The Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association (DOIA) has partnered with Downtown Strategies to develop a Five-Year Action Plan for Downtown Oxnard. Instead of brainstorming everything we could do, their bite-sized plan will identify practical small-scale strategies for what we should do to see immediate impact.
We are continuing to look at the dire housing crisis in Ventura County and the need for affordability in the real estate market. This quarter’s articles focus on identifying different housing needs and a variety of approaches used to fill them.
The actualized projects presented by the Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation and California State University Channel Islands each address the needs of specific groups in different but effective ways. The third segment discusses a project that has initial approval and is working its way through the system in Ventura.
It is clear that creativity in design, amenities, location and financing, along with process flexibility, are key
Thanks to your support, on Tuesday, May 13, the County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors voted to direct county staff to develop an oil phaseout ordinance. More than two dozen community members attended in-person or virtually to provide public comment, mostly in support of ending oil drilling and phasing out existing wells. The Community Environmental Council (CEC) partnered with the Sierra Club Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, the Environmental Defense Center, Climate First: Replacing Oil & Gas (CFROG) and more than 50 other organizations on this call to action.
THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University School of Management professor Vlad Vaiman, Ph.D., has been awarded one of the most prestigious appointments offered to U.S. scholars: A 2025-26 Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Business and Economics.
Vaiman is the first Cal Lutheran School of Management professor to receive the award. He will spend a total of four months conducting research at the Hanken School of Economics in Finland, a leading global university with 115 years of experience in research and education in economics and business.
“Buckling up takes seconds, but it can save your life,” said Corporal David Curtis. “Every person in every vehicle — no matter their age or where they’re sitting — deserves that protection. Wearing a seat belt should be second nature, every trip, every time.”
The scholar and National Book Award-winning author explores the human consequences of U.S. immigration policies and shares stories of hope and resilience from the border.
CAMARILLO — The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has once again recognized CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) as one of the nation’s Fulbright Top Producing Institutions for 2024/2025. The first time CSUCI received this recognition was in 2021/2022.
Each year, the national bureau lists the U.S. colleges and universities with the highest number of faculty and administrators selected for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, a federal government-sponsored international exchange program that enables U.S. scholars and other professionals to conduct research, teach, and pursue professional projects abroad.
Not only that, but in the master’s degree-granting classification, CSUCI is among the top three of the 46 institutions listed. CSUCI had three faculty members and one administrator earn the Fulbright scholarship for the 2024/2025 year, whereas the majority of universities in CSUCI’s classification had one or two.
THOUSAND OAKS — The California Lutheran University Class of 2025 chose perseverance as its theme, reflecting its success in navigating post-COVID-19 pandemic changes and national and global uncertainties. This tenacious cohort of 1,018 graduates will celebrate achieving its academic goals at the 2025 commencement ceremonies on May 16 in William Rolland Stadium on the Thousand Oaks campus.
The 62nd annual Undergraduate Commencement at 8:30 a.m. will honor 552 traditional undergraduates and 52 in the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program. Graduate Commencement at 2:30 p.m. will honor 414 students, including 388 earning master’s degrees and 31 receiving doctorates.
“The Class of 2025 embodies the power of perseverance,” Interim President John Nunes said. “Their accomplishments are rare, courageous and sacred. I believe God is up to great things in each of their lives to carry forward the Cal Lutheran legacy of learning that transforms lives.”
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has tallied the final numbers for their annual fundraiser, the Builder Games, presented by Mechanics Bank, which they hosted at the end of April. Meeting a new record, they brought in over $125,000 net through the support of over 150 community donors and sponsors. Proceeds from the event directly benefit PSHH residents through its programs and services.
Significant gifts from the event include a $10,000 Presenting Sponsorship from Mechanics Bank. Also giving an additional $10,000 during the paddle raise was individual donor Marcelle Kardush, matched by another $10,000 thanks to event attendees and a generous donation from Mission Bank.
The competitive grant will support the development of three major behavioral health projects that will expand access to care throughout the region: the Lewis Road Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC), the East County Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), and the East County Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF).
THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department, in partnership with District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell, has secured a $1 million grant from the Santa Monica Mountain Conservancy to enhance wildfire prevention and preparedness across the Santa Monica Mountains region of Ventura County.
