Category: News

Now’s the time to VOTE: Vote early and avoid the Election Day rush!

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VENTURA COUNTY — With the Nov. 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election quickly approaching, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion and the Elections team are preparing for the busy final voting days, with Election Day itself expected to be the busiest.

To avoid last-minute voting stress, voters are encouraged to take advantage of early voting opportunities now available. Nine Vote Center sites across Ventura County opened October 25 for in-person voting, late registration, ballot drop-off, and more. Another nine Vote Center locations will open Saturday, November 1.

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Bilingual report — Preserve the past, inspire the future at the Olivas Adobe

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites residents to attend the Olivas Adobe Volunteer Open House on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Olivas Adobe Historical Park, located at 4500 Olivas Park Drive. Admission is free.

Volunteers play a vital role in preserving and sharing the history of the Olivas Adobe, Ventura’s only remaining Monterey-style adobe home from the Rancho era. At the open house, attendees can explore a variety of volunteer opportunities and learn how to help bring history to life for visitors of all ages.

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Santa Barbara City College partners with Mentavi Health to deliver rapid, clinically validated ADHD evaluations for students

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SANTA BARBARA and GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is adopting Mentavi Health’s Diagnostic Evaluation to provide timely, rigorous ADHD assessments for students seeking academic accommodations. The partnership enables SBCC to reach accommodation decisions faster, when appropriate, and helps students stay on course during the term’s most demanding weeks.

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Claim up to $20,000 toward an EV!

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You can still claim up to $20,000 when you switch to an electric vehicle, and CEC can help you figure out which programs you qualify for and which incentives you can stack for maximum savings.
Here’s a breakdown of the key state and local programs offering rebates and incentives. These can be applied to an EV purchase or lease.

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Cottage Cardiology Clinic welcomes new specialists

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Cardiology Clinic is pleased to announce the addition of two new cardiology specialists to its growing team, Dr. Elizabeth J. Hutchins, a board-certified cardiologist specializing in cardio-oncology, and Dr. Chee Yuan Ng, a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist. Their addition further broadens the clinic’s specialized cardiovascular services for patients across the Central Coast.

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Ventura College launches “Ventura Speaks” — A Day of Stories, Reflections and Celebration

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“Ventura Speaks” is the inaugural public event of the Ventura College Liberal Arts and Public Humanities Initiative. The new initiative seeks to strengthen the college’s liberal arts mission and create a vital community space where people engage with the big questions: Who are we? Where have we come from? What does our shared human journey mean?

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Artwork by a Medea Creek middle schooler selected to appear in 2026 Metropolitan Water District Calendar

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OAK PARK — Artwork by 13-year-old Micah Aliling, currently an 8th grader at Medea Creek Middle School in Oak Park, was selected by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to appear in its printed 2026 calendar and digital library.

MWD delivers 1.5 billion gallons of water daily to 19 million people in Southern California. Earlier this year, it invited students across its six-county service area, including those in the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD), to submit water conservation-themed artwork for its “Being Water Wise Is…”  Student Art Calendar Contest. This marks the fourth consecutive year that a student from Oak Park has had their artwork featured in the calendar.

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Moorpark and Ventura Colleges named among Top 200 U.S. Community Colleges eligible for 2027 Aspen Prize

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National recognition follows consecutive honors in 2021, 2023, and 2025 Cycles CAMARILLO — Two of Ventura County’s leading institutions, Moorpark College and Ventura College, have once again earned national recognition for their commitment to student success — named among the…

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Ventura County Student Logo Design Contest winners announced

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VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce the following winners of logo design contests for the 2026 Academic Decathlon, Science Fair, Battle of the Books, Batalla de los Libros, Mock Trial, and Civic Action Project. The artwork will be prominently displayed on promotional and informational materials for these high-profile competitions and will be featured on commemorative pins for each event. The winning logos were selected from 120 entries by a committee of VCOE staff members.

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American Medical Response celebrated National First Responders Day on Oct. 28

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“Our AMR and Gold Coast Ambulance teams are comprised of supervisors, paramedics, EMTs, medical professionals and support staff that all contribute to the health and safety of our county,” said Mike Sanders, Regional Director of AMR Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. “We appreciate the County of Ventura for recognizing our entire first responder community, and we especially want to acknowledge and thank our crews for the important role they play in providing responsive, high-quality life-saving care.”

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Supervisors pass resolution pressing State to revise wildfire regulations and restore local control

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The resolution comes in response to growing concern over proposed state defensible space rules. The Board expressed concerns that the rules could result in significant costs for homeowners and local governments without addressing local needs.

