Category: Education

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

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.

August at the Santa Paula Art Museum

Fine Art Auction Fundraiser

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Saturday, August 16, from 3 PM to 5 PM

$15 SPAM Members • $20 Non-members

Take home a rare piece of California art while supporting the Santa Paula Art Museum’s arts education programs during our Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16. Bid on stunning artworks by historic and contemporary California artists, including Meredith Brooks Abbott, Jessie and Cornelis Botke, Robert Clunie, Paul Grimm, Douglas Shively, and many more.

The silent auction runs from 3 PM to 4 PM. The live auction runs from 4 PM to 5 PM led by professional auctioneers from California Auctioneers. Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Parque 1055while you browse! All proceeds benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum.

BROWSE LIVE AUCTION ITEMS

Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) — Climate Stewards course starts on Tuesday, September 9 — register now!

With environmental protections under threat and the impacts of climate change accelerating, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Transform concern for our planet into meaningful local action through our Climate Stewards course.

Through the program, you’ll join a cohort of motivated climate advocates, explore local solutions through lessons and field trips, and design a personal Stewardship Project that makes a real difference in your community.

The climate crisis demands bold, informed action and engaged activists ready to lead. Whether you’re a high school or college student, recent graduate, business owner, nonprofit professional, or retiree, Climate Stewards provides the tools, knowledge, and support to help you make an impact.

Bilingual report — VCCF — Introducing the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF), in partnership with the County of Ventura, Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE), Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), Ventura County P-20 Council, Weingart Foundation, Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA), Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU), League of Women Voters of Ventura County, Museum of Ventura County, Isabella Project, Social Justice Fund for Ventura County, Montecito Bank & Trust, Premier America Credit Union, County Schools Federal Credit Union, McCune Foundation and many others announced on June 28 the launch of the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund—a united, community-wide effort to support local families and small businesses experiencing sudden hardship and disruption.

UCSB — The Current — ‘How to build global community through Mexican literature’ and more news, events

Distinguished professor Sarah Poot Herrera has built a cross-border scholarly network through her research on Mexican literature, fostering collaboration, mentorship and cultural dialogue across generations and geographies.

Read more about her work

YMCA Adventure Guides taking sign-ups in Simi Valley and Moorpark

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is taking signups for its Adventure Guides programs in Simi and Conejo valleys and Moorpark for the 2025-26 school year.

Adventure Guides (for Kinder-6th graders) is set up into parent-child groups called Circles. Parent-child pairs join a Circle with families in their neighborhood or the school in which their children attend. They usually meet once a month for games and crafts and other activities. Also planned this year are a Pinewood Derby, a trip to Descanso Gardens, camping at Big Bear and Lake Casitas, and taking part in a plant restoration community service project.

Bilingual report — Get involved, get informed: Applications open for Future Leaders Academy Cohort II

SANTA PAULA — Building on the success of its inaugural cohort last spring, the City of Santa Paula is now accepting applications for the second cohort of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy, a 9-week program designed to give residents and business owners a behind-the-scenes look into city management and operations.

Cohort II will run from September 11, 2025 through November 6, 2025, with sessions held on Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at various city facilities. This unique program provides residents with in-depth knowledge about our streets and roads, city finances, homeless issues, youth and senior programs, police and fire, and other key city services.

Ventura County Leadership Academy announces the members of their 31st Cohort

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) is pleased to announce the forty members of their upcoming cohort year. They are: Adri Howe, Deputy Director, Mystic Ocean Adventures/Central Coast Ocean Adventures Alfredo Martinez, Financial Inclusion & Education Officer, Premier America Credit…

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College fire academy selected for Metallica Scholars Initiative

“This is an exciting opportunity to support our students and respond to critical workforce needs in California,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “With the support of the Metallica Scholars Initiative, we can help more students—many from historically underserved communities—overcome financial barriers and launch meaningful, life-saving careers.”

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit Program

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment and strategic importance to the state or region.

Application Period Timeline: For fiscal year 2025-2026, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during:

July 21, 2025 – August 11, 2025
January 5, 2026 – January 26, 2026
March 2, 2026 – March 16, 2026

CSUCI’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute lineup for Fall includes topics ranging from brain health to the solar system

CAMARILLO — Did you know your brain craves certain types of exercise? And music? And play! Gerontologist Kelsey Uyeda will explore the science of brain health with “The Brain And…,” one of 13 courses offered during the Fall I session of CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).