The grant, unanimously approved by the conservancy board Monday night, will fund comprehensive wildfire resilience efforts, including recruiting and support for new Firewise Communities, strategic fuel reduction across more than 150 acres, enhanced public education efforts and the acquisition of a water tender to improve firefighting capabilities.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Signups for summer camp at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA branches are underway. Camp runs from June 9 to August 7 through the Simi Valley Family YMCA and from June 16 to August 15 through the Yarrow Family YMCA.
Campers in TK to 5th grade can attend day camp full-time (four to five days a week) or part-time (two to three days a week) for the entire camp session or selected weeks.
Activities include sports, swimming (under the supervision of Red Cross-certified YMCA lifeguards), arts and crafts, dance, cooking and weekly themed activities based on the campers’ age group. The child-to-counselor ratio is 14 to 1.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES – Stories of Hearst Castle
Tuesday, June 3
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street., Ventura
Join MClub & Museum of Ventura County for an informative Lunch & Learn with Architectural historian Victoria Kastner. Kastner will share many behind-the-scenes stories about Hearst Castle at San Simeon— examining its buildings, gardens, swimming pools, and glamorous guests. She will also reveal new information about Julia Morgan—its talented architect—and Julia’s unique collaboration with her influential client, William Randolph Hearst.
Victoria Kastner was the official historian at Hearst Castle for nearly three decades. In addition to her new biography about its talented architect (Julia Morgan: An Intimate Biography of the Trailblazing Architect), she has also written three volumes chronicling its fascinating history: Hearst Castle: The Biography of a Country House; Hearst’s San Simeon: The Gardens and the Land; and Hearst Ranch: Family, Land, and Legacy. Ms. Kastner has a Master’s Degree in Public History with a specialty in architectural history from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and a Master’s Degree in Museum Management from George Washington University. She has also published works on the Beverly Hills Hotel, Bernard Maybeck’s Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, and the novels of Charles Dickens. Purchase your tickets HERE.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the achievements of its noncredit students at its annual Noncredit Recognition Ceremony on Friday, May 9, 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, earned their GEDs, completed English Language Development (ELDN) courses, or achieved U.S. citizenship through the college’s noncredit offerings.
More than 200 students completed noncredit programs at Hancock during the 2025 academic year.
“This event shines a light on the hard work and determination of our noncredit students, many of whom have overcome significant personal and academic obstacles to reach their goals,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers. “We’re proud to celebrate their success and the life-changing impact of these programs.”
HYBRID WORKSHOP: MARKETING IN A DIGITAL WORLD
May 20 @ 5:00 pm
Join SCORE Ventura County and EDC for this insight-packed workshop which aims to educate business owners on the importance of marketing in a changing world where social media runs things. Participants will learn about the benefits of digital marketing and how these benefits will help grow your client base. This is a Hybrid Workshop: You can attend in person with the presenter at Chase Bank, 2181 N Rose Ave, Oxnard, CA 93036, or online via Zoom.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
VENTURA COUNTY — The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) celebrates the graduation of its latest and largest cohort from the High Road Construction Careers (HRCC) pre-apprenticeship program. The comprehensive, no-cost initiative equips residents of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties with the necessary skills and connections before embarking on apprenticeship training, and ultimately a career in the building and construction trades.
“This was an amazing career opportunity for me,” said Lois Person-Effinger, a recent HRCC graduate. “There are so many variations of construction [within the program] … electrical, plumbing, carpentry, so I feel like it has something for everyone.”
VENTURA — During National Police Week, happening May 11–17, the City of Ventura recognizes the people behind the badge and the vital roles they play in making our community safer and stronger. Behind every call for help, traffic stop, or community event is a Ventura Police Department employee working with purpose, compassion, and resolve.
“National Police Week is a powerful reminder of the commitment our officers make every day and of the very real risks they face to protect our community,” said Interim Police Chief Tony Lee. “Our employees are our most valuable asset, and the work they do is the backbone of public safety in Ventura. We are deeply grateful for their service, sacrifice, and resilience.”
On Tuesday, May 13, the County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors will hear a staff presentation on the potential to prohibit new oil drilling and phase out oil operations in Santa Barbara County. This is a critical opportunity to advocate for a cleaner future for the California Central Coast.
By pledging to phase out oil drilling, Santa Barbara has the chance to be a climate leader and demonstrate a clear commitment to a healthier, cleaner county for all. Help us ensure oil drilling in our county has an end date.
