Category: Education

Just In Time For Summer 2026, Island Packers announces new Whale Watching schedule and non-landing specialty excursions

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VENTURA — With Summer fast approaching, Island Packers, the official concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, is expanding its non-landing schedule to include Summer Island and Summer Whale Watching excursions from Ventura Harbor from May – September 2026. Visitors of all ages can view some truly magnificent mammals and also have the option to board a vessel to experience specialty trips to destinations on The Nature Conservancy property, in addition to the company’s full schedule of transportation to destinations in the Channel Island National Park. www.islandpackers.com and Ventura Harbor Village

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SCRV Pride Week Celebrates Inclusion, Community Leadership, and LGBTQ+ Pride in the Santa Clara River Valley

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SANTA CLARA RIVER VALLEY — The Santa Clara River Valley (SCRV) Pride Committee is proud to announce SCRV Pride Week 2026, a weeklong celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, visibility, inclusion, and community. The week will bring together residents, families, allies, businesses, public agencies, and community-based organizations from throughout the region for a series of events that celebrate diversity, honor local leaders, and strengthen community connections.

SCRV Pride Week reflects the Santa Clara River Valley’s commitment to creating a community where all people are welcomed, respected, and empowered to thrive. This year’s celebration will feature the SCRV Pride Mixer, a City of Santa Paula Pride Proclamation, and the annual SCRV Pride Brunch, highlighting the power of community, advocacy, and belonging.

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Bilingual report — Community leaders named as 2026 Hancock Honors Recipients

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SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation announced the recipients of the 2026 Hancock Honors, presented by CoastHills Credit Union. The annual celebration, set for Sept. 12, recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership, philanthropy and service have made a lasting impact on the college and the communities it serves.?

This year’s honorees are educator and Allan Hancock College?alumna?Dr. Nicolasa “Niki” Sandoval, pioneering Santa Barbara County winemaker and philanthropist Fred Brander and the Melsheimer Family, longtime supporters of education and workforce development on the Central Coast.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE: LEARN ANYTHING FASTER WITH NOTEBOOKLM

June 18 @ 10:00 am

Successful businesses make better decisions because they have better information. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to use NotebookLM to conduct competitive analysis, refine pricing, accelerate SEO and AEO, and synthesize large amounts of research into simple summaries and action steps. You’ll also learn how to use AI to create executive briefs, reports, and slide decks quickly, helping you make smarter strategic decisions in less time. This session is ideal for business owners looking to leverage AI for research, planning, and strategic growth. Price: FREE.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) Power of Purpose June 2026 newsletter

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Last month, I wrote about my experience at the Council of Foundations conference and the idea of connection being its own philanthropic cause, worthy of support, and how the work in front of us is not simply to gather with those who already affirm us. The deeper work is to break bread across difference and discover that we still belong to one another.

My email inbox was flooded with replies and messages expressing a shared concern for how polarizing and divided these times are. Your replies have stayed with me, and they fill me with hope. I really want to thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me, and please know how grateful I am for each and every one of you.

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Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan Public Review Draft available. Comments due by June 22

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Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study & Action Plan, Public Review Draft, is now available. Provide comments by June 22, 2026

El Estudio y Plan de Acción sobre Vivienda para Trabajadores Agrícolas del Condado de Ventura, Revisión Pública Borrador, está disponible. Proporcionar comentarios antes del 22 de junio de 2026.

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Women’s Economic Ventures Releases 2025 Impact Report, Celebrates 35 Years of Empowering Women

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CENTRAL COAST — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has released its 2025 Impact Report, celebrating 35 years of helping women build financial independence, launch businesses, strengthen families, and contribute to thriving local economies across the region.

The report highlights a year of growth and innovation as more women turned to WEV’s programs and services to pursue economic opportunity and financial stability. Through business advising, training, and financial empowerment programs, WEV continues to support women at every stage of their economic journey.

Among the programs featured in the report is WEV’s Business of Care program, which helps women establish and grow successful home-based childcare businesses while addressing the region’s ongoing childcare shortage. The report also highlights the launch of WEV’s Credit Builder pilot, designed to help participants strengthen their credit, improve financial health, and expand access to future opportunities.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Inspiring Stories from the Ventura County Class of 2026

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At the end of each school year, the Ventura County Office of Education takes the opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the remarkable students graduating from local high schools. Every year, we’re amazed by the stories we receive of students who have overcome great odds and achieved incredible things on the road to their high school diploma.

