Category: Education

Allan Hancock College celebrates Nursing and EMT Program graduations in Lompoc

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2025 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — Allan Hancock College celebrated a new crop of first responders and healthcare workers as a combined 137 individuals graduated from the college’s fire, emergency medical technician (EMT), and nursing programs on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12.

The fire and EMT academy graduates were honored during two ceremonies at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC) in Lompoc, while the nursing graduation took place at the Marian Theatre on the college’s Santa Maria campus.

A total of 30 cadets graduated from the fire academy on Dec. 11, marking the end of a rigorous 18-week program consisting of 624 hours of classroom and field instruction. Before the ceremony, the cadets gave a live demonstration of the skills they learned at the academy, including running fire hoses, dousing burning cars and extricating “victims” from vehicle wrecks outside the PSTC’s burn tower.

Allan Hancock College’s SkillsUSA Community Service Team organizes blanket drive donation

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s SkillsUSA Community Service Team is collecting new and gently used blankets this holiday season to support individuals and families in need across the Central Coast.

Donation bins are available now through Dec.19 in the Mechanics Bank Student Center (bldg. G) at the college’s Santa Maria campus. Community members are encouraged to contribute if they are able.

The blanket drive serves as the team’s official SkillsUSA community service project for the year. Students on the team include Johana Diaz-Toscano, Alexandra Ramirez and Victoria Gama. The three students organized and launched the initiative entirely themselves. Diaz-Toscano said that blankets will be distributed to local shelters, many of which see increased need during the winter months.

40th Annual California Strawberry Festival call for applicants: Makers of unique, quality handcrafted artwork and craft items

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival is accepting applications from individual makers of quality, handcrafted works by artists and crafters for this year’s festival taking place May 16 and 17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The deadline to apply is February 9.

The festival, which attracts more than 50,000 visitors, features dozens of different kinds of foods and beverages made from fresh strawberries. About 150 artisans from throughout California showcase their original works including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, children’s toys, accessories, photography, textiles, outdoor furniture, jewelryand specialty foods.

Bilingual commentary — What Do They Mean “Accounting Is Not Professional”?

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2025 • Comments Off

In its nefarious dedication to destroying the foundations of American education, the U.S. Department of Education, in its definitely finite wisdom, is proposing that graduate accounting degrees are no longer to be recognized as “professional” for student loan purposes. This is certain to have repercussions that will significantly impact higher education in the field of finance.

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

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2025 • Comments Off

2025 Annual Report and Accomplishments from Federal and State Legislative Advocates and 2026 Legislative Platform Adoption
(Estimated Time: 30 minutes)

Climate Stewards Winter 2026 Enrollment: Turn climate anxiety into community power

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2025 • Comments Off

As federal policy and funding rollbacks threaten decades of environmental progress, it’s never been more important for all of us to step up, care for our neighborhoods, restore our ecosystems, and protect the places we love.

CEC’s Climate Stewards Certification Program empowers individuals from all backgrounds to advance bold climate solutions right at home. High school and college students, recent grads, teachers, community members, non-profit staff, business owners, retirees, and more are all invited to join us as we take collective action to move forward meaningful climate progress.

Holiday Magic at Heritage Square Oxnard

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2025 • Comments Off

Call for Entries: Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit
Looking for a fun holiday project? Our annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit is the perfect way for family and friends to gather this weekend and create something sweet together.
Entries are due by next Tuesday, December 15.
Your gingerbread creation will be featured as part of our holiday display at Heritage Square.
View entry information: https://forms.gle/y7e8bHAoNfiiQcXC7
Inspiration from past entries here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/137180328@N06/albums/72157720188275462/

UCSB — The Current — ‘UCSB physicists accept Nobel Prizes in Sweden’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • December 11, 2025 • Comments Off

In a ceremony full of splendor, music and admiration, professors Michel Devoret and John Martinis, alongside their mentor, UC Berkeley physicist John Clarke, on Dec. 10 officially received their Nobel Prizes from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.

SEEAG Awarded $236,360 California Department of Food and Agriculture Grant

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2025 • Comments Off

“Students learn about specialty crop-related science, technology and engineering. They explore career opportunities at local farms and connect with agricultural professionals,” says Caitlin Paulus Case, SEEAG executive director. “To run a successful agriculture business today requires the skills to address the many challenges facing the industry, including soil science, plant nutrition and sustainability practices.”

Italian Photographer Mario Giacomelli (1925–2000) highlighted at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art as part of celebrations around the centennial of his birth

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Now open at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) is an exhibition of notable Italian photographer Mario Giacomelli (1925–2000). Through innovative darkroom techniques, he depicted the people and landscapes of Italy’s Marche region with high contrast and sharp psychological intensity. Celebrating a significant new gift to the museum as well as the hundredth anniversary of the artist’s birth, Mario Giacomelli: La Gente, La Terra features 36 photographs taken between 1955 and 1980—all from SBMA’s collection—including some of his most iconic images. The exhibition will be open until February 15, 2026.

