Category: Education

From Kindergarten to College: Adelante celebrates 25 Years of bilingual achievement

by Community Contributor • November 10, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Adelante Charter School celebrated its 25th anniversary on Saturday, November 1, at The Hub Downtown, honoring the Founding Board of Directors and longtime arts supporter Jim Kearns for their enduring contributions to bilingual education in Santa Barbara. The milestone event brought together 150 guests, including families, alumni, educators, and community leaders, to celebrate 25 years of excellence in dual-language education.

The evening opened with a warm welcome from Adelante alumni Isaiah Zermeno and Isabella Lopez-Solis, both students at Santa Barbara Junior High who began their educational journey together at Adelante in kindergarten.

Lumina Alliance’s Fatima Cervantes honored with statewide award for teen dating violence prevention

by Community Contributor • November 6, 2025 • Comments Off

Cervantes recognized for innovative, effective healthy relationship strategies among justice-impacted youth in San Luis Obispo

GARDEN GROVE — The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (the Partnership), a coalition representing over 1,000 survivors, advocates, organizations, and allied individuals, today honored Lumina Alliance’s Bilingual Client & Justice Systems Relations Advocate Fatima Cervantes with the Planting the Seeds Award. The award celebrates people who have engaged in intergenerational domestic violence prevention education, contributing to healthy relationships and communities. The Partnership recognized Cervantes for building strong relationships with justice-impacted youth in San Luis Obispo County, as well as providing innovative lessons for discussing healthy communication and setting boundaries.

Bilingual commentary— Learning French

by Community Contributor • November 6, 2025 • Comments Off

French is in my blood.

No, not in the form of French family origins, if 23andMe has anything to say about it, but rather the French language courses through my veins. As far as I’m concerned, French is an undeniable part of my linguistic DNA.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara November 2025 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • November 6, 2025 • Comments Off

If you need food assistance, the County has partnered with the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County to target food distribution efforts throughout the county. These events provide free fresh groceries and produce. Everyone is welcome, and no registration is required.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Michael Gurven reframes aging as evolutionary success’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • November 6, 2025 • Comments Off

In his new book, the anthropologist redefines aging as an evolutionary achievement, challenging a youth-obsessed culture to see the later decades of life as vital to our collective survival.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — One Year After the Mountain Fire

by Community Contributor • November 6, 2025 • Comments Off

As I reflect on one year since the November 6, 2024 Mountain Fire, my heart is with the many residents who lost so much. Time has passed, but the weight of the fire still impacts many. The pain and loss remain real and are a heavy burden each day for those still rebuilding their lives.

Over the past year, I have witnessed incredible resilience. Neighbors have lifted each other up, volunteers have given their time and hearts, and local organizations continue to help families recover. The strength, kindness, and determination shown across this community are what make Ventura County such a special place to call home.

Bilingual report — Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo accepting applications for two bachelor’s degree programs at Allan Hancock College’s Santa Maria campus

by Community Contributor • November 6, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is now accepting applications for two bachelor’s degree programs offered on Allan Hancock College’s Santa Maria campus. Applications for both programs — Business Administration and Sociology — are open through Dec. 1, with classes beginning in fall 2026.

The degree pathways are part of a broader Cal Poly at Hancock initiative, announced earlier this year, which allows Central Coast students to earn a Cal Poly degree without commuting to San Luis Obispo. The programs bring Cal Poly faculty and coursework directly to Hancock’s Santa Maria campus, providing students with a flexible, affordable, and high-quality educational experience close to home.

SEEAG’s “Christmas On The Ranch” fundraiser offers fresh-cut Christmas trees from Northern California to support youth agriculture programs

by Community Contributor • November 6, 2025 • Comments Off

“We know it’s a financially difficult time for many families,” said Caitlin Paulus Case, SEEAG executive director. “While the costs of Christmas trees are going up everywhere, we wanted to offer trees at a lower price, so they are more affordable.”

