Category: Family

Charting New Courses: Port of Hueneme’s Global Trade & Logistics Students set sail toward bright futures

PORT HUENEME — It was a moment of pomp and circumstance at Oxnard College last week as families, educators, and Port leaders honored local students for completing the Port of Hueneme’s Global Trade & Logistics (GTL) class and taking an important step toward future careers in trade, transportation, and logistics.

The award-winning program, offered in partnership with the Oxnard Union High School District, introduces local juniors and seniors to pathways in maritime, supply chain management, and related fields. Through hands-on learning, dynamic presentations, and real-world exposure to Port operations, students gained valuable insight into one of Ventura County’s most vital economic drivers.

Over the course of the 12-session program, students learned directly from Port staff, customers, and community partners about imports and exports, goods movement, cargo systems, safety and security, and the wide range of existing and emerging careers available across the industry.

Bilingual commentary — The Dark Side of the Cradle

My favorite libraries lately are those that constitute the network of the Little Free Library movement. This is a global phenomenon with the motto: “Take a book; share a book.” Anyone is free to open the little protective door that protects the books in these micro-sized libraries. They dot some neighborhoods in front of participants’ homes and invite the passerby to peruse the collection and borrow or replace a book. Collections typically vary from around five to twenty-five books. 

I’ve always enjoyed sharing and circulating books, so this program suits me perfectly. I often choose novels, introducing me to new authors and styles of writing.

Guest commentary — An Injury to One Is an Injury to All

At 3 am, Wednesday, May13, 2026, in Ventura County communities, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations agents raided the homes, Gestapo style, of one former and three current VC Defensa volunteers, as well as the organization’s meeting place in downtown Oxnard.

At least twenty-armed HSI agents arrived at each place in military personnel vehicles masked with their firearms and panoplied in full body armor. The agents pounded doors, smashed windows, and battered down entrances.

With warrants, HSI agents ransacked each place and seized computers, mobile phones, and other property while the residents stood outside in the cold handcuffed. No one was arrested.

805UndocuFund — Freedom Music Fest brings together music and solidarity in support of immigrant families on May 17

SANTA BARBARA — The regional Mexican music community is coming together for a powerful evening of music, solidarity, and support for immigrant families through the inaugural Freedom Music Fest, featuring performances by Larry Hernández, Régulo Caro, and Roberto Tapia.

A portion of the event proceeds will benefit 805UndocuFund, a nonprofit organization providing direct financial assistance to immigrant families impacted by recent ICE raids and climate-induced disasters while also advocating for long-term systems change at the policy level.

All donated proceeds received by 805UndocuFund will directly support the organization’s Emergency Assistance Fund, which provides immediate relief to families affected by immigration enforcement throughout California’s Central Coast. Since launching the Emergency Assistance Fund in April 2025, 805UndocuFund has distributed more than $1 million in direct assistance to impacted families across the region.

El Concilio Family Services — Nominations deadline is May 15

OXNARD — For 35 years, El Concilio has celebrated Latino leadership throughout Ventura County… who have made a substantial impact in their communities.
These individuals have enhanced the lives of the underprivileged… through their contributions to education, volunteerism, health and wellness, advocacy, and more.

Do you know a Leader in your community who has significantly influenced the lives of the Latino community?

Bilingual report — Registration underway for Allan Hancock College’s annual Women’s Fire Camp

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College invites women ages 15-25 to get a first-hand look at life as a firefighter at Hancock’s annual Women’s Fire Camp. The camp will be held May 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC) in Lompoc.

Women who sign up for this event will work with staff from Hancock’s fire technology program and the college’s state-certified Fire Academy. Several female Hancock College Fire Academy graduates, who are now professional firefighters, will be on hand to share their knowledge and experience. Participants will take part in various team-building exercises and hands-on training with the techniques and equipment used by firefighters.

Local businesses and organizations partner with Bike the Coast Ventura ahead of inaugural event on June 13

VENTURA — Bike the Coast Ventura will be hosting their inaugural event on June 13, showcasing the charm of the Ventura community. The event has put a strong emphasis on its local involvement, focusing on building partnerships with businesses and organizations within the Ventura region and authentically connected to the community. Registration for the 2026 event is now open.

