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…
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.
“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.”
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.”
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.
“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.
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.
Come hear our outstanding panelists share their insights on the data in the 2025 State of the Region Report and offer their perspectives on the future of Ventura County.
We’re thrilled to unveil our 55th Anniversary Digital Community Quilt, a vibrant mosaic of creativity and connection featuring 55 unique panels created in a variety of mediums by PSHH team members, residents, and community members. Visit pshhc.org/quilt to see the full piece!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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:
Fall is Feasting Season
Join us in celebrating:
(The Art of Mexcal)
Filipino American History Month
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.
Dear Friends,
As we wrap this incredible 30th season, we’d love to hear about the concert(s) you attended. Your feedback helps us shape what comes next – artists, venues, start times, even the snacks!
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.”
The Ventura County Fire Department will host the 2025 Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony:
Thursday, November 6th
10:00 am to 11:30 a.m.
Ventura County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura.
Artist Kim Garcia’s new LA show “Tender Material” connects family stories with Philippine cultural history.
View this email in your browser FOOD SHOPS ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS Connect & Share with #DowntownOxnard Copyright © 2025 Oxnard Downtown Management District, All rights reserved.
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.
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:
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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!
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.”
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.
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.
Researchers created an algae-based gel for studying mammary epithelial cells, which form milk-producing ducts and glands in healthy breast tissue and can transform into cancer cells.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is helping local students and healthcare professionals take the next step in their careers with two upcoming program application deadlines — including the college’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pathway, developed in partnership with California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI), and the spring 2026 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) academy.
“Ventura County supports stronger wildfire safety measures,” said Supervisor Jeff Gorell. “But Sacramento’s one-size-fits-all approach to maps and regulations ignores local realities. Without clear funding, local flexibility, or practical timelines, these rules risk creating another unfunded mandate that burdens homeowners and drives up insurance and housing costs.”
Thanks to your support, on Tuesday, Oct. 21, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors directed staff to develop an ordinance ending new oil drilling in the county. The ordinance process is expected to take about six months. County staff will also begin the process of phasing out existing oil operations by developing an amortization study of existing wells and conducting an environmental review.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College adjunct English instructor Patrick Shattuck has published his latest novel, Sea of Glass, a contemporary thriller infused with elements of magical realism.
The book tells the story of Shannon Delaney, a teenager overshadowed by her brilliant twin sister and caught in a web of secrets, shifting loyalties and a mysterious glowing glass orb that reveals haunting visions of love, loss and truth.
“I’ve always been a storyteller—I was that kid in class who everyone wanted to hear read first,” said Shattuck. “Now, as both a teacher and writer, I still love creating stories that keep readers turning the pages and looking for what comes next.”
PURCHASE TICKETS DID SOMENONE SAY PRIZES!? Be ready to enter the silent auction and raffle drawing at the Halloween Disco! Prize opportunities include: ?? 1 RAFFLE TICKET: $25 ?????????? 5 RAFFLE TICKETS: $100 ????? SILENT AUCTION: PRICES VARY DEPENDING ON…
OXNARD — The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) is proud to announce the launch of Professional Empowerment and Employment Resources (PEER) Up, a groundbreaking new program designed to close the employment and wage gaps for individuals with disabilities in Ventura County. PEER Up is a workforce development initiative that provides paid work experience, mentorship, and inclusive job connections to help participants build confidence and thrive in today’s workforce.
VENTURA — Ventura Housing is inviting Ventura County artists to help bring beauty and meaning to its affordable housing community, Valentine Road Apartments.
As part of its commitment to integrating art into community spaces, Ventura Housing seeks artworks that inspire, uplift, and reflect the voices of residents. This project reflects Ventura Housing’s belief that art is an essential part of what makes a home. By bringing creativity and color into shared spaces, the Valentine Road public art initiative aims to spark pride, connection, and healing among residents.
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula has been honored by the League of California Cities as one of only 11 cities statewide to receive the distinguished 2025 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence. Santa Paula earned this recognition in the category of Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics, and Community Involvement for its innovative efforts to strengthen civic engagement, transparency, and ethical governance.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College’s (SBCC) Physical Education Department is proud to announce the launch of three innovative certification pathways designed to meet growing workforce needs in sports, fitness, and healthcare industries: Youth Coaching, Fitness Trainer, and Pre-Sports Medicine. The certifications launched this Fall semester and registration for Spring 2026 begins Friday, Dec. 12.
At CAUSE, we believe that real change begins at the local level – when everyday people come together to organize, speak out, and build collective power in our communities.
Here on the Central Coast – and across the state and nation – we face urgent challenges. But we have the power to defend what matters and push for local progress that reflects our values. That’s why we are hiring.
SANTA BARBARA — Family Service Agency (FSA) is announcing that its senior services programs have openings for new clients. There are currently no waiting lists for services for the first time in years! FSA’s Senior Services programs include senior and caregiver counseling, case management, and the Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives for Seniors (PEARLS). FSA operates these programs countywide, including in Santa Maria at the Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center and in Guadalupe at The Little House By The Park.
MOORPARK — The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College has received the Animal Exhibit Award of Excellence from the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), a national honor recognizing Annual Awards Banquet, recognizing the zoo’s excellence in new and unique live animal display, exhibit design and construction.
Presented annually at the ZAA Awards Banquet, the Animal Exhibit Award of Excellence places Moorpark College’s Teaching Zoo alongside some of the most respected wildlife facilities in the country. The ZAA, a leading accrediting body in zoological care, awards the recognition to exhibits that demonstrate excellence in enriching animal lives, engaging the public and advancing conservation education.
SANTA BARBARA — (On Oct. 16), we honored Paul Relis, whose vision helped ignite the environmental movement. In the wake of the 1969 oil spill, Paul founded the Community Environmental Council and began a journey that would shape the Central Coast’s environmental legacy for generations.
Paul’s ambition has always been grounded in hope, community, and a deep belief in our collective power to create change. From co-hosting one of the very first Earth Day celebrations in 1970 to pioneering waste management and recycling programs as a California EPA executive, Paul’s influence helped turn Santa Barbara into a beacon for environmental action.
SANTA BARBARA — This fall, Adelante Charter School, a 2025 California Distinguished School and a Spanish dual-language immersion program, will celebrate its 25th anniversary by honoring individuals who have been instrumental to its success and growth. The honorees include the school’s inaugural board members, whose vision and dedication made history in Santa Barbara County, along with local philanthropist Jim Kearns.
“We are excited to receive this grant, which will allow us to significantly expand our bicycle and pedestrian safety program,” said Principal Civil Engineer Jeff Hereford. “By focusing on education, awareness, and promoting safe practices, we aim to reduce crashes and prevent injuries. Ultimately, we’re working toward building more walkable and bike-friendly neighborhoods where everyone can travel safely and confidently.”
THOUSAND OAKS — For details on the series and to register, go to: https://www.callutheran.edu/centers/lifelong-learning/fifty-better/lecture-series.html
Lectures are $10 each. Bundle the entire series (12 lectures) for just $85. Or “build-your-own bundle” – choose 5 lectures for $40.
Half of the lectures offered this fall can be attended in-person at our Thousand Oaks campus (parking is free and accessible). All lectures are recorded and can be attended virtually.
