Category: Education

Bilingual commentary — Beef, Lifestyles, and Life Expectancies

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

Argentine beef has been in the news a lot lately. President Trump recently issued an executive order allowing more Argentine beef to enter our country tariff-free. Presumably, this is a “win” for U.S. consumers who are agitated about affordability.

However, economists are skeptical. They are saying that the impact on consumer prices will be minimal, given that the tariff-free beef represents not even 1% of the total beef supply. So much for the “win.”

In addition, Midwest farmers are not at all thrilled with this gift to Trump’s friend, Javier Milei, president of Argentina, a flamboyant right-wing populist and libertarian. They see Trump’s directive as a slap in the face and a lack of support for the American beef cattle industry.

Bilingual report — Join us for the Feb. 24 Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors’ meetings are available in Spanish. Watch live on our Spanish YouTube Channel, or Cable TV subscribers can access Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) in language settings.

Advance requests are still needed to interpret public comment originating in Spanish. To provide public comment in Spanish, contact the Clerk of the Board at (805) 568-2240, before 4:00 p.m. the Friday before the Board meeting.

Community Environmental Council — Community Song Circle is sold out

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

We’re thrilled to share that the Community Song Circle is officially SOLD OUT!

Thank you to everyone who RSVP’d — we’re so inspired by the enthusiasm for this gathering of music, connection, and shared expression.The Community Song Circle, part of our Embodied Arts Workshop Series, brings people together to raise their voices in celebration of community, nature, and our shared humanity. Santa Barbara–based community song leader Heather Stevenson has been leading song circles since 2019, creating inclusive spaces where participants feel uplifted, inspired, and soothed. In this workshop, you’ll learn short, meaningful songs taught by ear. No experience or ability to read music is required. Each song highlights our connection to the Earth and the natural world, fostering community, peace, joy, and healing.

Ventura County Arts Council — 23rd Annual Ventura County Employee, Retiree & Family Art Show: “What’s Your Happy?”

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

NEW AT THE ATRIUM GALLERY!

23rd Annual Ventura County Employee, Retiree & Family Art Show:

“What’s Your Happy?”

“What’s Your Happy?” is now open to the public at the Atrium Gallery and will have a free opening reception TOMORROW, Feb. 19, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Museum of Ventura County — Inside the Exhibition Opening + What’s Next

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

We welcomed hundreds of guests for an inspiring first look at Pages to Posters: The Visual Worlds of Simms Taback. This exhibition celebrates learning, community, humor, and cultural connection, values that shaped Taback’s work. Vibrant original posters and illustrations are on display, along with Taback’s Caldecott Medal and his design for the first McDonald’s Happy Meal box. The evening featured refreshments and live jazz by The Dennis Berger Trio, sponsored by the Ventura Music Festival.

WATCH THE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — SBA Financial Assistance Now Available for businesses affected by the late December 2025 storms

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has declared a disaster for the late December 2025 storms, which occurred from December 16 to December 25, 2025. SBA now offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs, including faith-based organizations, with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

View SBA’s disaster declaration HERE

UCSB — The Current — ‘Moving beyond money to measure the true value of Earth science information’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

Researchers have mapped out methods for assessing its societal benefits, an effort that could lead to more effective uses of remote sensing technology while increasing benefits to people at large.

Bilingual report — Wilderness Youth Project & Sea League launch ‘Big Blue Bridge’ Spring Break Camp in Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Wilderness Youth Project (WYP) and Sea League are partnering this spring break to offer the Big Blue Bridge Spring Break Camp, a week-long program designed to build water safety, swim confidence, and belonging for 24 students, ages 6-12, with priority registration for low-income families from Franklin and Adelante Elementary Schools.

The camp will take place March 30–April 3 and combines WYP’s small-group, nature-based mentoring model with Sea League’s beginner-centered swim instruction at the Santa Barbara High School pool.

SBCC Financial Aid Fest on Feb. 25 offers students/community a helping hand to file their financial aid applications

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Financial Aid Offices from across Santa Barbara (including Santa Barbara City College, UC Santa Barbara and Westmont College) will participate in a hands-on event to help local students and their families complete their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Financial Aid) or CADAA (California Dream Act Application). SBCC’s Financial Aid Fest will be held Wednesday, Feb. 25, at SBCC’s East Cliff Campus (details below).

UCSB — The Current — ‘UCSB scientists bottle the sun with liquid battery’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2026 • Comments Off

A new bio-inspired molecule captures solar energy and releases it as heat on demand, outperforming lithium-ion batteries.

Ventura County Civic Alliance Livable Communities Newsletter – February 15, 2026

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2026 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Civic Alliance’s most recent State of the Region Report released in November 2025 omitted our Key Statistics section. The data for that section comes from the U.S. Census website which was unavailable during the government shutdown in October 2025.

Our first article, based on data since collected from the U.S. Census American Community Survey 5 years (Table S0101), will give you our current status and highlights three cities where population growth is bucking the downward county trend.

The last two articles focus on the needs of our population and the nonprofits that serve them.