This year’s sponsors and partners include Visit Ventura, Downtown Ventura Association, Ventura Coast Brewing Company and Ventura Coast Cycling. The event has also partnered with local charity organizations, including The Los Angeles Chapter of National MS and the Downtown Ventura Foundation. The event will also host Ventura-based band The GAMBLE at their free Finish Festival, which will also include various local food, drink and vendors for riders, spectators and community members to all enjoy. 

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County breaks fundraising record at seventh annual Compassion Campaign

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced that its 7th Annual Compassion Campaign raised more than $200,000, a new record for the organization. Held Thursday, May 7 at Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada in Moorpark, the event brought together more than 200 community members, business leaders, and elected officials under the theme “The Sweetest Investment,” a reflection of the lasting returns that local commitment to affordable housing generates for the entire region.

Ventura County Community College District honors LGBTQIA+ graduates as Lavender Graduation returns to its roots

CAMARILLO — Three years ago, Oxnard College hosted the first Lavender Graduation in the history of the Community Colleges of Ventura County. On May 1, 2026, the celebration returned to the Performing Arts Building with its corridor of employee allies and a giant inflatable rainbow that welcomed attendees home.

Lavender Graduation has become a beloved districtwide tradition, rotating annually among Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges since its creation in the 2022-23 academic year. Designed to celebrate the achievements and identities of LGBTQIA+ students across the district, this year’s return to Oxnard College marked a full-circle moment for a program that has grown each year since its founding.

Register for YMCA Adventure Guides in Simi Valley and Conejo Valley

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is taking signups for its Adventure Guides/Y-Trailblazers programs in Simi and Conejo valleys for the 2026-27 school year.

Organized through the Simi Valley Family YMCA and the Yarrow Family YMCA branches, YMCA Adventure Guides/Y-Trailblazers programs are for parents and their children, ages 5–11. The program runs from August 2026 through June 2027.

Museum of Ventura County — First look at two new exhibits – Join us on June 5th

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.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

RSVP REQUESTED

Ventura County Office of Education — 2026 Teacher of the Year, Battle of the Books Winners, and more!

The Ventura County Office of Education is thrilled to announce that John Beck, an English teacher from Pacifica High School in the Oxnard Union High School District, is the 2026 Ventura County Teacher of the Year! Mr. Beck received the news this week when his family members joined representatives from VCOE and OUHSD in a surprise visit to his classroom.

Mr. Beck has been teaching for 21 years and has been at Pacifica for 13. His classroom is known for a positive atmosphere where students feel comfortable and confident in themselves as they engage in academic discussions.

“In a diverse community like ours, where students bring a wide range of experiences, languages, and aspirations into the classroom, my goal is to create an environment where every student sees themselves as a capable reader, writer, and thinker,” Mr. Beck said. His program is built to ensure equitable access to engaging, rigorous learning experiences that prepare students for success inside and outside the classroom.
Learn More about Mr. Beck

People’s Self-Help Housing launches ASCEND Fund to support affordable housing resident entrepreneurs

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) will host the launch of the ASCEND Fund on May 13, 2026 at the nonprofit’s San Luis Obispo headquarters, introducing a new initiative designed to support residents pursuing entrepreneurship, education, and professional advancement. 

The ASCEND Fund – standing for Agency, Skills, Capacity, Entrepreneurship, Network, and Direction – will provide micro-grants to individuals living in PSHH properties who are working to build businesses, grow professionally, or further their entrepreneurial education. 
 
“We see ASCEND as a bridge between our residents and the broader business community,” said Ken Trigueiro, CEO of People’s Self-Help Housing. “We’re here for our residents who are entrepreneurs and future leaders; and when we invest in their growth, we’re investing in a stronger, more resilient Central Coast economy for everyone.” 

Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing — RSVP by May 15. Join us to celebrate new affordable housing in Grover Beach on May 20

Located at 1206 West Grand Avenue and 164 South 13th Street in the City of Grover Beach, Cleaver & Clark Commons is comprised of 53 affordable, multifamily housing units for households at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

The property has 14 units set aside for farmworker households at 30-60% of AMI, 21 units are set aside for project-based vouchers administered through HASLO, and 6 units are set aside for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula sees sizeable decrease in homelessness 2026 Point-in-Time count results

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is pleased to share positive results from the 2026 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count, which indicate a 21.5% decrease in the total number of unsheltered and sheltered individuals experiencing homelessness in the City, when compared to 2025.

