More than 50 years ago, a devastating oil spill off our coast sparked a powerful movement.
In 1970, our community came together to organize one of the first Earth Day celebrations — and the Community Environmental Council was born.
This weekend, we will gather again.
Earth Day is a reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together to demand change and build solutions.
But today, we are once again facing efforts to expand fossil fuels and roll back progress.
VENTURA — The 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival is set for Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). The festival is the ultimate experience for strawberry lovers. It is filled with tasty strawberry-themed food and beverages, live entertainment, carnival rides, an artisan and crafters area, and other activities, all in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., both days.
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) held a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest affordable housing development located at 15 South Hope Avenue on Wednesday, April 22. This new construction, multifamily rental housing project will provide 46 affordable units and represents a major step in addressing the region’s housing needs. Neighbors, local officials, community partners, and housing advocates gathered to celebrate this milestone.
The Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan is a collaborative, countywide effort launched by the County of Ventura in partnership with House Farm Workers!, designed to understand and address the urgent housing needs of the county’s farmworker community – needs shaped by long-standing shortages, rising housing costs, and the essential role farm workers play in sustaining the region’s agricultural economy.
Teatro de las Américas
34th Anniversary
Dinner/Concert Fundraiser
Teatro de las Américas is celebrating its 34th anniversary as the only organization dedicated to Spanish-language theater on the Central Coast, and we invite friends, volunteers, and anyone interested in supporting the arts and culture in our community to join us for our annual benefit event.
The Museum of Ventura County extends beyond its galleries. Through community events, school tours, and outreach programs, we connect with people across Ventura County in ways that spark curiosity.
Over the past 12 months, we have reached more than 10,000 people through these experiences. Communities come together to share and reflect. Students see their local history in a new way. Families engage with one another through hands-on activities.
This is what the Museum does. We connect people through the shared stories of Ventura County.
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors is currently considering a massive $460 million proposal (including long-term financing and staffing) to expand the North Branch Jail by 1½ housing units, adding 384 beds. We are calling on the Board to reject this overreach and limit the addition to just one housing unit (256 beds).
The Board’s current plan would more than double the capacity of the Santa Maria jail, locking our County into decades of crushing debt and soaring operational costs. Our County is facing $23 million in cuts to social and safety-net programs next fiscal year and a $66 million deficit over the next 5 years.
The Human Cost: A Devastating Blow to Our Immigrant Community
Beyond the fiscal irresponsibility, this expansion poses a direct threat to our immigrant neighbors. Our jails already hold many non-violent residents, including those struggling with mental health or substance use disorders, who do not need to be incarcerated to ensure public safety.
Hi, I’m Heather Williams, Chief Development Officer at the Museum of Ventura County.
First and foremost, thank you for your support of the Museum. It’s people like you who help keep our mission, vision, and purpose alive.
I wanted to reach out to introduce myself and our team. You may know our Barbara Barnard Smith CEO, Elena Brokaw, but you may not know us, the development team. We’re the ones who call to thank you for your donations, send your tax letters, answer your membership questions, and most importantly, build and sustain the funding plan for the Museum of Ventura County.
Our small but mighty team wouldn’t be able to do what we do without you. Each quarter, we’ll send an email like this one highlighting wins that you, our MVC community, made possible.
VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village is setting the stage for a menagerie of free, family-friendly, live weekly music throughout April 2026 on the seaside Promenade Stage at the waterfront. The ongoing music series showcases a dockside selection of top-notch musicians who present a variety of genres, including Pop, Rock and coastal surf rock.
Enjoy the perfect coastal day with live music from 1 – 4 PM. Relax by the water as talented local musicians set the scene with a mix of lively and
laid-back tunes.
Whether you’re dining at a waterfront restaurant or simply soaking up the ocean breeze, the vibrant music adds the perfect soundtrack to your visit.
VENTURA — As part of the Ventura County Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Program, the Environmental Health Division (Division) is providing the following precautionary information to the public. Rainfall that is significant enough to result in runoff can flow into storm drains, channels, creeks, and rivers that empty onto the beaches of Ventura County. In general, 0.2 inches (2 tenths of an inch) of rainfall may be enough to create significant runoff conditions.
