Category: News

Senior Concerns Seeks Volunteers for 31st Annual Love Run

volunteer for the 31st Annual Love Run, presented by Logix Federal Credit Union, which will take place on Sunday, June 1, in Westlake Village.

One of the largest 5K/10K events in the Conejo Valley, the Love Run, draws more than 2,000 participants and 500 spectators annually. Volunteers are essential to making the event a success, helping raise funds to provide nutritious meals to homebound seniors through Senior Concerns’ Meals On Wheels program.

“Volunteers are the heart and driving force behind the Love Run,” says Andrea Gallagher, president of Senior Concerns. “Event volunteers do more than just help on race day- they ensure thousands of meals reach homebound seniors throughout the year. That impact is priceless.” 

Bilingual report — Ventura County Animals Services (VCAS) — Shelter at 135% Capacity! FREE dog adoptions through Mother’s Day (5/11)

We are at 135% capacity in our dog kennels.  To help relieve overcrowding we are holding a free dog adoption promotion* through Sunday, May 11th, 2025 at both the Camarillo and Simi Valley Shelters.

Santa Barbara Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation names 2025 music competition winners

SANTA BARBARA — Eight talented, young musicians and vocalists took home a total of $36,000 in scholarships Sunday, April 27, after competing in the annual music contest organized by the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation.

A professional panel of judges selected first and second place winners in the Adult Instrumental, Junior Instrumental, Adult Vocal and newly added Junior Vocal categories. Fourteen finalists competed at the event. Awards ranged from $500 to $6,000. The contest took place in Lehmann Hall at Music Academy of the West in Montecito.

People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC) 2025 Builder Games Raises over $125,000 for Resident Programs

CENTRAL COAST – This past weekend, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) hosted the 2025 Builder Games. Presented by Mechanics Bank, eight teams competed in a series of fun building-related challenges to imaginatively transform a standard 4’x 4’ playhouse into a child’s dream.   
Winning this year’s title of ‘Builder Games Champion’ and the ‘People’s Choice Award’ was first-time competitor Tricamo Construction for their “Chicken Coop”. The ‘Judge’s Choice Award’ was awarded to BMA Mechanical+, another team new to this year’s Games, for their inventive recreation of the iconic San Luis Obispo landmark, Frank’s Hot Dogs Restaurant.  

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Funding Opprotunity for City of Oxnard Business Owners

The City of Oxnard and the Economic Development Collaborative have partnered to support small business owners! With a low-interest rate, terms designed for businesses and NO-COST professional advising, this fund is perfect for those who haven’t been unable to qualify for traditional bank loans.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

CARE Act Town Hall Meeting on Mental Health and Support Services 

Join the County of Ventura and the Ventura County Superior Court for an upcoming *CARE Act Town Hall Meeting* to learn about a new program offering voluntary support and treatment for individuals facing serious mental health and substance use challenges.

This informative session will cover eligibility, the petition process, and how the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act is being implemented locally to connect people with the care they need.

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025 

Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 

Location: Ventura County Government Center  

Hall of Administration – Lower Plaza Assembly Room, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009  

Or Join via Zoom: 

Meeting ID: 814 194 7530 

Passcode: 484640 

Download Zoom at: zoom.us/download

**Spanish interpretation will be provided.

Speakers include representatives from the Ventura County Superior Court, County Counsel, Public Defender’s Office, and Behavioral Health, all working together to support residents through this new state program.

LEARN MORE

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — LA Art Trips & Artist Opportunities

There are still a few spots left to join us on Saturday May 3, departing Santa Barbara at 9:00 am.

Our LA adventure begins with a Pace gallery director guided tour of legendary Light and Space artist Robert Irwin In Los Angeles, an exhibition of work produced between 1960 and 1971, marking the first exhibition of Irwin’s work mounted by Pace since the artist’s death in 2023 and his first posthumous presentation in California. We’ll enjoy our boxed lunches in the gallery garden then head to Marciano Foundation for Lightscape: Doug Aitken, and a special screening of Aitken’s FRONTIER followed by a conversation between Ed Ruscha and Aitken. A very full and rewarding day of art and ideas – register here!

