SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has been selected as one of 36 organizations across the Central Coast to receive Catalyst Predevelopment Funding through Uplift Central Coast. WEV was awarded $50,000 to support early-stage research and planning for EmpowerPath,…
“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 Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival will return to Alameda Park on Saturday, April 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 2025. 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.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Pickleball is thrilled to announce the return of its signature annual event—now rebranded as Kenny Loggins’ “Pickleball in the Danger Zone” Tournament. Celebrating its eighth year, this highly anticipated tournament was formerly known as the American Riviera Classic Pickleball Tournament and has grown into what may be the largest amateur athletic event in the city.
Set to draw over 400 registered players, the tournament will feature men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles divisions, showcasing top-tier amateur competition in a vibrant community atmosphere.
World Music Series
Wednesday, April 16
Los Catanes del Norte will perform music from different regions in Mexico including corridos, rancheras, and boleros norteños.
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.
OXNARD — The cities of Oxnard and Ventura, along with the County of Ventura, enlisted the help of Agromin, California’s largest organics recycler and manufacturer of environmentally friendly soil products, to distribute 40 tons of compost and mulch to local schools during the last quarter of 2024. This distribution was coordinated by Ventura County Farm to School, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting environmental, agricultural and nutrition education.
Schools receiving compost and mulch for their school gardens included Haycox Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, Mesa High School, Oxnard High School, Rio Del Norte Elementary School, Rio Del Sol STEAM School, Rio Del Valle Middle School, Rio Real Elementary, Tierra Vista Elementary, and Sunset Elementary School.
IN-PERSON EVENT: MARKETING MASTERCLASS
April 24 @ 8:00 am
Are you struggling to attract profitable customers and grow your business? Do you want to stand out from the competition and maximize your marketing efforts? This must-attend workshop is designed for established business owners and new entrepreneurs looking to drive real results. Join SCORE and EDC for this insight-packed session and discover the strategies you need to attract, win and retain high-value customers. Address: Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St., Ventura, California 93001.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
SANTA PAULA — Ventura College’s Veterinary Technology (Vet Tech) program recently began using the Lokahi Lab, a new 2,000-square-foot teaching space built to support veterinary hands-on skills training. The lab is in Santa Paula, adjacent to Ventura College’s East Campus.
The lab was built with donations to the Lokahi Foundation, a Ventura-based nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the veterinary workforce.
Lokahi Foundation founders Dr. Janis Shinkawa and Dr. Jill Muraoka are two of the founding partners of Ohana Pet Hospital, with locations in Ventura, Santa Paula, and Agoura Hills. In 2017, the two veterinarians collaborated with Ventura College to develop a start-up Vet Tech program to help fulfill the growing need for Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) and qualified veterinary assistants in Ventura County.
Don’t miss your chance to see Birthday Party Fundraiser! Tickets are still available, but they’re selling fast. You can skip straight to the front of our line and secure your tickets by visiting our website.
CAMARILLO — When CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) alumna Sara Ruiz had the opportunity to return to her alma mater as a guest director, she didn’t think twice. The Class of 2020 alumna, who double majored in Performing Arts and Political Science was elated to return to the place that shaped her and share some of her wisdom with current students who are part of the theatre community.
“To impart the sort of wisdom that I’ve learned at Channel Islands, and since, to bring that back to the young actors who are here now, is just unbelievable, and is something that I am really grateful that I get to be a part of.”
CAMARILLO — The Community Colleges of Ventura County proudly recognize Kelly Denton, Academic Data Specialist at Ventura College, as the 2025 Classified Employee of the Year. The annual award celebrates the excellence, professionalism and dedication of classified professionals who make an exceptional impact across our campuses and communities.
“This is our chance to recognize the incredible work Kelly Denton has done and how deeply she is valued by the Ventura College community,” said Board Chair Gabriella Torres. “Kelly was selected because of the meaningful impact she makes every day — through her dedication, leadership and the way she goes above and beyond to support students, faculty and staff alike.”
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.
