“This collaboration with CSU Channel Islands is another example of how Hancock is working to remove barriers and create seamless pathways for students to pursue higher education and meaningful careers,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Nurses are in high demand across the state, and this program will help our students advance their careers while serving their communities.”
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics has announced finalized plans to build a new Westside Clinic near the location of its current Westside Neighborhood Clinic. This facility will provide expanded medical services to more than 8,300 local children, adults and seniors annually.
“It’s a special day to see this project finally break ground after four years of planning,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO & President. “It takes many partners and members of the project team to pull it all together. We are so grateful for the relationship with the Church that brought us to where we are today.”
In Summer 2021, People’s Self-Help Housing was selected by the College Ministry Center United Methodist Church to develop affordable housing on a portion of their property. The project was entitled under Senate Bill 4, the Affordable Housing on Faith Lands Act, which took effect January 1, 2024.
“At Moorpark College, we believe that student success begins with meeting their basic needs,” said Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College. “This generous contribution from Lifetech Resources allows us to further remove barriers to education by ensuring our students have access to essential hygiene products. We are grateful for this partnership and the shared commitment to uplifting our community.”
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Opening Act: The Barrelhouse Wailers
Friday, July 25th at 6:00 PM
The Ventura College Sportsplex Stadium
West Campus Way, Ventura, CA
This June, we’re proud to celebrate Homeownership Month by uplifting the dreams of local families and sharing the resources that make those dreams possible. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a returning homeowner, or a community partner, we invite you to join us!
Memorial Rose Garden Unveiled at the Government Center Honoring Supervisor Carmen Ramirez …
Recently close friends and family gathered at the Ventura County Government Center to honor the legacy of Supervisor Carmen Ramirez with the unveiling of a new rose garden in her memory.
Located between the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Justice, the garden, constructed by our General Services Agency, features vibrant roses and peaceful benches, offering a space to reflect on Supervisor Ramirez’s lifelong dedication to justice and public service.
May her memory continue to inspire our community.
VENTURA — Ventura Trans Sanctuary is calling upon community members, allies, and local leaders to rally in support of the proposed Ventura CARE Policy, a critical measure designed to protect transgender individuals, immigrants, and reproductive rights within the region. This initiative comes at a time when federal policies threaten to undermine the safety and freedoms of these vulnerable communities.
The CARE Policy aims to establish Ventura and Ojai as sanctuary cities, ensuring non-cooperation with external enforcement efforts that target transgender individuals, immigrants, and those seeking reproductive healthcare. With the policy scheduled for a vote in Ventura on June 11, 12, 18, or 19, and a similar proposal expected in Ojai during the second week of June, the need for immediate and collective action is paramount.
New research shows that, globally, men and women tend to use the ocean in different ways, with implications for how marine spaces are used and valued.
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Health, in partnership with Ventura County Action on Smoking and Health (VC-ASH) proudly joins the global community in recognizing World No Tobacco Day on May 31. This day, established by the World Health Organization, raises awareness about the health and environmental harms caused by tobacco use and highlights efforts to promote tobacco-free living.
The 2025 theme, “Unmasking the Appeal,” focuses on exposing the tactics tobacco companies use to attract youth through flavored products and marketing strategies. These deceptive appeals contribute to tobacco’s status as the leading cause of preventable disease and death worldwide.
“Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness worldwide,” said Vicky Gonzales of Ventura County Public Health. “We are committed to empowering Ventura County residents with the information and resources they need to quit and to protect our youth from the harmful influence of tobacco and nicotine products.”
SANTA BARBARA — Amid growing outrage over Governor Gavin Newsom’s silence regarding Sable Offshore’s oil operations, community members and student activists will gather for a peaceful demonstration on Thursday, May 29 at 7:00 AM at Gaviota State Park.
Sable Offshore has begun pumping oil from offshore platforms that were abandoned for more than a decade, and pipeline work at Gaviota State Park is expected to finish this week. Environmental advocates say the silence from the Governor’s office—and the waivers granted by State Parks and Fire Marshal agencies—suggest tacit approval from the highest levels of state government.
Kids’ Art Fest
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Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 11 AM to 3 PM
Free for all ages
We’re kicking off a summer of creative fun with Kids’ Art Fest on Sunday, June 1! This free, outdoor celebration is packed with hands-on art activities for all ages, plus face painting, giant bubbles, live art demos, yummy food vendors*, community performances, and more.
Don’t miss folklórico and mariachi performances by young artists from Oxnard’s Inlakech Cultural Arts Center from 12 PM to 1 PM. Kids’ Art Fest 2025 is sponsored by Calavo Growers, Brianne McGrath, and Rotary Club of Santa Paula.
*The cost of food is not included, but everything else is!
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
Registration closes Friday, May 30 at 12 p.m.
Join Montecito Bank & Trust M-Club & 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. Enjoy a catered lunch provided by Peirano’s!
The dance company has represented the college throughout the community performing for civic and school events as a way of celebrating the cultural and artistic traditions of México. The group takes pride in educating audiences about the music, dances, and traditions that have existed for generations and offers programs that demonstrate discipline and dedication, combined with a love of performing before appreciative audiences. As a unit, the Mestizo Folklórico Dance Com[any aims to transmit the elegance, joyfulness, and vibrancy of Mexico’s culture to their audiences.
Looking to take action in your community? Join the Santa Barbara Transgender Advocacy Network for a countywide day of community organizing this Saturday, May 24th, from 12 to 2 PM in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Isla Vista.
… In this time of nonstop headlines and uncertainty, I invite us not to lose sight of the good we are creating together. There are so many examples, including the meaningful and inspired leadership of the recent graduating class of the Ventura County Leadership Academy, where Cohort 30 raised more than $20,000 to help support neighbors who lost their homes in the Mountain Fire. I wish I could have bottled up their joy as they presented the check last week – it was such a beautiful thing to witness!