Friendship Adult Day Services — The Friendly Finch: November

by Community Contributor • November 6, 2025 • Comments Off

Sitting down to write about what I’m most grateful for during this month of gratitude, I can’t help but feel unbelievably lucky that my “daily place of being” is Friendship Center, a beautiful space filled with laughter, compassion, and purpose. Every day, I get to be around the people you love and care about most, which fills me and my team with so much honor and pride.

This past month has been one for the books and, yes, I know I say that a lot…. Earlier in October I had the honor of speaking on a national panel as one of seven organizations in the country recognized for innovative dementia care. This experience was great to learn even more about the dementia care landscape and solidified how truly unique we are. Did you know there are fewer than a thousand day programs in the U.S. that offer dementia care, let alone specialize in it?!

UCSB — The Current — “In ‘Digital Exhaustion,’ Paul Leonardi shares how to make technology work for you” and more news, events

by Community Contributor • November 4, 2025 • Comments Off

Leonardi’s new book focuses on how people use innovative tools to organize more effectively, increase efficiency and improve knowledge sharing within organizations.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • November 4, 2025 • Comments Off

IN-PERSON EVENT: AI UNLOCKED: SHAPING THE FUTURE

November 7 @ 12:30 pm

Bilingual report — Annual Mussel Quarantine Lifted for Ventura County; Advisory Remains in Place for Humboldt County and Northern Channel Islands

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that the annual quarantine on mussels gathered by sport harvesters from California’s coastal waters ended on midnight on Friday, October 31, 2025, for the California coast, including Ventura County. Shellfish advisories remain in place for sport-harvested razor clams from Humboldt County and for sport-harvested mussels, clams, scallops, and oysters from the Northern Channel Islands.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — NO-COST Webinar: Immigrant Rights in California Child Care Settings webinars on Nov. 4, 6 and 14

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2025 • Comments Off

Immigrant Rights in California Child Care Settings – for families with children in child care and child care providers working in various California child care programs:

This training will provide:

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — National Veterans Small Business Week

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2025 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Veteran’s Small Business Week. The EDC is dedicated to providing equal access to resources, advising and capital to all business owners.

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:

Santa Paula Art Museum — Free Family Day: Día de los Muertos on Nov. 2

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2025 • Comments Off

Sunday, November 2, from 12 PM to 3 PM
Free for all ages

Guests of all ages are invited to celebrate Día de los Muertos at three locations in downtown Santa Paula on Sunday, November 2! Visit the Santa Paula Art Museum, Santa Paula Cemetery, and the Agriculture Museum and enjoy hands-on crafts, altar and art displays, face painting, and much more. Admission is free and all materials are provided. Hours and activities vary by location. Follow the link below for full details.

Free Family Day at the Santa Paula Art Museum is sponsored by Gold Coast Health Plan and The Smith-Hobson Foundation Fund.

MORE INFO?

Graduate student Geraldine Montoya overcomes adversity to inspire others and earns CSU Trustees’ Award

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — When Geraldine Montoya earns her master’s degree in School Counseling from California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI), she will become the first in her family to earn a graduate degree — a milestone that represents years of perseverance and determination.

A first-generation immigrant from Colombia, Montoya faced significant challenges growing up, including homelessness and the loss of her father at a young age. Yet through resilience and an unwavering belief in education, she turned those obstacles into motivation to help others succeed.

Today, Montoya maintains a 4.0 GPA in CSUCI’s School Counseling program while also serving as Coordinator for the California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP). In that role, she leads more than 50 Cash4College workshops each year to help students and families access financial aid and pursue higher education.

Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund matching opportunity announced

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Momentum is building with the announcement of a new matching opportunity for the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund, a community-wide effort to support local families and small businesses experiencing sudden hardship and disruption. Through the generosity of the Brokaw Family Fund, donations up to a total of $50,000 will be matched, doubling impact for this vital humanitarian effort that offers a coordinated and trusted way for residents to step up and support one another.

“The Brokaw Family Fund normally focuses on bettering the lives of farm workers but now all our immigrant neighbors are threatened,” said Ellen Brokaw. “Non-profits are overwhelmed with requests from families for life-sustaining help. We hope this challenge will inspire others to contribute whatever they can to help all our neighbors in need.”

