Category: News

Allan Hancock College’s Fine Arts Faculty Show now on Feb. 9 through March 12

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s Fine Arts faculty are showcasing a wide range of creative work during the Fine Arts Faculty Show, on view February 9 through March 12 at the Ann Foxworthy Gallery on the college’s Santa Maria campus. 

The exhibition features work by Hancock’s Fine Arts instructors across multiple disciplines and media, highlighting the depth and diversity of creative practices shaping contemporary art today. An opening reception will be held February 11 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. 

“Our Fine Arts faculty are accomplished artists and dedicated educators who model what it means to engage with art as a lifelong practice,” said Elizabeth Russell, Foxworthy Gallery co-director. “This exhibition gives our community the opportunity to experience the breadth of ideas, materials, and approaches our faculty bring to both their studios and their classrooms.” 

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

The County of Ventura Celebrates Black History Month

February is Black History Month. Throughout the month the County of Ventura will observe this important time by recognizing the history, culture, and lasting contributions of Black individuals and communities.
Black History Month provides an opportunity to acknowledge the experiences and achievements that have helped shape our shared history and continue to influence our communities today.

40th annual California Strawberry Festival seeks sponsors

VENTURA — The 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival is seeking corporate sponsors. The festival is set for May 16 and 17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

The family-friendly nonprofit festival draws more than 40,000 visitors from across Southern California, including attendees from Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Kern, Santa Barbara and Orange counties.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Faculty Research Lecturer Alan Liu ponders ‘good’ knowledge in the age of AI’ and more news, events

The English professor discusses how AI judgement, good or bad, can reflect knowledge and social values when implemented in our personal, work and public life.

Southeast Ventura County YMCA holds groundbreaking and launches community campaign for expansion and renovation pf the Simi Valley Family YMCA

SIMI VALLEY — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA launched the Community Phase of its $7.5 million capital campaign Saturday with a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Simi Valley Family YMCA. Attended by over 150 supporters, the event signaled the start of a transformation slated for completion in 2027.

The project will turn the branch into a modern multi-generational community hub, featuring a new full-size gymnasium, an expanded fitness center, three multipurpose activity rooms, an enlarged Kids’ Zone, and seven individual family locker rooms.

“This expansion is about more than just square footage; it’s about increasing our capacity to serve,” said Ronnie Stone, CEO of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. “The new facilities will enable us to expand health, fitness, and youth enrichment programs for all ages in Simi Valley.”

Bilingual report — January News from People’s Self-Help Housing

Awarded by EconAlliance, Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann presented People’s Self-Help Housing with the 2026 Northern Santa Barbara County Impact Award. Recognizing organizations providing extraordinary support in the community, it was accepted by current CEO & President Ken Trigueiro who was joined by former CEO & President John Fowler.

United Way of Ventura County — Women United Education Awards Luncheon (June 4) to honor and assist single moms

VENTURA —  United Way of Ventura County’s Women United Education Awards Luncheon will once again be honoring single mothers who are pursuing their education. In 2024-25, Women United presented 11 education awards to local single mothers pursuing their education and has given out 91 awards since 2018.

Sixty-four percent of single mothers in Ventura County do not earn sufficient income to meet their basic needs and a critical component is Education.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — 53 Years Since Roe v. Wade

This week marks 53 years since the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, a decision that reshaped our nation by affirming women’s autonomy over their bodies and their futures. In 2022, that progress was reversed when the Supreme Court overturned Roe in Dobbs v. Jackson — stripping away a fundamental freedom that generations of women relied upon.

The Dobbs decision was an attack on women’s rights and on the freedom to make deeply personal health care decisions without government interference

Policies implemented by President Trump and Republicans in Congress have only exacerbated this attack, further gutting reproductive freedom and dismantling critical health care protections for women across the country.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Explorers achieve 1st and 2nd place awards in National Tactical Competition

SANTA PAULA — On Jan. 17 and 18, 2026, Law Enforcement Explorers from Santa Paula Police Department Post 2350 participated in the “Chandler Tactical Competition” in Chandler, Arizona. There were eight Santa Paula Police Department Explorers who participated and competed with other explorer posts from across the Country. The young men and women from Santa Paula were successful, receiving a 1st place award and a 2nd place award. The national competition, hosted by the Chandler Police Department, included 42 explorer posts representing city, county and federal law enforcement agencies from California, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado.