Registration for the Fall I Session begins Aug. 4, with three and six-week courses running from Aug. 18 through Sept. 26. Discover timely topics ranging from mind and body to current events, as well as a selection of art, history and topics just for fun.

Included in the realm of mind and body is “Qigong Breathwork” by BJ Fan, Ph.D., who will familiarize participants with the ancient Chinese practice that combines stretching, meditation and breathwork to support overall health.

Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Save thousands to go electric while incentives last!

It’s never been easier or more affordable to get an electric vehicle. Federal EV tax credits are still up for grabs (but not for long) and state incentives are full steam ahead. In other words, now is the time to claim your savings on an EV.

Explore available programs designed to help you make the switch to electric for less:

Ventura College Foundation launches awareness campaign for student Basic Needs Center Program

VENTURA — Ventura College Foundation is launching an awareness and philanthropic giving campaign to support Ventura College’s Basic Needs Center. The foundation provides support to the on-campus centers in Ventura and at East Campus in Santa Paula, which help alleviate food and housing insecurity and assist with overall student wellness.

The need for the center among students is growing. Ventura College data indicate that in 2024-25, two out of three students report experiencing at least one form of basic needs insecurity. Specifically, 47 percent of students are food insecure, 58 percent face housing insecurity, and 24 percent have experienced homelessness.

“These numbers demonstrate a critical and ongoing need for support services on campus,” says Maria Crisosto Calderon, Basic Needs Center Specialist. “Philanthropic support is essential to the work we do. Even with financial aid and part-time jobs, many students struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living. When students are unsure where their next meal will come from or how they’ll pay rent, their education often takes a back seat. Charitable giving enables the centers to provide immediate, life-stabilizing support, allowing students to focus on their academics and long-term goals.”

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

Announcing our 2025 El Concilio Awardees! Event sponsorship available

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate El Concilio Family Services’ 50th Anniversary—a legacy of empowering families, bridging communities, and building brighter futures through citizenship, immigration services, and youth leadership development. This special night will also honor the outstanding 2025 Latino Leadership Awardees who exemplify the spirit of service and leadership in our community. Good news! We’ve extended the Promotional Individual Ticket Price through August 18th—don’t miss this opportunity to be part of this milestone celebration.

United Way of Ventura County — An inspirational evening celebrating the caring power of our community

United Way of Ventura County is pleased to announce the 20th Annual Spirit Award Recipients. These awards honor our Founding members. Since 2005, individuals and organizations who embody the qualities of Milton M. Teague, Douglas Shively, and Roy Pinkerton are selected for this prestigious honor. This year we will also present our President’s Award. The awards and awardees are listed below:

Bilingual report — Visit local farms during 7th annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day on Sept. 6

SANTA BARBARA — City folks will get a taste of how the food they eat is grown during the 7th Annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day, Saturday, September 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hosted by Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), this free event consists of over 20 farms, ranches, wineries and agricultural organizations across Santa Barbara County. All will open their doors so the public can learn how food is grown, meet the hands that feed them, and enjoy a fun-filled day of agricultural activities for the entire family. 

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Dept. warns drivers: Speeding catches up with you

VENTURA — Focused on eliminating driving behaviors that contribute to traffic-related fatalities on our nation’s roads, the Ventura Police Department and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) calls on drivers to recognize speeding as an aggressive driving behavior that endangers all road users and to put an end to it because Speeding Catches up with You.  

California Lutheran University — California Latino GDP surges past $1 trillion

THOUSAND OAKS — If California Latinos were an independent state, their GDP would be the nation’s sixth-largest state GDP, larger than the economy of Pennsylvania or Ohio, according to the 2025 California Latino GDP Report by researchers at California Lutheran University and UCLA.

“Latinos’ participation in the California economy is more active, more intense than that of Non-Latinos,” said Matthew Fienup, Ph.D., executive director of the Center for Economic Research and Forecasting at Cal Lutheran and coauthor of the report with David Hayes-Bautista, Ph.D., distinguished professor of medicine at UCLA. “The importance of rapid Latino growth rates, and the intensity of economic activity they represent, cannot be overstated. The vitality of the overall California economy depends on the intensity of the economic activity of Latinos.”

Bilingual commentary — Los Muxes, The Third Gender

We are all aware of the demonization and persecution of LGBTQ-oriented people in the United States today. There has always been some measure of animosity toward this sector of our society, but the hostility has accelerated over the past few years and especially over the past months. 

