
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.

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the achievements of its noncredit students at its annual Noncredit Recognition Ceremony on Friday, May 9, at the college’s Santa Maria campus.
The celebration, held in Boyd Concert Hall, highlighted the perseverance and accomplishments of students who completed noncredit certificate programs, earned their GEDs, completed English Language Development (ELDN) courses, or achieved U.S. citizenship through the college’s noncredit offerings.
More than 200 students completed noncredit programs at Hancock during the 2025 academic year.
“This event shines a light on the hard work and determination of our noncredit students, many of whom have overcome significant personal and academic obstacles to reach their goals,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers. “We’re proud to celebrate their success and the life-changing impact of these programs.”

VENTURA — During National Police Week, happening May 11–17, the City of Ventura recognizes the people behind the badge and the vital roles they play in making our community safer and stronger. Behind every call for help, traffic stop, or community event is a Ventura Police Department employee working with purpose, compassion, and resolve.
“National Police Week is a powerful reminder of the commitment our officers make every day and of the very real risks they face to protect our community,” said Interim Police Chief Tony Lee. “Our employees are our most valuable asset, and the work they do is the backbone of public safety in Ventura. We are deeply grateful for their service, sacrifice, and resilience.”

Advocates of establishing colonies on Mars (Elon Musk immediately comes to mind) contend that we must develop these outposts on this red planetary soil to ensure the viability of humankind. If we do not colonize our celestial neighbor, they argue, then we will certainly face extinction, given the increasing uninhabitability of our mother planet.
Critics pounce on this logic, saying that the likely cause of the multitude of terrestrial disasters we face is due to climate change. And rather than investing those billions of dollars in “escaping” to Mars, we need to focus on reversing the decades of climate destruction caused by fossil fuels, the Trump administration notwithstanding.

“For over two decades, this scholarship has honored the legacy of Sergeant Darlon ‘Dee’ Dowell by investing in the educational journeys of students committed to service,” said Corporal Joseph Metz, President of the VPOA. “We are proud to continue that tradition and help inspire the next generation of public safety professionals.”

“Our Environmental Health Division team, along with our hired contractors and State partners, approached this effort with great care as we managed the program and supported property owners throughout the process”, said Charles Genkel, Environmental Health Division Director. “This wasn’t just about clearing debris. It was about helping people take an important step toward healing and recovery. As we move into the rebuilding phase, the County remains committed to supporting property owners every step of the way.”

VENTURA — With the return of warmer weather and an increase in motorcycles on the road, Ventura PD reminds drivers to share the road, reduce crashes, and help save lives throughout May, recognized nationally as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
“Motorcycles can easily be overlooked in traffic, making it essential to check your mirrors and blind spots carefully,” said Corporal David Curtis. “A simple second glance can prevent a tragedy. Unlike drivers in cars, motorcyclists lack the protection of a vehicle frame. We all share the responsibility to help keep our roads safe.”

CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) announced the appointment of Dr. Felix Nuñez as Chief Executive Officer. A seasoned family physician and health care executive with nearly three decades of experience in managed care and health care delivery, Dr. Nuñez will lead GCHP’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, equitable care to more than 240,000 Medi-Cal members in Ventura County.
Dr. Nuñez joined GCHP in 2022 as associate chief medical officer and assumed the role of chief medical officer the following year. He assumes the CEO role following an eight-month tenure as Acting CEO. His three-year contract starts May 1, 2025, and runs through April 30, 2028.
“I have dedicated my life’s work to vulnerable populations and underserved communities, and I am happy that I can continue to lead that important work in Ventura County,” Dr. Nuñez said. “I look forward to strengthening GCHP’s partnerships, expanding access to high quality care for our members, and continuing to build a health plan that contributes to the overall health and wellbeing of our community.”

To help protect bicyclists and pedestrians, the Ventura Police Department will conduct a focused traffic safety operation throughout the month, aimed at addressing violations that endanger people walking and biking. Enforcement efforts will focus on speeding, illegal turns, failure to yield, and stop sign or red light violations.