Join us at the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Plein Air Anniversary Party on the outdoor patio at Parque 1055! Celebrate 16 years of art, community, and creativity as we honor the Shively, Clark, and Gunderson families for their incredible longstanding support.
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and handcrafted cocktails while watching live painting by several of our Cole Creativity Center teaching artists, and bid on their original works in a silent auction. All proceeds support the Museum’s arts education programs, which provide 1,600 hours of arts instruction to more than 6,000 K-12 students every year.
The Central Coast is counting on people like you to step up for a climate-safe future. CEC’s Climate Stewards Certification Program, in partnership with the University of California Environmental Stewards program, gives you the tools to launch and lead climate solutions in your neighborhood. Starting this Wednesday, April 15, join a cohort of community members, professionals, students, and retirees who are done waiting on the sidelines and ready to lead.
VENTURA — Music Under the Stars returns to the Olivas Adobe Historical Park this summer with eight outdoor concerts on Saturdays from July through August. Tickets go on sale May 12, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. PST.
The City encourages people to purchase tickets online, as many concerts sell out quickly. While tickets are also available by phone or in person, please note that customer service may not be able to accommodate all requests promptly due to high demand. Purchasing tickets online ensures the fastest and most reliable way to secure seats.
SANTA MARIA – Alianza Campesina (on April 8) held a press conference to unveil new statewide research. The report builds on years of organizing led by Central Coast farmworkers fighting for living wages and safer, more dignified workplaces.
“Just a week ago, California took a step in the right direction, identifying March 31st as Farmworker Day, but now that everyone has collectively recognized the importance of celebrating farmworkers across the state, we need to follow up with action because farmworkers need more than just celebration. They need a living wage, and that is why we are gathered here today, to demonstrate that implementing a living wage is viable and is long overdue,” Erica Diaz Cervantes, Associate Policy Director with CAUSE.
VENTURA COUNTY — More than 20 farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public during the 13th Annual Ventura County Farm Day on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event, organized by Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEG), invites community members of all ages to explore and experience local farms, ranches and agricultural venues across Ventura County.
Farm Day features tours, tastings, giveaways, and family-friendly activities while visitors learn first-hand about the hands and lands that provide food to local communities and the world.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura has issued the first certificate of occupancy for a home rebuilt following the Mountain Fire, marking a significant step forward in the community’s recovery. The fire, which started November 6, 2024, burned through unincorporated Camarillo and surrounding areas, destroying 182 homes and damaging additional structures. The disaster displaced hundreds of residents and launched a long-term recovery effort involving multiple county agencies and community partners.
SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) has announced its 2026 Environmental Heroes, honoring Megan Birney Rudert and Assemblymember Gregg Hart for their leadership and innovation in advancing climate solutions. The awards will be presented at the 56th annual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival, returning to Alameda Park April 25–26, 2026.
One of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country—and among the largest on the West Coast—the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival is a beloved community tradition that brings together thousands of attendees for a weekend of environmental action, education, and celebration. The free, two-day event will take place Saturday, April 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesdays, April 15 through June 3, 2026
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. PDT via Zoom
(Plus occasional weekends for in-person field trips)
You don’t have to be a scientist or politician to make a difference in the climate movement. Real progress happens neighbor by neighbor. CEC’s Climate Stewards Certification Program, in partnership with the University of California Environmental Stewards program, equips everyday people to lead that change, offering a clear path toward meaningful local action.
CAMARILLO — Ventura County’s artists, cultural leaders, and creative entrepreneurs are invited to gather for ReFrame, a one-day convening designed to strengthen the region’s creative economy and support the people who power it. The 3rd annual event is taking place Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM at Studio Channel Islands Art Center (SCIArt) in Camarillo. It brings together creatives from across the county to learn, connect, and explore how arts and culture can drive both community wellbeing and economic vitality.
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Fire Department will honor 43 employees, first responders, and civilians for excellence in support of the department’s public safety mission at our annual awards ceremony on Thursday, April 23 at the Ronald Regan Library in Simi Valley.
Two Ventura County residents will be awarded life-saving citation medals for their critical role helping a member of our community during a life-threatening emergency.
SANTA BARBARA — Stanley Isaac Clothier was born on April 8, 1921, in Lakeside, Montana, a tiny town along Flathead Lake, not far from Glacier National Park. His life began at the tail end of the “Roaring Twenties,” a time when jazz filled the air, prohibition shaped culture, and the nation stood on the brink of the Great Depression.
But Stan’s beginnings were far removed from the energy of city life. He was raised in a log cabin built by neighbors in a “housing bee,” without electricity or plumbing, warmed by a potbelly stove. One of seven children in a hardworking homesteading family, his early years were shaped by resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep connection to the land. His father, Asa, had himself journeyed west by covered wagon as a child, an echo of the American frontier that still defined Stan’s upbringing.
Help us meet this moment.
To defend climate progress on the Central Coast, we must raise $75,000 by May 15 — and your gift will be doubled thanks to a generous match from our Board and President’s Council.
Make your matched gift today ?
More than 50 years ago, an oil spill off our coast exposed the risks of fossil fuels — and led to the creation of the Community Environmental Council.
Today, we face renewed threats.
LOMPOC — Colorful murals, crave-worthy wines, and fresh-air adventures—all without breaking the bank.
Set between rolling hills and the Pacific, Lompoc is your launchpad for adventure. Explore the charming downtown, sip local wines, hike scenic trails, or catch a rocket lighting up the sky from nearby Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Things to Do That Won’t Break the Bank
Lompoc offers plenty of memorable experiences that don’t require a big budget. From outdoor adventures to local culture, there’s something for every visitor to enjoy.
Historic and Cultural Experiences: La Purísima Mission
La Purísima Mission State Historic Park is one of California’s most fully restored Spanish missions, set amid rolling hills and oak-studded landscapes.
We are saddened to share the news that Ivor Davis, the legendary journalist and host of the Up Close and Personal program at the Museum of Ventura County, passed away on March 29, 2026. We are deeply grateful for the time he spent at the Museum, sharing his stories and interviewing notable guests.
Since 2017, Ivor shared his life in journalism through more than 20 appearances at MVC, becoming a familiar and welcoming presence. Both longtime followers and newcomers were always eager to hear his stories about true crime, music, and history.
VENTURA COUNTY — On March 28, thousands of Ventura County neighbors will come together along with millions of Americans across the country in a nationwide day of nonviolent protest at the third No Kings National Day of Action. There are more than 3,000 events nationwide.
Once again, the local coalition of pro-democracy organizers from Indivisible Ventura, Justice For All Ventura County, and 50501 VC are hosting the No Kings Ventura County event March 28, from 10 AM to Noon, at the Ventura County Government Center, on the corner of S. Victoria Ave. and Telegraph Rd. in Ventura.
Ever felt FOMO watching millions take to the streets for change? Now’s your chance to lock in.
We’re building a space to turn local power into real impact – right here in our community. Join us to learn how we can connect national movements like No Kings Day and May Day, and take action for an economy and democracy that work for all of us – not just the wealthy few.
Join our prep meeting on Zoom this Thursday, March 26 at 6PM!
You’ll learn how to support upcoming national actions in ways that fit you – whether that’s creating posters, dropping off flyers at local businesses and community centers, or inviting friends to march alongside you.
No Kings Day | March 28, 2026
A day to stand together and defend our communities against unjust and harmful policies. Our country belongs to the people – not to strongmen, billionaires, or those who aim to rule through fear and division.
SANTA BARBARA — The NO KINGS 3 Santa Barbara will begin at 11 a.m. at , Alameda Park, 1400 Santa Barbara St. Primary speeches start at 12:30, and the march at around 1:30.
Prepare for warm weather: wear a hat, and carry plenty of water and sunscreen.
Our event is part of more than 3,000 rallies nationwide.
The Oxnard Harbor District proudly celebrates the incredible women who help keep cargo moving every day.
From our dedicated Commissioners, Executive Leadership, and Port staff to the hardworking Longshore workers, Stevedores, and many others across our maritime community—your leadership, skill, and dedication make a lasting impact.
Thank you for all that you do!
One of the great privileges of my work is the chance to speak with service members and military families. Each conversation reminds me just how often they are asked to uproot their lives: moving from base to base, state to state, sometimes across the world. Beyond the logistics of finding a new home, packing and unpacking boxes, the real disruptions run deeper. Every move means enrolling children in new schools, locating the nearest grocery store, finding a dentist who is taking new patients, discovering a new congregation, meeting new neighbors, finding where to get a haircut, identifying a reliable plumber, even deciding, once again, where to put the Christmas tree. Individually, these tasks may seem small, but repeatedly layered together, they can create isolation, instability, and lost opportunities. But these moves, at least, come with the support structures of the military.
Housing advocates nationally are hoping that 2026 will be the pivotal year for affordable housing.
The U.S. Senate has passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act with an overwhelming 89–10 bipartisan vote. This marks the most significant federal housing reform in decades and brings together the Housing for the 21st Century Act and the ROAD to Housing Act. Combined it has more than 40 provisions aimed at boosting supply, lowering costs, and modernizing how homes get built.
The new legislation directly addresses one of the biggest issues: we simply don’t have enough homes. Our nation needs housing of every kind — for renters, first?time buyers, families, seniors, and people with disabilities. The new bill aims to tackle this shortage by making it easier, faster, and less expensive to build.
ORT HUENEME — The City of Port Hueneme and the Port of Hueneme successfully hosted their third annual Sea Splash Color Dash 5K this weekend, drawing a vibrant crowd of community members for a day centered on wellness, connection, and coastal fun.
More than 800 participants gathered at Hueneme Beach before setting off along the coastal scenic beachfront course, running, walking, and celebrating as they were doused in colorful powder along the route. The high-energy event brought together families, local organizations, and visitors of all ages.
Encouraging progress in Ventura County. The 2026 Point-in-Time Count shows a 28% reduction in homelessness since 2023—a meaningful step forward driven by investments in housing, prevention, and coordinated community efforts.
Behind every number in this report is a person—someone whose life is changing for the better. This progress reflects a strong, community-wide commitment to expanding housing, strengthening prevention, and meeting people where they are. We’re grateful to the many partners making this work possible.
While encouraged by these results, we remain focused on the goal: ensuring every person in Ventura County has stability, dignity, and a place to call home.
Click here to learn more.
Our tenant organizing in Ventura County has led to exciting wins to protect renters in our communities.
Many tenants are forced to live with unsafe or poor conditions as if it’s normal. Small issues – like a broken stove or a leaking faucet – often go unrepaired, even after being reported multiple times. Over time, these problems get worse and can make a home unsafe, putting families’ health at risk.
OXNARD — The Oxnard arts community will launch Arts, Culture & Creativity Month this April with a vibrant celebration of the newly designated Downtown Oxnard Cultural District, bringing together artists, cultural leaders, and community stakeholders for a dynamic public kickoff event.
Hosted by the City of Oxnard, the Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association (DOIA), and the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit (OPAC), the event will take place at the John C. Zaragoza Transit Center is an inspired and accessible venue that reflects the district’s creativity through large-scale murals, interactive pop-up art experiences, and locally crafted offerings, including bespoke coffee from Dolce Vita.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, Public Health Office, and the National Weather Service are monitoring a prolonged heat event through Friday, March 20.
?? Temperatures are expected to be up to 25° above normal, with inland areas reaching the 90s and even 100s.
NEWBURY PARK — Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County (Habitat Ventura) brought together more than 70 volunteers this International Women’s Day weekend for its annual Women Build event presented by Bank of America. On Saturday, March 7, volunteers gathered at a senior mobile home park in Newbury Park to complete critical repairs on six mobile homes for the senior community. Throughout the day, volunteers worked side-by-side completing interior and exterior repairs, painting, replacing stairs, and addressing any additional needs that required support.
VENTURA — The Parks & Recreation Summer Activity Guide is available online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide. Registration begins Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. and will be available online, over the phone, or in person at City Hall, Room 226, 501 Poli Street. Registration information and policies are on page 7.
The Museum of Ventura County’s Board of Directors and staff are proud to celebrate two remarkable women whose leadership and dedication strengthen our organization and community. Dr. Sevet Johnson, MVC Board Member, and Elena Brokaw, MVC’s Barbara Barnard Smith CEO, have each been recognized as 2026 Women of the Year.
View in Browser Music Academy of the West announces 2026 Summer Music Festival & School American Mosaic: The 79th annual Summer Music Festival celebrates American voices, June 17–August 8 in Santa Barbara Subscriptions on sale April 9 Individual tickets…
Be the first to see our all-new exhibit on Saturday, March 14! Santa Paula artist Cornelis Botke (1887-1954) is best remembered as a master etcher whose work earned international acclaim and entered the collections of the California State Library, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Institution. Yet from childhood, Botke’s greatest ambition was to be a painter.
VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village announces a wave of new visitor amenities in 2026. Situated just off scenic Highway 1 and the 101 freeway, the waterfront destination invites locals and travelers alike to take in the views and soak up the waterfront lifestyle with expanded dining, new artsy retailers and wine releases, beauty collaborations and more, making Ventura Harbor Village a must-visit coastal hotspot.
“These exciting additions reflect the spirit of Ventura Harbor Village – creative, welcoming, and deeply connected to the coastal experience,” said Brian Pendleton, Ventura Port District General Manager. “In 2026, we’re delighted to offer even more ways for guests to eat, sip, relax, and enjoy the Harbor seaside.”
VENTURA — The County of Ventura and the Ventura County Continuum of Care have been awarded $5.6 million through Round 6 of California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program, a statewide effort to support regional strategies that prevent and end homelessness. The award was announced on March 2 by Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The County of Ventura was among 20 regions statewide included in this latest round of awards.
Ahh… the sweet smell of almost-spring air, and fresh paint, is here!
Over the past several weeks, our spaces have had quite the makeover. New floors, refreshed walls, updated furnishings, and reimagined workspaces. It has been a major overhaul, made possible by the final funds from the Department on Aging’s Bridge to Recovery grant- resources originally designated to help organizations like ours strengthen infection control and safety in the wake of COVID (ie. removing carpet and fabric surfaces, improving airflow and spacing… yes, please!).
The Port of Hueneme is excited to once again host (it’s first annual Robatics Competition) that is free and open to the public to attend. Click the button to learn more about the competition schedule.
March 7-8, 2026
The Port of Hueneme
333 Ponoma St. Port Hueneme
VENTURA — Spirit of Japan Ventura returns for its second year, bringing a vibrant celebration of Japanese food, culture, and community to Ventura County. The two-day outdoor festival will take place Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2026, welcoming…
OJAI — Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County (Habitat Ventura) is preparing for an exciting new chapter in its mission to expand affordable housing opportunities in Ventura County, with a small-scale residential development planned for Ojai and anticipated to break ground in summer 2026. The Montgomery Street Tiny Homes project will deliver five new homes designed to meet the needs of the Ojai community while preserving the character of the neighborhood. The development will include two thoughtfully designed tiny home duplexes and one single-family home, creating a total of five affordable homeownership opportunities for local families.
Thanks to the generous support of Ventura County Credit Union, admission to the Museum of Ventura County is FREE in March. This support allows more visitors to explore Ventura County’s history, art, and cultural heritage.
VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, during their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 3, unanimously approved the acceptance of a $250,000 donation from the Ventura Friends of the Library (VFOL) to support the E.P. Foster Library Building Forward Grant Project. The donation will help meet required local matching funds for the state-funded renovation project at the E.P. Foster Library in downtown Ventura. As part of the action, the Board also authorized the necessary budget adjustments to formally receive and allocate the funds, with no additional cost to the County’s General Fund.
“The lack of available housing, not just affordable housing, but available housing, is the single largest impediment to economic growth and prosperity in our region,” said Stephanie Caldwell, President & CEO of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. “As Ken Trigueiro said, ‘Affordable housing is where the jobs go at night’.” These words framed the core theme of the morning: if workers cannot afford to live here, Ventura County’s economy cannot thrive.