Women’s Fund in Santa Barbara County set to distribute $1,375,000 grants pool in 2026

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2026 • Comments Off

“This large grants pool not only reflects the remarkable generosity of our 1,450+ members but also their commitment to our community,” says Women’s Fund Board Chair Carolyn Jabs. “It also demonstrates the power of collective giving. By combining our contributions, we magnify the impact of every member’s donation so we can give significant grants to nonprofits with projects that benefit vulnerable women, children, and families.”

Bilingual commentary — ‘I Just Know’

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2026 • Comments Off

Coming from an artistic family, I knew in my youth that one day I’d want to see some of the world-renowned art in Paris. In 2004, I set out to do just that.

After taking several semesters of French at Ventura College, I felt confident enough, though with some trepidation, to face the well-known linguistic judgment (if not the disdain) of the French people.

805 UNCOCUFund — 2026: From Response to Resilience

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2026 • Comments Off

As we begin 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we have come — and where we are headed.

If the past few years have taught us anything, it is this: we cannot rely on systems that were never designed to protect undocumented and mixed-status families. And yet, through collective leadership, love, and courage, our community continues to build what did not exist before.

At 805UndocuFund, we did not just respond to crisis in 2025 — we built power.

Museum of Ventura County — Reminder: Opening reception – Friday, Feb. 13

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2026 • Comments Off

Please join us February 13, from 5:30–7:30 PM for the opening reception of Pages to Posters: The Visual Worlds of Simms Taback.

Guest contribution — Valentine’s Day can be difficult for those missing a spouse or significant other

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love and a time to rededicate our affection for a spouse or partner with flowers, cards, chocolate, and a romantic dinner. But for those who are coping with the loss of a partner or loved one, Valentine’s Day can trigger overwhelming feelings of loneliness, grief, and isolation, with seasonal décor serving as a constant reminder of the loss.

SEEAG’s Free ‘Farm Day Every Day’ At Brokaw Nursery in Ventura – February 28

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2026 • Comments Off

Visitors will tour the nursery to get a behind-the-scenes look at how plants are grown and cared for. Brokaw Nursery produces over 300,000 plants, including avocados and fruit varieties, and exports them to farmers and landscapers locally and worldwide. Family-owned and in business for 60 years, Brokaw Nursery will share its expertise in avocado plants and nursery production.

Prom Attire donations needed at Simi and Yarrow YMCAs

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2026 • Comments Off

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Simi Valley Family YMCA and Yarrow Family YMCA, branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA, are partnering with Simi Valley Soroptimist to collect clean, gently used or new formal wear and accessories. These items will be available at the YMCA’s third annual Prom Closet, where high school students can shop for free prom attire.

Items will be accepted through April 9 at each of the YMCAs.

SYV People Helping People announces launch of Women’s Legacy of Giving

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2026 • Comments Off

The newly formed Women’s Legacy of Giving pools all member contributions with 100% of funds directly supporting People Helping People programs serving local children, families, and seniors.

Women are asked to contribute of $500, $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000 for annual membership in the Legacy of Giving. Each woman will then share an equal voice in collective funding decisions, regardless of her giving level.

Santa Barbara Education Foundation welcomes Vanessa Pelton as executive director

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2026 • Comments Off

Pelton joins SBEF as the organization celebrates its 40th year and will lead efforts to support nearly 12,000 students across the Santa Barbara Unified School District through programs that expand access to enrichment, innovation, and opportunity.

Santa Barbara’s Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens & Chung residence nominated to the National Register of Historic Places

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) is pleased to announce that at its February 6, 2026 meeting, the California State Historical Resources Commission voted to add Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens, along with the adjacent Chung family house associated with the property, to the National Register of Historic Places (National Register). The National Register is the official list of the Nation’s cultural resources worthy of recognition and preservation. The nomination marks an important milestone in recognizing the cultural and historic significance of this beloved local landmark.

UCSB — ‘UCSB among the world’s most influential research universities for science impact’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2026 • Comments Off

The campus ranks first among U.S. public universities, third among all U.S. institutions and seventh worldwide for scientific impact.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2026 • Comments Off

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

February 12 and 19 @ 8:00 am

Join the City of Moorpark 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: Moorpark City Council Chamber, 323 Science Drive, Moorpark, CA 93021. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

UCSB — The Current — Special Edition: Celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2026 • Comments Off

While social media addiction hasn’t been officially recognized as a mental health condition, it shows up in brain scans, according to Kylie Falcione, a graduate student at UCSB’s Media Neuroscience Lab.

Moorpark College launches new bachelor’s degree in applied cyberdefense and network operations

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2026 • Comments Off

The new applied bachelor’s degree program was designed in close collaboration with regional employers and public-sector partners to address growing demand for skilled cybersecurity and network operations professionals. Graduates will be prepared for high-wage, high-demand roles securing critical infrastructure, defense, healthcare, manufacturing, finance and emerging technologies across Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.