CARE Act Town Hall Meeting on Mental Health and Support Services
Join the County of Ventura and the Ventura County Superior Court for an upcoming *CARE Act Town Hall Meeting* to learn about a new program offering voluntary support and treatment for individuals facing serious mental health and substance use challenges.
This informative session will cover eligibility, the petition process, and how the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act is being implemented locally to connect people with the care they need.
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Ventura County Government Center
Hall of Administration – Lower Plaza Assembly Room, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009
Or Join via Zoom:
Meeting ID: 814 194 7530
Passcode: 484640
Download Zoom at: zoom.us/download
**Spanish interpretation will be provided.
Speakers include representatives from the Ventura County Superior Court, County Counsel, Public Defender’s Office, and Behavioral Health, all working together to support residents through this new state program.
LEARN MORE

“Today is not an ending, but rather a beginning,” said Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Vincent Wasilewski. “It is the beginning of a career in one of the most demanding and rewarding professions anywhere.”
All 12 graduates of CORE Academy Class #19 completed a comprehensive California Standards and Training for Corrections course consisting of 260 hours of instruction. The six-week academy is designed to prepare students to work as correctional officers. Some of the instruction included emergency planning in a custody facility, report writing, ethics, investigation procedures, contraband, arrest and control, physical fitness training, CPR/First Aid and emergency vehicle operations.
Public education is facing an unprecedented challenge. As political rhetoric intensifies, the U.S. Department of Education has come under attack, with calls for its elimination shaking the foundation of our nation’s commitment to equitable learning opportunities. Yet, despite these challenges, the focus of Ventura County educators remains clear: ensuring the well-being and success of students.
At this time, when public education is under scrutiny, our schools need unwavering support from the communities they serve. The narrative around education must shift from one of division to one of shared responsibility and appreciation. We need to reinforce the idea that teaching is not just a profession, but a privilege—one that shapes the future of our society. Strong, compassionate educators and leaders remain essential to guiding our schools through these uncertain times.
Public education is facing an unprecedented challenge. As political rhetoric intensifies, the U.S. Department of Education has come under attack, with calls for its elimination shaking the foundation of our nation’s commitment to equitable learning opportunities. Yet, despite these challenges, the focus of Ventura County educators remains clear: ensuring the well-being and success of students.
At this time, when public education is under scrutiny, our schools need unwavering support from the communities they serve. The narrative around education must shift from one of division to one of shared responsibility and appreciation. We need to reinforce the idea that teaching is not just a profession, but a privilege—one that shapes the future of our society. Strong, compassionate educators and leaders remain essential to guiding our schools through these uncertain times.

SANTA MARIA — Students in Allan Hancock College’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs took home a staggering 50 gold, silver, and bronze medals from the statewide SkillsUSA competition in Ontario, California, earlier this month.
A record-breaking 40 Hancock students who participated in this year’s competition earned gold medals across 25 categories, including cybersecurity, architecture, welding, crime scene investigation, web design, and more.
In addition, seven Hancock students earned silver medals and three earned bronze medals.
“The work and dedication of our SkillsUSA students demonstrates their drive to succeed and their passion for their career pathways,” said Hancock Administration of Justice Instructor Kurt Kruse, who attended the competition as a SkillsUSA coach. “As an instructor, I was proud of every student who competed.”?

VENTURA — Early education about food helps young people see the value of eating fruits and vegetables instead of ultra-processed foods. A fun program helps 3rd grade students learn where their food comes from, the science of agriculture, and related career opportunities. Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) provides a Farm-to-Table Laboratory that teaches children in Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara counties in California, thanks to a grant from Kaiser Permanente.

“We are excited to welcome Chief Dickey as the next leader of the Ventura Police Department,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “His extensive experience, collaborative leadership style, and dedication to the community make him well-equipped to address evolving public safety challenges with professionalism.”

Hancock will host the 2025 Folklórico Invitational concert and dance performance on May 1-3 at 7 p.m. in Boyd Concert Hall (bldg. F) on the Santa Maria campus. Performers include Hancock students, as well as talented dancers from Righetti, Pioneer Valley and Santa Maria high schools, as well as members of the community. Tickets are $10 each and are available at https://www.hancockcollege.edu/pathways/creative-arts/tickets.php.

SANTA BARBARA — Join ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) for three free community performances by Ballet Nepantla.
Ballet Nepantla
THREE FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES
Friday, May 16 | 7 PM | Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Rd, Goleta
Saturday, May 17 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St, Guadalupe, CA
Sunday, May 18 | 6 PM | The Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E Cota St, Santa Barbara
Ballet Nepantla combines classic ballet and contemporary dance with traditional Mexican folklórico, creating a truly special production. Founders Andrea Guajardo and Martín Rodríguez envisioned a new form of expression that fused these two distinct dance traditions, creating an aesthetic that reflects the historical, cultural, and social realities of a broader narrative of being Mexican, Mexican American, immigrant, and trans-cultural.

