Category: Education

CSUCI students gain hands-on industry experience through new biotechnology internship pilot

CAMARILLO — Three CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) undergraduates were selected to participate in a new biotechnology internship pilot developed in collaboration with Amgen, providing hands-on research experience at the company’s Thousand Oaks headquarters.

Part of the Amgen-CSURF (California State University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships) initiative, the program is designed to increase access to industry training for students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. The students are paired with scientists and gain exposure to real-world applications in laboratory science and drug discovery over two summers. The program kicked off at the Thousand Oaks headquarters in summer 2025 and will return in the summer of 2026.

Port of Hueneme DOCK TALK Community Newsletter — Feb. 2026

The Port of Hueneme is excited to once again host (it’s first annual Robatics Competition) that is free and open to the public to attend. Click the button to learn more about the competition schedule.

March 7-8, 2026
The Port of Hueneme
333 Ponoma St. Port Hueneme

Spirit of Japan Ventura 2026 returns (April 18-19) with authentic Japanese food, culture and family fun

VENTURA — Spirit of Japan Ventura returns for its second year, bringing a vibrant celebration of Japanese food, culture, and community to Ventura County. The two-day outdoor festival will take place Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2026, welcoming…

Bilingual report — Cloverlane Foundation funds new ‘Jaws of Life’ for Allan Hancock College Fire Academy

“This investment by the Cloverlane Foundation will make a real difference in how we prepare students for the field,” said Fire Academy Coordinator Leonard Champion. “Access to professional-grade equipment like this elevates the quality of our program and gives our students a meaningful advantage when they enter the workforce.” 

College Readiness Program Brings Nearly 200 Eighth Grade Students to SBCC’s Cliff Campus

“As a former AVID student and a first-generation college graduate, I know firsthand how powerful access and exposure can be,” shared Senior Director of Admissions & Records and Dual Enrollment Angelica Contreras. “Programs like AVID Discovery Days are often the first time students can actually see themselves on a college campus walking into labs, trying hands-on activities, and realizing that these careers are real and attainable.”

Join us for the March 10 Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting

The next regular meeting of the
 County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 
9 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Administration Building 
Board Hearing Room
511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria 
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. 

Ventura County Office of Education — Middle School Winners of the 2026 Ventura County Mock Trial

VENTURA COUNTY — Dr. Cesar Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that Mesa Union School is the winner of the middle school division of the 2026 Ventura County Mock Trial. Mesa Union School earned the highest score in the final round of competition, held this afternoon at the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo. Second place went to Hillside Middle School.

Ventura College Foundation honors 15 ‘Pirates of Distinction,’ launches “Invest in Success” fundraising campaign

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation brought together more than 100 community leaders, donors, and advocates at its “Celebration of Success” on the Ventura College campus—an afternoon that honored 15 outstanding “Pirates of Distinction,” and issued a call to action to complete its $7 million “Invest in Success” fundraising campaign.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves acceptance of $250,000 donation to support E.P. Foster Library Renovation Project

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, during their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 3, unanimously approved the acceptance of a $250,000 donation from the Ventura Friends of the Library (VFOL) to support the E.P. Foster Library Building Forward Grant Project. The donation will help meet required local matching funds for the state-funded renovation project at the E.P. Foster Library in downtown Ventura. As part of the action, the Board also authorized the necessary budget adjustments to formally receive and allocate the funds, with no additional cost to the County’s General Fund.

2026 Ventura County Mock Trial Winners – High School Division

VENTURA COUNTY — Trinity Pacific Christian School and Oak Park High School took the top two spots in the high school division of the 2026 Ventura County Mock Trial competition, which was held over two weekends at the Ventura County Government Center’s Hall of Justice. This marks the fourth year in a row that Trinity Pacific has come in first. 

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves 20-year lease to expand youth farm and education programs at Juvenile Justice Facilities

“This partnership represents a unique opportunity to transform an underutilized farm site into a vibrant educational resource that benefits both our community and local youth,” said Chair of the Board Jeff Gorell. “By connecting young people with agriculture, workforce skills, and service to others, we are creating meaningful pathways for growth, responsibility, and future employment. At the same time, the program will help strengthen food security by growing fresh produce that can support local organizations and families in need.”

SEEAG gets go-ahead to create new 3.63-acre educational farm in Oxnard

VENTURA — At its March 3 meeting, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved a 20-year, $0 per year lease agreement between Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) and the County of Ventura to develop an educational farm on 3.63 acres of arable land located behind the Ventura County Juvenile Facilities property in Oxnard.