Bilingual commentary — Waiting For a Bus

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2025 • Comments Off

This morning I confidently strolled out to catch a bus not far from my home. Yes, I own a car, but I often take a bus to my destination, regardless. It’s free for people my age, and it gives me an excuse to get in some walking for the day.

I’ve been riding the bus in my area for several years, so I know the system well. To my credit, and to that of the bus system, I never missed a medical or other important appointment whenever I took the bus. Part of that is sheer good fortune, but I also build in “time cushions” to my more crucial itineraries by allowing extra time.

Port of Hueneme Dock Talk October 2025

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2025 • Comments Off

The Port of Hueneme was proud to support the Farmworker Health and Wellness Fair at Oxnard College on October 10th, connecting our local farmworker community with essential health resources, wellness services, and support programs.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Nov. 4 Board of Supervisors Meeting

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2025 • Comments Off

The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, 4th 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.

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula launches fall pavement improvement plan

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula will launch its Fall 2025 Pavement Improvement Project on Friday, October 31, 2025, continuing the City’s commitment to maintaining safe, accessible, and well-maintained streets. The project will enhance roadway safety, extend pavement life, and improve accessibility throughout the community. Work is expected to continue through Wednesday, November 26, 2025, lasting approximately four weeks.

The Fall 2025 Pavement Improvement Project will include resurfacing, striping, and accessibility upgrades along several key corridors — Main Street, McKevett Road, Teague Drive, Teracina Drive, Loma Vista Drive, Vuelta Place, and Mill Street. These coordinated efforts will provide smoother, safer travel for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists throughout Santa Paula, with Main Street serving as the project’s primary focus area.

Bilingual report — Preserve the past, inspire the future at the Olivas Adobe

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites residents to attend the Olivas Adobe Volunteer Open House on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Olivas Adobe Historical Park, located at 4500 Olivas Park Drive. Admission is free.

Volunteers play a vital role in preserving and sharing the history of the Olivas Adobe, Ventura’s only remaining Monterey-style adobe home from the Rancho era. At the open house, attendees can explore a variety of volunteer opportunities and learn how to help bring history to life for visitors of all ages.

Santa Barbara City College partners with Mentavi Health to deliver rapid, clinically validated ADHD evaluations for students

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA and GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is adopting Mentavi Health’s Diagnostic Evaluation to provide timely, rigorous ADHD assessments for students seeking academic accommodations. The partnership enables SBCC to reach accommodation decisions faster, when appropriate, and helps students stay on course during the term’s most demanding weeks.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Poet Robert Krut on the oblivion between tectonic plates’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 30, 2025 • Comments Off

Krut, who teaches in the Writing Program and the College of Creative Studies, draws inspiration from Raymond Carver and the Beat Poets for his new book.

Ventura College launches “Ventura Speaks” — A Day of Stories, Reflections and Celebration

by Community Contributor • October 30, 2025 • Comments Off

“Ventura Speaks” is the inaugural public event of the Ventura College Liberal Arts and Public Humanities Initiative. The new initiative seeks to strengthen the college’s liberal arts mission and create a vital community space where people engage with the big questions: Who are we? Where have we come from? What does our shared human journey mean?

Moorpark and Ventura Colleges named among Top 200 U.S. Community Colleges eligible for 2027 Aspen Prize

by Amigos805.com • October 30, 2025 • Comments Off

National recognition follows consecutive honors in 2021, 2023, and 2025 Cycles CAMARILLO — Two of Ventura County’s leading institutions, Moorpark College and Ventura College, have once again earned national recognition for their commitment to student success — named among the…

Ventura County Student Logo Design Contest winners announced

by Community Contributor • October 30, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce the following winners of logo design contests for the 2026 Academic Decathlon, Science Fair, Battle of the Books, Batalla de los Libros, Mock Trial, and Civic Action Project. The artwork will be prominently displayed on promotional and informational materials for these high-profile competitions and will be featured on commemorative pins for each event. The winning logos were selected from 120 entries by a committee of VCOE staff members.