VENTURA COUNTY — In a landmark moment for emergency medical services, Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) paramedics assigned to Rescue Ambulance 50 administered the first-ever prehospital whole blood transfusion in the state of California during a response in the City of Oxnard last night.
The historic incident underscores the success of a highly coordinated, multi-agency effort involving the Ventura County Fire Department, the Ventura County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency, and Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) — all working together to bring this advanced lifesaving capability to the field.
“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.
We get it. The daily barrage of bad news punctuated by heartbreaking environmental crises is enough to make anyone want to shut down.
But the Community Environmental Council’s team of 28 Board and Staff members are not tuning out. We are still very much in this — working every day to ensure that the California Central Coast is a tangible, real-world model of what healthy, equitable, climate-safe communities can look like.
“A Brush with Nature: Three Artists’ Perspectives”
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Sandy Fisher, Mardilan Lee Georgio, and Charlotte Mullich
On view now through May 4, 2025
Artists Sandy Fisher, Mardilan Lee Georgio, and Charlotte Mullich highly recommend joining your local arts organization. The three friends met through the Santa Clarita Artists Association and later formed their own modest alliance to trade advice and support one another. All three women began their professional fine art careers later in life after raising children, though Charlotte has been teaching art for many years, and all were encouraged towards the arts from a young age.
SANTA BARBARA — 805UndocuFund is proud to announce it has received a total of $32,000 in grant funding from The Fund for Santa Barbara to expand its immigrant rights advocacy and strengthen rapid response and disaster relief efforts across the Central Coast.
The first award—a $10,000 Emergent Needs Grant from The Fund for Santa Barbara—will provide general operating support for the 805 Immigrant Rapid Response Network, which monitors and responds to immigration enforcement actions across Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
The second award—a $12,000 Donor Advised Grant, also from The Fund for Santa Barbara—provides additional general support for the Rapid Response Network, further sustaining the network’s capacity to verify ICE activity, deploy trained legal observers and community responders, and provide emergency assistance to impacted families.
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.
OXNARD — The Ventura County Ethnic Studies Downtown Oxnard Walking Tour will be held from9 a.m.to 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 18.
Led by Professors José Alamillo and Frank Barajas, the 2.5 mile tour of the historic and cultural sites of downtown Oxnard will be followed by lunch and conversation.
A driving option is available for those with mobility issues.
RSVP to Patty Colman (pcolman@vccd.edu) by Wednesday, April 16 as space is limited.
Everyone deserves clean air, safe water, and a healthy community – no matter your race, income, or zip code. But right now, low-income communities and communities of color are still being hit first and worst by pollution and climate change.
Environmental justice means we don’t just survive – we thrive. It means organizing, speaking out, and demanding bold changes that put our health, our safety, and our futures first. And this month, you’ve got three powerful ways to take action with our community:
Speak Up at the State Lands Commission – Monday, April 14
“Education is at the core of SBMA’s mission,” states Eichholz Family Foundation Director Amada Cruz. “The new expanded space for classes and workshops at the Museum is a game-changer. From the minute you walk into the light-filled white ART LEARNING LAB, you are immersed in a space for art-making with colorful pencils, crayons, sketch pads, and drawings on the wall.”
While strawberry-themed foods and beverages are a big draw for the nearly 50,000 people who attend each year, the festival is well-known for unique handcrafted works by artists and crafters. Over 150 artisans showcase their original items including paintings, ceramics, children’s toys, wearables, photography, outdoor furniture, jewelry and specialty foods. Many incorporate strawberries into their creations.
“For many festivalgoers, their first stop is the arts and crafts booths to see what’s new,” says Dana Hale-Mounier, director of Pacific Fine Arts Festivals and coordinator of the festival’s arts and craft booths. “Meeting the artists at the festival makes the experience special. You learn about their inspiration and the creation process and appreciate what goes into every item.”
‘Life in Tune” with Freddie Ravel
Tuesday, April 22 | 12:00 PM
Zoom Webinar
“Life in Tune” is a one-of-a-kind program designed to challenge and inspire organizations to discover their untapped potential. The format is fast-paced, entertaining, and as the secrets of the world’s undisputed international language of music are revealed, full of surprises.
