Category: Women

Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) Power of Purpose June 2026 newsletter

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Last month, I wrote about my experience at the Council of Foundations conference and the idea of connection being its own philanthropic cause, worthy of support, and how the work in front of us is not simply to gather with those who already affirm us. The deeper work is to break bread across difference and discover that we still belong to one another.

My email inbox was flooded with replies and messages expressing a shared concern for how polarizing and divided these times are. Your replies have stayed with me, and they fill me with hope. I really want to thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me, and please know how grateful I am for each and every one of you.

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Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan Public Review Draft available. Comments due by June 22

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Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study & Action Plan, Public Review Draft, is now available. Provide comments by June 22, 2026

El Estudio y Plan de Acción sobre Vivienda para Trabajadores Agrícolas del Condado de Ventura, Revisión Pública Borrador, está disponible. Proporcionar comentarios antes del 22 de junio de 2026.

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Ventura County Medical Center dedicates new Breast Health Center expanding access to life-saving care

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VENTURA — Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) hosted a special dedication ceremony celebrating the opening of its new Breast Health Center on Friday, May 29, 2026.

This milestone marked a major advancement in expanding access to high-quality breast imaging and diagnostic services for Ventura County residents. The project was made possible through a $2,034,969 RISE grant awarded by Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP), supporting transformative improvements at the region’s critical safety-net hospital.

“Grant opportunities like this from Gold Coast Health Plan are especially important because they allow for a targeted collaboration where our vision to provide enhanced breast health services can be realized for a community that deserves access to high quality health care,” said Matt McGill, VCMC Director of Imaging Services.

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Women’s Economic Ventures Releases 2025 Impact Report, Celebrates 35 Years of Empowering Women

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CENTRAL COAST — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has released its 2025 Impact Report, celebrating 35 years of helping women build financial independence, launch businesses, strengthen families, and contribute to thriving local economies across the region.

The report highlights a year of growth and innovation as more women turned to WEV’s programs and services to pursue economic opportunity and financial stability. Through business advising, training, and financial empowerment programs, WEV continues to support women at every stage of their economic journey.

Among the programs featured in the report is WEV’s Business of Care program, which helps women establish and grow successful home-based childcare businesses while addressing the region’s ongoing childcare shortage. The report also highlights the launch of WEV’s Credit Builder pilot, designed to help participants strengthen their credit, improve financial health, and expand access to future opportunities.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Inspiring Stories from the Ventura County Class of 2026

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At the end of each school year, the Ventura County Office of Education takes the opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the remarkable students graduating from local high schools. Every year, we’re amazed by the stories we receive of students who have overcome great odds and achieved incredible things on the road to their high school diploma.

This year is no different, and we’re excited to profile just a few students who demonstrate the resilience, dedication and drive of the Ventura County Class of 2026. Among our featured graduates are a young man who journeyed alone from Mexico in search of a better life and a young woman whose family fled Ukraine to find safety and opportunity in Ventura County.

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805 UndocuFund — One Year Later: Remembering the June 10 Raids and the Road to Glass House Farms

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Dear Friends & Supporters,

June marks one year since Border Patrol carried out a series of immigration enforcement operations across Ventura County, reaching the Central Coast for the first time since the early 1990s.

Between June 10 and June 14, 2025, at least 95 community members were taken from their workplaces, homes, and families. Fear spread quickly throughout the region as workers stayed home, parents worried about their children, and entire communities braced for what might come next.

What many did not know at the time was that these raids were a warning of something far more devastating.

Together, we remember…

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Lumina Alliance’s Light the Way Campaign in San Luis Obispo reaches $1.9 million milestone to sustain critical survivor services

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Launched in response to growing uncertainty surrounding federal and state funding, the campaign was designed to help sustain life-changing programs that provide safety, healing, and prevention throughout San Luis Obispo County. With nearly 50% of Lumina Alliance’s budget historically supported by government funding, the campaign focuses on building long-term community investment to ensure survivors continue to have access to 24/7 crisis support, emergency shelter, transitional housing, therapy, advocacy, and prevention education.