Bilingual report — Don’t Miss Your Flight! Get a Certified Copy of Your Birth Certificate to Apply for a REAL ID or Passport

VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder Michelle Ascencion is reminding residents that starting May 7, 2025, the federal government will require a REAL ID, U.S. passport, or other federally approved identification to board domestic flights.

To apply for a REAL ID or passport, applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship—most commonly, a certified copy of their birth certificate. This must be obtained from the county where the individual was born.

Bilingual report — Twelve cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s CORE Custody Academy

“Today is not an ending, but rather a beginning,” said Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Vincent Wasilewski. “It is the beginning of a career in one of the most demanding and rewarding professions anywhere.”

All 12 graduates of CORE Academy Class #19 completed a comprehensive California Standards and Training for Corrections course consisting of 260 hours of instruction. The six-week academy is designed to prepare students to work as correctional officers. Some of the instruction included emergency planning in a custody facility, report writing, ethics, investigation procedures, contraband, arrest and control, physical fitness training, CPR/First Aid and emergency vehicle operations.

Defending Public Education in a Time of Uncertainty

Public education is facing an unprecedented challenge. As political rhetoric intensifies, the U.S. Department of Education has come under attack, with calls for its elimination shaking the foundation of our nation’s commitment to equitable learning opportunities. Yet, despite these challenges, the focus of Ventura County educators remains clear: ensuring the well-being and success of students.

At this time, when public education is under scrutiny, our schools need unwavering support from the communities they serve. The narrative around education must shift from one of division to one of shared responsibility and appreciation. We need to reinforce the idea that teaching is not just a profession, but a privilege—one that shapes the future of our society. Strong, compassionate educators and leaders remain essential to guiding our schools through these uncertain times.

Public education is facing an unprecedented challenge. As political rhetoric intensifies, the U.S. Department of Education has come under attack, with calls for its elimination shaking the foundation of our nation’s commitment to equitable learning opportunities. Yet, despite these challenges, the focus of Ventura County educators remains clear: ensuring the well-being and success of students.

At this time, when public education is under scrutiny, our schools need unwavering support from the communities they serve. The narrative around education must shift from one of division to one of shared responsibility and appreciation. We need to reinforce the idea that teaching is not just a profession, but a privilege—one that shapes the future of our society. Strong, compassionate educators and leaders remain essential to guiding our schools through these uncertain times.

Celebrity Readers in Ventura County will Take 5 and Read to Kids! starting May 2

VENTURA COUNTY — The ninth annual Take 5 and Read to Kids! campaign will kick-off May 2nd at preschools, childcare centers, and public libraries throughout Ventura County. First 5 Ventura County hosts these free community events to help raise awareness about the importance of early childhood literacy for the more than 55,000 children in Ventura County who are age 5 and younger. For more information, visit www.first5ventura.org/talk-read-sing

Allan Hancock College’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) students shine at state SkillsUSA competition

SANTA MARIA — Students in Allan Hancock College’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs took home a staggering 50 gold, silver, and bronze medals from the statewide SkillsUSA competition in Ontario, California, earlier this month. 

A record-breaking 40 Hancock students who participated in this year’s competition earned gold medals across 25 categories, including cybersecurity, architecture, welding, crime scene investigation, web design, and more. 

In addition, seven Hancock students earned silver medals and three earned bronze medals. 

“The work and dedication of our SkillsUSA students demonstrates their drive to succeed and their passion for their career pathways,” said Hancock Administration of Justice Instructor Kurt Kruse, who attended the competition as a SkillsUSA coach. “As an instructor, I was proud of every student who competed.”?

CAUSE hiring Summer interns — and it’s PAID

At CAUSE, building the next generation of community leaders isn’t just part of our vision – it is our vision. We believe our future lies with young people grounded in justice, ready to defend the progress we’ve made and fight for a more just and sustainable future in the Central Coast.

From June 16 to August 8, we’re looking for two interns to join our team and the fight for housing justice, workers’ rights, and environmental justice. These part-time internships are 10 hours weekly, with a pay rate of $20/hour. Whether you’re drawn to policy or building grassroots people power through organizing, this is your chance to build skills, grow your leadership, and make a real impact.