In April we celebrate Fair Housing Month and rightly recognize the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This landmark legislature came just two years ahead of People’s Self-Help Housing’s incorporation.
The Act, which protects people from discrimination when renting or buying a home, securing a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities, originally had four protected classes – race, religion, national origin, and gender. With the amendment of 1988, two additional classes, ability and familial status were added.

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College welcomed more than 200 students, educators, industry leaders and community members to its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit on April 18 at the college’s Santa Maria campus.
The event, a first of its kind for the college, brought together experts from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, LinkedIn, Cal Poly, Moorpark College, Berkeley College and Hancock for a day of engaging discussions, keynote presentations, breakout sessions and panel conversations. Topics included AI trends, practical applications, ethical considerations and how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, employment, and everyday life.

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College and Cuesta College have been awarded state funding through Uplift Central Coast’s Catalyst Predevelopment Grant initiative to establish the AHC/CC High Tech Hubs: Diversifying Careers Through Education project.
This initiative aims to address regional workforce gaps by preparing the next generation of aerospace engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and skilled technicians in high-demand industries. The grant is part of Uplift Central Coast’s recent $9 million investment in 36 projects across six counties, supporting economic growth, workforce development, and equitable job opportunities.

SANTA BARBARA — Following the powerful momentum of the recent Hands Off! action, local organizers are calling on residents to come together again—this time to deepen connections and organize at the community level.
On Saturday, April 19 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, simultaneous Community Gatherings will be held in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Isla Vista. These events are designed to create space for real conversations, grassroots strategy, and mutual support as we build a stronger, people-powered movement.
RSVP today at https://t.ly/apr19 to join one of the gatherings.

Throughout history, eavesdropping on others’ conversations has served to gather information that might otherwise not be available. The ethics of eavesdropping varies from unreservedly unconscionable to harmless and even useful. Eavesdropping can prove to be harmlessly thrilling or profoundly exciting for our spirit.

Secretary Weber’s first stop was the County Clerk and Recorder division office on the main level of the County Government Center’s Hall of Administration. She and her staff greeted county recorder and county clerk staff and looked in on the Mark A. Lunn Wedding Room, named for the former County Clerk and Recorder. Secretary Weber also visited the Elections Division in the lower level, where she received a tour of the facility and engaged with election staff.

The award was presented during CAPIO’s 2025 Annual Conference, which celebrated outstanding work in government communications for print and digital assets created by public information officials in 2024. The County of Ventura’s 2023 Annual Report took home top honors in the category. Overall, CAPIO received over 500 entries from public agencies throughout California, including cities, counties, special districts, and state departments for the more than 30 awards categories.

“Behind every County program, service, and local initiative that supports our residents, there are dedicated individuals working tirelessly to make those efforts possible,” said Supervisor Janice Parvin, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We are proud to acknowledge the career milestones for these employees. Their willingness and dedication to serve the community have made a lasting impact through decades of service and commitment.”

The Grand Opening Celebration will offer a full afternoon of fun and excitement for the whole family. Guests will enjoy live drills and demonstrations by Santa Paula’s talented youth softball and soccer teams, showcasing the community’s athletic spirit. A live band will take the stage at the new amphitheater, filling the park with music and energy.
Food lovers can grab a bite from a selection of local food trucks, while kids explore the Parks & Recreation equipment displays or hop aboard a charming kids’ train ride. The celebration will also feature interactive booths hosted by community-based organizations, offering educational resources and hands-on activities.

Now in its 55th year, the community-organized festival is one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country and is one of the largest Earth Day festivals on the West Coast. Presented by the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and produced by longtime festival partner, CarpEvents, the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival continues to serve as a beacon for environmental advocacy and education.

“Public safety dispatchers truly are the first responders,” said Interim Police Chief Tony Lee. “They manage intense situations with clarity, compassion, and focus—providing essential support to both the community and our officers in the field. Their work often goes unseen, but it is absolutely vital to every emergency response.”
Among VPD’s team of 17 skilled dispatchers, Megann Williams is being recognized as the 2024 Dispatcher of the Year for her outstanding contributions to public service and officer safety. With a calm, steady presence and an exceptional ability to multitask, Williams exemplifies the critical role dispatchers play in public safety.

