President James B. Milliken shares a message with the UC community.
Category: Education
Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC) — Justice in Motion – Fellows Get It Done!
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, October 11, 2025; 11am – 2pm
Thanking 2024 Fellows! | Welcoming 2025 Fellows!
Studio Channel Islands – Camarillo
Details to follow.
Bilingual report — Santa Paula Creek Flood Risk Management Project accepting public comments through Aug. 25
Santa Paula Creek is a tributary to the Santa Clara River located along the east side of the City of Santa Paula. The project aims to reduce flood risk and enhance community safety. Following two early public scoping meetings held in July, the public is encouraged to provide feedback to help guide the study’s scope, shape possible measures and alternatives, and assess potential environmental impacts.
Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Your electric vehicle tax credit disappears on Sept. 30
You have less than 50 days to lock in major savings on an electric vehicle before federal incentives disappear. Right now, you can get up to $7,500 off a new EV or plug-in hybrid, or up to $4,000 off a used one through IRS Clean Vehicle Tax Credits.
When Congress passed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” they slashed the program’s timeline, moving its expiration date up to September 30, 2025 instead of 2032. That means buyers only have a short window left to take advantage of these savings before they’re gone for good.
13th Annual luncheon to honor community award recipients and feature Keynote speaker David Kessler at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort
“CenCal Health is an incredible partner to Hospice of Santa Barbara and provides access to high-quality health services, along with education and outreach, for thousands of low-income and marginalized families in Santa Barbara County,” said David Selberg, CEO of HSB. “They know that our entire community thrives when we all achieve optimal health together.”
People’s Self-Help Housing Celebrates 55th Anniversary
CENTRAL COAST — This month, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) celebrated 55 years as an organization. To commemorate this historic milestone, staff gathered to reminisce on past achievements and to look forward to the next half century.
“What a privilege for an organization to celebrate 55 years,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO & President. “From our origins on the heels of the seminal Fair Housing Act of 1968 to today, we have been proud to participate in the numerous partnerships that have brought tens of thousands of units of affordable housing to the Central Coast.”
Pete Parker named Ventura College Foundation director of development
“While the Ventura College Foundation has created a significant impact, needs continue to grow,” says Parker. “Students seek financial support at a high rate, and campus programs are continually expanded. The foundation must regularly generate new support to help fund current initiatives and pave the way toward future special campaigns. Every person, company, community group, and foundation is a potential donor. My job is to connect as many as possible to Ventura College.”
Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Back to School Message, Logo Contest, Constitution Day, and more…
As the 2025–2026 school year gets underway, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to every student and family in Ventura County. This is an exciting time for students to reunite with friends, meet new teachers, and pursue fresh opportunities for growth and learning. But for many families, this year begins not only with hope, but with anxiety and fear.
Our message to all families is simple: We are ready for you. We welcome you. We stand with you. Our staff are trained to protect your children and connect your family to critical resources.
The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara and 2nd Story Associates provided school supplies to low-income youth and their families
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), in partnership with its nonprofit affiliate, 2nd Story Associates, hosted its 13th Annual Tools for School event on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Presidio Springs Community Room (721 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara). At this year’s event, HACSB distributed around 400 backpacks filled with school supplies to approximately 200 families, ensuring local students had the resources they need to start the school year prepared.
People’s Self-Help Housing Releases 2025-2030 Strategic Plan Five-year plan shares commitment to expanding housing access
“With over a year and a half in the making, this plan has been thoroughly and carefully crafted to highlight the organizational values of PSHH and more importantly, provide more housing access throughout the Central Coast,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO & President. “We are proud to share and use this plan as our guide for the next five years, and we invite our supporters and partners to join us as we build a more just and compassionate future, one home and one life at a time.”
California Lutheran University students excel with Summer Research Fellowships
“The program is all about experiential learning, so our students aren’t just assistants helping faculty with their research; they’re full collaborators in the process,” said Andrea Sell, Ph.D., director of Research Development and Support. “This kind of faculty-student collaboration with close, hands-on mentorship helps students realize they’re not just passive consumers of knowledge, they’re capable of making real contributions to their fields.”
Community Environmental Council (CEC) — There’s still time to join CEC’s next Climate Stewards cohort starting Sept. 9!
You’re not the only one ready to take action for our planet’s future — and you don’t have to do it alone. CEC’s Climate Stewards certification course equips everyday people with the knowledge, tools, and network of activists to lead equitable climate solutions right where they live.