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Bilingual report — Couple celebrates 20 years of learning together through Allan Hancock College’s Community Education Art Classes

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SANTA MARIA — For the past 20 years, Nick and Deborah Carpenter have shared a tradition that has become an important part of their lives: taking Community Education art classes together at Allan Hancock College.

Over two decades, the couple has explored a variety of creative pursuits through the college’s tuition-free art offerings, developing new skills while building lasting memories. Among their most meaningful projects were creating the rings they later exchanged on their wedding day.

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Community Rallies around survivors at Voices of Hope Gala, Fueling Expansion of Ventura County Family Justice Centers

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VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation (Foundation) raised over $234,000 at its annual Voices of Hope Gala on Wednesday, May 27, at Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark. The evening drew 240 community leaders, elected officials, and supporters who gathered to raise critical funds for the Foundation’s free programs serving individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking, and other violent crimes.

Proceeds from the gala will support Camp HOPE, Voices of Ventura County, and the Pathways to Hope program, as well as the Foundation’s continued expansion. Two new Family Justice Centers are on track to open in 2027: the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center in Oxnard and the East County Family Justice Center, both of which will extend critical, trauma-informed services to communities across the county.

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City Impact’s 16th Annual Beachfront Run in Ventura sets new record

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VENTURA — City Impact, Inc. celebrated a landmark morning on the Ventura Promenade on Saturday, May 30, as the 16th Annual Beachfront Run drew its largest field in event history. With 1,267 registered runners — a new record — participants of all ages and abilities took to the scenic coastal course in support of City Impact’s mental health, youth outreach and family services programs serving over 500 Ventura County residents annually.

This year’s event not only attracted regional runners in Ventura County from Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Fillmore, Simi Valley, Santa Paula, Camarillo and Ventura, but also runners from San Diego, Carpinteria, Long Beach, Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, Santa Maria, Whittier, Santa Barbara, Bakersfield, Sylmar and Reno, Nevada. Following are finalist winner results for first and second place runners.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura Public Health Department attains national reaccreditation

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VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) on May 29 announced it has successfully completed a rigorous process to maintain national accreditation status through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). This announcement follows PHAB’s national release, recognizing 14 health departments across the country for achieving accreditation or reaccreditation. As the first local health department in California to earn PHAB accreditation in 2014, VCPH continues to lead ahead among the other local health departments by meeting national standards and demonstrating excellence in protecting community wellness and delivering high?quality public health services. In California, 29 out of 61 local health departments are accredited by PHAB. By maintaining its accreditation for another five years, VCPH has demonstrated that it meets or exceeds PHAB’s quality standards and continues to improve in its efforts to protect the health of all Ventura County residents.

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Hearts & Hammers Dinner and Auction raises $113,000 as Habitat Ventura marks 40 years of service

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VENTURA — Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County (Habitat Ventura) marked a milestone on Saturday, May 16 at its annual Hearts & Hammers Dinner and Auction, held at the Museum of Ventura County in Ventura. The evening brought together more than 140 supporters, sponsors, and community members to celebrate the organization’s 40th anniversary and raise funds for its homeownership and home repair programs throughout Ventura County.

This year’s event carried a here’s No Place Like Home theme, inviting guests to follow the yellow brick road through an evening of dinner, drinks, live music, and an auction. The heart of the evening was a short film tracing 40 years of Habitat Ventura’s history through the people who built it.

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Bilingual report — Guidelines for Santa Paula 4th of July Fireworks Event

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SANTA PAULA — In advance of the Fourth of July Holiday and Fireworks event, the City of Santa Paula and the Santa Paula Police Department are announcing schedule and guidelines for those making plans to attend the fireworks show at Santa Paula Creek Sports Park at Harvest.

Please be aware, as with any community fireworks show, there will be extended traffic delays upon exiting the event for those who choose to drive a vehicle and park it in spaces available at Santa Paula Creek Sports Park.

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Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosts EMS and Paramedics graduations

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated a new group of graduates from its emergency medical services and paramedicine academies May 29. 

The college hosted two separate ceremonies for both programs at its Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.  