Meiya Sidney ???, a fourth-year College of Creative Studies and art honors student, shares her ceramic practice shaped by summers in Taiwan.
SANTA BARBARA —The power of collective giving was on display on May 20th when the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara awarded an unprecedented $1.25 million in grants to 11 local nonprofits —showcasing the power of collective giving in the Santa Barbara community. This accomplishment was made possible through the generosity of 1,426 local women members who have combined their charitable contributions into a substantial grants pool.
A big thank you to everyone who supported the 2025 Builder Games, presented by Mechanics Bank. Together, we raised over $125,000 for our Supportive Housing and Camino Scholars programs.
Photos from the diving community document around 1,200 adult giant sea bass as the species slowly recovers from decades of overfishing.
CENTRAL COAST — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV), a leading local organization dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, is pleased to announce the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors. These individuals bring diverse expertise, leadership experience and a deep commitment to gender, racial and economic equity, further strengthening WEV’s ability to transform lives and build a resilient community, one small business at a time.
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Contemporary Art has announced the wildly popular and critically acclaimed exhibition “Arte de Pueblo” returns for another year! with an opening Party & Reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 1 at 653 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara.
The Juror-free All-Are-Welcome Group Show is currently seeking artists.
Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors’ meetings are available in Spanish. Watch live on our Spanish YouTube Channel, or Cable TV subscribers can access Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) in language settings.
There are still a few spots left to join us on Saturday, May 24, departing Santa Barbara at 9:00 am.
Our LA adventure begins with a studio visit with artist Luz Carabaño. From there, we will experience an exhibition preview of Tony Cokes at Hannah Hoffman. Then we will end the day at The Brick where we will see Elizabeth Paige Smith Unshade me of You.
We hope you join us on a very full and rewarding day of art and ideas – register here!
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is proud to announce its 76th Annual Commencement Ceremony, to be held on Friday, May 23, at 5 p.m. at the college’s La Playa Stadium. This cherished event marks the culmination of years of hard work and academic achievement, and SBCC warmly welcomes the community — including families and friends of graduates — to join in this special celebration.
SBCC will confer more than 3,833 degrees to around 1,535 graduating students across a wide range of disciplines, recognizing their academic accomplishments and resilience. The ceremony will include inspiring speeches, student recognitions and heartfelt moments as graduates cross the stage.
VENTURA — With thousands expected to attend the California Strawberry Festival at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on May 17-18, 2025, the Ventura Police Department advises visitors to expect traffic congestion throughout the weekend. Attendees are encouraged to use off-site parking, the free Strawberry Express Shuttle system, or rail services to avoid delays and enhance pedestrian safety.
“While the City of Ventura is not the host of the Strawberry Festival, the event has a significant impact on our streets and neighborhoods,” said Traffic Unit Supervisor Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “Our role is to help ensure public safety by managing increased traffic, preventing collisions, and providing for pedestrian safety.”
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.”
“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
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.
“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.
VENTURA COUNTY — We’re thrilled to announce Scharrell Jackson, celebrated author with over 25 years of executive leadership experience, as our keynote speaker for the Women United Education Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 30th at Cal Lutheran University. Scharrell is a champion of United Way’s collective community impact work, and we are honored to have her join us! Get your tickets today!
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will celebrate the graduating Class of 2025 during two ceremonies at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Almost 1,500 of the 2,198 students eligible to graduate will participate during one of the ceremonies. Students will participate in either the morning or afternoon ceremony depending on their academic major. Over 550 students will graduate with academic honors.
Media Arts and Technology doctoral students are helping to pioneer AI tools supporting mental health in Antarctica and other extreme environments.
Now in its third year, Lavender Graduation has become a beloved tradition that fills students and employees alike with anticipation. The ceremony and afterparty reception, hosted in a rotation among the three colleges, was initially created in the 2022-23 academic year to be an inclusive graduation celebration that honors the achievements and identities of LGBTQIA+ students across the district. Since its inaugural year, the event has continued to draw a guest list of graduates, continuing students, and their supporters, as well as the LGBTQIA+ community members and allies employed by the district as faculty, classified professionals, and administrators.
Nation’s Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Honors the Lessons of History and Urges the Nation to Stand Against Injustice in All Its Forms
Washington, D.C. – On this Cinco de Mayo, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) commemorates the historic victory of the outnumbered and outgunned Mexican forces who, against all odds, defeated the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Their triumph was not merely military. It stood for national dignity, justice, and self-determination despite overwhelming power. Today, LULAC calls upon every American to reflect on that legacy and its enduring meaning for our nation at this pivotal moment.
It is painful when we accompany someone who is in emotional pain. To some extent, we carry their pain along with them as they suffer. Watching someone we love or care about in the depths of hopelessness, worry or despair is emotionally taxing for us. This is compassion, something that the late Pope Francis tried to instill in us.
There are right ways and there are wrong ways to try helping someone who is in emotional pain.
LAST CHANCE to visit … Closing May 11!
Exhibitions
MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY
What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art
What is Beauty? invites us to explore diverse perspectives on beauty through fourteen portraits by Ventura County artists from the Museum’s permanent collection. Spanning works created between 1939 and 2011, this exhibition showcases a range of styles—from vibrant realism to minimalist simplicity—challenging traditional standards shaped by art, media, and society.
Artists featured in the exhibition: Carlisle Cooper / Hiroko Yoshimoto / Johanna Spinks / John Nava / John Nichols – featured in exhibition logo / Kitty Botke / Lis Schwitters / Michael Ward / Neal Barr / Omar d’León / Robert Clunie.