This is your chance to find your place in the climate movement. Through the 8-week course, you’ll explore the science and psychology of climate change, participate in hands-on field trips, and design a custom Stewardship Project that’s meaningful to you and supports climate resilience.
Community Colleges of Ventura County ranked among Top 25 in State for Student ROI
CAMARILLO — All three Community Colleges of Ventura County—Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura—ranked among the Top 25 in California for return on investment, according to a new College Futures Foundation report on economic mobility. The Golden Returnsreport, which measures how quickly students recoup educational costs through post-enrollment earnings, placed Moorpark at #7, Oxnard at #9 and Ventura at #19 statewide.
The analysis was conducted in partnership between the College Futures Foundation and the HEA group, a research and consulting agency focused on college access, value and economic mobility. The comparison covered 327 public, private nonprofit and for-profit community and career colleges across 12 California economic regions.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule
SBA: MYSBA CERTIFICATION TRAINING: NAVIGATING THE APPLICATION PROCESS
August 21 @ 11:00 am
This webinar will assist small business owners who have successfully submitted a MySBA certification application to navigate the application process. Presenters will discuss how to respond and resubmit an application that has been “Returned to Business”, responses to requests for information (RFI), and other frequently asked questions.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
17 teens graduate from Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s “Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura” (Preparation, Well-being and Culture) Program with a focus on career and college prep
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), in coordination with 2nd Story Associates, has completed its “Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura” (Preparation, Well-being and Culture) free four-week summer initiative focused on “life preparation” with 17 teens graduating from the program.
The program provides focused activities that promote educational opportunities, social-emotional support, and cultural awareness. The program allows students to participate in a variety of field trips, earn community service hours, participate in college tours, as well as receive a free backpack and school supplies.
Bilingual commentary — The German Roots of Oxnard
Every city has its stories to tell, and Oxnard certainly has its share. When we think of Oxnard, at least here in this part of California, we might reflexively think of the Mexican, Chinese and Japanese immigrants who built the agricultural backbone of this region. Without their sweat, tears and blood, we would not be the agricultural powerhouse that we are today.
Bilingual report — New students get a warm welcome at ‘Hancock Hello’
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College invited more than 1,800 new students to attend a “Hancock Hello” orientation event on Aug. 12 at the Santa Maria campus.
During the event, the new Bulldog students and their parents were able to learn more about Hancock and the programs and support services the college offers. Attendees met faculty and staff, learned more about college departments and student clubs, and took campus tours.
“I really like Hancock Hello because you get to see all these new faces and help them feel welcome,” said Jaci Rayas, a Hancock student ambassador who worked the event. “It’s great for students and their parents to see everything that’s here for them and see that they have a support system here.”
Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter — Aug. 15, 2025
In previous issues we have examined the needs for housing for varied segments of our community and different approaches to solving them. This issue covers an at an often neglected area: the need for housing for at-risk young adults. 20% of those from the foster system experience homelessness the day they age out, and 50% experience homelessness within 18 months. Close to 60% of California’s community college students are housing insecure.
Bilingual report — Ventura County Behavioral Health alerts Board of Supervisors and public to dangers of kratom in the community
VENTURA — On Tuesday, August 12, Ventura County Behavioral Health briefed the Board of Supervisors on an emerging public health threat: kratom, an unregulated substance increasingly linked to overdoses and deaths in the county. The update was led by Dr. Tipu Khan of the Ventura County Medical Center’s Addiction Medicine program, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Christopher Young, Ventura County Behavioral Health’s Substance Use Services Medical Director Dr. Joseph Vlaskovits, and Public Health Officer Dr. Uldine Castel.
Santa Paula Art Museum — The Art Auction is Saturday, Aug. 16!
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at the Santa Paula Art Museum’s 15th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16! Dozens of stunning artworks by historic and contemporary California artists will be up for bid, including museum-worthy pieces by Meredith Brooks Abbott, Jessie and Cornelis Botke, Robert Clunie, Paul Grimm, Douglas Shively, and many more. Plus, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Parque 1055 while you browse.
Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara August 2025 Newsletter
Gifford Fire Update —
Stay informed about the latest developments in fire containment, current evacuation orders and warnings in Santa Barbara County, and available resources for affected communities.
