As a boomer who started working toward the end of the Industrial Revolution and then well into the digital age, I find myself fumbling my way into the AI Era that is suddenly at our doorstep. Now it occurs to me that although it behooves young people to get on board with AI for the sake of their futures, Latinos, specifically, should seriously consider the benefits that are possible for them.
For important reasons, Latinos stand to benefit enormously by upgrading their skills.
OXNARD — The City of Oxnard will celebrate the groundbreaking of the Campus Park Activation Project on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the future Campus Park site, located at 350 S. K St. on the former Oxnard…
GOLETA — Local nonprofit SEE International celebrated on June 23 a $100,000 endowed gift from the Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club during a community event held at the organization’s SEE Vision Care clinic in Goleta.
The gift will support SEE Vision Care (SVC), SEE International’s local program providing free eye care services to uninsured and underinsured individuals throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Through five clinic locations, a mobile vision clinic, and community outreach events, SVC provides vision screenings, comprehensive eye exams, prescription glasses, and sight-restoring surgeries at no cost to qualifying patients.
OXNARD — City Impact, Inc., a Ventura County–based nonprofit dedicated to serving at-promise youth and families since 1995, is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the Thrive Together Awards 2026 — the organization’s signature annual celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation and community impact, targeting small businesses and start-up organizations in Ventura County.
The Thrive Together awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 5:00–9:00 PM at the Museum of Ventura County in Ventura, California — fittingly timed during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Small business nominations are open now through Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura invites the public to celebrate the completion of the Moon Ditch Mural, a landmark public art project that has transformed a flood control channel into one of the largest murals in the United States. Spanning approximately 3,400 linear feet (about two-thirds of a mile), the project was created through a partnership of local artists, volunteers, community organizations, and County agencies, demonstrating how participation in the arts can foster connection, support mental well-being, and inspire environmental stewardship.
For most Ventura County deputy sheriffs, every day is a risk, where they may experience the possibility of a serious work-related injury or illness, known in workers’ compensation terms as a “presumptive” injury or illness.
In interviews with the Ventura County Civil Grand Jury, deputy sheriffs with presumptive claims described their frustration with minimal communication, confusing delays, denials of claims that were later reversed, and long waiting periods.
Join the Community Environmental Council (CEC) for an uplifting evening of movement, creativity, reflection, and play designed to help you slow down, tune in, and experience a deeper sense of belonging. Through a series of guided, beginner-friendly exercises, you’ll explore how curiosity, imagination, and embodied awareness can open new pathways to connection and resilience.
This year, Grocery Outlet is expanding the reach of IFH through a new partnership with Feeding America, allowing customers to donate online to support hunger?relief efforts on a national scale. In?store donations will continue to benefit Feeding America network members, including local food banks and partner agencies, reinforcing Grocery Outlet’s community?driven approach to giving back. The organizations include Camarillo Community Church, Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, and Salvation Army in Ventura County.
This year, Santa Barbara’s beloved Prime Time Band, under the direction of Paul Mori, presents “Sounds of America,” a spectacular musical retrospective featuring classic tunes from pop, rock, Broadway, film, and patriotic traditions. The program opens with the presentation of colors by the Vandenberg Air Force Base Honor Guard and includes favorites such as Captain America March, Armed Services Medley, America the Beautiful, and Summer of ’69: Music of Woodstock. The performance will also feature Emmy-nominated vocalist Anikka Abbott, who will join the band on several selections including Over the Rainbow, What a Wonderful World, and America the Beautiful.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY — People Helping People (PHP) is giving youth a seat at the table to help lead the fight against substance misuse in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Over the years PHP has led a number of organizations to promote substance use reduction and prevention, but previously the student and adult programs were separate.
The new People Helping People Youth Coalition (PHPYC) will be led by local youth working directly with key community partners – educators, parents, businesses, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and local organizations.
“Youth voice isn’t just valuable, it’s essential. They understand what’s happening in their schools and among their peers far better than any adult can. Our role is to listen first, then build programs that actually reflect what they’re telling us”, said Selene Sandoval, PHP Director of Youth Programs.
This year, as we celebrate 50 years of service, we’ve combined our Summer Polo Soirée with our Summer Campaign to make an even greater impact. Join us in making a difference. Whether you attend the event or make a donation, your support helps ensure local seniors living with dementia and their families receive the care and support they deserve.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura’s Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures presented the 2025 Crop and Livestock Report to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors during their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 23. The annual publication, which provides a snapshot of the county’s farming industry, reported the gross value of agriculture at $2,409,748,000, a 4% increase from 2024.