Ventura County Taxpayers Association 2025 Annual Report Card

READ THE FULL 2025 REPORT TICKETS  Join the Club and get involved! MEMBERSHIP  Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email About the Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) Formed in 1954, The Ventura County Taxpayers Association is a 501(c)4 nonprofit…

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Equity Conference, Student Civic Tour, Hackathon, and more

VENTURA COUNTY — Help remove barriers to learning and expand opportunities for all students by attending the 6th annual VCOE Equity conference on Tuesday, March 24, in Camarillo.

Attendees will get to choose from a variety of sessions on supporting immigrant families, meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ students, civic engagement, and much more. This year’s conference will feature an inspiring address from educator Monique Nunes, the First Lady of California Lutheran University.

Complimentary refreshments and language interpretation will be provided. Register for free by clicking here.
Attend the Equity Conference

Bilingual commentary — Comparing Ourselves

In news stories every day, the lives of the rich and famous are shoved in our faces.  Any envy we might feel for their unimaginable wealth must be tempered by an awareness of the living hell many of them endure every day: the paparazzi, the stalkers, the swindlers, the addictions, the threats and the experience of living in a bubble, exposed (sometimes literally) for all the world to see, all the time.

Taking the Helm in 2026: Jason Hodge voted board president of the Oxnard Harbor District

PORT HUENEME — The Oxnard Harbor District welcomed new leadership this week as the Board of Harbor Commissioners unanimously voted Commissioner Jason T. Hodge as Board President. Hodge will lead the board alongside Mary Anne Rooney, who was elected as Vice President, and Jess Herrera, who will serve as Secretary. Outgoing President Jess Ramirez will remain on the board as a Commissioner.

Hodge brings experience, institutional knowledge, and a steady leadership approach to the role. As Board President, he will preside over meetings, help set strategic priorities, and represent the Port in engagements with its partners.

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan earns NCQA Plan Accreditation

CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) (on Jan. 22) announced it has earned Health Plan Accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality.

NCQA Health Plan Accreditation is a widely recognized, evidence-based program dedicated to quality improvement and measurement. It provides a comprehensive framework for organizations to align and improve operations in areas that are most important to states, employers and consumers. It’s the only evaluation program that bases results on actual measurement of clinical performance (HEDIS® measures) and consumer experience (CAHPS® measures).

Community support urgently needed to protect access to medically necessary meals in Santa Barbara and Goleta

SANTA BARBARA & GOLETA — Organic Soup Kitchen is asking the community to step in during a critical moment to help prevent nutrition gaps for low-income residents living with serious and chronic illness. 

Over the past year, Organic Soup Kitchen partnered with a local health care provider to deliver medically tailored meals to individuals whose health depends on consistent, nourishing food. That partnership helped many people stabilize their health during periods of acute medical need. 

Today, that same funding now typically supports meal access for about 12 weeks. While short-term nutrition intervention is an important part of medical care, many individuals living with cancer, autoimmune disease, and other chronic conditions need ongoing food support well beyond that window. 

CSUCI announces new fully online bachelor of science in computer science

CAMARILLO — California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) is launching a fully online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Degree Completion Program, expanding access to a high-demand, high-growth field. The new program is designed for working adults and transfer students seeking a flexible path to a four-year degree. Applications are open with the first cohort beginning in Fall 2026.

The online program complements CSUCI’s on-campus Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and offers the same academic rigor, faculty expertise, and industry relevance. As a degree-completion program, it is intended for students who have already completed lower-division coursework—typically 60 or more transferable units or an associate degree.

2026 Events & Festivals announced in Lompoc on California Central Coast

LOMPOC — Lompoc celebrates its culture, creativity, and history through a year-round lineup of festivals and events. From food-focused gatherings and historic home tours to arts festivals, aviation showcases, wine weekends, and living-history programs at La Purísima Mission, the city offers something for every interest and season. Here are some events to look forward to in 2026:

How one Santa Barbara teacher grant brings student creativity into focus

SANTA BARBARA — On the walls of the Santa Barbara Junior High School library, framed photographs quietly tell students’ stories: a bus ride in the early morning, friends gathered around a birthday cake, a kite flying high above. Each image began the same way, with a student checking out a camera and being asked to slow down, notice beauty, and capture what matters.

Those photographs are part of Picture Me Grom, a project created by Chris Greeley, a teacher librarian at Santa Barbara Junior High School, and funded through the Santa Barbara Education Foundation’s Teacher Grants program. Later this month, SBEF will award more than $228,000 in Teacher Grants to educators across the Santa Barbara Unified School District, supporting innovative teaching that brings learning to life in meaningful ways.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Make 2026 the year of Healing

MCASB is committed to transforming what a contemporary art museum can be, a place where community knowledge, embodied experience, and creative practice are not only welcomed but centered. As a part of our ongoing accountability work, we are opening the museum as a space for practices that nurture well-being, presence, and collective care.