The Point-in-Time Count, conducted annually across Ventura County, provides a snapshot of homelessness in the community and helps guide funding, services, and policy decisions. Santa Paula’s results reflect meaningful local progress.

New Thought Now Spiritual Center marks grand opening on May 14 in Thousand Oaks

THOUSAND OAKS — A beloved spiritual community is stepping into a new chapter of inspiration.

New Thought Now!, formerly The Global Truth Center, will mark its official launch with a ribbon cutting ceremony May 14th at 4:30pm (880 Hampshire Road, Suite W, Westlake Village), bringing together local dignitaries and community members for a memorable afternoon of celebration, entertainment and refreshments. 

“It’s all about honoring where we’ve been, celebrating where we are, and opening the door to what comes next,” says Spiritual Director Dr. James Mellon, adding that “The new name reflects an evolving vision—one that honors the roots and relationships that have shaped this community while continuing to grow alongside the people it serves.”

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Final days: we can’t go back

We’re in the final days of our Spring Appeal, and we’re still working to reach our $75,000 goal by May 15.

We’re close — and every gift matters right now.

We are seeing renewed efforts to expand fossil fuels and roll back climate progress, even here on the Central Coast.

We’ve come too far to go back.

Your gift today will be matched dollar-for-dollar, but only for a short time.

Give now. Your gift will be doubled. ?

UCSB — The Current — ‘Global studies professor wins Fulbright to study energy geopolitics in Taiwan’ and more news, events

Jia-Ching Chen will spend a year in Taiwan on a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to study geopolitical intersections of energy transition and environmental governance.

Read more about Chen’s research

Bilingual commentary — May Is a Month for Optimism

We have good reasons to be optimistic about the month of May. Historically, May has been a month of events that are truly worth celebrating. Let’s review some of those cherished milestones.

To kick things off, World War II effectively ended on May 8, 1945. This singular event in history is known as VE Day (Victory in Europe Day), commemorating the day that the German Nazis surrendered, without conditions, to the Allies. 

Looking back a couple of hundred years, the first successful smallpox vaccination was made available to the public in May of 1796. That is not a typo—it was not in 1976! The English physician Dr. Edward Jenner used cowpox, a virus that infects humans via rodents and domestic cats, to provide immunity against the dangerous smallpox virus. 

Bilingual report — Ventura County Health Care Agency announces new VCMC/SPH Director

VENTURA — Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA) (on May 6) announced the appointment of Danielle Gabele, DNP, RN, as Chief Executive Officer of Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and Santa Paula Hospital (SPH), effective May 10, 2026.

Dr. Gabele holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and serves as President-Elect of the Association of California Nurse Leaders. She is also pursuing a Master of Health Administration degree at the University of Cincinnati.

“Dr. Gabele is a proven leader with a deep commitment to patient-centered care and clinical excellence,” said [Dr. John Fankhauser, HCA Director]. “Her collaborative approach and operational expertise make her exceptionally well-suited to lead VCMC and Santa Paula Hospital into the future.”

Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation opens new exhibit at Casa de la Guerra exploring housing discrimination and its lasting impacts

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) announces the opening of a new exhibit, Fine Print, Hard Lines: Housing and Exclusion in Santa Barbara, which examines how discriminatory housing policies and practices have shaped the city’s past and continue to influence the community today.

On view at Casa de la Guerra, Fine Print, Hard Lines explores the use of restrictive covenants and other exclusionary practices embedded in historical “fine print” that limited who could buy, rent, or reside in certain neighborhoods. Through a compelling mix of primary sources including property records, real estate advertisements, newspaper articles, and historic maps, the exhibit reveals how these practices produced lasting social inequities and barriers that still affect the lived experiences of Santa Barbara residents.

Free seaside live music series takes center stage all month long In May 2026 at Ventura Harbor Village

VENTURA — Setting the stage to linger longer, Ventura Harbor Village is continuing its live entertainment  series of free, family-friendly music on the Seaside Promenade at the waterfront throughout May 2026.  The ongoing music series showcases a dockside selection of top-notch musicians who present a variety of genres, including Pop, Rock and coastal surf rock.