Three New Members Join The Ventura College Foundation Board, Including Acting Ventura College President

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Three new board members joined the Ventura College Foundation board of directors, including Dr. Luca E. Lewis, acting president of Ventura College. Lewis was previously vice president of Student Affairs at Ventura College. He brings over 22 years of experience in community college education.

“By fostering innovation, operational excellence, and teaching and learning excellence, I strive to create an environment with my colleagues where Ventura College can advance its mission, empower students, and strengthen our diverse communities in which we serve,” says Lewis.

UCSB ‘The Current’ — ‘Why Classic Maya cities rose and fell’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2025 • Comments Off

The forces that precipitated the rise and fall of ancient urban centers echo in today’s urban challenges.

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

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2025 • Comments Off

We’re thrilled to unveil our 55th Anniversary Digital Community Quilt, a vibrant mosaic of creativity and connection featuring 55 unique panels created in a variety of mediums by PSHH team members, residents, and community members. Visit pshhc.org/quilt to see the full piece!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2025 • Comments Off

IN-PERSON EVENT: AI UNLOCKED: SHAPING THE FUTURE

November 7 @ 12:30 pm

Join the Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Economic Development Collaborative to learn about how Santa Barbara County businesses are expanding the AI frontier, creating both challenges and opportunities for the workforce. At AI Unlocked: Shaping the Future, business leaders, students, faculty and employees will come together to explore how AI is transforming local industries—and the future-ready skills everyone will need to succeed. Through real-world insights, you’ll learn how businesses are adapting, what employers are looking for, and how to navigate your own path to AI literacy. Whether you’re running a business, preparing for your career or teaching and supporting students, this conversation will give you the tools and perspective to keep pace in an AI-driven world. Address: SBCC West Campus, Fe Bland Forum (BC Building Forum), 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

805UndocuFund — New public art markers to honor sites of ICE Kidnappings in Thousand Oaks

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — In a powerful act of remembrance and resistance, a series of art markers was installed in Thousand Oaks to commemorate locations where individuals were taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The installation honors the lives disrupted by these actions and the resilience of the local immigrant community, 805UndocuFund reported in a media release.

The event was held on Hampshire Road between Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Royal Oaks Drive. Community members, artists, and advocates gathered to recognize the significance of the moment and the collective effort behind the project.

Bay Area Xicanx artist Melanie Cervantes brings ‘Protect Your Spirit’ exhibit to CSUCI through Dec. 12

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) will host Bay Area Xicanx artist and cultural worker Melanie Cervantes for a solo exhibition, “Protect Your Spirit: Visual Lexicons of Resistance,” from Oct. 23 through Dec. 12 in the second-floor gallery of the John Spoor Broome Library.

An opening reception open to the public will be held Thursday, Oct. 23, at 5 p.m. at the Broome Library. Cervantes will also provide an artist talk for CSUCI students on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at noon, at the Broome Library.

Cervantes’ work offers a powerful visual language of resistance against social injustice and systemic oppression. Her art explores stories of struggle, resilience and triumph within marginalized communities and invites reflection on the role of art in social movements.

“There is both an ephemeral and a timeless nature to Cervantes’ art,” said CSUCI art historian Theresa Avila. “In this era of increased repression and surveillance, the type of art that Cervantes creates is needed now more than ever.”

Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: ‘Celebrating Nature: Paintings by Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore’ on view through Nov. 9, more upcoming events

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2025 • Comments Off

Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore was founded in the early 1990s to support and promote the hard-fought conservation of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, established in 1978. The SMMNRA encompasses over 156,000 acres that stretch east to west from Griffith Park in Los Angeles County to Point Mugu State Park in Ventura County. With 46 miles of scenic coastline, over 500 miles of trails, and a vast array of native flora, fauna, and culturally significant sites, the SMMNRA is the largest urban national recreation are in the world, bordering the second-largest city in the United States.

SBCC School of Extended Learning — Rediscover your creative spark

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — This fall, SBCC School of Extended Learning invites older adults to discover or rediscover their creative potential. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced artist looking to refine your skills, the Older Adults Program offers expert instruction in a welcoming environment, with free art classes designed specifically for adults age 55 and over.