In collaboration with the County of Ventura and the Ventura County Probation Agency (VCPA), SEEAG will establish the Southbank Learning Farm, a community-driven space where justice-involved youth will engage in hands-on farming and food education and career pathway development, while growing fresh, healthy produce to support local food access initiatives.

Nonprofit Celebrates 55th Anniversary and Local Leaders at the LEAP Awards?

GOLETA — LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner. celebrated its 55th anniversary as a nonprofit — and 50 years of providing high-quality childcare — at the 2026 LEAP Awards Brunch on Saturday, February 28, at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The event raised $81,715 to support LEAP’s programs and services for children and families across Santa Barbara County.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Students — Take Action this Saturday (March 7) at Our Youth Climate Workshop! More news

If you are — or know — a student in grades 6–12 who cares about the future of our coastlines, wildlife, and communities, this is the moment to spring into climate action. Join the Community Environmental Council (CEC), Santa Barbara High School’s Environmental Advocacy Club, and the Sierra Club Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter for a free, interactive Youth Climate Workshop designed to turn passion into tangible impact.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: HOW TO DEVELOP A NETWORKING STRATEGY TO GENERATE NEW REFERRAL PARTNERS

March 5 @ 5:00 pm

Giving referral partners clarity on who you serve will keep you top of mind when they are in front of your ICP. The more specific, the better chance of them identifying and introducing you. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Housing leaders identify workforce housing as key to Ventura County’s economic future

“The lack of available housing, not just affordable housing, but available housing, is the single largest impediment to economic growth and prosperity in our region,” said Stephanie Caldwell, President & CEO of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. “As Ken Trigueiro said, ‘Affordable housing is where the jobs go at night’.” These words framed the core theme of the morning: if workers cannot afford to live here, Ventura County’s economy cannot thrive.

Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) Power of Purpose – March 2026

As we step into March and the first hints of spring begin to emerge, I find myself reflecting on all the beauty surrounding us, especially you, our community foundation family, who make Ventura County so very special to me.

There is truly so much to love about our community. Yes, the natural beauty is breathtaking. But even more powerful is the way our community shows up for one another. Time and again, we have demonstrated a deep and steady care for our neighbors, a willingness to collaborate, and a shared commitment to strengthening the place we call home. That spirit—resilient, generous, and hopeful—is what makes this region extraordinary, and is something I see reflected every day in my colleagues at your community foundation.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Grow Your Child Care Business with WEV’s Emprendedoras de Guardería Program

Emprendedoras de Guardería is Women’s Economic Ventures’ (WEV) NO-COST 8-week Spanish business training program designed for licensed, home-based child care providers in Ventura County. The program supports providers in growing and strengthening their businesses through culturally responsive training, coaching and peer support.

Participants will also have the opportunity to apply for a $5,000 stipend to invest in their child care business.

WEV is currently inviting interested providers to complete their Spanish interest form HERE.

The perfect Lompoc couples weekend In Santa Barbara County along California’s Central Coast

LOMPOC — Framed by vineyard-covered hills and the Pacific Ocean, Lompoc, California is an ideal destination for couples looking to reconnect through great food, creative culture, and wide-open space. From spa indulgence to wine tastings and late-night eats, Lompoc delivers a weekend that feels effortless, intimate, and memorable. As you plan your trip, consider this weekend itinerary:

2026 Ventura County Mock Trial Semifinalists announced

Dr. Cesar Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce the eight high school teams that will move on to the semifinal round of the 2026 Ventura County Mock Trial competition. Twenty-four local high schools fielded teams in the initial Mock Trial rounds held last weekend at the Hall of Justice at the Ventura County Government Center. The following eight high school teams had the highest scores and will advance to the semifinals:

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan launches second year of grants to fund community driven solutions to Safeguard Medi-Cal coverage

CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) today announced that applications are now open for the second year of its Resilience, Innovation, Sustainability & Equity (RISE) Grant Program. GCHP will award one-year grants of up to $400,000 to help providers and community-based organizations support Medi-Cal members in navigating federal changes to coverage requirements.

March at the Santa Paula Art Museum

We’re feeling lucky at the Museum in March!

We’re channeling Santa Paula artists Jessie and Cornelis Botke in the photo above as we dance into a brand-new month at the Santa Paula Art Museum. Join us for a green-themed Free Family Day on Sunday, March 1, and mark your calendars for the premiere of Cornelis Botke: Painter of the Western Scene on Saturday, March 14!

Scroll down to see all of our March events and classes.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Funding Alert: Launch a Resilience Hub in Your Community

Climate disasters like extreme heat, wildfires, poor air quality, and flooding can strike our region at any time. Community Resilience Hubs are trusted, local spaces — like schools and libraries — that support neighborhoods before, during, and after climate disasters. Each Hub is unique and offers services and resources for the specific needs of the community.