Revel in the perfect coastal day with live music from 1 – 4 PM. Relax by the water as talented local musicians set the scene with a mix of lively and laid-back tunes. Whether you’re dining at a waterfront restaurant or simply soaking up the ocean breeze, the vibrant music adds the perfect soundtrack to your visit.

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

SANTA BARBARA — The Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara is gearing up to distribute $1,375,000 to local nonprofits that address the critical needs of women, children, and families in south Santa Barbara County. Since 2004, nearly $13 Million has been awarded to 163 local nonprofits. Grants will be announced at the Celebration of Grants on May 13 at the Lobero Theatre.

Each year, the Women’s Fund Research Committee develops and presents a ballot of projects proposed by local agencies. Members then cast their votes to determine which projects will receive funding.

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

Lumina Nights: Dancing with Our Stars raises more than $400,000 for survivors in San Luis Obispo County

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance’s signature gala, Lumina Nights: Dancing with Our Stars, brought the community together for two unforgettable, sold-out evenings on May 1 and 2 at the Vina Robles Tasting Room in Paso Robles, raising over $400,000 in support of survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. Of that total, the STAR dancers alone raised over $115,000 for Lumina Alliance’s essential programs.

STAR dancers included Jeanette Trompeter, County of San Luis Obispo Public Information Specialist; Ryan and Amber Blevins, Community Members; Kris Beal, Paso Robles City Councilmember; Bruce Gibson, District 2 County Supervisor, and Cherie Gibson; Heather Muran, Director of Portfolio Strategy and Marketing at Covelop; and Joel Peterson, CEO of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.

Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County celebrates 40 years of service, community and homes

VENTURA COUNTY — Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County announced it will mark its 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades operating on a simple but urgent mission that brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. What began in the mid-1980s from community-based roots has grown into one of the region’s most enduring forces for affordable homeownership, partnering with families across 14 cities. Over four decades, that work has touched more than 20,000 volunteers, donors, and community members.

Bilingual report — Warm May temperatures signal the start of peak ‘Mosquito Season’ following early mosquito activity in 2026

VENTURA — As temperatures continue to rise this May, Ventura County residents are encouraged to take steps to prevent mosquito breeding and protect themselves from bites as peak mosquito season begins. Mosquito activity started earlier than usual this year due to above-average temperatures, including the warmest March on record, along with increased rainfall. In addition to native mosquito species that can transmit West Nile Virus (WNV), the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito has become established in Ventura County.

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics and the Good Neighbors Founders hold Donor Appreciation Reception

SANTA BARBARA — On May 5, the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) Board of Directors and the Good Neighbors Founders hosted a Donor Appreciation Reception at the Santa Barbara Club. The evening honored a historic $5 million donation from the Wyatt Family, the largest philanthropic contribution from an individual family in the organization’s history.

During the event, CEO Mahdi Ashrafian shared remarks alongside special guests, the Wyatt Family, for an inspiring evening highlighting their leadership gift and the naming of the Wyatt Family Health Center. This transformational gift will fund the completion of SBNC’s new flagship facility on the Westside, which is expected to increase the organization’s patient capacity by over 40%, serving an additional 8,300 community members annually.

Friendship Center Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — The Friendly Finch May 2026 newsletter

I don’t know where to start with this intro letter. As much joy as we have in our programs on a daily basis, behind the scenes has been a bit tough for us over the last few months with our renovations, seasonal membership changes, fundraising efforts in what is typically a “slower” season, and so on. Well, April surely gave us the thumbs up that what we are doing is working, and I am so excited I might just jump through your screen as you read this!

For starters, I’m jazzed to share that we have officially launched our 50th Anniversary webpage! Throughout the year, this page will serve as the home for announcements, stories, celebrations, and special events commemorating Friendship Center’s first half century of impact in our community.