Freddie will be taking questions that will be moderated by Gerhard Apfelthaler, Dean of the School of Management. Everyone is welcome to join the conversation.
Registration is required. Registered participants will be sent information about joining the Zoom webinar.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura’s Economic Vitality Unit, in partnership with the Department of Airports and key regional partners, has been awarded $550,000 to establish an Advanced Air Mobility Innovation Center. The grant is part of a $9 million…
New research demonstrates that fruit fly larvae navigate toward the negative electric potential using a small set of sensory neurons in their head.
“SEEAG is honored to be chosen to participate in this special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, SEEAG executive director. “The more points SEEAG receives, the larger portion of Target’s charitable funds will go to fund SEEAG’s mission.”
Nonprofits were selected by region based on their impact and address pressing issues in their community. Points are accumulated through June 1.
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.
Are you ready to lead grassroots climate action?
CEC’s Spring Climate Stewards Course begins April 16.
CEC Climate Stewards are leading a groundswell of Climate Action across California’s central coast. If you are looking for ways to have a positive impact in your community, CEC’s Climate Stewards certification program can equip you with the skills and confidence to take individual and collective action.
VENTURA — The Ventura County Continuum of Care has reported a 15.6% decrease in homelessness as part of the 2025 Ventura County Homeless Count. Conducted on January 22, 2025, the count identified 1,990 individuals experiencing homelessness, a reduction of 368 people compared to 2024. Since 2023, the overall decrease stands at 18.5%.
This progress reflects successful investments in permanent supportive housing, homelessness prevention programs, and enhanced supportive services across the county to promote housing retention. The count, which adheres to federal definitions of homelessness, includes individuals living unsheltered, in emergency shelters, or in transitional housing.
We have big news to share – CAUSE is expanding! We’re launching a new chapter in Lompoc and strengthening our Worker Outreach Program across the region. That means we’re hiring bold leaders to join us in the fight for justice!
IN-PERSON EVENT: OXNARD’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: MARKETING AND RESOURCES FOR RESTAURANTS
April 9 @ 9:00 am
Join SCORE Ventura County and Economic Development Collaborative to learn about Oxnard’s Recipe for Success. This workshop aims to equip restaurant owners with the tools and strategies to maximize social media and highlight the power of collaboration between restaurants, local districts and Visit Oxnard from a panel of local businesses. Address: Oxnard Main Public Library (251 South A St, Oxnard, CA 93030).
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
A field experiment conducted with cities in China demonstrates that an increase in government transparency causes decreases in pollution, with meaningful effects on health.
Dr. Jalilian is board-certified in family medicine and a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Iran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services in Tehran, Iran where he also served as a primary care and emergency medicine physician. Dr. Jalilian completed his family medicine residency at University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa and went on to practice medicine at Peace Health Medical Group in Florence, Oregon. Prior to joining Cottage Health, he cared for patients at Santa Barbara Health Care Center, a public health clinic under the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.
Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell is proud to announce the honorees of the 1st Annual Supervisorial Leadership and Excellence Awards, a signature event recognizing extraordinary individuals whose leadership, dedication and compassion have made a lasting impact across Ventura County’s District 2.
The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 PM at the Amgen campus in Thousand Oaks. This inaugural celebration will honor “Great Navigators” those who have shown excellence in Public Safety, Education, Prosperity and Economy, Conservation and Environmentalism and Community Leadership.
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance has launched the Light the Way lifeline campaign, a bold three-year, $5 million fundraising initiative to ensure that survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence in San Luis Obispo County continue to have access to life-saving resources. With nearly half of the organization’s funding at risk due to potential federal funding cuts, vital services—including emergency shelter, therapy, and crisis intervention—are in jeopardy.
“For thousands of survivors in San Luis Obispo County, Lumina Alliance is their only lifeline,” said Jennifer Adams, CEO of Lumina Alliance. “Without urgent funding, we risk losing the essential services that help survivors heal and rebuild their lives.”