“Today marks the culmination of their dedication, sacrifice and hard work,” Hancock EMS and Paramedicine Coordinator Sean Newton said. “They are ready to serve their communities with skill and compassion.” 

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Dr. Jane Varner to lead Cottage Center for Women’s Health

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SANTA BARBARA — “I’ve been waiting 25 years for women’s health to get the attention it deserves. Now is the time,” says Dr. Jane Varner, newly appointed Medical Director for the growing Cottage Center for Women’s Health.

Dr. Varner is a Family Physician with 25 years of experience in both patient care and health care leadership. She joined Cottage in 2024 as the Medical Director for Cottage Primary Care and has overseen the expansion of the department to 20 providers across 4 clinical locations. She will continue to care for her patients in the Santa Barbara location in conjunction with her leadership work of partnering with community and colleagues to build a new Cottage Center for Women’s Health

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Bilingual report — Ventura Housing marks completion of the largest Homekey housing project in Ventura County history

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VENTURA — Ventura Housing, in partnership with the City of Ventura and the County of Ventura, is pleased to announce the grand opening and 100% occupancy of Valentine Road Apartments. The development transformed a former La Quinta Inn into 134 units of permanent supportive housing through a $32 million Homekey grant from the State of California. The Valentine Road Apartments represent the largest Homekey Project completed in both the City and County of Ventura and is a cornerstone of the regional and statewide effort to address homelessness through permanent supportive housing.

According to the Ventura County Continuum of Care’s 2026 Point-in-Time Count, homelessness in Ventura County declined 11.8% from 2025 and 28% since 2023. The report attributes part of that decline to the expansion of permanent supportive housing countywide, including the 134 units at Valentine Road Apartments.

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Guest contribution — Dr. Nicole Moayeri, Medical Director of Cottage Health’s Santa Barbara Neuroscience Institute, brings world-class care to the Central Coast and beyond

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SANTA BARBARA — N. Nicole Moayeri, MD, Medical Director of Cottage Health’s Santa Barbara Neuroscience Institute, brings a bold vision to one of medicine’s most complex and rapidly evolving fields: world-class neurological care delivered to patients right here in our community.

Dr. Moayeri had a keen sense of her path early in her education when she was fascinated by the brain and its functions. Over the years she turned that childhood dream into reality.

Today, Dr. Moayeri is a widely recognized expert, a board-certified neurosurgeon (Fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, FAANS) with more than 25 years of experience in treating complex brain, spine and nervous system conditions. She earned her medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine and completed her neurosurgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School.

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Santa Paula Cruise Night draws 3,000+ on June 5

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SANTA PAULA — More than 3,000 attendees packed Historic Main Street for the June edition of Cruise Night 2026 on Friday, June 5 — one of the strongest turnouts in the event’s 25-year history.

Hundreds of classic cars filled the street as families, car enthusiasts, and visitors from across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles counties came together for a free evening of community, culture, and live music by Ventura County-based bandRed Rock Road. Downtown shops and restaurants stayed open late, bringing the city’s historic core to life well into the evening.

“We are absolutely thrilled by the incredible community response to the Cruise Night on June 5. More than 3,000 attendees came out to celebrate on Main Street, and the energy was electric from start to finish. Seeing so many families, car enthusiasts and visitors from across the region come together in historic downtown Santa Paula reminds us exactly why this 25-year tradition matters. We can’t wait to see everyone again on August 7.”

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United Way of Ventura County secures $2.1 million in funding to address homelessness

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VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County (UWVC) has been awarded two grants totaling $2.1 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 6 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 county-wide Landlord Engagement Program (LEP), which aims to increase housing stock and utilize existing housing vouchers and subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners.

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7 things to do on a Summer getaway in Lompoc

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LOMPOC — If your ideal summer getaway includes scenic beaches, local wine, outdoor adventure, and a slower pace, Lompoc deserves a spot on your Central 

Coast itinerary.  Located along California’s scenic Highway 1 corridor, Lompoc offers a refreshing mix of laid-back charm and unforgettable experiences.