To learn more about the hearing, explore the agenda here and the staff report here. Our agenda item, Address Emissions from Oil and Gas Operations, is the eighth and final item on the agenda. See the Learn More section below for additional background information and resources.
CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST – Frontline healthcare workers at Planned Parenthood California Central Coast (PPCCC) have voted to authorize a strike over management’s unfair labor practices and refusal to address the urgent short-staffing crisis. The workers overwhelmingly approved the strike with a 100% vote following months of failed negotiations and continued bad-faith bargaining by Planned Parenthood management.
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula proudly announces the appointment of Councilmember and former two-time Mayor Jenny Crosswhite as Second Vice President of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the largest metropolitan planning organization in the United States. Crosswhite’s appointment was formally confirmed at SCAG’s General Assembly on May 1, 2025.
… Every year, strawberry lovers look forward to the festival’s tasty strawberry-themed food and beverages while enjoying a fun, family-friendly atmosphere filled with live entertainment, carnival rides, arts and crafts and other activities. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., both days.
Over 50 food and beverage vendors will serve a variety of treats, including strawberry-themed nachos, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry funnel cakes, strawberry kabobs, strawberry popcorn, and strawberry margaritas and beer. Festivalgoers can visit the Strawberry Shortcake Experience where they can build their own berry dessert for $7.
SANTA BARBARA — The annual celebration of Mother’s Day is meant to be a commemoration of the nurturing nature of mothers. The day is often filled with family get-togethers, luncheons, flowers and handmade gifts and cards.
For others, however, Mother’s Day can be a bittersweet reminder for those who have lost their mothers and mothers who have lost a child, turning a joyful holiday into one filled with pain and grief.
Suzanne Grimmesey of Santa Barbara knows this all too well as this will be the second Mother’s Day without her mother Elaine.
“My mom passed away a little over a year and it has been a time of growth and learning about my own identity in the world without her,” said Grimmesey. “Who am I without my mom? I’ve been a daughter my entire life and now, without either of my parents, am I still a daughter? I know I am, but It feels different now.”
13th Annual Homeownership Conference – Saturday, June 28th
We’re proud to present the 13th Annual A New Way Home Homeownership Conference, our premier event dedicated to empowering individuals and families on their path to homeownership, now back in person! This year, we bring together industry experts, community leaders, and local resources to provide invaluable insights, workshops, and tools that can help you achieve the dream of owning a home. If you want to ditch rent and become a homeowner this conference is for you!
Advocates of establishing colonies on Mars (Elon Musk immediately comes to mind) contend that we must develop these outposts on this red planetary soil to ensure the viability of humankind. If we do not colonize our celestial neighbor, they argue, then we will certainly face extinction, given the increasing uninhabitability of our mother planet.
Critics pounce on this logic, saying that the likely cause of the multitude of terrestrial disasters we face is due to climate change. And rather than investing those billions of dollars in “escaping” to Mars, we need to focus on reversing the decades of climate destruction caused by fossil fuels, the Trump administration notwithstanding.
The Port of Hueneme proudly acknowledges April as Autism Acceptance Month. The Board of Harbor Commissioners passed a resolution recognizing this important month, which was received by the Autism Society Ventura County (ASVC).
We were also honored to sponsor the 13th Annual Aut2Run on April 27th — a meaningful event hosted by ASVC and attended by over 3,000 people. Aut2Run promotes awareness and acceptance for autistic individuals and their families.
A first-generation college graduate and former community college transfer student, Lavariega Monforti exemplifies the mission and values of CSUCI. Her extensive leadership experience includes previous roles as Vice Provost and Accreditation Liaison Officer at CSUCI, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at California Lutheran University, Chair of Political Science at Pace University, and Associate Dean for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas–Pan American.
VENTURA — Gill’s Onions will match all donations up to $15,000 for every dollar donated to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) through the end of May as part of SEEAG’s 6th Annual Double Your Impact Challenge.
All proceeds benefit SEEAG’s Farm-to-Food Lab program in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The program builds awareness and appreciation among grade schoolers for agriculture and the importance of eating healthy. It combines classroom learning with farm field trips and hands-on learning that includes water, plant, and soil science activities—all at no cost to students, teachers or schools.