History, Art, Community & Connection at Museum of Ventura County

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2025 • Comments Off

GIVE THE GIFT OF HISTORY

As you make your year-end giving plans, we invite you to support the Museum of Ventura County and help preserve the stories that define our community. A meaningful way to give this season is by donating appreciated stock. Gifts of stock may offer significant tax advantages while making a lasting impact on our exhibitions, education programs, and preservation work.

Bilingual report — Signatures in lieu of filing fee period starts Dec. 19, 2025 for the June 2, 2026 Statewide Primary Election

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2025 • Comments Off

“Although June 2, 2026 may seem far away, many of the important deadlines for people who are considering running for office are coming up quickly,” said Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion. “The signatures-in-lieu period is the first major action of the election cycle, and we encourage candidates for qualifying offices to take full advantage of it. Not only can it reduce costs, but it also provides a head start on gathering signatures needed for nomination papers.”

Santa Paula Museum of Art — Inbox Art Exhibit: Harvey Cusworth’s ‘Visions of Conejo Valley and the Malibu Coast’

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2025 • Comments Off

On view now through January 11, 2026

Harvey Cusworth fell in love with drawing and illustration at the age of eleven. Born and raised in West Los Angeles, Cusworth earned a BFA in illustration and graphic design from Brigham Young University in Utah and later an MFA from California State University, Long Beach. After starting a family and helping grow the family construction business, Harvey set his sights on teaching.

For nearly two decades, Cusworth taught Advanced

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department opens applications for Teen Explorer Program

by Community Contributor • December 9, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department invites local teens to step behind the scenes of real police work as applications open for the Teen Explorer Program. Designed for high school students ages 14–18, the program offers a rare, hands-on look at law enforcement while helping young people build confidence, leadership skills, and lasting connections in their community.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • December 8, 2025 • Comments Off

SCORE: BUSINESS LAW AND RELATED TAX TOPICS FOR EMERGING BUSINESS

December 8 @ 8:00 am

SCORE KC’s Business Law and Related Tax Topics for Emerging Businesses webinar will help you decide when and how to utilize legal advice, such as forming your business, operating your business, growing your business, addressing related business law issues, and understanding related tax law issues. Price: $10.00.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ventura College Nursing Program ranked #1 for NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

by Community Contributor • December 8, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura College is proud to announce that its Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program has been ranked first in the state of California and in the nation for its exceptional National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) first-time pass rate, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

Bilingual report — Ventura County Library launches ‘Reimagine Your VC Library’ strategic planning initiative; Invites community feedback to shape the future

by Community Contributor • December 5, 2025 • Comments Off

Through the initiative, VCL is inviting residents across Ventura County to share their ideas and feedback to help ensure that the library continues to meet the evolving needs of its diverse communities.

The planning effort will gather public input to:

• Identify community needs and opportunities
• Provide optimum access to resources and technology
• Design innovative programs that inspire and empower
• Create inclusive and welcoming library spaces
• Ensure alignment with the County of Ventura Strategic Plan

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan member information potentially exposed in data breach

by Community Contributor • December 5, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) recently discovered that one of its contracted business partners suffered a cyberattack that resulted in the potential disclosure of member information to an unauthorized third party.

Conduent Business Solutions, a longtime administrative services vendor for GCHP, reported that the cyberattack compromised a single employee’s email account, permitting the attacker to gain access to some files between Oct. 21, 2024, and Jan. 13, 2025. Upon discovery of the incident on Jan. 13, 2025, Conduent immediately safeguarded its systems and started an investigation. Conduent notified law enforcement of the incident and engaged a leading cybersecurity firm to assess the potential disclosure of protected health information.

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

by Community Contributor • December 4, 2025 • Comments Off

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

January 5, 2026 – January 26, 2026
March 2, 2026 – March 16, 2026

26 recruits graduate from Allan Hancock College’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy

by Community Contributor • December 4, 2025 • Comments Off

“Today is the day you’ve been eagerly waiting for after more than a year,” Guadalupe Police Chief Michael Cash told the graduating recruits. “You have overcome every obstacle presented to you to get to this moment.”

Island Packers announces December 2025 holiday & seasonal cruises departing from Ventura Harbor

by Community Contributor • December 4, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Celebrate the holiday season with family and friends aboard Island Packers, (the official concessionaire to the Channel Islands) as part of company’s seasonal offerings, including a holiday caroling cruises, Ventura Harbor 49th Annual Parade of Lights & Fireworks Cruise with select weekly departures from Ventura Harbor, and winter whale watching www.islandpackers.com Seasonal options include:

One-hour Holiday Caroling Cruise in Ventura Harbor on selected dates between December 5 – December 23, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Enjoy a cruise through the harbor to view holiday lights in the main channels of the marinas. Listen or sing to seasonal music. Dates are December 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23. The fare is $24 per adult, $ 22 per senior (55+), and $18 per child.