E.P. Foster Library to temporarily close for renovations until fall 2027

“We’re excited to bring these long-planned improvements to life,”?said Ventura County Library Director Nancy Schram.?”When the work is complete, E.P. Foster will offer more accessible spaces, enhanced technology, improved energy efficiency, and greater year-round comfort for everyone who uses the library. We look forward to welcoming the community back to a space that truly reflects their needs.”? 

Allan Hancock College kicks-off Spring 2026 classes

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College welcomed thousands of students back to campus this week as spring 2026 classes began January 20 at the college’s Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center.

Both campuses were buzzing with activity as students arrived for the first week of the semester. More than 10,800 credit and noncredit students enrolled in spring classes at Hancock, a 7% increase from the 2025 spring semester.

“Our staff and faculty are excited welcome students to campus for spring classes,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Our students come to Hancock with big goals, and we are committed to providing the support, guidance, and resources they need to succeed from day one.”

Bilingual report — Guest contribution — From receptionist to vice president: Ventura County native Desiree Rangel’s rise to the top of Sleep Medicine

VENTURA COUNTY — What began as an 18-year-old’s first job at a front desk has become one of Ventura County’s most inspiring healthcare success stories. Desiree Rangel, a 2009 graduate of Oxnard High School, has risen from receptionist to Vice President of Sleep Disorder Center, a leader in modern sleep diagnostics and telehealth.

Rangel joined the independent sleep laboratory in 2010, mastering every department—scheduling, supervision, marketing, and operations—while helping the company grow from a single-insurance clinic to a fully licensed, multi-state home-testing facility.

Los Padres ForestWatch launches community science project to protect Central Coast wildlife

CENTRAL COAST — Los Padres ForestWatch is launching a new community science project, empowering residents to help protect wildlife across the Central Coast by documenting wildlife sightings and roadkill along local roads and highways.

Participants download a free mobile survey and upload observations during their daily routines and commutes, compiling critical data that will help guide conservation and land-use planning efforts throughout the region. Volunteers can participate by collecting data opportunistically or by committing to regular wildlife surveys along local roads and highways.

City of Santa Paula invites residents to apply for the second cohort of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy

he City of Santa Paula is pleased to announce the return of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy and invites residents and local businesses to apply for Cohort II. This nine-week civic leadership program is designed to educate and engage community members by providing an in-depth look at City government, operations, and local decision-making.

Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, the Academy offers participants a unique opportunity to connect directly with City leadership and staff while learning how municipal services are delivered and how policy decisions are made. The program aims to strengthen civic knowledge, promote transparency, and foster meaningful relationships between the City and the community it serves.

Take to the Seas for Island Packers Winter Whale Watching and Excursions to the Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary

VENTURA — Island Packers, the official concessionaire to the Channel Islands, is now offering  Winter Whale Watching Excursions for whale enthusiasts to witness the inspiring migration of Pacific Gray whales as they travel through the Santa Barbara Channel near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island.  February 15, 2026 is World Whale Day.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Only One Week Left to Join CEC Climate Stewards Winter 2026 Cohort!

The Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) Winter 2026 Climate Stewards cohort begins in just one week! This is your final opportunity to join a growing community of climate advocates turning concern for our planet into meaningful, local action. You don’t need a background in science, advocacy, or policy to join — just a desire to learn, connect, and collaborate to amplify climate action.

TOArts and SeeingHappy launch THRIVE: Ventura County, Inviting artists to capture what it means to thrive

“THRIVE reflects our belief that the arts are essential to a healthy, connected community, ” said Casey Comstock-Mills, Programs and Development Director at TOArts. “This project invites people of all ages and backgrounds to pause, reflect on what gives them hope, and share those moments with others—strengthening both personal well-being and community connection. ”

Ready, Set, Robot! Port of Hueneme powers up robotics season at Hueneme High

PORT HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme recently helped kick off an exciting new robotics season at Hueneme High School, joining students, educators, and families for the school’s FIRST Robotics Competition season launch: a celebration of innovation, teamwork, and hands-on STEM learning.

The Port is proud to sponsor Hueneme High School’s robotics team, the Thunder Vikes, as they prepare to compete in this year’s FIRST Robotics season. The sponsorship reflects the Port’s ongoing commitment to expanding STEM opportunities and building strong career pathways for local students.

During the kickoff event, Port Commissioners Mary Anne Rooney and Celina Zacarias together with CEO Kristin Decas presented the Port’s sponsorship check to the team, officially launching the partnership and underscoring the Port’s investment in education and workforce development.