We’re now accepting applications for two dynamic, 8-week paid internship positions:

Bilingual report — The Agriculture Appreciation Curriculum teaches 3rd grade students a culture of healthy eating and shows them a path to STEM Education

VENTURA — Early education about food helps young people see the value of eating fruits and vegetables instead of ultra-processed foods. A fun program helps 3rd grade students learn where their food comes from, the science of agriculture, and related career opportunities. Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) provides a Farm-to-Table Laboratory that teaches children in Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara counties in California, thanks to a grant from Kaiser Permanente.

United Way of Ventura County secures $1.7 million in funding to address homelessness

VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County (UWVC) has been awarded two grants totaling $1.7 million from the Ventura County Continuum of Care Alliance. Both grants are from the State of California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP) Round 5 for Homeless Prevention, and Rapid Re-Housing. This funding will bolster key programs, including Home Safe which aims to place homeless and keep them housed as well as the countywide Landlord Engagement Program (LEP), which aims to increase housing stock and utilize existing housing vouchers and subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners. By recruiting and retaining landlords willing to assist, the program seeks to prevent and end homelessness in the community. 

CSUCI awards area business and non-profit partners during Connections Breakfast

CAMARILLO — Representatives from area businesses, the non-profit sector, the health industry, and a faculty member from the campus were recognized as valuable partners to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) during the annual CSUCI Connections Breakfast.

The sold-out event took place on campus where participants had a chance to mingle and look over student research projects on display before sitting down to breakfast and welcome remarks from CSUCI Vice President for Advancement Richard LeRoy and President Richard Yao.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura names David Dickey as next Chief of Police

“We are excited to welcome Chief Dickey as the next leader of the Ventura Police Department,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “His extensive experience, collaborative leadership style, and dedication to the community make him well-equipped to address evolving public safety challenges with professionalism.”

Bilingual report — County of Ventura appoints Roger Robinson new Human Services Agency Director

VENTURA — The County of Ventura has named Roger Robinson as the new director for the Ventura County Human Service Agency. Robinson was selected following an extensive recruitment process, which included both internal and external candidates. He steps into the role following the retirement of former director Melissa Livingston this month.

Ventura County Students Dazzle at Industry and Education: Student Project Showcase

VENTURA COUNTY — More than 100 middle and high schoolers from throughout Ventura County marveled industry professionals last Thursday with their innovation and technical talent at the first annual Industry and Education: Student Project Showcase in Camarillo. The event brought together students, educators, and industry leaders to highlight the ingenuity of local youth and the importance of providing educational opportunities that can lead to local manufacturing careers. 

Ventura Harbor Village launches Seaside Vacay Giveaway 2025

VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village is thrilled to announce the Seaside Vacay Giveaway for 2025! One lucky winner will receive a coastal getaway experience at Ventura’s seaside playground – Ventura Harbor Village valued at over $1,000, and packed with seaside fun, a two-night harbor stay, waterfront dining, shopping, and on the water adventure.

SBCC Board votes to move forward with Physical Education Building replacement with $34 Million in state matching funds

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Board voted 5-1-0-1 (one board member was absent) on Thursday, April 17, to move forward with replacing the Physical Education (PE) Building on the Cliff Drive East Campus. The priority of the PE building replacement project is due to $34 million matching state funds that would expire in the coming year if not utilized. The $34 million would add to the Measure P Bond Extension’s $198 million and maximize facility improvements. 

“We are grateful to our community for passing the Measure P Bond Extension by 66 percent,” said SBCC Board President Jonathan Abboud. “The Physical Education building is being done first because of $34 million in state matching funds that expire in June 2025 if not used — this is money we do not want to lose. Another $71 million from the bond, 36 percent, would go towards this project’s estimated $105 million total cost.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

AND GAIN MORE CUSTOMERS

May 7 @ 8:30 am

Whether you are a seasoned marketer or just starting out, this workshop is tailored to equip you with actionable marketing strategies that will deliver results. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your marketing game and attract and gain more customers. Join SCORE Ventura County, City of Thousand Oaks and EDC for this insight-packed workshop that will dive into the key elements of digital marketing to help attract and gain more customers. Address: Thousand Oaks City Hall, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report Allan Hancock College hosts art, music, dance and film events (and ?Folklórico Invitational Concert) May 1 through 19

Hancock will host the 2025 Folklórico Invitational concert and dance performance on May 1-3 at 7 p.m. in Boyd Concert Hall (bldg. F) on the Santa Maria campus. Performers include Hancock students, as well as talented dancers from Righetti, Pioneer Valley and Santa Maria high schools, as well as members of the community. Tickets are $10 each and are available at https://www.hancockcollege.edu/pathways/creative-arts/tickets.php.  