This year is no different, and we’re excited to profile just a few students who demonstrate the resilience, dedication and drive of the Ventura County Class of 2026. Among our featured graduates are a young man who journeyed alone from Mexico in search of a better life and a young woman whose family fled Ukraine to find safety and opportunity in Ventura County.

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805 UndocuFund — One Year Later: Remembering the June 10 Raids and the Road to Glass House Farms

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Dear Friends & Supporters,

June marks one year since Border Patrol carried out a series of immigration enforcement operations across Ventura County, reaching the Central Coast for the first time since the early 1990s.

Between June 10 and June 14, 2025, at least 95 community members were taken from their workplaces, homes, and families. Fear spread quickly throughout the region as workers stayed home, parents worried about their children, and entire communities braced for what might come next.

What many did not know at the time was that these raids were a warning of something far more devastating.

Together, we remember…

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Bilingual report — Couple celebrates 20 years of learning together through Allan Hancock College’s Community Education Art Classes

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SANTA MARIA — For the past 20 years, Nick and Deborah Carpenter have shared a tradition that has become an important part of their lives: taking Community Education art classes together at Allan Hancock College.

Over two decades, the couple has explored a variety of creative pursuits through the college’s tuition-free art offerings, developing new skills while building lasting memories. Among their most meaningful projects were creating the rings they later exchanged on their wedding day.

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Southeast Ventura County YMCA seeks school supply donations for its drive on July 10

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is holding a school supply donation drive through July 10.

The goal is to fill 230 backpacks with donated items for young scholars participating in the Y’s “Find My Genius” summer learning program. The program serves low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level in the Conejo Valley and Simi Valley school districts.

Needed are newly purchased pencils, pencil boxes, 24-pack crayons, wide-ruled composition notebooks, spiral notebooks, colored pencils, erasers, pocket folders, glue sticks and hand sanitizers.

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Moorpark College Vice President John Forbes named Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow

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MOORPARK — John Forbes, vice president of academic affairs at Moorpark College, has been named one of 40 fellows in the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, selected from a competitive pool of more than 125 candidates for the 2026-27 cohort.

The Aspen Institute’s research has shown that exceptional presidential leadership directly contributes to student success, prompting Aspen to offer the fellowship for senior community college leaders on track for the presidency. The year-long program includes training, mentoring, coaching and workshops to prepare participants for the role.

“Excellent colleges share a common trait: they are led by presidents who focus on a few transformative initiatives that extend beyond enrollment and even completion numbers…” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “I cannot wait to begin working with this impressive set of leaders.”

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Community Rallies around survivors at Voices of Hope Gala, Fueling Expansion of Ventura County Family Justice Centers

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VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation (Foundation) raised over $234,000 at its annual Voices of Hope Gala on Wednesday, May 27, at Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark. The evening drew 240 community leaders, elected officials, and supporters who gathered to raise critical funds for the Foundation’s free programs serving individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking, and other violent crimes.

Proceeds from the gala will support Camp HOPE, Voices of Ventura County, and the Pathways to Hope program, as well as the Foundation’s continued expansion. Two new Family Justice Centers are on track to open in 2027: the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center in Oxnard and the East County Family Justice Center, both of which will extend critical, trauma-informed services to communities across the county.

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Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces new long-term financing program to expand affordable housing production in the region

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VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (HTFVC), in collaboration with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), announced the launch of a new Residual Receipts Loan Fund, a long-term financing program designed to accelerate the production of high-quality affordable housing while supporting developments that advance equity, financial sustainability, and long-term community benefit. Applications are currently being accepted until 5:00 PM on July 2, 2026. Learn more at https://www.housingtrustfundvc.org/residual-receipts-loan-program/

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura Public Health Department attains national reaccreditation

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VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) on May 29 announced it has successfully completed a rigorous process to maintain national accreditation status through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). This announcement follows PHAB’s national release, recognizing 14 health departments across the country for achieving accreditation or reaccreditation. As the first local health department in California to earn PHAB accreditation in 2014, VCPH continues to lead ahead among the other local health departments by meeting national standards and demonstrating excellence in protecting community wellness and delivering high?quality public health services. In California, 29 out of 61 local health departments are accredited by PHAB. By maintaining its accreditation for another five years, VCPH has demonstrated that it meets or exceeds PHAB’s quality standards and continues to improve in its efforts to protect the health of all Ventura County residents.