Art, Identity, and the Global Game Converge in ‘Once Miradas, Un Balón’ at the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard. Events May 14 through Sept. 4

OXNARD — As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, a new exhibition in Oxnard invites the community to explore the game of soccer through a local perspective. The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC), in partnership with the Consulado de México en Oxnard, presents Once Miradas, Un Balón (Eleven Gazes, One Ball)—a group exhibition that looks at fútbol as both a cultural presence and a source of artistic inspiration. The exhibit opens to the public with a reception on May 21 from 5:30-8pm and will celebrate (4) youth soccer teams with a custom jersey giveaway and hands-on activities. Once Miradas, Un Balón will be on view from May 14 – September 4, 2026. Gallery hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Admission is free.

Hospice of Santa Barbara announces first Ambassador Spotlight: Jill Nida

SANTA BARBARA — For more than three decades, Jill Nida has been a steadfast advocate, volunteer, and champion for Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB). Her leadership and generosity have helped shape the organization into what it is today, and her personal story is deeply woven into its mission.  

Over the past 37 years, Jill has served as Board Chair (twice), Board Member, Auxiliary Member, and Capital Campaign Chair for the Riviera office building. She was also honored as a Hero of Hospice in 2015. She served on the Hospice Foundation Board and is Board Emeritus. She was instrumental in the HSB butterfly logo design and color (aqua).  Beyond titles, roles, and responsibilities she has been one of HSB’s most passionate ambassadors in the community, given the unofficial title “Cheerleader Emeritus.”

Ventura Charter School’s 15th Annual EcoFest draws 2,500 in celebration of Students, Sustainability and Community

VENTURA — Ventura Charter School welcomed an estimated 2,500 attendees to its 15th Annual EcoFest on Sunday, April 26, as students, families, local businesses and community organizations gathered on the school’s Ventura campus to celebrate sustainability and demonstrate what a school rooted in its community looks like in practice.

All proceeds from booth fees, sponsorships, the silent auction and raffle ticket sales go directly to student programs and educational enrichment at Ventura Charter School.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College honors noncredit students at recognition ceremony

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the achievements of its noncredit students at its annual Noncredit Recognition Ceremony May 1 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, including family childcare license preparation, commercial truck driving and income tax preparation. The ceremony also recognized students who completed English Language Development (ELDN) courses, earned their GED Equivalency Certificate or achieved U.S. citizenship through the college’s noncredit offerings. More than 426 certificates were completed in noncredit programs at Hancock during the 2025–2026 academic year. 

“Noncredit programs are essential to ensuring that education remains accessible to everyone in our community,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “These students are a powerful example of what can be achieved when opportunity meets determination.” 

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara held Senior Fair, ‘Young at Heart’

SANTA BARBARA — On Thursday, April 30th, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), in partnership with 2nd Story Associates, hosted the Young at Heart Senior Fair at Presidio Springs. Approximately 150 HACSB senior residents gathered to receive important information and resources from a wide array of partnering organizations and service providers.

The event provided local seniors with access to essential resources related to health care, wellness, recreation, caregiving, and social services. Highlights of the fair included:

El Concilio Family Services — Check out our video on May 15 deadline for 23rd annual Latino Leadership Award nominations

Celebrate leadership. Inspire community.

For over 35 years, El Concilio Family Services has honored outstanding Latino leaders across Ventura County who are making a meaningful difference through education, advocacy, volunteerism, health, and more. Know someone who is uplifting others and creating impact?

Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Join May Day Actions on the Central Coast. See other events

VENTURA COUNTY — May Day – also known as International Workers’ Day – is Friday, May 1, 2026, and we’re inviting you to take part in a powerful day of action across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

On May 1, workers, students, and families across the Central Coast will come together for a coordinated day of rallies and marches as part of a nationwide mobilization spanning more than 1,000 cities. Rooted in grassroots energy and a growing movement of economic noncooperation, communities are taking a collective stand – walking out of workplaces, classrooms, and stores – to demand a future that puts people over profit.

This “No Work, No School, No Shopping” action highlights the strength of everyday people united in solidarity with communities facing impossible choices amid escalating ICE raids and rising authoritarianism, while corporate profits continue to rise. From the fields to classrooms to city streets, the message across the Central Coast is clear: ICE OUT OF THE 805.

Port of Hueneme — DOCK TALK – Community Newsletter – April 2026

The Oxnard Harbor District proudly celebrated Earth Day along side the MERITO Foundation at the Ventura Earth Day Festival in downtown Ventura.