Bilingual report — Santa Paula’s regional influence grows as Mayor Chavez and city leaders secure key roles on countywide boards
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is proud to highlight the growing regional leadership of its elected officials as they continue to secure influential roles on countywide and regional boards, ensuring Santa Paula’s voice is strongly represented in critical policy decisions.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Some young suns are aligned with their planet-forming disks, others are born tilted’ and more news, events
“All young stars have these disks, but we’ve known little about their orientations with respect to the spin axis of the host stars,” said associate physics professor Brendan Bowler, senior author of a study published in Nature.
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary’s New Rector is California Lutheran University Spiritual Leader
THOUSAND OAKS — The Rev. Colleen Windham-Hughes, Ph.D., a longtime professor and spiritual leader at California Lutheran University, has been appointed the rector of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS), part of Cal Lutheran. PLTS is the only Lutheran Evangelical Lutheran Church in America seminary in the western half of the United States and a founding member of the Graduate Theological Union.
Bilingual report — MICOP — Ventura County Residents to Urge Board of Supervisors to Support Immigrant Families Following ICE Raids
VENTURA — On Tuesday, August 12, immigrant and farmworker rights organizers, advocates, and community members will rally at the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting to call for the county to invest in legal support for the immigrant community following the recent ICE raids at the Glass House facility in Camarillo.
Residents are urging the Board to adopt two key proposals backed by 805 Immigrant:
$1 million for Ventura County residents facing deportation to keep families together
$1 million in legal support for eligible immigrant families seeking to adjust their status
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule
IN-PERSON EVENT: INSURANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
August 13 @ 8:30 am
Join SCORE Ventura County, City of Thousand Oaks and Economic Development Collaborative to learn about insurance from somebody who is not trying to sell you something! Insurance contracts are written by attorneys, but not all insurance agents can explain them in simple terms. In layman’s terms, this workshop will briefly overview the types of coverages available and what most businesses need. Address: Thousand Oaks City Hall, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Preserving History with a New Vision: SBTHP Reveals Updated Brand
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) is pleased to announce some exciting news. We’ve embarked on a journey to refresh our brand identity, and we’re excited to unveil a new look that better reflects our evolving mission and celebrates the rich history and cultures of Santa Barbara County.
This rebrand isn’t just about a new logo; it’s about breathing new life into our visual presence to create a timeless, enduring, and inclusive brand. Our goal is to inspire a new generation of preservation advocates and connect with a wider audience, from lifelong history enthusiasts to those just discovering Santa Barbara’s past and ongoing cultural heritage.
CLU — ‘Ask Gumby’ Earns Future Campus Award for Innovative Student Guidance
THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University has been recognized with the Tambellini Future Campus Award for its groundbreaking AI initiative, “Ask Gumby.” Developed by the university’s Information Technology team, the AI-powered chatbot was created through a strategic, campuswide effort and significant in-house software development to enhance student support and success.
The award was presented at the Future Campus™ Summit, held August 5–6 in New York City, honoring institutions that are reimagining the role of technology in higher education.
Bilingual report — Back to School Traffic Safety Awareness
SANTA PAULA — As the beginning of the new school year approaches this week, the Santa Paula Police Department reminds residents, parents, students, and school staff to practice caution and safety in observance of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and school buses.
The first day of school is August 11, 2025. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be impacted during drop-off and pickup times. Here are helpful tips for back to school traffic safety:
Farm Bureau of Ventura County — Have you registered to attend 2025 Agri-Tech Fair on Sept. 23
Have You Registered To Attend? Our 2025 Ventura County Agri-Tech Fair is just over a month away. It will take place on September 23, 2025, at The Holiday Inn North Oxnard (formerly the Marriott). The VC Agri-Tech Fair is the…
Community Environmental Council recruits Fall Class of Climate Stewards
“We need local climate leaders — now more than ever,” said Kathi King, Course Instructor and CEC’s Director of Outreach and Education. “The Climate Stewards Course provides the perfect avenue for impassioned individuals to start making change in their community, workplace, or school. The course truly has something for everyone because anyone can propel the climate movement — students, non-profit staff, entrepreneurs, retirees, teachers, community members, and many others. Our community holds immense power to create a groundswell of change, and our Climate Stewards program fosters the connection, confidence, and inspiration needed to unleash it.”
Bilingual report — Ventura County Community Foundation — Exciting Update on Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund
This simple truth is at the heart of the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund. It reflects our core belief that every person matters, and that even the smallest act of kindness can spark hope and make a meaningful difference in the life of another.