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Bilingual report — Guidelines for Santa Paula 4th of July Fireworks Event

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SANTA PAULA — In advance of the Fourth of July Holiday and Fireworks event, the City of Santa Paula and the Santa Paula Police Department are announcing schedule and guidelines for those making plans to attend the fireworks show at Santa Paula Creek Sports Park at Harvest.

Please be aware, as with any community fireworks show, there will be extended traffic delays upon exiting the event for those who choose to drive a vehicle and park it in spaces available at Santa Paula Creek Sports Park.

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Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosts EMS and Paramedics graduations

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated a new group of graduates from its emergency medical services and paramedicine academies May 29. 

The college hosted two separate ceremonies for both programs at its Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.  

“Today marks the culmination of their dedication, sacrifice and hard work,” Hancock EMS and Paramedicine Coordinator Sean Newton said. “They are ready to serve their communities with skill and compassion.” 

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves donation of laboratory equipment to California State University Channel Islands

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“This donation reflects our commitment to being responsible stewards of public resources while creating new opportunities for students and researchers,” said Board Chair Jeff Gorell. “We’re pleased that this equipment will continue serving the community through education, training, and scientific discovery at CSU Channel Islands”.

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Thank you for showing up for the Central Coast

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Over the past several weeks, our community invested in a healthier, more resilient future.

From the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival to our Spring Appeal, we saw hundreds of people step forward to support climate action and community resilience across the Central Coast.

Thank you.

Because of supporters like you, this campaign outperformed recent years and raised meaningful support for the work ahead.

At a moment when so much progress feels uncertain, that kind of community investment matters deeply.

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CLU’s Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival Celebrates 30 Years

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THOUSAND OAKS — The Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival launched in 1997 with the professional production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and the goal of presenting the magical comedy every decade with a different theme. Now, as the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company celebrates its milestone 30th year, it will again honor the tradition. This summer’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is set in the 1920s jazz and gangster world of Chicago and will run June 19 to July 5. “Hamlet” is the second production, July 10 to 26, and will be set in the late 19th century. All performances are at 8 p.m., Friday through Sunday, in Kingsmen Park on the California Lutheran University campus.

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Ventura County Air Pollution Control District — Fireworks cause noticeable increase in air pollution

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VENTURA — As the Fourth of July approaches, people in sensitive groups should be cautious about elevated levels of air pollution caused by fireworks.

Fireworks emit fine particles including soot and ash that can cause serious health effects. Children, older adults and people who are pregnant or have respiratory or heart conditions are the most at risk.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County One Percent Manual Tally Audit Begins the Task of Election Verification

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VENTURA COUNTY — Michelle Ascencion, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, announced the schedule for the One Percent Manual Tally audit of the June 2, 2026, Gubernatorial Primary Election. A mandated process under the California Elections Code (§15360), the One Percent Manual Tally audit is conducted during the Official Canvass period and involves a meticulous hand count of ballots from randomly selected batches of ballots tabulated through the end of Election Night. The manual tally counts are compared to the electronically compiled results to confirm the equipment’s correct tabulation of the ballots.

The audit process officially begins on June 11 at 9:00 AM and is expected to be completed no later than June 23, 2026. Members of the public and media are welcome to observe.

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32 recruits graduate from Allan Hancock College’s Law Enforcement Academy

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SANTA MARIA — Thirty-two recruits graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Basic?Law?Enforcement?Academy June 10 at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.

The graduating recruits of Class #26-131 gathered with their friends and families to celebrate the completion of more than 872 training hours required to graduate from the academy and enter careers as peace officers. All?of the recruits have already been hired by Central Coast?law?enforcement?agencies.?  
 
“This is the end of your academic training here at the academy, but your career and your training are far from over,” Arroyo Grande Police Chief David Culver told the graduates. “The real work is just beginning.” 

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Senior Expo of Santa Barbara is Back! Exhibitor Registration Opens June 15

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SANTA BARBARA  — Live music, health screenings, and hundreds of smiling faces: it’s almost time for the 35th Annual Senior Expo of Santa Barbara! The largest active aging fair in Santa Barbara County returns on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. The deadline to register as a sponsor or exhibitor is August 1, 2026. 