One day you can hike through California history, the next you can sip Pinot Noir, watch a rocket launch, or relax at the beach with a famous burger in hand.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a full summer road trip, here are seven great ways to experience Lompoc this season.

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UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Free Summer Cinema: Mixtapes & Misfits July 10 through Aug. 28

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Friday Nights Under the Stars at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden
July 10 – August 28 | 8:30 PM
(No screening on Friday, August 7 due to Fiesta)
UCSB Arts & Lectures and the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture present the 2026 FREE Summer Cinema lineup: “Mixtapes & Misfits,” seven films powered by iconic music, big emotions and unforgettable characters who refuse to fit the mold. Screenings take place Friday evenings at 8:30 p.m. from July 10 through August 28, under the stars at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden (no film on Friday, August 7 due to Fiesta).
This year’s lineup includes: Pretty in Pink, Say Anything…, La Bamba, Rushmore, Love & Basketball, Napoleon Dynamite and Hairspray. Begun in 2010, this collaboration between Arts & Lectures and the County Office of Arts & Culture has become a cherished Santa Barbara summertime tradition.

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Museum of Ventura County — Two New Exhibits Open June 5

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Parallel Histories: Ventura County during the US Revolution
As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Parallel Histories explores what was unfolding at the same time in Ventura County. While British colonialism and the Revolutionary War reshaped the East Coast, California, not yet part of the United States, was being transformed by Spain.
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Patriotic Threads: Textiles, Tapestries, & T-Shirts
Patriotic Threads explores how textiles have long served as powerful expressions of national identity. Through handcrafted works, the exhibit reveals how textiles and design embody patriotism and collective memory.
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Bilingual report — Mestizo Folklórico Dance Company presents Fiesta Folklórica at Oxnard College on May 30, 31

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OXNARD — The Mestizo Folklórico Dance Company presents Fiesta Folklórica, marking its 45th anniversary with two shows at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building, located at 4000 S. Rose Avenue.

The performances will take place on Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, May 31 at 4:30 pm.

For information on advanced online ticket sales, please visit: https://oxnard.vbotickets.com/event/mestizo_dance_company_presents_fiesta_folkl%C3%B3rica/192913, or you can scan the QR code or click on the link on the poster.

Tickets will also be available at the door one hour before each show.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan public review draft available

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?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.

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Nyeland Promise receives SCAG’s 2026 Carmen Ramirez Award for Equity

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NYELAND ACRES — Nyeland Promise is proud to announce that its “Safe Travels in Nyeland Acres” initiative has been recognized with the prestigious 2026 Carmen Ramirez Award for Equity by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) during the 2026 Regional Conference and General Assembly

The Carmen Ramirez Award for Equity honors projects and collaborations that advance equity and improve outcomes for historically underserved and marginalized communities across Southern California. The award is named in honor of the late Ventura County Supervisor Carmen Ramirez, a tireless champion for social justice, sustainability, and underserved communities.

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One Step A La Vez receives top honors at the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce Awards

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SANTA PAULA — One Step A La Vez proudly celebrated an unforgettable evening of recognition and community support at the Best of Heritage Valley Awards presented by the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce, held at the beautiful Palazzio Event Center.

One Step A La Vez  was honored with 1st Place – Best Community Service Organization in the Santa Clara River Valley, a recognition that reflects the incredible trust and support of the community we are privileged to serve.

In addition to this top honor, One Step A La Vez was also recognized with:

2nd Place – Best Children’s Activities / Center
3rd Place – Best Non-Profit Organization

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Ventura College Foundation distributes a record $1,037,741 in scholarships

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VENTURA  — For the fourth consecutive year, the Ventura College Foundation distributed a record amount of scholarship funding to students. A total of $1,037,741 in scholarships was awarded to students during the foundation’s 37th Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony, May 16, at the Ventura College Sportsplex Field.

The foundation presented 537 scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year.

Of the amount awarded, $932,860 went toward general scholarships, $42,313 supported career education and $10,068 went for paramedic training. Other scholarships included $42,500 from the Port of Hueneme Workforce Development and $10,000 for Courage to Dream students. The scholarship funds benefited 393 student recipients, many of whom received multiple awards.