In addition to production statistics, the 2025 Crop and Livestock Report examines the economic realities facing Ventura County’s agricultural community. Through its theme, “Making Cents of Agricultural Production,” the report explores rising costs across six key production categories – labor, land, inputs, plant care, services, and compliance – and highlights the resilience and innovation that continue to drive Ventura County agriculture.
CAMARILLO — Chancellor Rick MacLennan has announced that he will conclude his service with the Ventura County Community College District upon the expiration of his current contract on June 30, 2027.
Since becoming Chancellor in 2022, MacLennan has advanced a more unified districtwide approach focused on student success, workforce opportunity, institutional partnership, and regional responsiveness.
Step into the glamour of the 1920s for an unforgettable evening of fine dining, vintage-inspired cocktails, entertainment, dancing, and philanthropy as we celebrate Ventura County’s remarkable role in the early days of filmmaking.
TASTE OF HISTORY 2026
Thursday, September 10
“Our region has great subject matter experts, and we need to ensure we harness that expertise and funnel all information during an emergency,” said Port of Hueneme Director of Operations Mike Morrison. “Today’s exercise strengthened our communication and collaboration so we will be best prepared to respond if and when the unexpected occurs. I’m grateful to port staff and leadership for prioritizing safe and efficient operations, and I’m thankful to the internal operators and many partners who took part in our annual Coastal Trident exercise.”
We are so excited to share the good news with you! Every year we provide financial support and mentorship to low-income single mothers pursuing financial security through higher education. This year we had a total of 11 applications from our three area community colleges. All 11 women are single moms who are graduating from community college and have been admitted to a 4-year university or advanced professional training. We were able to support all 11 women! This support can be used for any expenses related to education or caring for their children while enrolled in classes. Over the last 10 years we have awarded 94 Women United Education Awards totaling $175,500!
What does active hope look like? It looks like learning new skills, meeting inspiring people, celebrating community, coming together around shared solutions, and discovering practical ways to create change.
This summer, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) invites you to join us for A Year of Active Hope — a series of free events offering a welcoming space for people to unite, find courage, and take meaningful steps for our planet.
VENTURA COUNTY — Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) on June 5 celebrated the groundbreaking of Camino De Salud, a 49-unit supportive affordable housing development in the unincorporated Ojai Valley community of Mira Monte. Camino De Salud will reserve half of its units for residents who are experiencing homelessness and have been high health users with the remaining units serving residents earning 50 percent or less of the area median income.
“It’s truly a pleasure to be here in the beautiful Ojai Valley to celebrate the groundbreaking of Camino de Salud. A project whose very name reflects what the community stands for: health, opportunity and a pathway forward,” said Victoria Brady, Chief Executive Officer. “We’re building opportunity, we’re building a stronger, more connected community.”
SANTA BARBARA — Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) was honored on June 1 by the CenCal Health Board of Directors with an official resolution recognizing his leadership and advocacy on behalf of Medi-Cal beneficiaries, providers, and communities across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
The resolution was presented by Santa Barbara County Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, alongside Marina Owen, Chief Executive Officer of CenCal Health, and CenCal Health Board Chair Sue Andersen, President & CEO of Dignity Health on the Central Coast.
“For 35 years, the Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration has brought together our Ventura County community to honor history, celebrate culture, and embrace the values of freedom and unity,” said Bruce Stewart, President of the Ventura County Juneteenth Celebration. “We are proud to continue this tradition and remain committed to ensuring that future generations understand the importance of Juneteenth and the contributions of African Americans to our nation and our community.”
In 2080, there will be androids to satisfy your emotional needs. Who wouldn’t want to get the “love vaccine”? An author laments not having been a prophet in her own land and orders her little bonsai tree to report an interruption in her streaming of the acceptance of a major literary award. For a writer, there’s always the possibility of “killing off” a character, but what do you do when the protagonist demands that you write a few extra pages so she can deeply feel the pain and seek healing once the story ends?
With free live music and activations down Main Street, we expect a high volume of foot traffic for MMV, and we need your help!
Join us as a volunteer for Make Music Ventura and experience the day from a backstage perspective, while helping our community make the most of this wonderful, free event. Shifts are available all day, between the hours of 8am to 8pm, and we have numerous opportunities in stage support, wayfinding, booth staffing, and more! Thank you for joining us.
On view now through July 12, 2026
Santa Paula artist Cornelis Botke (1887-1954) is best known as a master etcher and as a supporting figure in the career of his wife, artist Jessie Arms Botke (1883-1971). His etchings earned international acclaim and entered the collections of the California State Library, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Institution. Yet from childhood, Cornelis’ true ambition was to be a painter.
Botke was born in Leeuwarden, Holland, in 1887. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised and educated in a Mennonite orphanage in Haarlem. Although he longed to pursue painting, his guardians worried about his livelihood and enrolled him instead at the Haarlem School of Applied Art, where students trained for professional trades such as architectural drawing, engraving, and metalwork.
“The adoption of this budget reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while continuing to invest in the services Ventura County residents rely on every day,” stated Chair of the Board Jeff Gorell. “This balanced budget maintains our strong fiscal foundation, supports public safety, infrastructure, health and human services, and positions our county to meet both current needs and future challenges. At a time when changes in state and federal funding are creating new challenges for counties across California, Ventura County remains focused on fiscal discipline, strategic planning, and delivering high-quality services to our residents.”
All the feels, and then some, were on display during UC Santa Barbara’s annual commencement festivities, which celebrated more than 6,700 students. Congrats, grads!
SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees voted unanimously June 16 to place a local facilities funding measure on the November 3, 2026, ballot, allowing voters throughout the Allan Hancock Joint Community College District to consider whether to authorize funding for repairs, upgrades and modernization projects at the college’s facilities.
If approved by voters, the measure would authorize up to $290 million in locally controlled general obligation bonds to improve and modernize projects at Allan Hancock College locations throughout the district.
OXNARD — The Oxnard City Council voted on June 16, 2026, to place the “City of Oxnard Public Safety, Financial Stability Measure (No Tax Rate Increase)” on the November 3, 2026 ballot, providing Oxnard voters the opportunity to choose whether to continue the City’s existing Measure O sales tax beyond its current expiration date in March 2029.
Measure O is a locally-controlled ½ cent sales tax that was approved by 65% of Oxnard voters in 2008. It has provided funding for a range of City services, including police and fire protection, 911 emergency response, street and alley maintenance, youth and senior programs, homelessness response, and other community programs. Measure O is currently scheduled to expire in March 2029 unless renewed by voters.
VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, during their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 9, approved construction of a new playground at Steckel Park, marking a major investment in recreation, accessibility, and family-friendly amenities at one of the County’s most popular parks.
VENTURA — The inaugural Bike the Coast Ventura hosted nearly 600 riders on June 13, welcoming participants of all ages and experience levels to ride through the scenic City of Ventura. The event partnered with local businesses and organizations to ensure that the Ventura community charm was truly highlighted throughout the event. The field of riders included Ventura locals, loyal participants of Bike the Coast San Diego, the event’s sister ride that takes place in the fall, and cyclists who traveled from Northern California, Las Vegas, and Arizona.
VENTURA — With Summer fast approaching, Island Packers, the official concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, is expanding its non-landing schedule to include Summer Island and Summer Whale Watching excursions from Ventura Harbor from May – September 2026. Visitors of all ages can view some truly magnificent mammals and also have the option to board a vessel to experience specialty trips to destinations on The Nature Conservancy property, in addition to the company’s full schedule of transportation to destinations in the Channel Island National Park. www.islandpackers.com and Ventura Harbor Village
SANTA CLARA RIVER VALLEY — The Santa Clara River Valley (SCRV) Pride Committee is proud to announce SCRV Pride Week 2026, a weeklong celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, visibility, inclusion, and community. The week will bring together residents, families, allies, businesses, public agencies, and community-based organizations from throughout the region for a series of events that celebrate diversity, honor local leaders, and strengthen community connections.
SCRV Pride Week reflects the Santa Clara River Valley’s commitment to creating a community where all people are welcomed, respected, and empowered to thrive. This year’s celebration will feature the SCRV Pride Mixer, a City of Santa Paula Pride Proclamation, and the annual SCRV Pride Brunch, highlighting the power of community, advocacy, and belonging.
SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation announced the recipients of the 2026 Hancock Honors, presented by CoastHills Credit Union. The annual celebration, set for Sept. 12, recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership, philanthropy and service have made a lasting impact on the college and the communities it serves.?
