Category: Education

100 artists unite for OPAC’s 2025 Día de los Muertos with El Velorio. Opening reception Oct. 2

OXNARD — This year’s altar is inspired by the monarch butterfly, a powerful symbol of the soul, transformation, and migration. In a city shaped by immigrant stories, the theme highlights the beauty and resilience of movement across borders. In Mexican tradition, the monarchs’ annual arrival in central Mexico each fall is believed to carry the spirits of departed loved ones back to earth, making them a cherished emblem of Día de los Muertos. Community members are invited to submit a photo of a departed loved one to be lovingly displayed. The Opening Reception will feature a ceremonial Aztec blessing and dance and a performance by Ballet Folklórico Mestizo of Oxnard College. 

Bilingual commentary — AI: My Expert Helper

In the ancient past, up to around the end of 2022, I used to grapple with complex technical issues (for me, anyway) as I pursued some of my projects. When I first started building websites, for example, I often found myself stumped by some of the technical barriers that kept emerging in front of me. 

When confronted with an intractable problem that appeared insurmountable, I found myself hunting for web pages that would illuminate me and provide the answers I was looking for. Sometimes I succeeded in ferreting out a solution to a dilemma that would sometimes take days to resolve because I often didn’t even know quite what to search for.

SBCC’s Dr. Melissa Menendez selected for national HACU Enlace Mid-Level Leadership Program

SANTA BARBARA — The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and SBCC are pleased to announce that the third cohort of its Enlace Mid-level Leadership Program includes Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) professor Dr. Melissa Menendez, who was selected along with 39 participants across the nation to begin this fall, 2025. 

The six-month leadership development program for mid-level college and university professionals is designed to increase the number, variety and quality of talent in leadership positions at Hispanic-serving Institutions and in higher education overall. 

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: CITY OF OXNARD: READY • SET • GROW: SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES

September 30 @ 9:00 am

Join the City of Oxnard and Economic Development Collaborative for a 3-part series to help business owners improve legal compliance, financial planning and marketing. Participants will receive hands-on, practical training to achieve real results, such as official registration, funding readiness, and customer growth. This 3-workshop series will be conducted in English, with the option to answer questions in Spanish. Hands-on materials will be provided in both languages. Address: Oxnard Main Library, 251 S A St., Oxnard, CA, 93030.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Child Passenger Safety Week: Protect your child with the right car seat

“Every child deserves to travel safely,” Sergeant Mark Knackstedt said. “We urge all parents and caregivers to know for sure that their children are in the right seats and that those seats are installed correctly. Keeping a child in the right seat for their age and size can make all the difference in a crash.”

VCCCD swears in Robert Davidson as new Chief of Police

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) swore in Robert Davidson as its new chief of police September 22, bringing nearly 35 years of county law enforcement experience to guide and strengthen the District’s police department.

Davidson began his career with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office in 1991 where he rose up through the ranks to Assistant Sheriff. Over more than three decades, he successfully led major investigations, directed Internal Affairs and training programs, and oversaw the Sheriff’s largest division with a $120 million budget.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers appointed to Santa Maria Fairpark Board

The board oversees the Santa Maria Fairpark, which serves as the premier event center in the Santa Maria Valley. As a subdivision of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the board is tasked with supporting the community by providing venues for education, recreation, entertainment, and by promoting agriculture, industry, commerce, and tourism.

13th Annual Ventura County Farm Day moves to Spring 2026

“We looked at planting schedules and weather and felt that a move to spring offered many benefits. It means the public can visit farms during the heart of the growing season,” says Caitlin Paulus Case, executive director of Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), the nonprofit that puts on Ventura County Farm Day each year. “We are expecting more farms to participate with new hands-on experiences and activities.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Join us for a NO-COST workshop series for businesses!

Join the City of Oxnard and EDC for this workshop series, which has been developed to help advance business formalization, financial resilience and strategic visibility among small businesses in Ventura County. It addresses core areas where entrepreneurs often face barriers—legal compliance, financial planning, and marketing execution—offering hands-on, actionable training that leads to real outcomes: formal registration, funding readiness and customer growth.