“The Double Your Impact Challenge helps keep our program free,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, SEEAG’s executive director. “Gill’s Onions’ generosity and all those who donate during May will help ensure our ability to provide the no-cost program during this coming school year.”
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s Rodeo Team finished its 2025 season with an impressive list of awards and accomplishments.
The team’s final competition took place at the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s (NIRA) West Coast Regional Finals in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 2-4. Hancock freshman breakaway roper Molly Pole had a 3.4-second run and placed fifth out of 88 breakaway ropers. Hancock sophomore Cody French and his team roping partner Haleigh Grant went 8.0 seconds to win the team roping category.
“We’re grateful to our incredible community for showing up and showing heart,” said Lisa Hildebrand, Executive Director, Ventura Charter School. “EcoFest is more than just a celebration, it’s a powerful reminder of how small actions, taken together, can shape a more sustainable future.” Guests of all ages enjoyed a rich array of experiences, including:
Immerse yourself in an evening of Wild Hope.
Through captivating storytelling, the PBS series Wild Hope
explores bold climate solutions, showcases nature’s resilience, and sparks renewed hope for the future of our planet. We invite you to join us for special screenings and an evening of inspiration, emceed by local author and Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Humes.
Thursday, May 15, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building
Board Hearing Room
511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria
The public may participate virtually, or in person at the County Board Hearing Room in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Ensembles will cap off their 2024/25 season with a pair of FREE community concerts. The community is invited to witness the talent and dedication of more than 100 student musicians across three orchestra levels, ranging in age from 9 – 18.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is proud to announce that Ron Werft, former President and CEO and now president emeritus has received the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) 2025 Board of Trustees Award. The national recognition honors individuals or groups who have made substantial and noteworthy contributions to the mission and work of the AHA on behalf of the hospital field. Werft was presented with the award on May 5 during the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C.
Saturday, May 10th, 2025
10:00am PST // 1:00pm EST
COLOR, LIGHT, MOTION, EPISODE 28
Co-presenters Frederick Janka and Dr. JoAnn Kuchera-Morin will be discussing four objects from the David Bermant Foundation Collection: Nam June Paik, Participation TV, 1969; Otto Piene, Light Ballet I; Marcel Duchamp, Rotorelief (optical discs) 1935-1953, edition c. 1965, and Alejandro & Moira Sina, Spinning Shaft 1978, 1983.
“For over two decades, this scholarship has honored the legacy of Sergeant Darlon ‘Dee’ Dowell by investing in the educational journeys of students committed to service,” said Corporal Joseph Metz, President of the VPOA. “We are proud to continue that tradition and help inspire the next generation of public safety professionals.”
“Our Environmental Health Division team, along with our hired contractors and State partners, approached this effort with great care as we managed the program and supported property owners throughout the process”, said Charles Genkel, Environmental Health Division Director. “This wasn’t just about clearing debris. It was about helping people take an important step toward healing and recovery. As we move into the rebuilding phase, the County remains committed to supporting property owners every step of the way.”
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Observed annually in May, AANHPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of the AANHPI community in our nation’s history. To commemorate AANHPI Heritage Month, the Small Business Administration highlights resources, funding and training available to all AANHPI-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The EDC is proud to support our community by providing professional technical assistance through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:
Premiere Party: California Art Club’s “Plein Air Visions”
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Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM members, $10 Non-members
We didn’t quite plan for the entire Museum to be filled with art by members of the California Art Club, but we’re not mad now that it has happened! On Saturday, May 10, join us for the premiere of “Plein Air Visions,” featuring two dozen current CAC members. You’ll also enjoy CAC Signature Artist Anne Ward’s solo exhibition, “Painted Seasons,” and a mini-exhibit of works by historic CAC members Jessie Arms Botke and Cornelis Botke.
Building future careers in STEM, students in the FUERTE program travel to the Eastern Sierra to explore nature, gain field experience and learn from top scientists.
Read more about FUERTE in this special multimedia feature.
The Music Academy of the West is proud to welcome Untitled, Head, a monumental sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist Jun Kaneko, now installed on the Academy’s Fé Bland Plaza. Standing 13 feet tall and weighing nearly 2,000 pounds, the cast bronze work rests atop a stainless-steel base, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience Kaneko’s artistry up close before it takes center stage in two major Music Academy performances at The Granada Theatre.