This year’s honorees are educator and Allan Hancock College?alumna?Dr. Nicolasa “Niki” Sandoval, pioneering Santa Barbara County winemaker and philanthropist Fred Brander and the Melsheimer Family, longtime supporters of education and workforce development on the Central Coast.
I am pleased to share that the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy has approved a quarter of a million dollar grant for the Leisure Village Wildfire Resilience and Floodplain Restoration Initiative. This funding will help remove highly flammable invasive Arundo vegetation adjacent to Leisure Village, reducing wildfire risk while improving floodplain function and environmental health.
As a member of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Board, I appreciate the Conservancy’s continued investment in projects that enhance public safety, strengthen community resilience, and protect our natural resources throughout Ventura County.
STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE: LEARN ANYTHING FASTER WITH NOTEBOOKLM
June 18 @ 10:00 am
Successful businesses make better decisions because they have better information. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to use NotebookLM to conduct competitive analysis, refine pricing, accelerate SEO and AEO, and synthesize large amounts of research into simple summaries and action steps. You’ll also learn how to use AI to create executive briefs, reports, and slide decks quickly, helping you make smarter strategic decisions in less time. This session is ideal for business owners looking to leverage AI for research, planning, and strategic growth. Price: FREE.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health has named Helen Matthews, MD, Medical Director of Cottage Ob/Gyn Clinic, where she will help shape the next chapter of women’s healthcare on the Central Coast as part of the growing Cottage Center for Women’s Health.
Ob/Gyn care supports patients in preventive care, reproductive health, pregnancy, menopause and gynecologic conditions. As Medical Director, Dr. Matthews is focused on strengthening access to comprehensive Ob/Gyn care and supporting the overall healthcare experience for women, with care coordinated across specialties. Her leadership will help advance the patient-centered approach of Cottage Center for Women’s Health, connecting women with the individualized services, expertise and support they need.
“Women deserve care that meets them where they are.” said Dr. M
CAMARILLO — Representatives from over 40 charities across Ventura County gathered to celebrate community along with the hard-working ladies of the Meadowlark Service League for a special “Breakfast of Champions” on Thursday, June 4th at the Las Posas Country Club.
The charities that are supported by the Meadowlark Service League impact the elderly, youth/children, the arts, the homeless, the disabled, veterans, hospice, health, feeding the needy, community services, and education. In addition, $10,000 in scholarships were given to new and continuing college students.
Last month, I wrote about my experience at the Council of Foundations conference and the idea of connection being its own philanthropic cause, worthy of support, and how the work in front of us is not simply to gather with those who already affirm us. The deeper work is to break bread across difference and discover that we still belong to one another.
My email inbox was flooded with replies and messages expressing a shared concern for how polarizing and divided these times are. Your replies have stayed with me, and they fill me with hope. I really want to thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me, and please know how grateful I am for each and every one of you.
Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study & Action Plan, Public Review Draft, is now available. Provide comments by June 22, 2026
El Estudio y Plan de Acción sobre Vivienda para Trabajadores Agrícolas del Condado de Ventura, Revisión Pública Borrador, está disponible. Proporcionar comentarios antes del 22 de junio de 2026.
VENTURA — Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) hosted a special dedication ceremony celebrating the opening of its new Breast Health Center on Friday, May 29, 2026.
This milestone marked a major advancement in expanding access to high-quality breast imaging and diagnostic services for Ventura County residents. The project was made possible through a $2,034,969 RISE grant awarded by Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP), supporting transformative improvements at the region’s critical safety-net hospital.
“Grant opportunities like this from Gold Coast Health Plan are especially important because they allow for a targeted collaboration where our vision to provide enhanced breast health services can be realized for a community that deserves access to high quality health care,” said Matt McGill, VCMC Director of Imaging Services.
CENTRAL COAST — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has released its 2025 Impact Report, celebrating 35 years of helping women build financial independence, launch businesses, strengthen families, and contribute to thriving local economies across the region.
The report highlights a year of growth and innovation as more women turned to WEV’s programs and services to pursue economic opportunity and financial stability. Through business advising, training, and financial empowerment programs, WEV continues to support women at every stage of their economic journey.