Granted, those who live with alternative gender orientations in the U.S. are not tyrannized to the extent that they are in other countries. Here, they are not tortured and murdered with the tacit blessing of the government under which they live. But this in no way justifies the popularity of the irrational hatred emanating toward them in American society.

Bilingual report — Mixteco / Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) to present ‘Night in Oaxaca’ — Light of Resistance: Night of United Peoples

SANTA BARBARA — Since the start of the year, members of our indigenous community across the Central Coast, our relatives, friends, and neighbors, have been taken by ICE. The joy and vibrancy of community life were replaced by fear and silence. However, as indigenous people, we know that our simple act of existence is resistance.

At MICOP, we remain rooted in our mission to organize, support, and empower our indigenous migrant community. Night in Oaxaca will continue to honor the beauty of indigenous existence, and of our resilient communities. We are descendants of warriors, healers, and protectors. We speak the languages of the rain and the clouds. Our spirits carry the songs of the mountains and rivers, and the courage of ancestors who never surrendered, and neither will we.

Bilingual report — WEV selected for Natonal Childcare Accelerator Program to support homebased childcare providers in Ventura County

SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is proud to announce its selection as one of only seven Women’s Business Centers nationwide to participate in the newly launched AWBC x Stearns Childcare Accelerator Program. This honor highlights WEV’s role as a regional leader in addressing the childcare crisis and advancing economic equity for underserved entrepreneurs.

Allan Hancock College invites new students to ‘Hancock Hello’ orientation events on Aug. 5, 12

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is inviting new students and their families to kick off the academic year with fun and informative Hancock Hello orientation events held this August at the college’s Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center. 

Hancock Hello is designed to help first-time students and their families get connected, feel confident and prepare for a successful college experience. The Lompoc Valley Center will host its Hancock Hello event on Aug. 5, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., and the Santa Maria campus event will be held on Aug. 12 from 4 to 6:30 p.m.  

“Hancock Hello is a great opportunity for incoming students and their families to get familiar with campus life,” said Hancock Outreach Coordinator Patricia Prado-Rios. “It’s a fun and informative way to feel prepared and excited for the year ahead.” 

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

Mark your calendars for the Career & Resource Expo!

You’re invited to the County of Ventura’s Annual Career & Resource Expo on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Ventura County Government Center (Main Courtyard between the Hall of Administration and Hall of Justice).

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s 6th Annual Compassion Campaign invites guests to RAISE THE ROOF for affordable housing

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced that its 6th Annual Compassion Campaign will feature two guest speakers Dr. John Nunes, President of California Lutheran University and Giorgio Angelini, Director of OWNED: A Tale of Two Americas. Angelini is currently developing a documentary adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book Evicted, produced by actor Chris Pine. The event will be held at Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark on September 4th, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities please visit, www.housingtrustfundvc.org

Partnership brings relief to families in crisis through diaper distribution in North County

SANTA MARIA — Caring for a critically ill child is every parent’s worst nightmare, and for too many families, navigating this unimaginable crisis is made even harder by financial strain. No parent should have to choose between paying medical bills and buying diapers. That’s why LEAP: Learn • Engage • Advocate • Partner and Hearts Aligned are strengthening their partnership to make life a little less stressful for such families in the Santa Maria area.

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

Our Camino Scholars summer program is in full swing! From touring the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and feeding animals at Ostrichland to dolphin watching on a Santa Barbara Harbor boat and a visit to the Maritime Museum, our students have been busy having fun in the sun! Learn more about this impactful program below.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: DOUBLE YOUR SALES WITH “THE LAUNCH PYRAMID”

July 24 @ 8:00 am

Did you ever wonder why some people seem to make money hand over fist while everyone else is struggling? If yes, this is a “Must Attend” for business owners, no matter what size or type of business you have. Join SCORE and EDC for this info-packed, NO-COST In-Person workshop that will give you the answers you need! Regardless of the size and type of business you have, this might be one of the most important workshops you’ll attend all year. In it, one of our resident business experts, James I. Bond, will share the 5 tactics businesses are using RIGHT NOW that are helping them accelerate how fast they are able to bring on new customers and clients for their business. Address: Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St., Ventura, CA 93001.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Allan Hancock College encourages students to register for Fall classes

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is still accepting registrations for the upcoming fall semester, which begins Aug. 18.  

“Fall is a great time for students to take that next step,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Whether they are pursuing a degree, a certificate, or just exploring something new, our faculty and staff are here to support their success.” 