The Port continues its charge to Zero Emissions by 2030 as we utilize electric cargo handling equipment, solar arrays, emissions capture barges, and real-time air quality monitoring.

Mixteco Indigena Community Organization Project (MICOP) — No Work, No School, No Shopping: Oxnard May Day Calls for ICE Out of the 805 on May 1

OXNARD — On May 1, 2026, workers, students, and families will join local organizations in Downtown Oxnard for a May Day Rally and March, as part of the May Day Strong Movement in over 1,000 cities nationwide to demand a country that puts people over profit. The action is part of a coordinated “No Work, No School, No Shopping” pledge to demonstrate solidarity with community members who continue to choose between basic needs amid increased fear due to ICE enforcement, while corporations and billionaires grow their wealth. Across California’s Central Coast, we rise together with one clear demand: ICE OUT OF THE 805. 

Santa Barbara Education Foundation celebrates 40 years and raises over $300,000 for local students

SANTA BARBARA — On Thursday, April 23, the Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) hosted its 40th Celebration, marking four decades of impact in support of students and public schools in the Santa Barbara Unified School District. The milestone event welcomed over 200 guests and brought together community leaders, educators, and supporters to honor the people and programs shaping student success.

Thanks to the community’s generosity, the event raised more than $300,000, marking a record-breaking fundraiser for the organization. Highlights included a transformational $100,000 gift from Sara Miller McCune through the Léni Fund supporting the BRAVO! afterschool music program, a $10,000 lead gift from the John C. Mithun Foundation, and a $15,000 matching gift announced by keynote speaker Angel Martinez in support of teachers.

Ventura County Fire Dept. — Snake Safety While Hiking: Ventura County Fire reminds residents to stay aware outdoors?

THOUSAND OAKS — As temperatures rise and more residents head outdoors to enjoy Ventura County’s scenic trails, the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) is reminding the public to stay alert and practice snake safety while hiking.

Rattlesnakes are active throughout the region, particularly in warmer months, and are often found along trails, in tall grass, and near rocks or logs. While encounters are typically avoidable, taking a few simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of a bite.

Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) e-newsletter April 2026

Earlier this month, the crew aboard the Orion spacecraft made history, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them. It was special to follow Pilot Victor Glover among them, as the fourth Cal Poly SLO fellow alumni who studied in our organization’s headquarters home town, and went on to become an astronaut. Like many others, I had the privilege of listening live to the transmissions between the astronauts 252,760 miles from home and the science team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The technology enabling that achievement was extraordinary of course, but what struck me most was not the machinery – it was the communication.

Ventura Land Trust awarded competitive Whale Tail Grant to expand coastal education access for inland youth

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura Land Trust (VLT) has been awarded a highly competitive grant from the California Coastal Commission’s Whale Tail Grant Program to expand coastal and environmental education access for Santa Paula youth.

The funding is part of a $2 million statewide investment announced on April 17th, 2026, supporting coastal education, conservation, and public access. The Coastal Commission selected just 47 projects from a record-breaking total of 434 applications, highlighting the significance of this award.

Cottage Health adds Organ Donation Registration to MyChart, Empowering Patients with Lifesaving Choice

SANTA BARBARA —  In recognition of National Donate Life Month, Cottage Health has introduced a new tool that allows patients to register as organ, eye and tissue donors directly through MyChart, the same secure portal they already use to manage their care. This enhancement expands access to donor registration at a time when more than 23,000 Californians are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — E-Bike Safety Measure Passes

(April 28), the E-bike Safety Measure (Item 46) passed unanimously. Supervisor Jeff Gorell brought this forward in partnership with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

This measure builds on the strong work already happening locally and aims to evaluate best practices across California—including education, enforcement, and policy options. A report will be provided to the Board with recommendations to improve safety. 

As e-bike use continues to rise, so do challenges like unsafe riding, collisions, and confusion around the rules. This is about working together—families, schools, law enforcement, and our community—to keep our kids safe.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — You showed up for Earth Day — what comes next?

This weekend, thousands of people came together on the Central Coast for the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival.

Together, we celebrated, connected, and recommitted to building a healthier, more resilient future.

Thank you for being part of it.

To carry this momentum forward, CEC is working to raise $75,000 by May 15 — and every gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar.