Category: Local

Bilingual commentary — May Is a Month for Optimism

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

Steaming Ahead: Port of Hueneme secures $11.25M Federal Grant to expand capacity and modernize infrastructure

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2026 • Comments Off

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.”

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

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — I didn’t expect to take action like this

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Zoot Suit with Live Orchestra (May 8)’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2026 • Comments Off

Friday, May 8
A screening of the 1981 landmark adaptation by Luis Valdez features accompaniment by a live orchestra.

Guest Commentary — Ventura County Taxpayers Association — Ballot Warning: Prop 1

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2026 • Comments Off

Why the “Billionaire Tax” Is Just a Beta Test for the Middle Class In November 2026, you’ll be asked to vote on the California Billionaire Tax Act, Proposition 1. The measure proposes taxing the billionaires in the State and using…

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — We’re Hiring: Climate Programs Associate

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

UCSB — The Current — ‘On Fire Talk: Mass Deportation as Racial Engineering (May 7)’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2026 • Comments Off

Thursday, May 7
Ahilan T. Arulanantham of the UCLA School of Law discusses the role of race discrimination in immigration and refugee policy.

Hospice of Santa Barbara announces first Ambassador Spotlight: Jill Nida

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2026 • Comments Off

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 — County of Santa Barbara May 2026 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2026 • Comments Off

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.”

Downtown Oxnard — Cinco de Mayo events through May 5, other activities

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2026 • Comments Off

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Bilingual report — Third Space Sauna is coming to Rincon County Beach starting May 8

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Third Space Sauna, Santa Barbara’s first community sauna and cold plunge, is bringing its custom Finnish cedar barrel sauna to Rincon Beach for the first time this weekend.

On May 8th and 9th, the public is invited to drop in Friday and Saturday to meet founders Joey Mcguinness and Eli Pearlman, sweat it out in a 12-foot cedar sauna, take a plunge in the cold Pacific, and hang out on one of the most iconic stretches of coastline in California.

Third Space partnered with Santa Barbara County Parks with a goal to bring community wellness to public land as a service for everyone, not just those who can afford a resort day.

“We started Third Space to create a place where people can gather and connect,” said co-founder Joey McGuinness.

Public access to Ventura Hills Nature Preserve is under threat due to a lawsuit brought by Chevron and Aera Energy

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura Land Trust released the following statement on May 4, 20206:

Public access to Ventura Hills Nature Preserve is under threat due to a lawsuit brought by Chevron and Aera Energy.

They claim that allowing the public to use Hall Canyon Road interferes with their asserted legal rights to use the road for oil operations. Chevron and Aera have asked the Court to close Hall Canyon Road and VLT’s trailhead to the public.

Ventura Land Trust is currently in active litigation fighting to keep this vital community asset open to the public. Ventura Hills Nature Preserve is the product of more than 25 years of community effort and public investment. This preserve exists today because people across Ventura came together to ensure it would be preserved and accessible for future generations.

Bilingual report — Now’s the time to VOTE in the June 2, 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election!

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Michelle Ascencion, the Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, announced the May 4thcommencement of voting activities for the June 2, 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election.

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

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2026 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2026 • Comments Off

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?

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Foundation welcomes two alumni to board of directors

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation has appointed two AHC alumni to its board of directors, further strengthening its mission to support student success and expand educational opportunities across the Central Coast.

In addition to being proud Hancock graduates, Claudia Ortiz and Luis Servin also bring a combined wealth of experience in community leadership, workforce development and education advocacy to the Foundation.

Santa Barbara Trust Company adds local real estate expert

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Trust Company has welcomed Raegan Erdman as a new trust administrator associate.

Raegan has more than 20 years of experience guiding clients through complex financial and real estate matters, especially in the larger Santa Barbara community. Her background spans escrow, lending, luxury real estate operations and property management, bringing a wealth of experience to the team.

Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara unveils ‘The Muse’

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA—The Music Academy of the West has revealed updated details behind The Muse, its forthcoming Music Education Center in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara — an architecturally ambitious project designed not just to house music, but to make inspiration visible, tangible, and shared across the city. On May 7, from 5 to 8 p.m., the public is invited to step inside that vision during a special Sneak Peek at The Muse as part of Santa Barbara’s 1st Thursday Art Walk.

Santa Barbara City College shines light on Mental Health Awareness Month, joins countywide effort

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is joining the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness, county residents, businesses, organizations, and community partners in recognizing May as Mental Health Month by participating in the annual Light Up Green. The SBCC Board of Trustees recognized Mental Health Awareness Month with a resolution at their public board meeting on April 23 to formally acknowledge and build awareness.

“We are Lighting up SBCC’s Cliff, Schott, and Wake campuses with Green as a part of a county wide initiative to raise mental health awareness during the month of May,” shared SBCC Mental Health Counselor Lacey Peters, M.A. LMFT. “To further awareness, SBCC is hosting a Mental Health Awareness Event with the Active Minds Club to Destigmatize Mental Health Care on May 6th at 5:30 p.m. at SBCC West Campus BC Forum.”

Ventura County Arts Council — $5k and $10k grants available for artists – APPLY NOW by June 1st!

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2026 • Comments Off

Are you an individual artist who has a unique artistic vision, a sustained commitment to creative practice, and engages to make an impact on the cultural ecosystem in your community? If so, this grant opportunity is for you!

The California Arts Council’s Individual Artists Fellowship program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence, and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures.

The online grant application deadline is June 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — In-Person Event (May 7): 12th Annual Orange County World Trade Week Forum

by Community Contributor • May 3, 2026 • Comments Off

12TH ANNUAL ORANGE COUNTY WORLD TRADE WEEK FORUM

Join the District Export Council for an evening filled with world-class keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, and unparalleled business-to-business networking opportunities at the 12th Annual World Trade Week Forum Event. This is your chance to connect with key trade organizations, international business groups, and extensive global resources available in Southern California.

Presented by the District Export Council of Southern California and supported by key partners, including the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce and WITOC, this gathering is essential for those ready to embrace the future of international trade. Don’t miss this opportunity to propel your trade ambitions forward!