess Lopez, Port Hueneme Mayor Pro Tem, stressed how this new tradition, which attracted more than 750 participants, helps encourage residents to prioritize their health. “I’m inspired to see so many people come together to enjoy the sun and get in some exercise,” he said. “Spending time outdoors, moving our bodies, and being by the beach boosts both our physical and our mental health. It’s a win on every level.”

Santa Barbara City College hosts acclaimed poet Juan Felipe Herrera for National Poetry Month event on April 2

“We are honored to welcome Juan Felipe Herrera to SBCC. Juan Felipe Herrera’s work exemplifies the profound power of storytelling and the resilience of the Latino experience, an especially significant contribution in today’s political climate. Storytelling has long been a cherished tradition in Latino culture, passed down through generations and deeply rooted in our ancestral heritage.

UCSB Arts & Lectures presenting three new Spring Events — ‘Justice for All’

Illuminating a wide spectrum of systemic injustice, the Justice for All programming initiative looks to today’s great minds and creators and to the courageous leaders across the globe who are forging a new path forward. Join us as we learn from those confronting uncomfortable questions, solving difficult problems, and guiding us all toward a more equitable world.

Bilingual report — Kaiser Permanente awards $315,000 to support health initiatives in Ventura County

VENTURA COUNTY — Kaiser Permanente began 2025 on a high note by awarding a total of $315,000 in community benefit funding to 15 nonprofit organizations in Ventura County.

These grants recognize the organizations’ commitment to improving local health. The grantees were recently celebrated at a reception held at California Lutheran University where each of the funded programs was highlighted.

Guest contribution — 805 Immigrant Coalition condemns hate crime in Newbury Park

CENTRAL COAST — The 805 Immigrant Coalition strongly condemns the hate crime that took place (March 17, 2025), around lunchtime in Newbury Park, where an individual was seen wearing a jacket labeled “ICE” at El Sancho Loco. Concerned community members reported this incident to the 805UndocuFund social media page, expressing deep concern over this act of intimidation.

This type of intimidation is not only cruel and harmful — it is illegal. Impersonating a federal officer is a crime under 18 USC § 912, and impersonating a police officer is a misdemeanor under California Penal Code § 538d. These actions spread fear, confusion, and unnecessary distress among families already vulnerable to unjust enforcement threats. The 805 Immigrant Coalition stands firmly against hate-fueled scare tactics and urges community members to report these hate crimes to law enforcement.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosts dance, rodeo, film and family events March 27 through April 11

These community events include a performance by the college’s Commercial Dance Team, a two-day rodeo event, movie screenings and a family-friendly “Spring Fling” hosted at Hancock’s Lompoc Valley Center (LVC) campus.  

Bilingual report — Preparedness in action: Ventura’s Community Emergency Response Team training returns

VENTURA — Recognizing the critical need for community members to be prepared and confident in taking appropriate action, the City of Ventura, in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the City of Santa Paula, is excited to announce the return of its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program in May 2025.

This free, hands-on program empowers 40 local residents with critical disaster response skills, preparing them to take action when it matters most. Applications are open to Ventura and Santa Paula residents and will be accepted through Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

SEEAG’s First Annual Spring Celebration Is Seeking Sponsors

VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is seeking sponsors for its First Annual Spring Celebration. The event will honor the farms and people of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties who create the food we eat. The celebration is Saturday, May 10 at the Stow House in Goleta from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Those attending will enjoy a curated farm-to-table brunch prepared by Seasons Catering featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients from SEEAG’s Ventura and Santa Barbara farm partners.

Bilingual report — New in-demand healthcare training program offered for 250 low-and middle-income Ventura County residents

VENTURA COUNTY — The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County is launching a groundbreaking initiative to train 250 low- and moderate-income individuals in healthcare occupations. The Ventura County Healthcare Employment Accelerator (VC Heal Healthcare Careers) program focuses on strengthening the county’s healthcare workforce and expanding career opportunities for residents. With nearly $7.5 million in funding, this program aims to improve healthcare infrastructure, support economic recovery after the 2018 wildfires, and promote overall community well-being.

UCSB — The Current — ‘In Sameer Pandya’s ‘Our Beautiful Boys,’ teenage secrets are the dark heart of suburbia’ and more news, events

The professor’s new novel weaves a tale where truth is slippery, race and class are in flux, and the past refuses to stay buried.

Read more about the book

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Foundation welcomes new board members

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation announced the appointment of six accomplished community leaders to its Board of Directors.  

The new members bring a wealth of experience in healthcare, business, finance, real estate and community engagement, further strengthening the Foundation’s ability to support Allan Hancock College and its students.? 

The newly appointed directors include: Dr. Carolyn Baldiviez, Michael Boyer, Mike Brady, Michael Carroll, Katie Gorndt and Candice Monge. 