Guide dog raised by Ventura Charter School Executive director graduates and begins life of service

VENTURA — Ventura Charter School is proud to announce that Tenny, a male black Labrador retriever, has graduated from his program at Guide Dogs for the Blind as part of Class CA1041. Tenny has officially completed his training and is now a certified guide dog, embarking on a new chapter supporting greater independence for his handler. Tenny was fostered by Lisa Hildebrand, Executive Director of Ventura Charter School, who served as Tenny’s official puppy raiser for 12 months. During the 2024–2025 school year, Tenny spent every day on campus, becoming a beloved presence among students and staff. His calm demeanor and friendly nature made him a source of comfort throughout the school.

UCSB — The Current — Scientists create a system for tracking underwater blackouts and more news, events

Marine science professor Bob Miller helped create the first framework to identify and compare marine blackouts, which can severely impact kelp forests, seagrass beds and other light-dependent marine life.

40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance to be held Oxnard

OXNARD — Ventura County gathers in unity. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Ventura County invites you to the 40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance, held in person on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 in Oxnard.

Theme:

A Living Legacy: Cultivating Compassion and Justice in Ventura County

ICE OUT 805 Solidarity Concert and March held in Santa Maria

SANTA MARIA — A community-led action brought together grassroots organizers, rapid response volunteers, youth leaders, and musicians to stand in solidarity against ongoing immigration enforcement violence across the Central Coast during the ICE OUT 805 Solidarity Concert/March on Jan. 15, 2025 in Santa Maria, representatives of the 805UNDOCFUND reported on their Facebook page.

Led by those carrying a banner that read “ICE OUT OF CALIFORNIA” the protesters marched down the residential streets in Santa Maria calling for the end of ICE activities in the region.

Bilingual commentary — Video Games: Digital Native vs. the “Dinosaur”

It’s 2026 now, and sometimes I want to feel smug about having watched technology blossom as I grew into adulthood. After all, I’ve seen tech evolve from vacuum tubes to transistors to integrated circuits to incredibly powerful central and graphics processing units to AI accelerators. So, I’m supposed to feel comfortable with technology, right?

Wrong, as I embarrassingly discovered when playing video games with my grandson Andrew, age 7, recently. He challenged my dignity…and won commandingly. Digital natives like him are light years beyond those of us “of a particular age” who used to think that holding a remote with a cord in our hand meant power.

TOArts expands board with three distinguished leaders from finance, arts, and education

THOUSAND OAKS — TOArts has appointed Victor Fakrogha, Aerin LeDuc-Gummeson, and Dr. Michael Hart to its Board of Directors, expanding the organization’s leadership with expertise spanning finance, arts advocacy, and higher education. The appointment reflects TOArts’ continued commitment to strengthening arts access, community engagement, and long-term organizational impact across the region. 

Ventura County Leadership Academy announces 2026 honorees

• Business Leader of the Year – Nick Deitch, R.A., Principal, RRM Design Group

• Educational Leader of the Year – Dr. Cynthia Herrera, Vice Chancellor of Institutional Effectiveness, Ventura County Community College District

• Non-Profit Leader of the Year – Robin Britt (Cohort XXIV), Executive Director, Community Conscience

• Public Sector Leader of the Year – Mark Stadler (Cohort XXVII), Sr. Program Administrator, Crisis Intervention Training Program, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office

• Alumna of the Year – Danielle Borja (Cohort XXIV), President/CEO, Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce

SBCC Shares Community Update on Physical Education & Athletics Building Replacement Project

the community regarding the Physical Education & Athletics Building Replacement Project. The project remains in the demolition phase, and shoring installation began on Monday, January 12, 2026, as the next step in construction.

“We are excited to see the progress of the Physical Education & Athletics Building Replacement project,” shared Vice President, Business Services, Chris Renbarger. “In just a few months, the building deconstruction has shifted the landscape of our Cliff Campus.” 

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors elects Chair and Vice Chair for 2026

VENTURA — At its first regular meeting of 2026, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors elected 2nd District Supervisor Jeff Gorell to serve as Chair of the Board of Supervisors and 5th District Supervisor Vianey Lopez to serve as Vice Chair.

Each January, the Board selects a Chair and Vice Chair from among its five members to serve one-year terms. The Chair presides over all Board meetings, helps set agendas in coordination with the County Executive Office, and represents the Board in ceremonial functions and intergovernmental matters. The Vice Chair serves in the Chair’s absence and supports leadership duties as needed.