“Eleanor is dedicated to seeing that students have every opportunity to succeed,” says Nicole Kreutz, Board Chair. “She is adored by students and the community. We are proud to bestow Eleanor with the Board Emeritus status and look forward to her continued involvement in the foundation.”
“We couldn’t be more grateful to the Gainey Foundation for this remarkable gift,” said PHP CEO, Erica Flores. “They have been a dedicated supporter of our mission for many years and we appreciate them supporting us for this unplanned and unanticipated need.”
SANTA MARIA — On Sunday, March 30, the Santa Maria community peacefully rallied alongside farmworkers and allies, standing firm to demand dignity—not just for their labor but for their humanity. Everyone, no matter where they were born, deserves respect, fair wages, and the opportunity to live without fear.
“We are all here today united to use our voices to fight back against the deportations. We are fighting for our kids; we are fighting for ourselves because we are all essential and deserve the right to live safely, without fear,” said Gabriela Vivar, Farmworker Leader with Alianza Campesina.
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
The event, part of a nationwide protest movement, will take place at De La Guerra Plaza from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with pre-rally sign-making starting at 12:00 PM. It is co-sponsored by Indivisible Santa Barbara and Women’s March Santa Barbara, and is part of a coordinated response to what organizers call an “ongoing crisis of power and greed” from Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and other billionaire elites.
Popular annual event welcomes students and community to the Ventura County Government Center to explore Public Works booths and equipment during a day filled with engaging, educational exhibits! VENTURA COUNTY — On May 20, 2025, Ventura County Public Works Agency…
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.
“This program marks a groundbreaking advancement in emergency medicine,” said Chief Gardner. “By equipping our rescue ambulances with whole blood, our firefighter-paramedics can deliver life-saving transfusions at the scene—significantly improving patient outcomes when every second counts.”
SANTA BARBARA — The National Association of Women Business Owners, Santa Barbara chapter (NAWBO-SB), is proud to announce the 11th Annual BRAVO Awards, celebrating the achievements of outstanding women in the Santa Barbara community. President Kara Pearson and President-Elect Mary Jean Vignone will be co-hosting an engaging luncheon to honor nine exceptional winners.
The event will take place on May 1, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Goleta. This year’s theme, “Elevating Women, Elevating Impact,” underscores the profound influence of women leaders in Santa Barbara.?
The County of Santa Barbara’s 175th Anniversary Video Series’ next video is here. This video honors the rich history of the county’s indigenous population.
SANTA BARBARA — Fourteen talented instrumentalists and vocalists will vie for thousands of dollars in scholarships at the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation’s (PASF) annual competition on April 27. The finalists were selected through auditions held March 28 and 29 at the Music Academy of the West’s Weinmann Hall in Montecito.
The PASF Audition Committee, comprised of Board President Deborah Bertling, Board Secretary Erin Bonski-Evans, and Directors Jill Felber, Dr. David McKee, and Kristine Pacheco-Bernt, carefully chose the finalists from a competitive field of adult and youth musicians. This year’s auditions featured several contenders for the newly introduced Junior Vocal Division, which is dedicated to vocalists under the age of 17.
In “The Witch Studies Reader,” scholars Jane Ward and Soma Chaudhuri introduce feminist witch studies, exploring how witchcraft functions as a site of power, persecution and decolonial critique.
OXNARD — The annual César Chávez Memorial March & Citizenship Fair will be held April 6, 2025 in Oxnard.
Sponsored by the Port of Hueneme, the City of Oxnard and the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center, marchers will gather at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 6 at Cesar Chavez School, 200 N. Juanita Ave., Oxnard, to begin the march to La Colonia Gym, 195 No. Marquita St., Oxnard.
“We will visit the César Chávez Memorial site (Childhood Home),” organizers reported.
First Thursdays retunrs April 3rd with amazing eats, sweet treats, and good vibes as some of the best local food trucks roll in! @thesoulrevival_band will entertain with a soulful R&B set. Also participating is a group of CSU Long Beach grad students hosting a Community Resource Booth featuring free info, coffee & pasteries, and prize drawing! Learn about local services and share your thoughts on what matters to you and your family.