With hundreds of classes available in-person and online, there’s never been a better time for students to pursue their educational goals.  

Volunteers fill 650 backpacks with donated school supplies at Yarrow Family YMCA

Five hundred fifty backpacks will be distributed to participants in the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Find My Genius, a free five-week summer program to support academic and social-emotional learning for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level. One hundred backpacks will be given to children affected by the California wildfires identified through the YMCA’s California Strong initiative.

Bilingual report — El Concilio Family Services to hold Mobile Immigration Clinic in Santa Paula on July 24

SANTA PAULA — El Concilio Family Services will hold mobil clinic from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 24 at Puente de Vida Church, 203 S. 8th St., Santa Paula

“Let El Concilio help you stay protected and prepared! Our Mobile Immigration Clinic offers on-site assistance with:

Resident Card Renewal Applications (Form I-90
Application submission support
Bilingual staff ready to help (English/Spanish)

Santa Paula Art Museum — The Art Auction Fundraiser is Aug. 6

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.

Music Academy of the West Music Note Gala Raises $750,000 to support music education and community engagement programs

SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West, now in its 78th season, hosted its annual gala on Saturday, July 11, raising $750,000 in support of its mission to advance transformative musical education and foster meaningful community through music. This year marked the debut of the Music Note Gala, a dazzling new celebration held on the breathtaking Upper Lawn of the Montecito Club. The sold out event hosted 410 passionate supporters of the arts under the stars for an inspiring evening of philanthropy, celebration, and extraordinary music.

Thanks to the generosity of Gala attendees — through paddle raises, auction bids, a raffle, and heartfelt donations — the event surpassed fundraising goals, reinforcing the critical role the Gala plays in sustaining the Music Academy’s year-round impact. 

Coasthills Credit Union donates $45,000 to support Hancock students and programs

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation received a generous $45,000 donation from CoastHills Credit Union to support a variety of college programs, scholarships and student engagement initiatives throughout 2025.

The contribution represents the continuation of a nearly 30-year partnership between CoastHills and the college and strengthens their shared commitment to supporting education and community growth across northern Santa Barbara County.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support and trust CoastHills has shown in Hancock and our students,” said Jon Hooten, Ph.D., executive director of college advancement and the Allan Hancock College Foundation. “Their investment reaches every corner of our campus and helps us build a stronger, more connected community.”

Museum of Ventura County announces new board leadership, welcomes new Board Members and COO

VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County (Museum) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Richard Rush as chair and Al Lowe as vice-chair of its board of directors. Both esteemed community leaders and longtime Camarillo residents have served on the Museum’s board since 2017 and played instrumental roles in the organization’s recent strategic repositioning.

Dr. Rush, president emeritus of California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI), brings a deep legacy of educational leadership and civic engagement to his new role as board chair. A visionary administrator, Dr. Rush was the founding president of CSUCI, where he forged lasting connections between the university and the broader Ventura County community. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in English Renaissance Literature and a master’s degree in English Literature from UCLA.

Moorpark College Theatre Arts announces the addition of new faculty from the entertainment industry

MOORPARK — The Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department is pleased to announce the addition of new faculty members to assist students in their entertainment career paths. Casting Director Jane Flowers will be teaching Audition Techniques and Tim Hornor will be teaching Improvisational Comedy this upcoming Fall 2025 semester.

After receiving her MFA from UCLA in Acting, Jane Flowers transitioned into casting in 2011.  She has been nominated for two Artios Awards which celebrates excellence in casting for TV, film, theatre and commercials.  Her casting credits include “Daisy Jones and the Six” (Amazon), “Seal Team” (CBS), “Dreamquil” (independent feature) starring Elizabeth Banks and John C. Reilly, and “Die Hart” (Roku) starring Kevin Hart, Katherine Hahn, Anna Garcia and J.K. Simmons. She is a member of the Casting Society of America.

County of Santa Barbara July 15 Board of Supervisors added item — Discussion on Recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Activities in Santa Barbara County

Summary: 

The Board will discuss recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Santa Barbara County and hear from the public. Specifically, the Board will review federal enforcement actions that took place near Carpinteria on July 10, 2025, and in Santa Maria in early June. The discussion will include the community impact of these actions and any Board direction on this item.