As I write this, the wind outside is causing trees to sway and birds in flight to move erratically. These must be the March winds in April.
I recalled reading about the beliefs of the Aztecs regarding the wind. They surmised that the wind served as a bridge between the realms of the physical and the spiritual. They depicted Ehécatl, the Aztec god of the wind, as the sacred entity that breathed life into humanity.
The Aztecs venerated the wind and lived in awe of its dual nature; it gave life, but it could also chaotically take it away. For them, the wind carried both messages and benedictions from the gods. It was a transformative force to be reckoned with. It moved and changed the elements of the world around them.

Join us for an evening of Cochineal Dye Demonstrations, Mezcal Tasting, and Delicious Oaxacan Cuisine at Sangre De Nopal artist Porfirio Gutierrez’s Studio in Ventura.
Funds raised will provide critical support for museum exhibitions and programs like Sangre de Nopal currently on view.
For further questions email hello@mcasantabarbara.org

Saturday, April 26 | 3-7 PM | 1060 Kendall Rd, San Luis Obispo
Want to join the fun at the 2025 Builder Games? Reserve your spot now!
Cheer on teams as they race against the clock and face fun challenges to build one-of-a-kind playhouses for children. Enjoy Santa Maria style BBQ, local wine, beer, and music! All funds raised benefit the Supportive Housing and Camino Scholars programs of PSHH.

Learning to “live and let live” is like sipping cold tea on a hot summer day. When we master the concept of living and letting live, we learn to tolerate and even accept the quirks, beliefs, boundaries, and tastes of others.
If nothing else, acquiring this outlook allows us to accept a family member who cheers for the political candidate that we abhor or who likes pineapple on their pizza.
In some countries and within certain cultures, many people adopt the philosophy of “live and let live.” Living together while embracing this attitude allows for the avoidance of conflict between members of a society—something we here in the U.S. could use about now

VENTURA — The City of Ventura strongly condemns the hateful actions that occurred in our community this past weekend. The swastikas painted on public and private property are not only criminal acts of vandalism, but they also seek to spread fear and division. Let it be clear: hate has no place in Ventura.
I am deeply grateful to the Ventura Police Department for their swift and effective response, leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect. Their commitment to justice helped prevent further harm and reassured our community that such behavior will not be tolerated.

VENTURA — The Ventura Fire Department urges property owners to take proactive steps in wildfire prevention by maintaining flammable grass, trees, and shrubs as part of the annual Fire Hazard Reduction Program (FHRP).
“With recent devastating fires reminding Southern California of the ever-present fire danger, the need for year-round defensible space has never been more urgent,” shared Fire Chief David Endaya. “Wildfires can spread rapidly in Ventura’s dry, drought-prone conditions, and keeping properties clear is critical to reducing structure loss and protecting lives.”

VENTURA — The Parks & Recreation Summer Activity Guide is now available online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide. Registration begins Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. and will be available online, over the phone, or in person at City Hall, Room 226, 501 Poli Street. Registration information and policies are on page 6.
The Summer Activity Guide offers a diverse range of youth summer camps and programs for all ages from June through August. Exciting special events await, including the highly anticipated 4th of July Street Fair and the captivating Music Under the Stars concert series. Community members can also explore aquatic activities such as sailing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, or swim lessons. There are also various arts and cultural options like tours to museums, productions, and local landmarks.

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is reminding residents and business owners of several important updates related to Measure R, the local sales tax initiative approved by voters in November 2024. These updates include a change in the City’s sales tax rate, the formation of a community oversight committee, and an invitation for residents to help ensure accountability and transparency in how new revenues are used.

Coming Soon! New web addresses for County websites
The County of Ventura has officially begun the migration of county websites to the new .gov domain – venturacounty.gov.?
The transition to the new address complies with CA State Assembly Bill 1637, which was passed in 2024 and requires local governments to have a .gov domain by or before 2029. The transition to the new address will provide enhanced cybersecurity and easily identify the County’s online presence for residents, businesses, and visitors.

The past few weeks have alarmed many of us who contemplate the future of our country. Yes, we’ve always had disagreements among ourselves. We’ve discussed issues and argued with each other. But over the past few years, our discord has devolved into a mean-spirited battle between liberals and conservatives, governments and disadvantaged groups, globalists and nationalists, the religious and the secularists, oligarchs and common citizens.

he next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
The public may participate virtually, or in person at the County Board Hearing Room in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.