“Wildfire prevention is a top priority for Ventura County, but one-size-fits-all rules don’t work,” said District 4 Supervisor Janice Parvin, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We need solutions that are both effective and realistic for our communities. This resolution shows our commitment to keeping residents safe without putting an unfair burden on them.”

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Bilingual report — City of Ventura issues Proposition 218 notice on proposed water and wastewater rate adjustments

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With critical upgrades needed to aging systems and new state requirements ahead, Ventura Water is updating its rates to ensure reliable service for years to come.

Approximately every five years, independent financial and rate experts analyze system needs and develop rates that are adequate, fair, and cost justified. This process ensures Ventura Water can maintain reliable service, meet legal requirements, and prepare for future needs.

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Ventura Port District welcomes new Commissioner Bill Anderson, announces reappointment of Commissioner Chris Stephens

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 “We are thrilled to welcome Commissioner Anderson to the Board, as his unique perspective and dedication to public service will help guide the Harbor’s continued growth.” said Mike Blumenberg, Chair of Ventura Port District Board of Commissioners. “We also congratulate Commissioner Stephens on his reappointment and his continued commitment to maintain a strong foundation of experience and leadership. Together, our Board is well-positioned to lead with vision and purpose,” Blumenberg added.

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Three New Members Join The Ventura College Foundation Board, Including Acting Ventura College President

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VENTURA — Three new board members joined the Ventura College Foundation board of directors, including Dr. Luca E. Lewis, acting president of Ventura College. Lewis was previously vice president of Student Affairs at Ventura College. He brings over 22 years of experience in community college education.

“By fostering innovation, operational excellence, and teaching and learning excellence, I strive to create an environment with my colleagues where Ventura College can advance its mission, empower students, and strengthen our diverse communities in which we serve,” says Lewis.

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Bilingual report — Ventura Police volunteers to begin proactive scans for credit card skimming devices

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VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department is expanding its crime prevention efforts by launching a new initiative that empowers Volunteers in Policing (VIPs) to conduct routine inspections for illegal credit card skimming devices at gas stations throughout the city.

Using specialized handheld Skim Scan devices, trained volunteers will help safeguard residents from electronic theft by checking fuel pumps and other unattended card readers for hidden hardware designed to steal payment information.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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IN-PERSON EVENT: AI UNLOCKED: SHAPING THE FUTURE

November 7 @ 12:30 pm

Join the Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Economic Development Collaborative to learn about how Santa Barbara County businesses are expanding the AI frontier, creating both challenges and opportunities for the workforce. At AI Unlocked: Shaping the Future, business leaders, students, faculty and employees will come together to explore how AI is transforming local industries—and the future-ready skills everyone will need to succeed. Through real-world insights, you’ll learn how businesses are adapting, what employers are looking for, and how to navigate your own path to AI literacy. Whether you’re running a business, preparing for your career or teaching and supporting students, this conversation will give you the tools and perspective to keep pace in an AI-driven world. Address: SBCC West Campus, Fe Bland Forum (BC Building Forum), 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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805UndocuFund — New public art markers to honor sites of ICE Kidnappings in Thousand Oaks

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THOUSAND OAKS — In a powerful act of remembrance and resistance, a series of art markers was installed in Thousand Oaks to commemorate locations where individuals were taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The installation honors the lives disrupted by these actions and the resilience of the local immigrant community, 805UndocuFund reported in a media release.

The event was held on Hampshire Road between Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Royal Oaks Drive. Community members, artists, and advocates gathered to recognize the significance of the moment and the collective effort behind the project.

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Building Bridges – Port of Paita (Peru) sends delegation to the Port of Hueneme to build on Sister Port Relationship

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PORT HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme, California, and the Port of Paita, Peru, are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a Sister Port relationship through the U.S. Department of State’s Sister Ports Program. This partnership aims to advance cooperation, trade development, and the exchange of best practices between the two ports, reflecting a shared commitment to global connectivity and sustainable growth.

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Bay Area Xicanx artist Melanie Cervantes brings ‘Protect Your Spirit’ exhibit to CSUCI through Dec. 12

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CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) will host Bay Area Xicanx artist and cultural worker Melanie Cervantes for a solo exhibition, “Protect Your Spirit: Visual Lexicons of Resistance,” from Oct. 23 through Dec. 12 in the second-floor gallery of the John Spoor Broome Library.

An opening reception open to the public will be held Thursday, Oct. 23, at 5 p.m. at the Broome Library. Cervantes will also provide an artist talk for CSUCI students on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at noon, at the Broome Library.

Cervantes’ work offers a powerful visual language of resistance against social injustice and systemic oppression. Her art explores stories of struggle, resilience and triumph within marginalized communities and invites reflection on the role of art in social movements.

“There is both an ephemeral and a timeless nature to Cervantes’ art,” said CSUCI art historian Theresa Avila. “In this era of increased repression and surveillance, the type of art that Cervantes creates is needed now more than ever.”

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Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: ‘Celebrating Nature: Paintings by Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore’ on view through Nov. 9, more upcoming events

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Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore was founded in the early 1990s to support and promote the hard-fought conservation of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, established in 1978. The SMMNRA encompasses over 156,000 acres that stretch east to west from Griffith Park in Los Angeles County to Point Mugu State Park in Ventura County. With 46 miles of scenic coastline, over 500 miles of trails, and a vast array of native flora, fauna, and culturally significant sites, the SMMNRA is the largest urban national recreation are in the world, bordering the second-largest city in the United States.

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SBCC School of Extended Learning — Rediscover your creative spark

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SANTA BARBARA — This fall, SBCC School of Extended Learning invites older adults to discover or rediscover their creative potential. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced artist looking to refine your skills, the Older Adults Program offers expert instruction in a welcoming environment, with free art classes designed specifically for adults age 55 and over.

Two of the program’s exceptional eight-week courses are launching the week of October 20, with spots still available:

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura celebrates 25 employees for combined 720 years of public service

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VENTURA — On Tuesday, October 21, during their regular meeting, the Board of Supervisors proudly recognized 25 dedicated employees for reaching the milestone of 25 or more years of continuous public service. Collectively, these individuals represent a remarkable 720 years of commitment to serving Ventura County residents.

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California Student Aid Commission launches the 2026-27 Statewide Financial Aid Cycle at Ventura College

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VENTURA — The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), in partnership with Ventura College and the Ventura College Foundation, kicked off the 2026-27 Statewide Financial Aid Application Cycle at a press conference held on Oct. 1.  This event held at Ventura College highlighted the critical role financial aid plays in allowing access and equity for students pursuing higher education across California.

“We chose to launch the 2026-27 financial aid cycle in Ventura because there is something special here,” said Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission. “From being able to support a student to pursue their college dreams, to understanding that financial aid is critical to help students stay enrolled, Ventura has the opportunity to continue its growth in completed financial aid applications while supporting students through their higher education journey.”

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Moorpark College named 2025 Pathway Champion for driving Equity in Transfer Success

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MOORPARK — At Moorpark College, transfer isn’t just a hope—it’s a plan. This year, the college’s work to remove barriers, close equity gaps and accelerate student success has earned it statewide recognition as a 2025 Pathway Champion of Transfer. This honor presented by the Campaign for College Opportunity recognizes colleges with the top numbers of Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs) awarded relative to full-time student enrollment.

Through California’s Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program, which guarantees CSU admission for students who complete aligned coursework, more than 450,000 degrees have been awarded statewide. At Moorpark, a focused and equity-driven rollout of the ADT has helped more students, especially those from families and neighborhoods who face extra hurdles getting to college, reach their transfer goals.

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Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) — Join Our Monthly Giving Challenge – Every Dollar Counts!

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Right now, our Central Coast faces a critical task:
we must strengthen our own community resilience and adaptation because our larger government, health, environmental, and economic systems are increasingly unpredictable.

At Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN), we know that when food is produced and purchased locally, our entire community benefits. Farmers, ranchers, and fisherfolk keep their livelihoods, we reduce transportation-caused pollution, and local dollars stay in our community.

But this shift cannot wait. The challenges of climate change, rising costs, poor health, and inequitable access to food are already here. Our community needs action now.

That’s why we’re asking you to join us as a monthly donor.
Your consistent support helps us:

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Adelante Charter School of Santa Barbara celebrates five years of transformative leadership under executive director Javier Bolívar

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SANTA BARBARA — Adelante Charter School of Santa Barbara proudly celebrates five years of leadership under Executive Director Javier Bolívar, whose vision, resilience, and unwavering dedication have guided the school through a period of remarkable growth and renewal.

Bolívar’s journey to education is both inspiring and deeply human. Born and raised in Venezuela, he grew up the youngest of four in a close-knit family shaped by love, creativity, and perseverance. His mother, a stay-at-home mom and talented seamstress, and his father, a public employee, instilled in him humility, respect, and the belief that kindness is a strength. The loss of two older brothers while they were in college profoundly influenced Bolívar’s empathy and his commitment to live with purpose.

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Bilingual report — Now’s the Time to Vote! Ventura County Vote Centers opening this Saturday are a Resource for Voter Assistance

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VENTURA — Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 is opening day for nine vote centers located throughout Ventura County for the Nov. 4 Statewide Special Election. Nine additional vote centers will open the following Saturday, Nov. 1. Vote center hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day until Nov. 3, and 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day, Nov. 4.

“With this being a special election, the vote center locations may be different from those used in past elections,” County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, Michelle Ascencion, said. “Please check your County Voter Information Guide, the insert in your vote by mail ballot, or the County Elections website at Vote.VenturaCounty.gov, to find the list of vote center sites that are opening this week.”

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Jackie Carrera, Ashley Costa, and Das Williams to be honored at 2026 LEAP Awards

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GOLETA — Jackie Carrera, President and CEO of the Santa Barbara Foundation, and Ashley Costa, Executive Director of the Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization, will be honored at the 2026 LEAP Awards, alongside Das Williams, who will be recognized as Distinguished Alumnus.

The 2026 LEAP Awards will be a milestone celebration of LEAP’s 55th anniversary as a nonprofit and 50 years of its Children’s Center. For the first time in six years, the event will be held in person at the stunning Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The brunch will bring together community leaders, philanthropists, and partners who believe in creating thriving futures for children and families.

“As we celebrate 55 years of service, we are honored to recognize Jackie Carrera, Ashley Costa, and LEAP alumnus Das Williams. Each, in their own way, has strengthened families, lifted voices, and inspired children to shine. Their leadership reflects the very heart of LEAP’s mission, and we are proud to celebrate them alongside our community,” said Lori Goodman, LEAP CEO.

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Legacies of Hope Dinner lights a candle for People Helping People

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LOS OLIVOS — The Legacies of Hope dinner, was an evening of storytelling and community, gathering many of People Helping People’s most dedicated supporters to the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos on October 17, 2025.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of this year’s Luminary Awards, for those who have given in extraordinary ways to support the mission of People Helping People (PHP).

This year’s recipients are the Becky Barieau and Billy Wathen Family, Feed the Valley with Chef Daisy and Greg Ryan, and the Brady Family.

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Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Save Art Save Democracy

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MCASB Launches Future Fund
in 50th-Anniversary Campaign

Art and free speech are essential to a healthy democracy—Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) calls on our communities across Santa Barbara and the Central Coast to help safeguard the region’s only dedicated, free contemporary art museum. Once again communities are in crisis—and this time, artists and art institutions are on the front line standing up against authoritarianism. Join us!

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Retired Allan Hancock College instructor Nancy Jo Ward selected for XV Florence Biennale

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SANTA MARIA — Retired Allan Hancock College Graphic Design Professor Nancy Jo Ward has been selected to exhibit her mixed-media work at the XV Florence Biennale in Florence, Italy, Oct. 18–26, 2025.  

Ward, who recently concluded 27 years of service at Hancock, will present three works— titled Anna-Louise, Katerina and Selia—at the prestigious international exhibition. Her invitation places her among an international roster of more than 500 artists and designers more than 80 countries. 

Ward’s practice blends digital technology with traditional materials to explore psychological portraiture, memory, identity and the aesthetics of post-internet culture, an approach that aligns with the Biennale 2025 theme, “The Eternal Union Between Light and Darkness.”  

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Join CEC, SBHS students, elected officials and local climate champions on Nov. 8 for our next Youth Climate Workshop on climate advocacy, more upcoming events

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Students in grades six through 12 who want to take meaningful climate action are invited to a FREE, hands-on workshop at CEC’s Environmental Hub, co-hosted by CEC and Santa Barbara High School’s Environmental Advocacy Club. In this session, we will dive into environmental policy advocacy, break down the public comment process, and show you how to use your voice to stand up for climate justice.

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Ventura County Office of Education — Test Scores Rise, New Welding Center, Hackathon, and more…

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Ventura County students are making gains in both math and English language arts, according to the latest scores from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). The percentage of students countywide who met or exceeded state standards in the 2024-2025 school year is up by 1.3% in math and 1.9% in English. This is the fourth consecutive year of improvement since scores dipped during the pandemic. You can find CAASPP scores for individual schools and school districts at this link.

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