Strawberries Rule at 39th Annual California Strawberry Festival, May 17 and 18

VENTURA — More than a million and a half strawberries will be eaten over two days during the 39thAnnual California Strawberry Festival, May 17 and 18 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds(10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001).

Many of the 50 food vendors at the festival will serve strawberry-themed offerings. Festival goers can treat themselves to such treats as chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry-topped funnel cakes, strawberry pizza, strawberry nachos, deep-fried strawberries, berry kabobs, strawberry tacos and strawberry beer, margaritas and smoothies.

Ventura Music Festival — Tickets on sale now for Ottmar Liebert in concert on June 27, more upcoming events

Friday, June 27 at 7:00 PM
The Majestic Ventura Theater
One of the most successful instrumental artists of the past decades, Ottmar Liebert has been entertaining audiences around the world for decades with his unforgettable, signature Nouveau Flamenco sound that blends elegance, passion, and global rhythms. Don’t miss this world-renowned guitarist as he creates a spellbinding atmosphere with every note!

Family Service Agency Event Highlights Critical Need for Youth Mental Health Support in Santa Maria

SANTA MARIA —  More than 50 community leaders, school administrators, local government representatives, and concerned parents gathered on April 10th at the Santa Maria Public Library for Family Service Agency’s (FSA) impactful luncheon focused on youth mental health. The event showcased FSA’s comprehensive approach to supporting youth mental health across Santa Barbara County and highlighted the organization’s significant impact in the community.

“We all need help sometimes, and FSA is universal in their approach in that FSA serves the entire county and communities in which they live, meaning there is ‘no wrong door’ to access services for anyone in need,” said Teressa Johnes, FSA board member, during her opening remarks. Johnes emphasized FSA’s unique ability to serve individuals across the entire lifespan, from prenatal care to senior services for those in their golden years.

VCCCD Marketing Teams Honored in Public Relations Awards Ceremony

CAMARILLO — In a year where authentic storytelling and cultural relevance stood out as creative imperatives, the marketing teams at Ventura College and the District Administrative Center (DAC) rose to the occasion. At the 2025 Community College Public Relations Organization (CCPRO) Pro Awards, both teams were honored for campaigns that didn’t just communicate—but connected.

CCPRO is a statewide professional organization that supports marketing, public relations, and communications professionals at California’s community colleges. The group provides opportunities for professional development, resource sharing, and collaboration across districts. Its annual Pro Awards recognize outstanding work in areas like media relations, advertising, design, and crisis communication.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. Community Matters Newsletter – April 2025

Spring into homeownership – this is the season of renewal and growth and we’re pleased to share exciting updates and opportunities that support your path to homeownership. This month’s newsletter highlights important program changes, upcoming events, and valuable resources available to individuals and families throughout the communities we serve. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking for support to take the next step, VCCDC is here to help guide and empower you every step of the way!

Bilingual report — Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara presents Ballet Nepantla: A Fusion of Ballet, Contemporary, and Mexican Folklórico May 16-18

SANTA BARBARA — Join ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara!  (Viva) for three free community performances by Ballet Nepantla.

Ballet Nepantla

THREE FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES

Friday, May 16 | 7 PM | Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Rd, Goleta

Saturday, May 17  | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St, Guadalupe, CA

Sunday, May 18 | 6 PM | The Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E Cota St, Santa Barbara

Ballet Nepantla combines classic ballet and contemporary dance with traditional Mexican folklórico, creating a truly special production. Founders Andrea Guajardo and Martín Rodríguez envisioned a new form of expression that fused these two distinct dance traditions, creating an aesthetic that reflects the historical, cultural, and social realities of a broader narrative of being Mexican, Mexican American, immigrant, and trans-cultural.