Exhibitor registration opens Monday, June 15, and space is expected to fill quickly! Organizations that serve older adults and caregivers are encouraged to register early to secure their booth. With over 110 exhibitors, the Expo offers a valuable opportunity to connect directly with community members and network with local aging service providers. 

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7 things to do on a Summer getaway in Lompoc

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LOMPOC — If your ideal summer getaway includes scenic beaches, local wine, outdoor adventure, and a slower pace, Lompoc deserves a spot on your Central 

Coast itinerary.  Located along California’s scenic Highway 1 corridor, Lompoc offers a refreshing mix of laid-back charm and unforgettable experiences.

One day you can hike through California history, the next you can sip Pinot Noir, watch a rocket launch, or relax at the beach with a famous burger in hand.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a full summer road trip, here are seven great ways to experience Lompoc this season.

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City of Oxnard Recreation and Community Services announces registration open for 2026 Camp Serendipity ‘Summer Day Camp’

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OXNARD — The City of Oxnard Recreation and Community Services announces registration open for 2026 Camp Serendipity ‘Summer Day Camp’ from June 22 through Aug. 14. Open to children 5 to 12 years of age.

Click here for more information.

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$200,000 grant keeps mental health services in Santa Barbara schools

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SANTA BARBARA — Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County has received a $200,000 grant from the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara to fund its school-based mental health program over the 2026- 27 and 2027-28 academic years. The two-year gap funding will enable FSA to continue to provide mental health screenings, crisis response, and counseling for local students.

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Santa Barbara Education Foundation announces Summer Music Camps

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SANTA BARBARA — As a child, Stephen Hughes took an Orff class at a local music school, where he fell in love with music. This inspired him to take piano lessons and later join the band and choir throughout his school years.

“In school or out, I’ve been involved in music ever since,” Hughes said.
Today, Hughes directs the Nick Rail Summer Band Camp, one of the Santa Barbara Education Foundation’s signature summer programs (SBEF). Over the years, he has watched students grow not only as musicians, but also as teammates, leaders, and friends.

“Not only do they learn a lot and keep their musicianship going into the summer, but students come back for years, wear their band camp shirts all throughout the school year, and talk about experiences from the camp with me in school,” Hughes shared.

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City of Ventura seeking applicants for Boards, Commissions, and Committees

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura is seeking residents interested in making a difference in their community to apply for vacancies on several boards, commissions, and committees that play a vital role in shaping the city’s future.

Residents have the opportunity to help influence local programs, policies, and services by serving on advisory bodies, including:

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Museum of Ventura County — Two New Exhibits Open June 5

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Parallel Histories: Ventura County during the US Revolution
As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Parallel Histories explores what was unfolding at the same time in Ventura County. While British colonialism and the Revolutionary War reshaped the East Coast, California, not yet part of the United States, was being transformed by Spain.
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Patriotic Threads: Textiles, Tapestries, & T-Shirts
Patriotic Threads explores how textiles have long served as powerful expressions of national identity. Through handcrafted works, the exhibit reveals how textiles and design embody patriotism and collective memory.
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Free Water Safety Classes At the Yarrow Family YMCA June and July

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — June, July, and August are the peak months for childhood drownings, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Yarrow Family YMCA branch of the Southeast Ventura YMCA is hosting free water-safety classes for ages 5 through 12 with little or no water experience.

YMCA’s Safety Around Water (SAW) program offers multiple sessions. The 12-class session runs from June 29 through July 16. Classes take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Two-week sessions of eight classes each are from June 8 through June 17 and from June 22 through July 2, with a number of afternoon class times available.

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Ventura County Business Women announces June 2026 events

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VENTURA — Ventura County Business Women (VCBW), the county’s fastest-growing professional women’s network with over 6,600 members, announces its June 2026 event lineup designed to support women entrepreneurs through authentic connection, strategic collaboration, and personal empowerment.

With a diverse range of in-person and virtual opportunities, June’s calendar offers businesswomen across Ventura County multiple touchpoints for networking, skill development and community building—from signature morning networking events and a brand-new pop-up gathering in Ojai to an expert panel experience.