Since launching this collaborative effort with our partners just one week ago, we have seen an outpouring of love and support. Because of you, more than $105,000 has already been donated (including pledges) to help our neighbors. We have also received heartfelt messages filled with encouragement, personal stories of resilience, and moving affirmations that this fund is both timely and deeply needed. Your generosity is not only financial, but also a powerful reminder that we are not alone, and that our community stands together.
El Concilio Family Services — 50th Anniversary Early Bird Ticket Price ~10 days left
Don’t miss your chance to secure the early bird price for a seat at our upcoming Fundraiser, celebrating our 50th Anniversary and the 35th Latino Leadership Awards! Reserve your spot today and join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, recognition, and community. Act now—early bird pricing ends soon!
Single tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures 2025-2026 season go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m.
UCSB Arts & Lectures presents its 66th season of world-class cultural and artistic events, from stimulating lectures and animated conversations with today’s thought leaders to brilliant performances by the world’s most accomplished dancers, singers, musicians and performers. Single (non-subscription) tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2025-2026 season go on sale Tuesday, August 19 at 10 a.m.
Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) — Power of Purpose – August 2025
Summer Greetings from the VCCF Scholarship Program!
We’re thrilled to share that 2025 has been another record-breaking year for the VCCF Scholarship Program. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we awarded 569 scholarships to 412 students, totaling $1,838,986.60 — the highest amount ever granted. More than 30 awardees received the maximum scholarship of $10,000, paving the way for them to fully pursue their dreams.
Ventura County Arts Council announces grant opportunity for Arts Orgs: VibeWell Ventura County Arts & Mental Health
The VibeWell VC grant program supports Ventura County-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in delivering programs that increase mental health awareness through creative experiences. Priority funding goes to arts organizations with explicit arts missions, though other nonprofits may apply if partnering with local arts organizations or artists.
People Self-Help Housing — Introducing Our 2025-30 Strategic Plan
Our newly-released five-year plan is the result of a thoughtful and collaborative process, shaped by the voices of our staff, board, community partners, and those we serve. It reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to safe, stable housing and supportive services that empower individuals and families to thrive.
More than a roadmap, this plan is a pledge—to stay focused, accountable, and connected in our pursuit of lasting impact. With clear priorities and measurable goals, we invite our supporters and partners to join us as we build a more just and compassionate future, one home and one life at a time.
United Way of Ventura County — Stuff the Bus THANK YOU!
On behalf of all of us at United Way of Ventura County, thank you for your participation in our 2025 Stuff the Bus campaign. At the conclusion of our campaign, we distributed over 2,300 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students in Ventura County experiencing homelessness. Thanks to your donation, you have helped pave the path to academic success for unhoused youth.
Ventura Land Trust adds two new trustees to its Board
VENTURA — Ventura Land Trust (VLT), a community-based nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of open space in Ventura County, has announced that it has added two new members to its Board of Trustees: Paolo Perrone and Sabrena Rodriguez. Paolo Perrone…
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Let’s come together (Aug. 9) to make change!
In our ongoing effort to foster a safe and inclusive platform for artists and the community, we invite you to our second Assembly on August 9, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. This gathering will build on our previous conversations, with the goal of developing tangible projects that strengthen connections between the artist community and the broader public.
Given the current political climate, which disproportionately impacts the arts and immigrant communities, we recognize the urgent need to address these challenges. As part of MCASB’s commitment to accountability, this Assembly will focus on the unsafe conditions faced by our immigrant community.
Bilingual report — Help shape Ventura’s future, apply to a City Board or Commission
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is currently accepting applications for open seats on the Housing Authority Board and Water Commission, two of the City’s Council Advisory Groups that help shape important local policies and initiatives.
These advisory bodies offer residents and professionals the opportunity to get involved, lend their expertise, and make a lasting impact in Ventura.
“Housing and water are two big topics of discussion in Ventura, and across the county,” said Assistant City Clerk Darrick Ryser. “Serving on a council advisory group is an opportunity to directly impact those local decisions and policies. It requires volunteers who are committed and passionate about the community.”
Museum of Ventura County — Savor the Stories Ventura County’s Past
Sept. 4 — Join us for a cocktail hour and three-course fundraising dinner on the Plaza, followed by an oral history presentation from Elena Brokaw, the Barbara Barnard Smith Chief Executive Officer.
Step into a captivating journey back to the Gilded Age, a time of remarkable transformation in Ventura County. All proceeds support the museum’s educational and history preservation initiatives.