Join us outside the Santa Maria Strawberry Festival on April 27 – Justice Can’t Wait

This May Day, we’re showing up loud and clear in solidarity with farmworkers at the Santa Maria Strawberry Festival, and we want you there with us.

While the festival celebrates strawberries, it leaves out the very people who make the harvest possible. Farmworkers power a multi-billion-dollar industry in California, yet they’re still fighting for wages they can live on.

This isn’t just about fairness – it’s about people power. And when we show up together, we shift what’s possible through our collective voice and power.

Port of Hueneme, shipping lines, corporate leaders receive awards

VENTURA — International industry leaders came together at Alta Sea at the Port of Los Angeles April 16 for the annual Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) Awards Ceremony, which recognized the top-performing shipping lines for the 2024 season and celebrated 10 seasons of the program. 

The busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere offered a fitting place to recognize shipping industry leaders who move cargo all over the globe for their exemplary efforts in the most impactful BWBS season yet. 

May at the Santa Paula Art Museum

Premiere Party:

“Plein Air Visions”

Presented by the California Art Club

Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 Members, $10 Non-members

The prestigious California Art Club was established in 1909 by early California Impressionists to promote the practice of traditional fine arts in the fields of painting, drawing, and sculpture. “Plein Air Visions” will feature 35 contemporary plein air paintings by two dozen current CAC members. The group exhibition celebrates the immediacy and spontaneity of the plein air technique in capturing the ever-changing light, colors, and moods of the California landscape. All of the paintings will be available for purchase.

Samara Harris joins Reicker, Pfau, Pyle and McRoy

SANTA BARBARA — Samara Harris, a corporate and real estate attorney with experience working on a variety of complex transactions, recently joined the premier, full-service law firm Reicker, Pfau, Pyle & McRoy.

Harris joined Reicker Pfau on March 17 as an associate in the firm’s Transactions Department. Her practice focuses primarily on mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions and general contract and corporate matters.

A graduate of the University of Southern California, Harris has represented a wide range of clients, including private equity funds, public companies, developers, individuals, and hotel companies in connection with complex real estate deals. These transactions have included the acquisition, disposition, financing, leasing, land banking and franchising of diverse real estate assets, such as multifamily and residential developments, student housing, mixed-use developments, retail centers, hotels and single-family homes.

CI Fiduciary Group celebrates 10th anniversary

SANTA BARBARA — Channel Islands Fiduciary Group, a company that offers private, professional fiduciary services for elders and dependent adults, is celebrating 10 years in business. 

Founded by Courtney DeSoto, J.D., CLPF, NCG, TEP, Channel Islands Fiduciary Group offers a comprehensive range of fiduciary services to support populations that include at-risk seniors, people who wish to age in their own homes, individuals suffering from mental and/or emotional challenges, those suffering from substance use disorder, adults vulnerable to exploitation or abuse, and isolated adults. DeSoto provides services as a successor trustee, executor and agent on a power of attorney for finances and/or healthcare. She also serves by court appointment in conservatorships and probate administration proceedings.

Bilingual reports — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — GRANT OPPORTUNITY for California Restaurants, Food Trucks and Caterers

RESTAURANTS CARE RESILIENCE FUND

Restaurants Care, a nonprofit program of the California Restaurant Foundation, has awarded $7.3 million in grants to 1,603 independent restaurants across California—supporting burger joints, taquerias, bakeries and more. In 2025, Restaurants Care is offering two grant opportunities to help restaurants thrive: $10,000 grants for LA County restaurants and food trucks impacted by the 2025 LA Fires and $5,000 grants for restaurants and commercial caterers in select CA counties (including Ventura & Santa Barbara!) to build resilience. Restaurants Care was created in 2017 as a safety net for food and beverage workers. To learn more about their fund for food and beverage workers, click here.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara celebrating Earth Day with Cole Sternberg

“In 1969, the devastating images of a massive oil spill from an oil platform off Santa Barbara’s coast galvanized California into action and caught the attention of the rest of the nation, including Senator Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day, who visited Santa Barbara shortly after the spill. The resulting swell of outrage and concern gave rise to the first Earth Day in 1970” (and our colleagues at the Community Environmental Council). 