14 cadets graduate from Allan Hancock College’s CORE Custody Academy

All 14 graduates of CORE Academy Class #20 completed a comprehensive California Standards and Training for Corrections course consisting of 260 hours of instruction. The six-week academy is designed to prepare students mentally, morally, emotionally and physically to work as correctional officers. Some of the academy instruction included emergency planning in a custody facility, report writing, ethics, investigation procedures, contraband, arrest and control, physical fitness training, CPR/First Aid and emergency vehicle operations.  

Santa Paula Art Museum — Come Hang Out With Us!

Creative Hang with

The One Oh One

?
Wednesday, September 24, from 6 PM to 9 PM

Free for everyone (food not included)

We’re excited to host The One Oh One’s September Creative Hang inside SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center! Mingle with fellow creatives while you enjoy live music by Matterform band. Anna’s Cider and brewLab Craft will keep you hydrated, and Chavas Tacos will be serving up yummy bites. The event is free for everyone (food is not included).

MORE INFO

Cabrillo Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) IN-PERSON EVENT: Executive Talent Management Forum on Sept. 25

Join California Lutheran University for their 10th Annual Executive Talent Management Forum on Talent Mobility & Workforce Agility. In today’s volatile business environment, organizations must develop workforce agility and talent mobility strategies to remain competitive. Economic uncertainties, geopolitical shifts, technological and environmental disruptions, and evolving employee expectations require companies to rethink how they deploy, develop and retain talent. This forum topic would explore how businesses can build a resilient workforce capable of adapting to rapid change.

Thursday, September 25, at 8:00 am

Address: Lundring Events Center, 60 W. Olsen Rd., California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Bilingual report — Ventura County residents are highly encouraged to take action to prevent mosquito breeding after recent rainfall

VENTURA — Mosquito activity is expected to increase following the rainfall from the remnants of Tropical Storm Mario. It is important now to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the chances of being bitten by mosquitoes by emptying objects that collected water during the rain event. 

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

  Lea en español | Received this from a friend? Subscribe! eNewsletter September 2025 It’s back-to-school season for our Camino Scholars! With a gift of $55/month, students will have the tools and support to build their confidence, stay engaged with their studies, and succeed all year long.…

Ventura County Superintendent of School — Hispanic Heritage Month, Logo Contest, College Readiness, and more…

VENTURA COUNTY — Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities.

In this video message, Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, reflects on the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month and shares some of his favorite family traditions. Keep an eye on VCOE’s social media throughout the month for special messages about Hispanic Heritage Month from our students and staff.

Bilingual report — Church Goals and the Canonization of Saints

The canonization of a saint is the culmination of a process that, in the eyes of the Catholic Church, creates a bridge between human and divine realms. The formal process of canonization has evolved over the centuries from a local affair to an intricate, institutionalized undertaking that is overseen by the pope himself.

Ventura County District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Zone 0 Town Hall Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined last night’s Zone 0 Town Hall—both in person and online. I’m especially grateful to our expert panelists for sharing their knowledge and to the Ventura County Fire Department for their hospitality in hosting the event.

If you weren’t able to attend, you can watch the full recording here. You’ll also find links to the panelists’ slides next to their bios below.

The Board of Forestry updated their Frequently Asked Questions Document yesterday, click here to review. I also want to thank those who submitted thoughtful questions during the meeting. My team and I are gathering responses, and I’ll be sharing updates with you soon.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors to meeting on Sept. 23

Reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores en español
(Board of Supervisors’ Meetings in Spanish)
El Condado de Santa Bárbara está ofreciendo interpretación en español de las reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores. Véalo en vivo en nuestro canal de YouTube en español, o las personas suscritas a la televisión por cable pueden acceder a la programación secundaria de audio (SAP) en los ajustes de idioma.

Aún se requiere pedir con anticipación l

SEEAG adds Santa Barbara County Office, student and community agriculture learning programs during 2024-25 School Year

VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) expanded its reach by opening a new Santa Barbara County office and adding student and community learning programs during the 2024-25 school year.

SEEAG is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect youth and communities to the farm origins of their food and inspire the next generations of agricultural ambassadors.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Join us for a NO-COST workshop series for businesses!