Royal, Westlake, and Channel Islands High Schools take top spots in 2026 Ventura County Academic Decathlon

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Ventura County Academic Decathlon, which was held last month. The winners were revealed at a ceremony this evening in Camarillo. The three teams with the highest overall scores this year are:

1st Place: Royal High School (Simi Valley Unified School District)
2nd Place: Westlake High School (Conejo Valley Unified School District)
3rd Place: Channel Islands High School (Oxnard Union High School District)

SBMA announces Winter-Spring 2026 exhibitions

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2026 • Comments Off

In the new year, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art offers a sweeping look at how artists engage with time. Works grounded in personal histories, inherited traditions, and collective memory speak to the past while giving us new ways to access it in the present. Contemporary materials and lived experience illuminate the world as it is now, yet they also open space for reflection and reinterpretation. Digital experimentation and visionary forms gesture toward the future, and at the same time expand how we record, memorialize, and remember. Seen together, these exhibitions reveal art as a continuum—one in which past, present, and future coexist, overlap, and remain vividly alive today.

Moorpark College Foundation welcomes new board members in 2025/2026

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2026 • Comments Off

“The addition of Jacky Holler, Dr. Mark Mitchelson and Tracey Mateko strengthens the Foundation’s leadership with expertise spanning finance, healthcare, operations and community engagement,” said Dr. Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College. “Their collective experience and dedication will help advance our mission to support Moorpark College students and programs.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Mexican-American Dreamer Julissa Arce wins Luis Leal literary award’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • February 6, 2026 • Comments Off

“In today’s environment, it’s a community win that our writing and work in Chicano literature is recognized at this level,” said Arce, who will formally receive the award Thursday, Feb. 4.

Bilingual commentary — Classical Music, Jazz and Latin Influence

by Community Contributor • February 6, 2026 • Comments Off

Much like the great religions of the world, the institution of classical music is rooted in centuries of tradition and culture. For me, attending a classical music event in some ways feels the same as attending a Catholic Mass.

The “priest” during a classical musical event is the conductor. We may not applaud during a Mass, or kneel during an orchestra’s performance, but we do rise, sit, and applaud at prescribed times throughout a classical music performance that conceivably dates back several centuries.

Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — See What Our Community Made Possible

by Community Contributor • February 6, 2026 • Comments Off

Last year reaffirmed what we’ve always known: lasting change is built together and it’s powered by community support.

Across the Central Coast in 2025, working-class immigrant communities organized to defend our neighborhoods and strengthen our shared power. Through conversations at the doors and on the phones, in community meetings and rallies in the streets, neighbors stepped forward as organizers and advocates, winning real protections for affordable housing, environmental health, and immigrant workers.

Our 2025 Community Report shows what our collective power made possible.

Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation concludes 63rd Annual Meeting

by Community Contributor • February 6, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) hosted the 63rd Annual Meeting on January 24, 2026, in the Chapel at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. SBTHP members voted to elect new members Andrew Le and Qing Xue to the board for a three-year term.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: ‘The 16th Art About Agriculture Exhibition’

by Community Contributor • February 6, 2026 • Comments Off

On view now through March 8, 2026

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

by Community Contributor • February 5, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation will hold a “Celebration of Success” on February 11 at the outdoor stage on the Ventura College Campus from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to honor the inaugural class of the “Pirates of Distinction” and the official launch of the Foundation’s “Invest in Success” fundraising campaign to support the Basic Needs Centers and VC Promise Program. The public is invited.

SBCC School of Extended Learning to offer Mental Health Services

by Community Contributor • February 5, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College’s (SBCC) School of Extended Learning (SEL) will now offer FREE one-on-one mental health counseling to students for the first time ever.

Starting this week, SEL will offer mental health counseling and connections/referrals to resources on both Schott and Wake campuses. Students can access these services by visiting the office adjacent to the Welcome Center on each campus.

“The mental health counseling will help SEL students enrich and enhance their personal lives and personal growth, which will then advance them in achieving their educational goals,” said Monica Campbell, Director of SBCC’s School of Extended Learning.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Join us for a NO-COST workshop series for businesses on Feb. 12, 19

by Community Contributor • February 5, 2026 • Comments Off

Join the City of Moorpark, Accelerate CA 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.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara — County of Santa Barbara February 2026 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • February 5, 2026 • Comments Off

First Father-Son presidents of historic Santa Barbara nonprofit

by Community Contributor • February 5, 2026 • Comments Off

“It’s a real honor to serve as president of the Trust, especially following in my dad’s footsteps,” Cody said. “With deep family roots in Santa Barbara, I feel a strong responsibility to help preserve the places and stories that make this community so special, and to ensure they can be shared with future generations.”

Cottage Health and Santa Barbara Unified School District partner to launch Cottage Health Careers Academy at San Marcos High School

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2026 • Comments Off

“This partnership represents a meaningful investment in our local community and the future of healthcare,” said Scott Wester, President and CEO of Cottage Health. “By expanding access to educational pathways and engaging students early, we’re helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthening care across Santa Barbara.”

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