Ventura County team wins State Mock Trial Competition

Trinity Pacific Christian School in Thousand Oaks was named the 2025 California Mock Trial Finals Champions after the competition that included schools from throughout the state. This is the second consecutive year that Trinity Pacific has taken first place at the state level. The school also earned the top spot statewide in 2021. The Trinity Pacific team will now head to the National Mock Trial competition to be held from May 7 – 10 in Phoenix, Arizona. Trinity Pacific advanced to the state competition after taking first place in the Ventura County Mock Trial for the third year in a row.

Bilingual report — March News from People’s Self-Help Housing

… Please be assured that in partnership with our esteemed colleagues in the housing community across the nation, we are staying informed and engaged, and making our voice heard to both our federal and state elected officials.  We encourage you to voice your support too wherever and however you can. Our newsletter The Blueprint is a great resource to learn more about what is happening to housing, and we continue to thank you for your advocacy.

Santa Paula Art Museum — You’re Invited to Our 15th Anniversary Gala & Fundraiser!

Join us inside the Museum for an afternoon of art, live music, a petite live auction, and the presentation of the 2025 Mary Alice Orcutt Henderson Visionary Award to David Schwabauer.
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Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets are $125 per person and include two complimentary drink tickets. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. All proceeds from the event benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum and its community arts programs.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Sharks are dying at alarming rates, mostly due to fishing. Retention bans may help’ and more news, events

A team led by UCSB researchers highlights the importance of monitoring shark populations and combining different strategies for managing their numbers.

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara to Celebrate 24 Family Self-Sufficiency Graduates

SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) on March 17 celebrated the 24 graduates who have completed the organization’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program with a dinner at the Presidio Springs property, located at 721 Laguna St. Among the 24 graduates, seven have transitioned out of the Housing Authority program, and one graduate is a homeowner. 

The FSS Program is a voluntary five year program in which a plan is developed with each participant to design a clear path of specific goals and objectives in order to achieve living wage employment and gain economic self-sufficiency. 

People’s Self-Help Housing — Complimentary Edition – The Blueprint – March 2025

The cuts and changes directed by the current administration and the journey of the federal budget affects us all, whether as individuals or as in our case a nonprofit organization. The bumpy uncertainty has left many with feelings ranging from discouragement to dismissal.

Though our financing for development and operating is widely varied and highly diversified, People’s Self-Help Housing relies on numerous sources of federal funding, and decisions being made today will affect our work. The federal sources most affecting our work include funding from Congress through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and US Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD). It remains to be seen how extensively the current directives may negatively impact new affordable housing production.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

BA: DOING BUSINESS WITH LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND POWER (LADWP)

March 18 @ 10:00 am

In this webinar you will learn about Subcontracting opportunities with LADWP Primes: learn how to connect with LADWP’s prime contractors and explore subcontracting opportunities, understand LADWP’s procurement process, requirements, how to become prime contractors, get step-by-step guidance on how to find, bid and win contracts with LADWP and get your questions answered by LADWP experts during the Q&A session. This event will take place online using Microsoft Teams, please register to obtain for the login information. Please note that if you are planning to use a mobile device or tablet to access this webinar, you must first download the Teams app to your device. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

CSUCI biology professor partners with Cottage Health to research the effect of artificial sweeteners

CAMARILLO — How do artificial sweeteners affect a woman managing a chronic disease like cancer, diabetes or hypertension? CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Professor of Biology Nitika Parmar plans to research this question in partnership with Cottage Health, thanks to a $28,477 grant from the Cottage Health Research Institute-CHRI. The award was made possible through support from Santa Barbara philanthropists Alex Pananides and Janet Larson Dunbar. 

Bilingual report — California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) to launch new bachelor’s degree offerings at Allan Hancock College

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College and California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo are partnering to significantly expand access to in-person baccalaureate degrees in northern Santa Barbara County.  

Beginning in fall 2026, Cal Poly will offer a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Allan Hancock College’s Santa Maria campus, providing local students with access to a high-quality and affordable bachelor’s degree. Cal Poly is also committing to launching two additional yet-to-be-named bachelor’s degrees in 2028 and 2030.

Three Local Leaders Honored at the 6th Annual LEAP Awards in Santa Barbara

“We’re incredibly honored to celebrate these community champions today,” said Lori Goodman, Executive Director of LEAP. “Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons has been instrumental in advancing healthcare and medical education in our community. Ernesto Paredes has devoted his career to advocating for families and improving accessibility. Amir Abo-Shaeer, our first Distinguished Alumnus, continues to transform education through innovation. Each of these remarkable individuals embodies LEAP’s mission of supporting families and children across Santa Barbara County.”