Join the City of Oxnard and EDC for this workshop series, which has been developed to help advance business formalization, financial resilience and strategic visibility among small businesses in Ventura County. It addresses core areas where entrepreneurs often face barriers—legal compliance, financial planning, and marketing execution—offering hands-on, actionable training that leads to real outcomes: formal registration, funding readiness and customer growth.

This 3-workshop series will be conducted in English, with the option to answer questions in Spanish. Hands-on materials will be provided in both English and Spanish.

CSUCI earns prestigious ABET accreditation for Mechatronics Engineering Program

“Receiving ABET accreditation is a significant milestone for our institution and a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students,” said Interim Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences Philip Hampton. “It validates the strength of our Mechatronics Engineering curriculum and enhances the value of a CSUCI degree for employers and graduate schools alike.”

CSUCI invites community college students to explore STEM pathways at free Fall events on Oct. 10, 17

“These days are about opening doors for future scientists, engineers, and health leaders,” said Interim Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences Phil Hampton. “Students not only learn about our programs, but they also get to picture themselves here—learning, researching, and thriving.”

California Community Colleges to launch SBCC’s new Digital The Wellness Companion Hub

“The Wellness Companion Hub is a welcomed and needed resource for students,” said Vice President, Student Services Paloma Arnold. “The reach of SBCC’s The WELL’s work in this online platform —  inspired by our very own Student Program Advisor & LCSW, Becky Bean — will increase students’ resources and help educate and save lives. Special thanks to the SBCC Foundation who believed in this project from the beginning. We are so proud!”

Cottage Health raises awareness for Sepsis Awareness Month

SANTA BARBARA —This September, in recognition of Sepsis Awareness Month and Sepsis Awareness Day on September 13, Cottage Health encourages the community to learn the signs of sepsis and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms appear.

Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. If not identified and treated promptly, it can lead to shock, multi-organ failure and even death. Globally, sepsis affects up to 50 million people each year and contributes to nearly 11 million deaths.

Museum of Ventura County — Enfoque Guided Exhibit Tours in Santa Paula, more events

Enfoque Guided Exhibit Tours

Sunday, September 21
1 – 2 p.m.
@the Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula

Join us for a free, public tour of Enfoque led by members of our Latino Advisory Committee and Museum Docents. In a relaxed and reflective tour setting, explore themes of cultural identity through powerful images and stories—share perspectives, spark insight, and connect. Find out more information HERE.

California Lutheran University receives more than $2.9 million in grant funding

HOUSAND OAKS — Hundreds of California Lutheran University students will receive additional support for achieving their educational goals, thanks to $2,937,168 in grant funding the university has received in 2025. The grants will increase access to targeted services for students facing financial challenges, provide opportunities for faculty advancement and facilitate building improvement.

“Cal Lutheran is more than a place of working and learning; it is life-giving,” said Cal Lutheran President John Nunes. “To that end, grant funding is an important way for us to strengthen our connection to our community and to provide life-giving academic tools for our students. These grants also enable our faculty to conduct cutting-edge research for the benefit of their field and teaching.”  

Bilingual report — City of Ventura seeks applicants for Ventura Council for Seniors

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is now accepting applications for the Ventura Council for Seniors (VCS). This volunteer advisory group advocates for and improves the lives of the city’s older adult residents.

Applicants must:

Be a City of Ventura resident, age 60 or older
Be available to attend monthly meetings, held on the third Tuesday of each month from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center (550 N. Ventura Avenue)

LEAP receives National Diaper Need Awareness Week Proclamation

SANTA BARBARA — With one in two families struggling with diaper need, many parents are forced to skip meals or delay changing diapers to extend their supply. Fortunately, Santa Barbara County and partner nonprofits are working together to spread awareness and help alleviate the growing need for diapers in our community.

On Tuesday, September 16th, LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner. received a proclamation from the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors officially recognizing National Diaper Need Awareness Week, which takes place from September 15-21, 2025.