DRESS CODE: The Gilded Age/Cocktail Attire
CLICK TO REGISTER FOR TICKETS!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County welcomes Phil Fingerman to the agency’s Board Directors
VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is proud to announce the appointment of Phil Fingerman (Bank of America) to its volunteer Board of Directors to further the agency’s vision for youth mentorship programs in Ventura County.
Fingerman currently serves as Vice President of Business Intelligence Reporting at Bank of America, where he has also played a key role as an active participant in the Bank’s many volunteer programs and opportunities. His appointment to the Board at BBSVC reflects both his professional expertise, deep personal commitment to the organization’s mission, and drive to support the community as a whole.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Both flexibility and persistence make some birds successful in human-made environments’ and more news, events
Corina Logan and her team tease apart the role of behavioral flexibility in great-tailed grackles’ ability to flourish in human-made environments.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) weekly event schedule
RESULTS
August 6 @ 10:30 am
Are you tired of guessing how to get more traffic, leads and sales from your website? In this NO-COST masterclass, you’ll learn practical, step-by-step strategies to boost your organic (NO-COST) traffic from Google and run Google Ads that actually work. Discover the exact formula that top businesses use to attract the right visitors and turn them into customers without wasting time or money. You’ll also see how to integrate SEO and Google Ads into one powerful marketing plan that maximizes your ROI. Learn how to create, manage and optimize your campaigns on the world’s biggest search engine — whether you want to do it yourself or work with an agency. Your instructor, Brandon Leibowitz, is the founder of SEO Optimizers with 18+ years of experience helping businesses rank higher and convert better. Brandon’s hands-on, easy-to-follow teaching style means you’ll leave this workshop with clear action steps you can apply immediately. Whether you’re a business owner, marketer or someone exploring a career in digital marketing, this session will help you take control of your website’s performance. Reserve your spot for this NO-COST masterclass today and start driving results!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Bilingual report — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! celebrates 20th season with exciting 2025-2026 lineup of renowned Latine artists
SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 2025-2026 season, marking 20 years of celebrating community, culture, and connection through the arts. This milestone season features an outstanding lineup of Latine performers guaranteed to captivate audiences throughout Santa Barbara County.
Viva will present five acclaimed acts that exemplify the vibrant and diverse cultural heritage of Latin America, in a special year commemorating Viva’s 20th season, with multiple opportunities for the community to celebrate together throughout the year.
Upcoming artists include: Grupo Bella, Gabby Moreno, Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles, Las Cafeteras, Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande
Bilingual commentary — Is College Worth It Anymore?
I never thought I’d see the day when I would waver in my belief that the pursuit of a four-year college degree was a good choice for a young person. But that day has arrived. Yes, I’m wavering.
Ventura Music Festival — That’s a wrap!
On Sunday, we humbly wrapped up our 30th summer season with hearts full of gratitude (and a touch of birthday cake). Kicking off with Ottmar Liebert last month, we delivered eight inspiring shows concerts — 17 to 25 in our “30 for 30” series — featuring 30 talented musicians, while supporting dozens of local businesses and hiring community contractors, from staff to crew and caterers. Together, we brought vibrant live music to over 2,000 concertgoers, neighbors, and visitors. It’s all about fostering connections through music and creating lasting community impact.
Huge thanks for your incredible support. As thanks, we are offering a 15% early bird discount with code EARLYBIRD now through August 12 when you buy tickets for concerts 26 through 30 at our fall festival line up listed below.
Please take a moment to share your feedback on the July Series with us. We look forward to more harmony and shared moments ahead!
Moorpark College Theatre Arts announces auditions for Angels In America: Part One — Millennium Approaches
MOORPARK — This fall, the Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department will present Angels in America: Part One — Millennium Approaches, Tony Kushner’s landmark play exploring politics, identity and the AIDS crisis in 1980s America. Auditions will be held August 12-14 at the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center.
The production calls for a large, versatile cast and offers a range of challenging roles that span gender, race, and age. All lead roles will likely be double cast, and auditions are open to Moorpark College students and the wider community. Rehearsals begin August 18, with evening rehearsals held Monday through Thursday.
Music Academy of the West celebrates 2025 Winners of Duo Competition and Marilyn Horne Song Competition
SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West is proud to announce the winners of its two premier summer competitions: the Duo Competition and the Marilyn Horne Song Competition, recognizing the extraordinary artistry and collaboration of its 2025 fellows. These cornerstone events of the Summer Music Festival & School offer young musicians a platform to shine through world-class performance, interpretation, and musical partnership.