Bilingual report — April news People’s Self-Health Housing

In April we celebrate Fair Housing Month and rightly recognize the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This landmark legislature came just two years ahead of People’s Self-Help Housing’s incorporation.

The Act, which protects people from discrimination when renting or buying a home, securing a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities, originally had four protected classes – race, religion, national origin, and gender. With the amendment of 1988, two additional classes, ability and familial status were added.

VCFD Junior Fire Academy registration opens May 1 – May 8

CAMARILLO — Ventura County Fire Department will accept registrations for our Junior Fire Academy from 9am May 1, 2025 to 5pm May 8, 2025 (or earlier if all spots are filled).

The department will offer three, five-day sessions for girls and boys ages 13 to 15. Sessions are taught by firefighters and include hands-on activities, interactive learning, and field trips. Each session is limited to 30 spaces, which will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants will be able to register for the program starting on May 1st, 2025 at https://vcfd.org/junior-fire-academy

CSUCI hosts its first-ever Datathon for Ventura County college and high school students on April 26

CAMARILLO — High school or community college students who would like to learn more about data collection and analysis are invited to a free “Datathon” at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.…

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: MARKETING MASTERCLASS

April 24 @ 8:00 am

Are you struggling to attract profitable customers and grow your business? Do you want to stand out from the competition and maximize your marketing efforts? This must-attend workshop is designed for established business owners and new entrepreneurs looking to drive real results. Join SCORE Ventura County and EDC for this insight-packed session and discover the strategies you need to attract, win and retain high-value customers. Address: Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St., Ventura, California 93001.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College sparks conversation on future of AI at summit

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College welcomed more than 200 students, educators, industry leaders and community members to its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit on April 18 at the college’s Santa Maria campus. 

The event, a first of its kind for the college, brought together experts from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, LinkedIn, Cal Poly, Moorpark College, Berkeley College and Hancock for a day of engaging discussions, keynote presentations, breakout sessions and panel conversations. Topics included AI trends, practical applications, ethical considerations and how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, employment, and everyday life. 

Donny Most & his band take the stage May 9th for a dazzling old-Hollywood, supper club-style evening of big band classics, swing dancing, and light bites! See more events here

Slide on down to the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach on Friday, May 9th, where the music is swingin’, the lights are low, and the vibe is oh-so right.

We’re talkin’ about a night with the one and only Donny Most — yeah, that Donny Most, best known as Ralph Malph from Happy Days — but this time, he’s croonin’ with a 17-piece big band that’ll knock your socks off.

Bilingual commentary — Allan Hancock and Cuesta Colleges receive grant to develop high-tech hubs, cybersecurity degree

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College and Cuesta College have been awarded state funding through Uplift Central Coast’s Catalyst Predevelopment Grant initiative to establish the AHC/CC High Tech Hubs: Diversifying Careers Through Education project.  

This initiative aims to address regional workforce gaps by preparing the next generation of aerospace engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and skilled technicians in high-demand industries. The grant is part of Uplift Central Coast’s recent $9 million investment in 36 projects across six counties, supporting economic growth, workforce development, and equitable job opportunities. 

Bilingual contribution— Post-Action Momentum Continues: April 19 Community Gatherings in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Isla Vista

SANTA BARBARA — Following the powerful momentum of the recent Hands Off! action, local organizers are calling on residents to come together again—this time to deepen connections and organize at the community level.

On Saturday, April 19 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, simultaneous Community Gatherings will be held in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Isla Vista. These events are designed to create space for real conversations, grassroots strategy, and mutual support as we build a stronger, people-powered movement.

RSVP today at https://t.ly/apr19 to join one of the gatherings.

Port of Hueneme “Energized” by $4 million grant to boost vessel plug-in capabilities

“We’re thrilled to receive this critical funding for our Shoreside Power Project,” said Jess J. Ramirez, President of the Oxnard Harbor District/Port of Hueneme. “The Port takes its longstanding commitment to sustainability seriously, and we can now finish a project that will bring cleaner air to local communities.” The new funding, approved by the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) that administers the CMAQ program, will allow the Port to add building systems and equipment to protect against weather disruptions, enhance safety, and maximize the lifespan of the shore power system.