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Join us June 5 — Preparing Santa Barbara’s Coastline for Climate Change

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How do we protect Santa Barbara’s beloved coastline amid rising seas and a changing climate?

Next week, join us for June’s Climate Fridays Santa Barbara to hear directly from local leaders working toward climate and coastal resilience. Melissa Hetrick, the City of Santa Barbara’s adaptation and resilience manager, will share updates on the Waterfront Adaptation Plan.

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Bilingual report — Mestizo Folklórico Dance Company presents Fiesta Folklórica at Oxnard College on May 30, 31

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OXNARD — The Mestizo Folklórico Dance Company presents Fiesta Folklórica, marking its 45th anniversary with two shows at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building, located at 4000 S. Rose Avenue.

The performances will take place on Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, May 31 at 4:30 pm.

For information on advanced online ticket sales, please visit: https://oxnard.vbotickets.com/event/mestizo_dance_company_presents_fiesta_folkl%C3%B3rica/192913, or you can scan the QR code or click on the link on the poster.

Tickets will also be available at the door one hour before each show.

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Bilingual commentary — The Higher Education-Industry Gap

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Throughout my teaching career at a local community college, my colleagues and I correctly assumed that we could teach foundational knowledge and send our students into a stable job market. However, after I retired, two things happened that ruthlessly upset the apple cart: COVID wreaked its havoc, and the explosive launch of the generative chatbot ChatGPT shocked the world by offering practical artificial intelligence to the masses. 

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Pismo Beach Five Cities Rotary Club donates over $13,000 to give Judkins Middle School 8th Graders a graduation send-off

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PISMO BEACH  — The Rotary Club of Pismo Beach Five Cities has donated more than $13,000 to Judkins Middle School to give its graduating eighth graders the celebration they deserve. On Monday, May 26th, the Class of 2026 will enjoy an exclusive, full-day outing at Boomers— courtesy of the club’s year-long fundraising efforts and the community’s generous support.

The gift comes after budget constraints forced the cancellation of what had long been a beloved end-of-year tradition: a class trip to Magic Mountain. With that milestone gone, eighth graders faced graduating without any special send-off. The Rotary Club decided to change that.

“Every kid deserves to be celebrated as they make this big leap to high school,” said Jenny Dierck, a parent and club member involved in organizing the event. “We’ve been working hard all year to make this happen, and we couldn’t be more excited to give these students a day they’ll always remember.”

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Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College celebrates graduates at 2026 commencement ceremony

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the achievements of 1,196?graduating students at the college’s 105th?commencement?ceremony. 

“No matter what path brought you to this moment, you should be proud of what you have accomplished,” Hancock Board of Trustees President Hilda Zacarias said to the more than 600 graduates who participated in the May 22 ceremony, which took place on the college’s athletics field at its Santa Maria campus. “Wherever your path leads, know that you leave here with knowledge, experience, confidence, and the ability to create opportunity for yourselves and for others.” 

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Get the capital you need to move your business forward

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Designed to pair you with the financial expertise and right amount of capital you need to move your business forward, the Economic Development Collaborative works with more than 30 professional advisors and a full-time loan fund director, available to local businesses at no cost.
The EDC’s Business Development Loan Fund stimulates job creation and economic activity by providing small businesses with greater access to capital and specialized technical business assistance. The fund is open to businesses in all industry sectors and is supported by funds from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the cities and County of Ventura, and private capital. This loan fund makes available long-term, affordable financing to new and existing businesses throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara County.

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Community Colleges of Ventura proudly celebrates more than 5,000 graduates during 2026 commencement ceremonies

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CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) this week celebrated the achievements of more than 5,000 graduates during commencement ceremonies held across its three colleges: Moorpark College, Oxnard College and Ventura College on May 20, May 21 and May 22.  

The Class of 2026 earned a collective 4,768 certificates and 8,237 degrees, reflecting thousands of hours of academic study, hands-on training, internships, clinical experience and workforce preparation. Graduates will continue serving communities throughout Ventura County as educators, healthcare professionals, first responders, skilled technical workers, business leaders and community advocates. 
 
This year’s graduates represent the diversity, resilience and ambition of Ventura County. Many balanced academics with jobs, family responsibilities and community leadership while pursuing certificates and degrees designed to open doors to transfer opportunities and high-demand careers. 

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