Come party with MCASB at The Culver Hotel!

We’re excited to present you the culmination of five years of collective labor – published in the fall – we’re now celebrating and excited to share our publication with events in Mexico City, Los Angeles, Oaxaca City, Santa Maria, and Santa Barbara!

Join us on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 7-10 pm at The Culver Hotel, Culver City for a conversation with the curators, artists, and contributors that made this publication possible!

UCSB — The Current — ‘Hair-width LEDs could replace lasers — and a UCSB doctoral student is helping make it happen’ and more news, events

New research co-authored by Roark Chao demonstrates a new micro–light-emitting diode design that improves both efficiency and beam directionality.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Help Shape Central Coast Climate Resilience Plans

From wildfires and flooding to extreme heat, Southern California communities are facing intensifying climate challenges. Southern California Edison (SCE) — the electric utility company that delivers power to homes and businesses across the Central Coast — is working toward providing safe, reliable service and preparing for increasing climate risks.

13th Annual Ventura County Farm Day seeks sponsors for April 11 event

“Ventura County Farm Day is a free, all-ages, one-day invitation for people to explore agricultural locations across Ventura County,” says Caitlin Paulus Case, executive director of Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture. “Farm Day helps people better understand the journey of our food from field to table while highlighting the uniqueness and abundance of our region. It celebrates the many individuals whose hard work feeds and sustains us, contributing to Ventura County’s ranking as the 11th most agriculturally productive county in the nation.”

Allan Hancock College announces line up for Spring concerts

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is inviting the community to enjoy a series of live musical performances this spring featuring student musicians, faculty artists, and special guest performers in Boyd Concert Hall (bldg. F) on the Santa Maria campus. 

These performances are open to the public on the following dates, times, and locations: 

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: FROM SKILLED EMPLOYEE TO TEAM LEADER: SUPERVISORY & LEADERSHIP FUNDAMENTALS

February 25 @ 8:00 am

You were promoted because you’re great at your work. Now you’re responsible for making sure others do it well, and that requires a completely different skill set. Join the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and the Economic Development Collaborative for a focused, high-impact course designed for skilled employees who have recently moved into a supervisory role. This course bridges the gap between “doing the work” and “leading the work,” helping participants transition from operator to process leader. Check-in: 8:00 – 8:30 am. Address: Workforce Development Board of Ventura County Office, 3rd Floor, 2901 North Ventura Road, Oxnard. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

40th Annual California Strawberry Festival to be held May 16-17

VENTURA — Celebrating its 40th year, the California Strawberry Festival returns Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001).  The family-friendly event features Strawberry-themed favorites, including strawberry nachos, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry kabobs, strawberry popcorn, margaritas and more.

Festival goers can also enjoy nearly 150 arts and crafts vendors, an expanded Strawberryland for kids, live entertainment on three stages, carnival rides, and a “build-your-own” Strawberry Shortcake Experience.

Southeast Ventura County YMCA expands Summer camp opportunities; registration open

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Signups for summer camp at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA branches are underway with camp locations at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village, Simi Valley Family YMCA day camp sites and at the Conejo Valley YMCA.

“We’re happy to bring summer camp back to the Conejo Valley YMCA site,” Katie Oberman, Yarrow Family YMCA child care senior program director. “It has a perfect outdoor space for games, water sports and nature hikes, and indoor spaces for STEM activities and arts and crafts.”

UCSB — The Current — UCSB historian (Mario T. García) publishes testimonio of consequential Chicano artist Rupert García

The book by Mario T. García, a distinguished professor of Chicano/a studies and of history, is the first comprehensive text on Rupert García’s life and art.

California Lutheran University student-athlete named to Allstate NACDA Good Works Team

THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University scholar-athlete Camden Hyde   been named to the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter). The junior men’s basketball player is being honored by the Allstate National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA ) for his leadership in community service, academics and athletics. Annually, 60 student-athletes throughout the country are recognized for the fall, winter and spring seasons.

Ventura College to host ‘Decolonized: The Matriarchs,’ a powerful Black History Month performance on Feb. 25

Created and directed by acclaimed choreographer and artistic leader Karen Parks, CEO and Artistic Director of Stagebound, Inc., Decolonized: The Matriarchs is a multidisciplinary performance that reclaims and elevates the Black female narrative through expressive movement, voice, and storytelling. Parks is widely recognized for her work exploring themes of identity, culture, and healing through the performing arts. Her work has been featured throughout California and beyond, engaging audiences in meaningful dialogue around history, resilience, and empowerment.