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara announces Videoarte Latinoamericano screening on March 21, Los Tranquilos Mini Concert on March 29, more events

Description:
Artists born during the era of the Free Trade Agreement, amidst financial crises, and under the rule of the Institutional Revolutionary Party. Each of the creators featured here inhabit the rugged landscapes characteristic of the sacrifice zones in the global south. We will move away from the tropical paradise and the fantasy of ancestrally, focusing instead on a critique of hyper-consumption and the fetishization of the concept of nature.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Deadline Extended! Physical Disaster Loans for Recent Fires

Mountain Fire: SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s authorized representative, Director Nancy Ward, of the California Office of Emergency Services on November 25. The disaster declaration makes low-interest federal disaster loans available to residents and businesses the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Kern who were affected by the Mountain Fire that began November 6.

Wildfires and Straight-line Winds: SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced that low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Southern California businesses, homeowners, renters and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations following President Joe Biden’s major disaster declaration. The declaration covers Los Angeles and the contiguous counties of Kern, Orange, San Bernardino, and Ventura due to wildfires and straight-line winds that began on January 7.

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting of March 18 — Topics Include: 2025 Women’s History Month Service Awards, Santa Barbara Bowl Annual Report, Cannabis Odor Ordinance Amendments, Update on Cannabis Taxation, Compliance, and Enforcement

The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 
9 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
The public may participate virtually, or in person at the County Board Hearing Room in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. 

Women’s Economic Ventures hosts inspiring International Women’s Day event honoring Trailblazers and Women’s Economic Independence

“This event is about more than just celebration; it’s about action,” said Nicki Parr, WEV’s CEO. “Economic independence is not just a personal achievement—it’s a pathway to social change. When women build businesses, they change communities: generating revenue, creating jobs and contributing significantly to the local economy.”

VCCCD and TK-12 leaders unite to expand dual enrollment opportunities

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) and the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) co-hosted their fourth Community of Practice on March 7. Held at Oxnard College, the event brought together TK-12 and community college leaders to discuss dual enrollment opportunities. With 7,000 local high school students already benefiting from dual enrollment this year, discussions focused on expanding access and creating seamless transitions from high school to college and careers.

Santa Paula Arts Museum — Anne Ward’s ‘Painted Seasons’ opens this weekend

Premiere Party: Anne Ward’s “Painted Seasons”
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?Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM members, $10 Non-members

Don’t miss the much-awaited premiere of Ojai artist Anne Ward’s “Painted Seasons” on Saturday, March 15! Ward, who grew up in the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, is obsessed with light, color, shape, and pattern. It was while working in France as an assistant to the director on the film “French Kiss” that Anne realized her love of painting outdoors. Primarily self-taught, Ward has been painting and exhibiting her work for over 30 years. The exhibition features 55 paintings bursting with hope and joy and painted in oil, acrylic, and gouache. The majority of the artworks will be available for purchase.

“Painted Seasons” will be on view from
March 15, 2025, to July 6, 2025.

Classes on Southern California’s evolving mystique, dance, and medicinal plants all part of OLLI’s Spring II session

“California’s Coastal Imaginary: Management of Our Coast in Three Acts” – a class tracking the evolving image of Southern California through the years – is one of the offerings for CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Spring II session, which runs from March 24 to May 2.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Award-winning documentary explores the unfinished tale of DDT’ and more news, events

The film details Professor David Valentine’s discovery and investigation, with Los Angeles Times reporter Rosanna Xia, of toxic waste dumping off the Southern California coast.

Read more about “Out of Plain Sight”

Santa Barbara’s Music Academy of the West announces recipient of the Alumni Performance Award, sponsored by the Luria/Budgor Family Foundation

SANTA BARBARA — Now in its 78th season, the Music Academy of the West continues its commitment to supporting its alumni as they advance their careers. The Academy proudly announces the winner of the 2025 Alumni Performance Award, sponsored by the Luria/Budgor Family Foundation. This prestigious award offers a distinctive performance opportunity that honors the artist’s artistic journey while aligning with the Music Academy’s mission to foster meaningful alumni engagement.

The Music Academy of the West is proud to announce clarinetist Gerbrich Meijer as the recipient of the 2025 Alumni Performance Award. A three-time Music Academy fellow (’20, ’21, ’22), Meijer is rapidly gaining international recognition as a chamber musician, soloist, and orchestral performer. 

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Invites Community to Help Shape Council’s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan during series of meetings from March 19 through April 2

The Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap, setting clear goals and guiding decisions that impact everyday life in Santa Paula. It ensures City resources are allocated effectively while fostering transparency and accountability. Building on the progress made through the 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, which addressed key areas such as infrastructure improvements, public safety, and economic development, the new plan will reflect evolving community needs and opportunities.

