VENTURA — Marking 100 years of transforming student lives in Ventura County, Ventura College is preparing to close its centennial year with a ceremony befitting the milestone. This ceremony, taking place Friday, May 22 on the Ventura College campus, will feature distinguished guests, a historic musical performance, and a keynote address from a world-class athlete and advocate. Media representatives are encouraged to attend and cover the event.
The assistant professor of computer science has received a prestigious Early CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation for his project to advance watermarking.
SANTA BARBARA — Age Well Care, the boutique senior home care agency serving California’s Central Coast and Conejo Valley, has announced its partnership with Nolia Health to deliver dementia care at home and in-home respite care for families living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The partnership — now active across Santa Barbara County and Ventura County — operates under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, giving eligible Medicare beneficiaries access to Age Well Care’s specialized in-home caregivers.
LOMPOC — There is still time to enjoy Spring with a wildflower-colored drive to Lompoc. This hidden gem tucked along the Central Coast offers a rich history, fun outdoor activities, impressive sights, a flourishing wine industry, and outstanding options for accommodations.
During the spring, it’s a little cooler and quieter, making it one of the best times to visit. While you plan your trip to Lompoc, here’s a list of things you don’t want to miss during this season – we call it “Lompoc’s Spring Bucket List.”
We can’t wait to celebrate our stars in the community with you! Mark it on your calendar today! Partners, individuals, corporations, donors, and volunteers! We celebrate your support with awards for your gifts of time, talent, treasure, AND your Spirit! We are already working on the silent auction too!
LOMPOC — n the “Valley of Arts and Flowers,” visitors can now see spectacular patches of colors from spring through fall in the farm fields of Lompoc Valley – Stock, Larkspur, Delphinium, Sweet Pea and Bells of Ireland along with other varieties are grown in abundance by local commercial flower growers.
Where to See Them: The flower fields rotate every year, and are scattered throughout Lompoc Valley. Some can be spotted west of Old Town Lompoc, along Central Avenue, from Floradale Ave. to Union Sugar Ave.
SANTA MARIA — Thirty cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy on May 15 at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.
The ceremony marked the end of a rigorous 18-week academy consisting of 788 hours of classroom and field instruction for the cadets in Battalion 157. The ceremony was also an acknowledgment that the cadets had not only completed that training but also met and exceeded the state and national certification training standards for Firefighter I Certification.
“Congratulations to our cadets, who have endured a rigorous training program to sit in front of you today,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SANTA BARBARA — The power of collective giving was on full display at the Lobero Theatre on May 13 when the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara awarded a record $1,275,000 in grants to 10 local nonprofits. Grants ranged in size from $60,000 to $200,000. These grants will provide essential mental health therapy, youth counseling and mentorship, reproductive healthcare services for women, meals and wellness checks for seniors, transportation for foster children, door-to-door assistance for seniors and adults with disabilities, a truck to transport surplus food to nonprofits, and a supportive dormitory for women struggling with addiction.
VENTURA — Winners of the first Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) “Fields of Innovation in Agriculture Research Competition” were selected on May 2.
High schoolers in grades 10 through 12 from 6 different schools interested in applying STEM solutions to agricultural problems participated in the six-week, guided online competition. The competition culminated in an in-person final showcase at CSU Channel Islands, held alongside the 18th Annual CSUCI Student Research Conference.
“By bringing SEEAG’s student finalists to CSUCI, we connected them directly to the college research environment while giving them a platform to present their own work,” says Caitlin Paulus Case, SEEAG executive director. “It’s an experience that builds confidence and strengthens real-world communication skills.”
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?
VENTURA COUNTY — With the June 2, 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election underway, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion and her team are answering some of the common questions about the election that voters have been asking.
“Because every election is unique, each election generates its own set of questions,” Registrar Ascencion said.
“For example, the first thing voters notice when opening their mail ballot is that the ballot size is unusually large, and voters may wonder why that is,” she said. “This election is the first gubernatorial primary in California without an incumbent for governor since 2018, along with other termed-out seats at the State level. An open seat tends to draw a lot of hopefuls – there are about 60 candidates for governor alone!”
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.
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.
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.
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) congratulates Dr. Julius O. Sokenu, president of Moorpark College, on being named Man of the Year by the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Sokenu will be recognized at the Chamber’s annual Recognition Gala — Journeys of Excellence — on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Westlake.
The award recognizes Dr. Sokenu’s nearly two decades of service to Moorpark College and his commitment to expanding student access, strengthening workforce readiness and advancing the region’s educational infrastructure. He has served as college president since 2021, leading a campus of over 400 faculty and staff that serves more than 14,000 students annually.
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.
Hope is not passive — it’s built through collective action, conversation, and courage. TEDxSantaBarbara and the Community Environmental Council (CEC) are hosting an evening of active hope in the face of the climate crisis. Join us at The Hub for “Climate Action: Energized by Hope” to explore how truth, voice, vision, and sustained action can help us move from eco-anxiety to meaningful impact.
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.
The format is structured so that students can continue to work while earning an engineering degree, regardless of geographic location or time zone.