United Way of Northern Arizona — One week left to drop off donations for Stuff the Bus

SUPPORT A LOCAL COLLECTION DRIVE

The final day to drop off donations will be Friday, July 18th. Help us reach our goal of donating 1,000 backpacks stuffed with essential school supplies for homeless middle schoolers in Ventura County. When dropping off your donation, look for the pop-up bus and stop sign. Please note that only brand-new school supplies will be accepted.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — The 2025 Art Award – Revealed!

Ry Rocklen (b. 1978, Los Angeles, CA) is an American sculptor. His sculptures, born out of an array of found and readymade objects, reflect his pursuit of the sublime in the things we take for granted.

Rocklen participated in the critically acclaimed MCASB exhibition Home Show, Revisited in 2011.
Ancient Art Award (Cup from a torch-holder, Cyprus, 6th century BCE from The Met Collection)
2025
6 x 8.75 x 2.75
Ceramic, glaze, glaze decal
Edition of 5
Exclusive to the Art Award recipients.

Susan A. Andrzejewski appointed interim president of California State University Channel Islands

SANTA BARBARA — California State University (CSU) Chancellor Mildred García has appointed Susan A. Andrzejewski to serve as California State University Channel Islands’ interim president. Andrzejewski, who currently serves as the university’s dean of the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics, will begin her new appointment on August 4, 2025. 

“Dr. Andrzejewski is an innovative and collaborative leader, recognized for advancing student success through data-informed initiatives, experiential learning and regional partnerships,” said Chancellor García. “In addition, she has been a trusted and strategic partner to outgoing President Richard Yao, demonstrating impressive university-wide leadership and undeniable strategic acumen. With her strong connections to CSU Channel Islands and outstanding professional skills and personal qualities, Dr. Andrzejewski is the ideal person to lead the university through this time of transition.”  

Pew Research Center’s Race & Ethnicity report — Birthright citizenship, deportation worries and Trump’s 2024 voter coalition

U.S. public is split on birthright citizenship for people whose parents immigrated illegally

Half of U.S. adults say people born in the United States to parents who immigrated illegally should have U.S. citizenship, while 49% say they should not. By contrast, nearly all say people born in the country to U.S.-born parents (95%) or to parents who immigrated legally (94%) should be citizens.
Related: Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship draws more disapproval than approval

United Way of Ventura County announces 20th Annual Spirit Award recipients

VENTURA COUNTY — United Way of Ventura County is pleased to announce the 20th Annual Spirit Award Recipients. These awards honor our Founding members. Every year since 2005, individuals and organizations who embody the qualities of Milton M. Teague, Douglas Shively, and Roy Pinkerton are selected for this prestigious honor. This year we will also award our President’s Award. The awards and awardees are list below:

The Milton M. Teague Award is given to a board member for outstanding community volunteerism, voted on by their peers. This year we proudly give this award to Tim Harrington.
Douglas Shively Award for Outstanding Community Impact is given to individuals who have served our community through our unique programs. This year we proudly give this award to Mayur Patel who is a champion of our Homelessness Initiative.
Roy Pinkerton Award for Top Corporate Citizenship goes to Procter & Gamble for their support through their corporate giving campaign, and sponsorship!
Cal Lutheran University will be honored with the President’s Award for their leadership and partnership with United Way’s Community Impact programs including Women United. 

Community Environmental Council in Santa Barbara releases report on impact of climate action

SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) has released its most recent Impact Report, which shares key highlights of how CEC is converting a historically oil producing region to one that is regenerative and renewable. The report is accessible at cecsb.org/impact

At a time when the federal administration’s regressive climate policies threaten to unravel years of progress, California serves as a critical safeguard, and its stance will determine whether the United States advances or regresses by decades in climate protection. Central Coast communities play a vital role by providing courage, backbone, and proof of concept that strengthen and inform statewide policies.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors to meet on July 15

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 la interpretación de los comentarios públicos en español. Para proporcionar comentarios públicos en español, póngase en contacto con la Secretaría de la Junta llamando al (805) 568-2240 antes de las 4:00 p.m. del viernes anterior a la reunión de la Junta.

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.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura releases 12th episode of Ventura Voices podcast featuring new Police Chief David Dickey

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is excited to announce the release of Episode 12 of its Ventura Voices podcast, now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube. This latest episode features a conversation between City Manager Bill Ayub and Ventura’s new Chief of Police, David Dickey. 

In this engaging interview, Chief Dickey shares how he got his start in law enforcement, what inspired his journey to Ventura, and his vision for the future of the Ventura Police Department. He discusses the importance of community policing, building public trust, and investing in strategies that strengthen neighborhood safety.