UCSB — The Current — ‘¡David Avalos, Presente!’ at UCSB’s Art, Design & Architecture Museum on Dec. 5

by Community Contributor • December 4, 2025 • Comments Off

The Art, Design & Architecture Museum hosts a celebration of the late artist’s legacy and his impact on the Chicano Art Movement in California.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors to meet on Dec. 9

by Community Contributor • December 4, 2025 • Comments Off

View this email online The next regular meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2025 County Administration Building Board Hearing Room, 4th Floor 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara The public may participate…

Music Academy of the West — A first look at our downtown music education center and its impact

by Community Contributor • December 4, 2025 • Comments Off

As we imagine the future of music, community, and creative belonging in Santa Barbara, I’m thrilled to share an exciting update on the Academy’s Music Education Center. This visionary new hub at 901 State Street—made possible by a landmark $20 million commitment from Academy Board Member and Music Education Center Founding Contributor Cheryl Goldberg—reflects the Music Academy’s belief in music as a powerful force for connection, inspiration, and the cultural vitality of our city.

UCSB — The Current — ‘ParalympicsGB makes UCSB its training base for LA 2028’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • December 3, 2025 • Comments Off

Slated for summer 2028, in the runup to the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, the team’s Preparation Camp at UCSB is expected to be one of its largest ever.

County of Santa Barbara December 2025 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • December 3, 2025 • Comments Off

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free events and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • December 2, 2025 • Comments Off

SCORE: STRATEGIES TO IDENTIFY AND REACH YOUR TARGET CUSTOMERS

December 2 @ 9:00 am

In this Marketing workshop, SCORE will start by helping you identify your target market.

SBCC introduces upcoming improvements to its School of Extended Learning

by Community Contributor • December 2, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) School of Extended Learning is excited to announce that a number of previously offered fee-based classes are now FREE! The long-standing fee-based program is transitioning to a fully free noncredit model. This change means that many of the same high-quality classes students have enjoyed for years will now be available at no cost.

Many of these classes are now part of the Wellness for Older Adults program, which is open to students 18 years or older and focuses on health and lifelong learning. Students will continue to enjoy the same engaging instructors and community connections, now with expanded access for all.

December at the Santa Paula Art Museum

by Community Contributor • December 2, 2025 • Comments Off

Season’s Greetings!

We’re feeling extra thankful after November’s premiere party for The 16th Art About Agriculture Exhibition, which drew 200 guests despite the rain. We’re also delighted to share that seven artworks sold during the exhibit’s opening week! You can see the show now through March 8, 2026.

This year has been the Museum’s busiest yet thanks to the support of our donors, members, and volunteers, and we’re excited to close 2025 with some extra-special events. Scroll down to learn more.

Community Colleges of Ventura County earn innovation honor from Ventura Chamber

by Community Contributor • December 1, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Big ideas are reshaping what’s possible for students and their future careers across Ventura County. At the 2025 Poinsettia Awards Luncheon, the Ventura County Community College District will be honored with this year’s Innovation Award. Presented by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, this recognition highlights the ongoing work of the Community Colleges of Ventura County to advance student success and opportunity through forward-thinking pathways and transformative programs.

The annual Poinsettia Awards celebrates excellence in business, public service, and education, honoring individuals and organizations who are making a lasting difference in the Ventura community.

“To be honored by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce is a powerful affirmation that our work is making a real difference,” said Rick MacLennan, chancellor of the Community Colleges of Ventura County. “It tells us that the innovation happening across our colleges is not only visible: it’s valued, and it’s meeting the needs of the community we’re proud to serve every day.”

Bilingual report — 805UNDOCUFUND newsletter update — Major Advocacy Wins & Giving Tuesday 2025/Principales Logros en Defensa y Martes de Donaciones 2025

by Community Contributor • November 26, 2025 • Comments Off

Major Advocacy Wins & Giving Tuesday 2025/Principales Logros en Defensa y Martes de Donaciones 2025 Community Win #1: Santa Barbara County Halts Transfers & Layoffs Victoria de la Comunidad #1: El Condado de Santa Bárbara Detiene Traslados y Despidos On…

Bilingual guest commentary by Kaiser Permanente — Holiday Food Safety: Essential tips for preventing foodborne illness

by Community Contributor • November 26, 2025 • Comments Off

Holiday gatherings are a time for celebration, family, and, of course, delicious food. However, with the hustle and bustle that comes with hosting, food safety can sometimes be overlooked. Understanding how bacteria grow and knowing the best practices for selecting, handling, serving, and storing food can help keep everyone healthy during your festivities.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health — Tips for practicing safe food handling during Thanksgiving

by Community Contributor • November 26, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — This Thanksgiving, add fresh flavors to your holiday meal while preventing foodborne illness with practical tips from Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) and Ventura County Resource Management Agency Environmental Health Division (EH).

Ventura College Foundation seeks donations to ensure tuition costs are covered under the VC Promise Program

by Community Contributor • November 26, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura College Foundation is launching an awareness campaign to ensure all eligible first-time, full-time Ventura College students’ tuition costs remain covered under the Ventura College Promise (VC Promise) program.

VC Promise covers tuition and health, student center and student representative fees. State funding provides a portion of these costs. During the 2024-25 school year, the Ventura College Foundation contributed an extra $158,000 to the program after state funding fell considerably short due to state government budget issues.

During the 2024-25 school year, 4,460 first-time, full-time first- and second-year students participated in the program. The foundation also supported the college’s equipment lending library and veterans’ textbook program, which served 3,407 students.