Two of the program’s exceptional eight-week courses are launching the week of October 20, with spots still available:

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) — Leaf into Fall Feast Mode

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2025 • Comments Off

Fall is Feasting Season

Join us in celebrating:

(The Art of Mexcal)

Filipino American History Month

California Student Aid Commission launches the 2026-27 Statewide Financial Aid Cycle at Ventura College

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), in partnership with Ventura College and the Ventura College Foundation, kicked off the 2026-27 Statewide Financial Aid Application Cycle at a press conference held on Oct. 1. This event held at Ventura College highlighted the critical role financial aid plays in allowing access and equity for students pursuing higher education across California.

“We chose to launch the 2026-27 financial aid cycle in Ventura because there is something special here,” said Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission. “From being able to support a student to pursue their college dreams, to understanding that financial aid is critical to help students stay enrolled, Ventura has the opportunity to continue its growth in completed financial aid applications while supporting students through their higher education journey.”

Bilingual report — Latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2025 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Fire Department will host the 2025 Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony:

Thursday, November 6th
10:00 am to 11:30 a.m.
Ventura County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura.

UCSB — The Current — ‘How artistic research preserves cultural memory and care’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2025 • Comments Off

Artist Kim Garcia’s new LA show “Tender Material” connects family stories with Philippine cultural history.

Moorpark College named 2025 Pathway Champion for driving Equity in Transfer Success

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2025 • Comments Off

MOORPARK — At Moorpark College, transfer isn’t just a hope—it’s a plan. This year, the college’s work to remove barriers, close equity gaps and accelerate student success has earned it statewide recognition as a 2025 Pathway Champion of Transfer. This honor presented by the Campaign for College Opportunity recognizes colleges with the top numbers of Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs) awarded relative to full-time student enrollment.

Through California’s Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program, which guarantees CSU admission for students who complete aligned coursework, more than 450,000 degrees have been awarded statewide. At Moorpark, a focused and equity-driven rollout of the ADT has helped more students, especially those from families and neighborhoods who face extra hurdles getting to college, reach their transfer goals.

Adelante Charter School of Santa Barbara celebrates five years of transformative leadership under executive director Javier Bolívar

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Adelante Charter School of Santa Barbara proudly celebrates five years of leadership under Executive Director Javier Bolívar, whose vision, resilience, and unwavering dedication have guided the school through a period of remarkable growth and renewal.

Bolívar’s journey to education is both inspiring and deeply human. Born and raised in Venezuela, he grew up the youngest of four in a close-knit family shaped by love, creativity, and perseverance. His mother, a stay-at-home mom and talented seamstress, and his father, a public employee, instilled in him humility, respect, and the belief that kindness is a strength. The loss of two older brothers while they were in college profoundly influenced Bolívar’s empathy and his commitment to live with purpose.

Bilingual report — Now’s the Time to Vote! Ventura County Vote Centers opening this Saturday are a Resource for Voter Assistance

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 is opening day for nine vote centers located throughout Ventura County for the Nov. 4 Statewide Special Election. Nine additional vote centers will open the following Saturday, Nov. 1. Vote center hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day until Nov. 3, and 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day, Nov. 4.

“With this being a special election, the vote center locations may be different from those used in past elections,” County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, Michelle Ascencion, said. “Please check your County Voter Information Guide, the insert in your vote by mail ballot, or the County Elections website at Vote.VenturaCounty.gov, to find the list of vote center sites that are opening this week.”

Jackie Carrera, Ashley Costa, and Das Williams to be honored at 2026 LEAP Awards

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2025 • Comments Off

GOLETA — Jackie Carrera, President and CEO of the Santa Barbara Foundation, and Ashley Costa, Executive Director of the Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization, will be honored at the 2026 LEAP Awards, alongside Das Williams, who will be recognized as Distinguished Alumnus.

The 2026 LEAP Awards will be a milestone celebration of LEAP’s 55th anniversary as a nonprofit and 50 years of its Children’s Center. For the first time in six years, the event will be held in person at the stunning Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The brunch will bring together community leaders, philanthropists, and partners who believe in creating thriving futures for children and families.