Panteón Fest, a celebration of Día De Los Muertos, will be held at Oxnard’s Heritage Square on Oct. 11

At Panteón Fest, Aztec drumbeats honor the departed, and traditional music fills the air. The desfilada procession brings the community together, with themed displays and entertainment, and a theatrical play showcases the traditions of Día De Los Muertos.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: READY • SET • GROW: SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES

September 16, 23 and 30 @ 9:00 am

Join the City of Oxnard and Economic Development Collaborative for a 3-part series to help business owners improve legal compliance, financial planning and marketing. Participants will receive hands-on, practical training to achieve real results, such as official registration, funding readiness, and customer growth. This 3-workshop series will be conducted in English, with the option to answer questions in Spanish. Hands-on materials will be provided in both languages. Address: Oxnard Main Library, 251 S A St., Oxnard, CA, 93030.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department launches community questionnaire to help shape next strategic plan

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department invites residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to participate in its Strategic Plan Community Questionnaire. This short, accessible feedback form, available in English and Spanish, gives the community a direct voice in shaping the department’s priorities and goals. 

Bilingual report — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging to help with Medicare Open Enrollment

VENTURA — With the Medicare Open Enrollment period soon to begin, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) – part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency – will again be providing countywide resources and help.

Medicare Open Enrollment begins on Oct. 15 and runs through December. 7. HICAP counselors, who are registered by the California Department of Aging, provide free, unbiased Medicare counseling to the public.

Bilingual commentary — Why Read a Challenging Book?

Let’s try to imagine an exploratory mission deep in the heart of the local library.

That is exactly what I conducted last week among the ghosts of the paper card catalogs that now haunt the modern library visitor. I felt like a hunter, seeking out a book that would mysteriously reach out to me and demand that I read it—or at least consider it. 

Anonymous Heroes / Héroes Anónimos exhibit opening reception to be held at the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard on Sept. 12

OXNARD — … Anonymous Heroes / Héroes Anónimos highlights 29 selections from the Santa Paula Art Museum’s permanent collection, paying tribute to the resilience, creativity, and essential contributions of our farm workers. These “everyday heroes,” often unrecognized in historybooks, have shaped the cultural and economic fabric of Ventura County and beyond. Artists featured include: Carlos Almaraz, Judy Baca, Cornelis Botke, Sergio Hernandez, TonyJankowski, Xavier Montes, John Nichols, Gail Pidduck, Wihimina Puisifer, Kay B. Snodgrass, Eloy Torres, and Robert von Sternberg.

“Each image and artwork in this exhibition reminds us that behind every cultivated field and harvest lies a story of sacrifice, perseverance, and love for family,” reflects Ricardo Santana Velázquez, Consul of Mexico in Oxnard. “These are the stories of women and men who,even amid the challenges of the migratory context, continue to sow the future with their hands and unwavering spirit.”

Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara Presents Grupo Bella: A unique experience of blending the old Musica De Raiz with new and fresh sounds Sept. 18 through 21

FOUR FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES 

Thursday, September 18 | 7 PM | Carpinteria Vets Memorial Building

Friday, September 19 | 7 PM  Isla Vista Elementary

Saturday, September 20 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall

Sunday, September 21 | 6 PM | Marjorie Luke Theatre

LULAC — Targeted by appearance: Immigration, race and the Constitution

Click here to register and join us in this important (virtual conversation on Sept. 16).

This session will bring together leading voices in law, democracy, and civil rights to:

Examine the ruling’s implications for constitutional protections, civil liberties, and immigrant communities.
Discuss what Congress and state governments can do to protect residents, strengthen oversight, and counter discriminatory enforcement.
Explore strategies for building broad coalitions capable of defending both democracy and civil rights in the face of aggressive enforcement.

Ventura College launches County’s first speech-language pathology assistant program

SANTA BARBARA — Ventura College is proud to announce the launch of Ventura County’s first Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) program, located at the Ventura College East Campus in Santa Paula. The program, which began this fall, exceeded expectations with full enrollment in all first-semester courses within 48 hours, a rare milestone for a brand-new academic offering.