Thurs, April 3rd, 5 PM – 9 PM at Plaza Park, 500 South C Street
March was a month of exciting growth here at Friendship Center!
We welcomed several new faces to our incredible team, bringing us to nearly 25 staff members strong. And the momentum doesn’t stop there— we’ve just completed the second month of offering our new transportation service, and we’re two weeks into offering programs at the Carpinteria Healthy Aging Hub!
These new offerings are a direct response to what you, our families and community, have told us you need. We’re building not just with our hearts, but with intention and care—because we believe in doing what works, and doing it with love.
“This year, we’re introducing a few changes to our annual concert series, all aimed at enhancing the experience for everyone,” said Recreation Manager Rebecca Ellis. “As part of our efforts to streamline all our recreation programs, we are now aligning ticket prices with our standard resident and non-resident fee structure. Additional changes to this year’s program include eliminating printed and mailed tickets with a streamlined check-in service on the day of the event.
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.”
Dallas Ipach, who has dedicated his career to teaching students who face significant social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, has been named the 2025 Teacher of the Year for schools operated by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). Mr. Ipach will now have the opportunity to compete for the Ventura County Teacher of the Year award, which is accepting nominations until May 2.
You’re all welcome to join us on April 3rd for a FREE painting workshop with artist Champagne Smoke!
Champagne Smoke is an artist, author and educator bringing creativity to life through storytelling and immersive art experiences. As the visionary behind Lotus Dynasty, she merges African American and Asian influences, unveiling untold stories from the past and present. Through her work, she invites audiences to explore a world where culture, history, and imagination collide. Follow Champagne Smoke on Instagram @vivrantbloom to see more of her work!
Peppermint Parlor is across from Sephora!
Connect with a community of activists.
Join us on the first Friday of each month, when local climate activists, students, and community members gather to exchange information about regional climate issues and opportunities for action. This month, Santa Barbara organizations will share Earth month actions that the community can take part in, including Sable pipeline advocacy opportunities.
Friday, April 4, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
Founded in 2015 by Jackie Quinn, Quinn Fiduciary Services specializes in trust and estate administration and in safeguarding the financial and overall well-being of seniors and at-risk adults. Fiduciaries Tamara Skov and Shannon Dalton purchased the company in 2023 and are now the firm’s managing members and owners, while Quinn remains involved as a consultant.
As Federal climate leadership stalls, cities, states, and local organizations are taking action to build climate resilience from the ground up. In this vein, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) remains committed to fostering grassroots climate action along California’s Central Coast.
This month, CEC is proud to co-host the 55th annual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival, an opportunity to educate, advocate, and mobilize around climate action. The theme for Earth Day 2025 is Our Power, Our Planet, inviting everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.
LOMPOC — Tucked away on California’s stunning Central Coast, Lompoc is the kind of place that surprises you—in the best way possible. From sipping some of the world’s best Pinot Noir to watching rockets blast into space, this charming town is packed with unexpected adventures. Ready to explore? Here are 8 amazing things you can only do in Lompoc.
“We are immensely grateful to see the return of Mechanics Bank as our Presenting Sponsor this year,” said Ken Trigueiro CEO & President. “They’ve consistently been a huge supporter of the event and even more so of the residents who will ultimately benefit from their generosity. They are a key player in the success of the Builder Games, and we are proud to have them stand beside us as we continue to raise funds for these vital programs.”
Five decades after its founding, the support the center provides — and the community it has cultivated — are as crucial now as they were in 1975.
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.
OXNARD — Helen Reyes’ winning artwork for the 39th Annual California Strawberry Festival was revealed at an April 1 gathering of dignitaries and festival sponsors at Yolanda’s Mexican Café in Oxnard. The luncheon officially kicks off activities for the 2025 festival celebration taking place May 17 and 18 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
Reyes takes home a $2,000 grand prize and VIP tickets to the festival.
“We are thrilled to introduce this new tool as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and community involvement,” said City Clerk Michael MacDonald. “This is an exciting step forward in helping more residents take an active role in shaping Ventura’s future.”