“As we celebrate 55 years of service, we are honored to recognize Jackie Carrera, Ashley Costa, and LEAP alumnus Das Williams. Each, in their own way, has strengthened families, lifted voices, and inspired children to shine. Their leadership reflects the very heart of LEAP’s mission, and we are proud to celebrate them alongside our community,” said Lori Goodman, LEAP CEO.

Legacies of Hope Dinner lights a candle for People Helping People

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2025 • Comments Off

LOS OLIVOS — The Legacies of Hope dinner, was an evening of storytelling and community, gathering many of People Helping People’s most dedicated supporters to the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos on October 17, 2025.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of this year’s Luminary Awards, for those who have given in extraordinary ways to support the mission of People Helping People (PHP).

This year’s recipients are the Becky Barieau and Billy Wathen Family, Feed the Valley with Chef Daisy and Greg Ryan, and the Brady Family.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Save Art Save Democracy

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2025 • Comments Off

MCASB Launches Future Fund
in 50th-Anniversary Campaign

Art and free speech are essential to a healthy democracy—Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) calls on our communities across Santa Barbara and the Central Coast to help safeguard the region’s only dedicated, free contemporary art museum. Once again communities are in crisis—and this time, artists and art institutions are on the front line standing up against authoritarianism. Join us!

Join CEC, SBHS students, elected officials and local climate champions on Nov. 8 for our next Youth Climate Workshop on climate advocacy, more upcoming events

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2025 • Comments Off

Students in grades six through 12 who want to take meaningful climate action are invited to a FREE, hands-on workshop at CEC’s Environmental Hub, co-hosted by CEC and Santa Barbara High School’s Environmental Advocacy Club. In this session, we will dive into environmental policy advocacy, break down the public comment process, and show you how to use your voice to stand up for climate justice.

Ventura County Office of Education — Test Scores Rise, New Welding Center, Hackathon, and more…

by Community Contributor • October 21, 2025 • Comments Off

Ventura County students are making gains in both math and English language arts, according to the latest scores from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). The percentage of students countywide who met or exceeded state standards in the 2024-2025 school year is up by 1.3% in math and 1.9% in English. This is the fourth consecutive year of improvement since scores dipped during the pandemic. You can find CAASPP scores for individual schools and school districts at this link.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Novel membrane gel from UCSB offers new tool for breast cancer research’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • October 21, 2025 • Comments Off

Researchers created an algae-based gel for studying mammary epithelial cells, which form milk-producing ducts and glands in healthy breast tissue and can transform into cancer cells.

Bilingual report — Application deadlines near for Hancock’s BSN Pathway and EMT Program

by Community Contributor • October 21, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is helping local students and healthcare professionals take the next step in their careers with two upcoming program application deadlines — including the college’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pathway, developed in partnership with California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI), and the spring 2026 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) academy.

Allan Hancock College English instructor publishes new thriller novel ‘Sea of Glass’

by Community Contributor • October 21, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College adjunct English instructor Patrick Shattuck has published his latest novel, Sea of Glass, a contemporary thriller infused with elements of magical realism.

The book tells the story of Shannon Delaney, a teenager overshadowed by her brilliant twin sister and caught in a web of secrets, shifting loyalties and a mysterious glowing glass orb that reveals haunting visions of love, loss and truth.

“I’ve always been a storyteller—I was that kid in class who everyone wanted to hear read first,” said Shattuck. “Now, as both a teacher and writer, I still love creating stories that keep readers turning the pages and looking for what comes next.”

Bilingual report — Workforce Development Board of Ventura County launches PEER Up Grant Program to empower individuals with disabilities

by Community Contributor • October 21, 2025 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) is proud to announce the launch of Professional Empowerment and Employment Resources (PEER) Up, a groundbreaking new program designed to close the employment and wage gaps for individuals with disabilities in Ventura County. PEER Up is a workforce development initiative that provides paid work experience, mentorship, and inclusive job connections to help participants build confidence and thrive in today’s workforce.

Santa Barbara City College launches three new certification pathways in Phys Ed.

by Community Contributor • October 21, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College’s (SBCC) Physical Education Department is proud to announce the launch of three innovative certification pathways designed to meet growing workforce needs in sports, fitness, and healthcare industries: Youth Coaching, Fitness Trainer, and Pre-Sports Medicine. The certifications launched this Fall semester and registration for Spring 2026 begins Friday, Dec. 12.