Museum of Contemporary Arts Santa Barbara — British Textile Biennial presents Sangre de Nopal/Blood of the Nopal: Learning from the Land at The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery, Lancashire, England

British Textile Biennial (BTB) is a free festival of contemporary art, commissioning artists and designers from all over the world to make work inspired by the context and legacy of the textile industry in East Lancashire and its global impact, often in the places that were created by it. This Autumn, British Textile Biennial (BTB) explores invention and innovation in textile production; through indigenous knowledge to space-age technology, from the earliest form of shelter, the tent, to space suits, and from plant-based dyes to the first polymers.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting to be held Sept. 16

Reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores en español
(Board of Supervisors’ Meetings in Spanish)
El Condado de Santa Bárbara está ofreciendo interpretación en español de las reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores. Véalo en vivo en nuestro canal de YouTube en español, o las personas suscritas a la televisión por cable pueden acceder a la programación secundaria de audio (SAP) en los ajustes de idioma.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Eureka! members travel to Washington D.C. for week of advocacy and exploration

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is proud to celebrate a powerful milestone for its Eureka! program participants, who recently returned from an inspiring week-long trip to Washington D.C. filled with learning, exploration, and advocacy.

The trip offered girls the opportunity to explore the nation’s capital, visit world-class museums, tour college campuses, and meet directly with local representatives to discuss the issues that matter most to them.

Oxnard Film Society — Four virtuosos and four Stradivarius bring Music, Drama and Laughter on Sept. 15 with LES MUSICIENS

Our Fall season begins on Monday, September 15 with a film from France, LES MUSICIENS – “The premise of the film is incredibly fascinating. It’s very rare to see classical music on the big screens… – music, comedy, drama.”

Just a reminder to our patrons that I personally preview each film to insure a great viewing experience each and every Monday screening.

Museum of Ventura County expands office space in Camarillo to advance long-term vision for sustainable growth 

VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County is beginning a new chapter in its long-term vision for sustainable growth. With donor support, the Museum is expanding into Camarillo while advancing its broader goals of amplifying the Museum’s countywide presence and strengthening its service to the community. 

The Camarillo location extends the Museum’s reach closer to East Ventura County, complementing its main campus in downtown Ventura and its Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula. The new office will initially serve the Museum’s administrative staff, but the move will also lay the groundwork to increase capacity for its collections, archives, and research library in both Ventura and Camarillo. 

Bilingual report — Step up for safer streets: Ventura recognizes September as Pedestrian Safety Month

VENTURA — September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California, and the City of Ventura reminds drivers and walkers alike to take extra care when sharing streets. Whether you’re heading to school, work, or enjoying Ventura’s neighborhoods, walking should always be a safe and easy option. 

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,148 pedestrians were killed in traffic collisions across the United States in 2024. In California alone, pedestrian deaths account for over 24% of all traffic-related fatalities. 

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: READY • SET • GROW: SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES

September 16, 23 and 30 @ 9:00 am

Join the City of Oxnard and Economic Development Collaborative for a 3-part series to help business owners improve legal compliance, financial planning and marketing. Participants will receive hands-on, practical training to achieve real results, such as official registration, funding readiness, and customer growth. This 3-workshop series will be conducted in English, with the option to answer questions in Spanish. Hands-on materials will be provided in both languages. Address: Oxnard Main Library, 251 S A St., Oxnard, CA, 93030.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual commentary — The AI Arms Race in the Job Market

In the 1970s, in a more prosperous country, company “headhunters” were pursuing us even before we graduated from college. Sometimes we ended up with several job offers. Our “dilemma” was having to choose from among them. 

I sympathize with today’s college graduates. Today, untold numbers of graduates are experiencing a superabundance of frustration as they submit, sometimes literally, hundreds of their résumés online to a wide range of companies.

Rebozo Festival announces 2026 Grant Application now open

CAMARILLO — Rebozo Festival, Inc., is pleased to announce that awards of up to $30,000 will be granted to qualified non-profit organizations that focus on the cultural, social and/or educational needs of the Ventura County community. The application process will open September 4th and will close September 30th, 2025, at 5:00 pm.

Oxnard Film Society — Our Fall Season begins on Monday, September 15 with a French comedy/drama, LES MUSICIENS

Just a reminder to our patrons that I personally preview each film to insure a great viewing experience each and every Monday screening.
?Our Film Series screens (usually) two films each month, on the first and third Mondays at 3:30pm and 6:30pm at Plaza Cinemas in downtown Oxnard.
We will continue our mission of providing the best of world cinema to the Oxnard and Ventura County community and supporting local filmmakers.
Thanks, George J. Sandoval, Executive Director