Grow, update and revitalize your business through the City of Ventura Business Assistance Loan Fund. In partnership with the Economic Development Collaborative, the City of
Ventura funds three separate loan options for businesses. This fund is designed to create jobs, support the growth of Ventura’s small business community and revitalize the city’s
older commercial districts.

The draft Fire Hazard Severity Zone map for Ventura provides an updated assessment of local fire hazards and will help guide local fire prevention efforts, inform building regulations, and support emergency response planning. The map updates previous version approved in 2011 to reflect current fire risk conditions and new data. Hazard areas are rated moderate, high, and very high depending on the factors that contribute to fire behavior, like historical fire patterns, vegetation growth, weather, and terrain, among others.

VENTURA — The Ventura Fire Department is proud to announce the launch of a new fleet of cardiac monitor defibrillators, marking a significant advancement in emergency medical care for the community.
The department has acquired 20 new LIFEPAK 35 devices, ensuring every fire unit is equipped with a monitor and replacing older models that have served the department for the past 15 years. To support the purchase, City leaders approved an investment of $1.28 million from the General Fund in July 2024. The department began field testing the new units in January 2025 to ensure a smooth transition before full deployment.

There are retirees who believe that after decades of getting up before the sun rises to battle traffic and contend with the boss and other people at work, they deserve to awaken whenever they please, whether that means 8 a.m. or 12 noon. And if that is their choice, they’ve certainly earned it.
But I’m sure there are many like me for whom early rising is a lifetime habit that does not change. Even after several years of retirement, I look forward to rousing myself from sleep well before the first light of dawn can be discerned across the east horizon.
VENTURA COUNTY — Kaiser Permanente began 2025 on a high note by awarding a total of $315,000 in community benefit funding to 15 nonprofit organizations in Ventura County.
These grants recognize the organizations’ commitment to improving local health. The grantees were recently celebrated at a reception held at California Lutheran University where each of the funded programs was highlighted.

VENTURA — Recognizing the critical need for community members to be prepared and confident in taking appropriate action, the City of Ventura, in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the City of Santa Paula, is excited to announce the return of its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program in May 2025.
This free, hands-on program empowers 40 local residents with critical disaster response skills, preparing them to take action when it matters most. Applications are open to Ventura and Santa Paula residents and will be accepted through Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation announced the appointment of six accomplished community leaders to its Board of Directors.
The new members bring a wealth of experience in healthcare, business, finance, real estate and community engagement, further strengthening the Foundation’s ability to support Allan Hancock College and its students.?
The newly appointed directors include: Dr. Carolyn Baldiviez, Michael Boyer, Mike Brady, Michael Carroll, Katie Gorndt and Candice Monge.

… Please be assured that in partnership with our esteemed colleagues in the housing community across the nation, we are staying informed and engaged, and making our voice heard to both our federal and state elected officials. We encourage you to voice your support too wherever and however you can. Our newsletter The Blueprint is a great resource to learn more about what is happening to housing, and we continue to thank you for your advocacy.

VENTURA — On Tuesday, March 18, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the acceptance of a grant provided in partnership from the Humane Society of the United States and the Ventura County Community Foundation to support and expand the Pets for Life program, an initiative through Ventura County Animals Services (VCAS). This funding will allow VCAS to continue providing essential services that help families in need keep their beloved pets at home, rather than surrender them due to financial hardship or housing instability.

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College and California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo are partnering to significantly expand access to in-person baccalaureate degrees in northern Santa Barbara County.
Beginning in fall 2026, Cal Poly will offer a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Allan Hancock College’s Santa Maria campus, providing local students with access to a high-quality and affordable bachelor’s degree. Cal Poly is also committing to launching two additional yet-to-be-named bachelor’s degrees in 2028 and 2030.

Along with some of the keenest minds in economics, I find myself shaking my head in disbelief at the economic gyrations that Donald Trump is concocting. As he announces punishing tariffs on our trading partners and allies, under the pretext of “fentanyl imports and illegal immigration,” we watch incredulously as the stock market jumps off a cliff.
American industry and businesses find themselves feeling their way in the dark as they attempt to plan for the future. Hiring and investing are likely going to stall as the uncertainty deepens. Economic policy seems to shift on a daily—and sometimes hourly—basis.
Much of the electorate “trusts in Trump” because he is, after all, “a businessman.”
But businessmen are not economists. …