Among the programs featured in the report is WEV’s Business of Care program, which helps women establish and grow successful home-based childcare businesses while addressing the region’s ongoing childcare shortage. The report also highlights the launch of WEV’s Credit Builder pilot, designed to help participants strengthen their credit, improve financial health, and expand access to future opportunities.
At the end of each school year, the Ventura County Office of Education takes the opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the remarkable students graduating from local high schools. Every year, we’re amazed by the stories we receive of students who have overcome great odds and achieved incredible things on the road to their high school diploma.
This year is no different, and we’re excited to profile just a few students who demonstrate the resilience, dedication and drive of the Ventura County Class of 2026. Among our featured graduates are a young man who journeyed alone from Mexico in search of a better life and a young woman whose family fled Ukraine to find safety and opportunity in Ventura County.
Dear Friends & Supporters,
June marks one year since Border Patrol carried out a series of immigration enforcement operations across Ventura County, reaching the Central Coast for the first time since the early 1990s.
Between June 10 and June 14, 2025, at least 95 community members were taken from their workplaces, homes, and families. Fear spread quickly throughout the region as workers stayed home, parents worried about their children, and entire communities braced for what might come next.
What many did not know at the time was that these raids were a warning of something far more devastating.
Together, we remember…
Tyburski is an accomplished public works executive, infrastructure leader, and licensed California civil engineer with nearly 30 years of experience managing complex public infrastructure programs, multimillion-dollar capital improvement projects, and large-scale governmental operations. His career spans both the public and private sectors, giving him a well-rounded perspective on infrastructure delivery, operational strategy, and organizational leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from California State University, Fresno and a Master of Public Administration from Arkansas State University.
In partnership with the City of Camarillo, the Economic Development Collaborative has launched the City of Camarillo Business Assistance Loan Fund. This low-interest program is specifically designed to prioritize the vibrant business community in the City of Camarillo. Start-ups can get the necessary capital to launch their ventures and established businesses can secure funds to fuel their growth. With abundant opportunities for collaboration, a diverse customer base and an environment of innovation, Camarillo is a perfect place to start or grow your business.
Launched in response to growing uncertainty surrounding federal and state funding, the campaign was designed to help sustain life-changing programs that provide safety, healing, and prevention throughout San Luis Obispo County. With nearly 50% of Lumina Alliance’s budget historically supported by government funding, the campaign focuses on building long-term community investment to ensure survivors continue to have access to 24/7 crisis support, emergency shelter, transitional housing, therapy, advocacy, and prevention education.
OXNARD — The City of Oxnard celebrated the groundbreaking of the Endless Waves Skatepark at Del Sol Park, marking a major milestone in the City Council’s continued investment in recreational opportunities and infrastructure improvements for the community. Once completed, the nearly 40,000 square-foot, Olympic-quality skatepark will be the largest skatepark in Ventura County.
“We are thrilled to break ground on the incredible new skatepark—a bold project that showcases our commitment to creating vibrant spaces where our youth, families, and entire community can come together to enjoy social and health benefits,” said Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur. “The Endless Waves Skatepark will become a premier amenity for our community members throughout Ventura County and a proud symbol for the neighborhoods of La Colonia, Rose Park, and the City of Oxnard for generations to come.”
The Ventura County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, unfolded in a highly charged atmosphere. Faced with a packed room of over 100 disgruntled citizens and a profound break in institutional trust by Superintendent Dr. César Morales, the Board of Trustees responded to a political crisis with a unanimous 5-0 vote to launch an ad hoc committee. Chaired by Trustees Michael Teasdale and Richard Lucas III, this committee is tasked with hiring experts to conduct an independent investigation and full forensic audit into the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE).
SANTA MARIA — For the past 20 years, Nick and Deborah Carpenter have shared a tradition that has become an important part of their lives: taking Community Education art classes together at Allan Hancock College.
Over two decades, the couple has explored a variety of creative pursuits through the college’s tuition-free art offerings, developing new skills while building lasting memories. Among their most meaningful projects were creating the rings they later exchanged on their wedding day.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is holding a school supply donation drive through July 10.
The goal is to fill 230 backpacks with donated items for young scholars participating in the Y’s “Find My Genius” summer learning program. The program serves low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level in the Conejo Valley and Simi Valley school districts.
Needed are newly purchased pencils, pencil boxes, 24-pack crayons, wide-ruled composition notebooks, spiral notebooks, colored pencils, erasers, pocket folders, glue sticks and hand sanitizers.