“Santa Paula is growing, evolving, and planning for the future—and your voice is essential in helping us shape community priorities,” said Mayor Pedro A. Chavez. “The 2025-2027 Strategic Plan is more than just a blueprint: it’s a shared vision built by the community, for the community. I invite you to join the conversation, share your ideas, and help set the course for a stronger, more economically prosperous Santa Paula. The future starts with us—so let’s plan it together!”

UCSB Arts & Lectures Miller McCune Executive Director Celesta M. Billeci honored by Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce honored Celesta M. Billeci with their Visionary Arts Leadership Award on Friday, February 21, as part of the Regional Business Awards Gala. Hundreds of local leaders gathered at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort for the annual event, which honors the outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses that continue to make a significant impact in the local community. The Chamber recognized nine honorees for their outstanding contributions to the region’s business community, including seven organizations and two individuals. 

Bilingual report — Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara returns with three free performances by Las Guaracheras on March 14, 15, 16

SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) returns with another exciting free community event. Enjoy three free exhilarating performances from female salsa sextet, Las Gauracheras.

Las Guaracheras

THREE FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES

Friday, March 14 | 7 PM | Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Rd, Goleta
Saturday, March 15  | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St, Guadalupe, CA
Sunday, March 16 | 6 PM | The Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E Cota St, Santa Barbara
Las Guaracheras, originally from the Colombian city of Cali, embrace improvisation as an unpredictable musical tool, weaving it into the fabric of each song. This improvisational approach, inspired by Latin jazz, is woven throughout their performances, offering each instrument a chance to shine.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: DISTRIBUTION & FULFILLMENT WITH AMAZON

March 11 @ 12:00 pm

Learn how to enhance your product distribution and fulfillment using Amazon’s extensive logistics network, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction for your business. This presentation will discuss Amazon’s comprehensive supply chain, including Fulfillment by Amazon, Amazon Shipping and other programs. We’ll discuss key topics, such as managing your inventory effectively and how to turn returned products into sales opportunities. Finally, discover tips and tricks for leveraging Amazon’s comprehensive suite of resources and programs tailored to support small businesses, ensuring you have the tools to help enable your success. Sponsored by Amazon. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ventura County Office of Education announces middle school winners of the 2025 Ventura County Mock Trial

VENTURA COUNTY — Valley View Middle School in Simi Valley is the winner of the middle school division of the 2025 Ventura County Mock Trial competition after earning the highest score in the final round yesterday. Mesa Union School came in second place. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony yesterday at the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo. Here’s how the top five teams placed:

Bilingual report — Community Partners in Caring to present Santa Maria Valley Senior Expo on March 14

SANTA MARIA — Community Partners in Caring will present the Santa Maria Valley Senior Expo from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, March 14 at Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria, in the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium.

This event will connect the Santa Maria Valley residents to resources, products and services that will benefit those who are aging, are living with a disability or families caring for a loved one is in need of assistance. This is an opportunity to introduce the community to a variety of services all in one location, which may otherwise take them days to find.

Both for profit and non profit businesses are able to register as exhibitors and will be from a variety of industries including:  health, legal, insurance, caregiving, medical devices, health checks, prosthetics, therapy, pet care, assisted and independent living facilities and so much more.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE EXHIBITOR REGISTRATON INFORMATION

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) honoring Women’s History Month

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize Women’s History Month. This month is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the contributions of women throughout history. During this time and throughout the entire year, the EDC is committed to supporting women in achieving their business goals.

The EDC is proud to support the community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

Sarah Reznick of Sherfina Advisors earns Certified Exit Planning Advisor credential

Reznick has worked as a financial advisor for over 17 years. She launched Sherfina Advisors in 2024. In addition to the CEPA credential, Reznick is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPCTM). She holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of California, Irvine.

Ventura County Arts Council — NEW GRANT Opportunity for Arts Nonprofits!

With a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and a match from the County of Ventura, the Ventura County Arts Council’s Supporting & Sustaining Arts and Culture (SSAC) program will offer eight grants of up to $10,000 to small, 501(c)(3) arts organizations in Ventura County that demonstrate a commitment to working in underserved and under-resourced communities and neighborhoods

International Women’s Day March, Dance Party to be held in Santa Barbara on March 8

SANTA BARBARA — The International Women’s Day March, Dance Party will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at De La Guerra Plaza, Santa Barbara.

Celebrate your Power!
Protest for your Rights!
Dance up State Street!
Presented by World Dance for Humanity, Santa Barbara Women’s March, Indivisible Santa Barbara, UCSB Women’s Center and the SB Women’s Political Committee.

Join us for the March 11 Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting. Topics Include: Battery Energy Storage Systems, Jail Health Monitoring, Five Year Capital Improvement Program, Environmental Health Services Fees

View this email online The next meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building Board Hearing Room 511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria The public may participate…