Read more about the METL program
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce has named two accomplished community members to lead the organization forward: Deirdre Weaver, a longtime Santa Paula business owner, educator and Chamber board member, as Interim Executive Director, and Chloe Rahimzadeh Lurie, an arts administrator and civic leader, as Operations Manager. Together, the two appointments represent a deliberate investment in local knowledge, operational credibility and community trust as the Chamber is focused squarely on deepening its service to Santa Paula’s business community.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Deirdre and Chloe to the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce. Both bring exactly the passion, drive, and deep commitment to the city and community of Santa Paula that will help our Chamber thrive and serve our business community with excellence. This is a tremendously exciting step forward for the Chamber, and we look forward to the energy and leadership they will each bring,” states Elena Brokaw, Chair of the Board, Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce.
Parallel Histories: Ventura County during the US Revolution
As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Parallel Histories explores what was unfolding at the same time in Ventura County. While British colonialism and the Revolutionary War reshaped the East Coast, California, not yet part of the United States, was being transformed by Spain.
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Patriotic Threads: Textiles, Tapestries, & T-Shirts
Patriotic Threads explores how textiles have long served as powerful expressions of national identity. Through handcrafted works, the exhibit reveals how textiles and design embody patriotism and collective memory.
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RSVP REQUESTED
Ticket sales have opened to the public at venturamusicfestival.org with a 20% early bird savings, using the code: EARLY2026
There’s still time to weigh in, but the deadline is coming up fast. Community members are encouraged to complete the Waterfront Adaptation Survey by Monday, May 18 to help shape the long-term future of Santa Barbara’s Waterfront.
The Waterfront Adaptation Plan looks ahead to the next 30 years, focusing on how to prepare for coastal flooding, shoreline erosion, and sea level rise. At the same time, it aims to protect and enhance what makes the waterfront so important to the community: beach access, recreation, boating, natural habitats, and essential coastal infrastructure.
VENTURA — Ventura College made history this spring break when eleven students participated in the college’s inaugural study abroad program, traveling to Loreto, Mexico — Ventura’s sister city — for a week-long immersive, cross-disciplinary experience. Led by Professor of Sociology Daniella Graves and Professor of Biology Kammy Algiers, the program marked a milestone year in the making.
“This trip has been such an enriching experience. There couldn’t have been a better fit for our Ventura College students,” said Professor Graves. The program originated three years ago when Ventura Sister City Association board member Mark Urwick connected with Ventura College faculty about a potential collaboration. Ventura, California, and Loreto, Mexico, have been sister cities since 2015, sharing a rich mission heritage that gave students the opportunity to explore historical landmarks and reflect on their lasting cultural impact. Ventura College officially approved the program this year, bringing the vision to life.
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
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.”
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.
SANTA BARBARA — The Presidio Neighborhood, the historic district surrounding El Presidio de Santa Bárbara, has launched a new brand identity and website aimed at strengthening its visibility as a cultural and commercial destination in downtown Santa Barbara.
The refresh is part of a multi-year planning effort led by the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP), which acquired stewardship of the Presidio Neighborhood initiative in 2022. The updated branding includes a new logo, visual identity, and an expanded website highlighting the district’s history, businesses, cultural organizations, and public events.
“The Presidio Neighborhood is a place where historic charm and vibrant creativity intertwine—where live performances fill intimate spaces, galleries radiate bold expression, and cafés, boutiques, and restaurants blend seamlessly into a living canvas—inviting visitors to step in, linger, and be inspired. We look forward to seeing you,” said Cecilia Martini-Muth, Director of Marketing at the Lobero Theatre and a Presidio Neighborhood Advisory Council member.
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.
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.”
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. ?
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
CAMARILLO — California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) proudly celebrates Jennifer Raymond, Community Partnership Lead for the Center for Community Engagement, as a recipient of the inaugural Trustee Wenda Fong and Mr. Daniel Fetterly Staff Award. The inaugural award marks the first systemwide recognition program dedicated exclusively to California State University (CSU) staff for their exemplary contributions and dedication to student success and institutional excellence.
Raymond received the First Generation Belonging and Community honor, recognizing her work to foster a strong sense of belonging and support for first-generation students.
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.
PORT HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme was awarded $11,250,000 in federal funding on April 28 through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) as part of the competitive Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). The investment brings needed wharf and berth upgrades to streamline operations at one of the nation’s leading hubs for fresh produce and automobiles.
“Strategic investments like this ensure the Port of Hueneme remains a reliable, forward-looking gateway for global trade,” said Jason Hodge, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Harbor Commissioners. “This funding will allow us to continue delivering economic value for our region while supporting a more resilient national supply chain.”
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 — 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.
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.
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. ”
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.
I have long been worried about climate change, but I wasn’t sure what I could actually do to make an impact in my community.
That changed when I joined CEC’s Climate Stewards program.
I gained the tools and confidence to take action, and soon found myself helping bring the “Make Polluters Pay” campaign to Santa Barbara County, organizing alongside students and community members.
It showed me what’s possible when people come together.
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.
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 — 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.
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.
Friday, May 8
A screening of the 1981 landmark adaptation by Luis Valdez features accompaniment by a live orchestra.