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SBCC honors grads, welcomes community to its 77th annual commencement ceremony

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is proud to announce its 77th Annual Commencement Ceremony, to be held on Friday, May 22, 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.

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Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College honors 16 retiring faculty and staff

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SANTA MARIA — On May 20, Allan Hancock College honored the dedication and service of 16 retiring faculty and staff members during a heartfelt ceremony that celebrated decades of contributions to student success.?? 

?This year’s retirees, who contributed a combined 323 years of service to the college, include full and part-time faculty members, classified staff and other employees from the college’s many programs and departments. 

“Our retiring employees have devoted years of talent, care, and hard work to supporting our students and strengthening this college community,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Their influence can be seen not only in the programs they helped build, but in the countless lives they impacted along the way.” 

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Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 64th Annual “Best of Santa Paula” Awards

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SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce gathered with the community Thursday evening at the Palazzio Event Center to honor the recipients of its 64th Annual “Best of Santa Paula” Awards — celebrating the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose commitment to excellence, service, and community vitality defines what makes Santa Paula exceptional.

This year’s celebration was the Chamber’s most inclusive awards event to date, with the evening also featuring the announcement of the 2026 Best of Heritage Valley winners — chosen through community-wide public voting and recognizing outstanding businesses and community contributors across the broader Heritage Valley region, which includes Fillmore and Piru. A full list of Best of Heritage Valley winners is available at www.santapaulachamber.com/best-of-hv-winners

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United Way of Ventura County — VITA Program Volunteers prepare thousands of free tax returns resulting in $2,300,000+ in refunds

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VENTURA — Tax season is over and many low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents took advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) led by United Way of Ventura County in partnership with the County of Ventura Human Services Agency and the IRS.

Throughout February to April 30, 2026, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers helped working families and individuals file their state and federal tax returns and access the tax credits for which they are eligible. Households earning up to $69,000 are eligible to use the free services.

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$11 Million State Homekey+ Grant will end homelessness for 30 Families

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OXNARD — California Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced the award of just over $11.7 million from the State’s Homekey+ program to the County of Santa Barbara, in partnership with DignityMoves, to support the development of a new housing community dedicated to families experiencing homelessness. $9,000,000 will fund construction of the village, with $2,000,000 funding wraparound services. DignityMoves has also raised $5,000,000 for construction and will raise an additional $2,000,000 for services.

The new “Family Village” will include 30 units designed specifically to serve families with children, providing a safe, stable environment alongside supportive services aimed at helping residents transition into permanent housing. The Family Village is proposed for development on County-owned land currently used as an overflow parking lot within the County’s Calle Real campus in the eastern Goleta Valley. This project comes at a critical time, as Santa Barbara County has the highest rate of child poverty in California.

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A Complete Spring 2026 Bucket List In Lompoc

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LOMPOC — There is still time to enjoy Spring with a wildflower-colored drive to Lompoc. This hidden gem tucked along the Central Coast offers a rich history, fun outdoor activities, impressive sights, a flourishing wine industry, and outstanding options for accommodations.

During the spring, it’s a little cooler and quieter, making it one of the best times to visit. While you plan your trip to Lompoc, here’s a list of things you don’t want to miss during this season – we call it “Lompoc’s Spring Bucket List.”

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Just in time for the warmer months ahead, visit Lompoc’s flower fields on California’s Central Coast

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LOMPOC — n the “Valley of Arts and Flowers,” visitors can now see spectacular patches of colors from spring through fall in the farm fields of Lompoc Valley – Stock, Larkspur, Delphinium, Sweet Pea and Bells of Ireland along with other varieties are grown in abundance by local commercial flower growers.

Where to See Them: The flower fields rotate every year, and are scattered throughout Lompoc Valley. Some can be spotted west of Old Town Lompoc, along Central Avenue, from Floradale Ave. to Union Sugar Ave.

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Bilingual report — Thirty cadets graduate from Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy

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SANTA MARIA — Thirty cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy on May 15 at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.

The ceremony marked the end of a rigorous 18-week academy consisting of 788 hours of classroom and field instruction for the cadets in Battalion 157. The ceremony was also an acknowledgment that the cadets had not only completed that training but also met and exceeded the state and national certification training standards for Firefighter I Certification.

“Congratulations to our cadets, who have endured a rigorous training program to sit in front of you today,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D.

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Bilingual commentary — The Dark Side of the Cradle

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My favorite libraries lately are those that constitute the network of the Little Free Library movement. This is a global phenomenon with the motto: “Take a book; share a book.” Anyone is free to open the little protective door that protects the books in these micro-sized libraries. They dot some neighborhoods in front of participants’ homes and invite the passerby to peruse the collection and borrow or replace a book. Collections typically vary from around five to twenty-five books. 

I’ve always enjoyed sharing and circulating books, so this program suits me perfectly. I often choose novels, introducing me to new authors and styles of writing.

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805UndocuFund — Freedom Music Fest brings together music and solidarity in support of immigrant families on May 17

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SANTA BARBARA — The regional Mexican music community is coming together for a powerful evening of music, solidarity, and support for immigrant families through the inaugural Freedom Music Fest, featuring performances by Larry Hernández, Régulo Caro, and Roberto Tapia.

A portion of the event proceeds will benefit 805UndocuFund, a nonprofit organization providing direct financial assistance to immigrant families impacted by recent ICE raids and climate-induced disasters while also advocating for long-term systems change at the policy level.

All donated proceeds received by 805UndocuFund will directly support the organization’s Emergency Assistance Fund, which provides immediate relief to families affected by immigration enforcement throughout California’s Central Coast. Since launching the Emergency Assistance Fund in April 2025, 805UndocuFund has distributed more than $1 million in direct assistance to impacted families across the region.

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Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara to grant $1.275 million, supporting nonprofits amid funding challenges

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SANTA BARBARA — The power of collective giving was on full display at the Lobero Theatre on May 13 when the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara awarded a record $1,275,000 in grants to 10 local nonprofits. Grants ranged in size from $60,000 to $200,000. These grants will provide essential mental health therapy, youth counseling and mentorship, reproductive healthcare services for women, meals and wellness checks for seniors, transportation for foster children, door-to-door assistance for seniors and adults with disabilities, a truck to transport surplus food to nonprofits, and a supportive dormitory for women struggling with addiction.

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El Concilio Family Services — Nominations deadline is May 15

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OXNARD — For 35 years, El Concilio has celebrated Latino leadership throughout Ventura County… who have made a substantial impact in their communities.
These individuals have enhanced the lives of the underprivileged… through their contributions to education, volunteerism, health and wellness, advocacy, and more.

Do you know a Leader in your community who has significantly influenced the lives of the Latino community?

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Bilingual report — Registration underway for Allan Hancock College’s annual Women’s Fire Camp

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College invites women ages 15-25 to get a first-hand look at life as a firefighter at Hancock’s annual Women’s Fire Camp. The camp will be held May 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC) in Lompoc.

Women who sign up for this event will work with staff from Hancock’s fire technology program and the college’s state-certified Fire Academy. Several female Hancock College Fire Academy graduates, who are now professional firefighters, will be on hand to share their knowledge and experience. Participants will take part in various team-building exercises and hands-on training with the techniques and equipment used by firefighters.

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Local businesses and organizations partner with Bike the Coast Ventura ahead of inaugural event on June 13

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VENTURA — Bike the Coast Ventura will be hosting their inaugural event on June 13, showcasing the charm of the Ventura community. The event has put a strong emphasis on its local involvement, focusing on building partnerships with businesses and organizations within the Ventura region and authentically connected to the community. Registration for the 2026 event is now open.

This year’s sponsors and partners include Visit Ventura, Downtown Ventura Association, Ventura Coast Brewing Company and Ventura Coast Cycling. The event has also partnered with local charity organizations, including The Los Angeles Chapter of National MS and the Downtown Ventura Foundation. The event will also host Ventura-based band The GAMBLE at their free Finish Festival, which will also include various local food, drink and vendors for riders, spectators and community members to all enjoy. 

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