The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College wins prestigious Animal Exhibit Award of Excellence

by Community Contributor • October 21, 2025 • Comments Off

MOORPARK — The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College has received the Animal Exhibit Award of Excellence from the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), a national honor recognizing Annual Awards Banquet, recognizing the zoo’s excellence in new and unique live animal display, exhibit design and construction.

Presented annually at the ZAA Awards Banquet, the Animal Exhibit Award of Excellence places Moorpark College’s Teaching Zoo alongside some of the most respected wildlife facilities in the country. The ZAA, a leading accrediting body in zoological care, awards the recognition to exhibits that demonstrate excellence in enriching animal lives, engaging the public and advancing conservation education.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Honoring Paul Relis: A Trailblazer Who Shaped the Environmental Movement

by Community Contributor • October 21, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — (On Oct. 16), we honored Paul Relis, whose vision helped ignite the environmental movement. In the wake of the 1969 oil spill, Paul founded the Community Environmental Council and began a journey that would shape the Central Coast’s environmental legacy for generations.

Paul’s ambition has always been grounded in hope, community, and a deep belief in our collective power to create change. From co-hosting one of the very first Earth Day celebrations in 1970 to pioneering waste management and recycling programs as a California EPA executive, Paul’s influence helped turn Santa Barbara into a beacon for environmental action.

Bilingual report — Adelante Charter School, a 2025 California Distinguished School, celebrates 25 years of Dual-Language Program

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — This fall, Adelante Charter School, a 2025 California Distinguished School and a Spanish dual-language immersion program, will celebrate its 25th anniversary by honoring individuals who have been instrumental to its success and growth. The honorees include the school’s inaugural board members, whose vision and dedication made history in Santa Barbara County, along with local philanthropist Jim Kearns.

Bilingual report — Office of Traffic Safety awards $193,516.00 grant to the City of Ventura for Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2025 • Comments Off

“We are excited to receive this grant, which will allow us to significantly expand our bicycle and pedestrian safety program,” said Principal Civil Engineer Jeff Hereford. “By focusing on education, awareness, and promoting safe practices, we aim to reduce crashes and prevent injuries. Ultimately, we’re working toward building more walkable and bike-friendly neighborhoods where everyone can travel safely and confidently.”

CLU announces FABulous Fall Lecture Series

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — For details on the series and to register, go to: https://www.callutheran.edu/centers/lifelong-learning/fifty-better/lecture-series.html

Lectures are $10 each. Bundle the entire series (12 lectures) for just $85. Or “build-your-own bundle” – choose 5 lectures for $40.

Half of the lectures offered this fall can be attended in-person at our Thousand Oaks campus (parking is free and accessible). All lectures are recorded and can be attended virtually.

Bilingual report — Ventura Fire Department celebrates 150 years of service

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Ventura Fire Department, the oldest fire department in Ventura County and one of the oldest in California. Its legacy began in 1875, when the Monumental Fire Company was formed with 53 volunteer members. Just three years later, in 1878, the newly incorporated City of Ventura officially created the Ventura Fire Department when the Monumental Fire Company turned over all of its equipment to the City.

In 1915, Ventura hired its first full-time fire chief, beginning the department’s transition from a volunteer organization to a professional fire service. Soon after, paid firefighters were hired, establishing the foundation of the modern agency that continues to protect Ventura today.

The Gallegly Center at California Lutheran University empowers students to become leaders in civic public discourse

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2025 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — We are excited about the opportunity for California Lutheran University to provide nonpartisan thought-leadership through the Elton and Janice Gallegly Center for Public Service and Civil Engagement on the main campus. This center will play a pivotal role in students’ collegiate experience by helping to develop the critical academic skills and broad perspectives necessary for constructive dialogue and civil public discourse. This scholarly engagement will empower them to pursue careers of meaningful public service and informed civic engagement.

Page 15 of 147

« 1 … 13 14 15 16 17 … 147 »