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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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
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.
OXNARD — We’re putting our heart and soul into making this year’s Panteón Fest one to remember.
Thank you for always supporting what we do. Please help us spread the word and we’ll see you October 17 at Panteón
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.
From farmworker fields in California to war in Vietnam to a doctoral degree in history, Fabros is UCSB’s oldest Ph.D. recipient.
Read more about his story
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.”
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.
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.
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.
17.7 million Americans live in communities too road-poor to evacuate safely.
Read more about the threshold
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Thank You!
To all who joined us for last week’s Cleaver & Clark Commons Grand Opening and to those who helped make this new affordable housing possible, we share our gratitude.
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.
Thursday, June 4, 2026
California Lutheran University
Gilbert Sports & Fitness Center
130 Overton Ct, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
?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.
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.
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
Cerca de ti
(Close to you)
Play in Spanish
?Written by Conchi León?
Directed by Juliana Acosta
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.
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.
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.”
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
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce has named two accomplished community members to lead the organization forward: Deirdre Weaver, a longtime Santa Paula business owner, educator and Chamber board member, as Interim Executive Director, and Chloe Rahimzadeh Lurie, an arts administrator and civic leader, as Operations Manager. Together, the two appointments represent a deliberate investment in local knowledge, operational credibility and community trust as the Chamber is focused squarely on deepening its service to Santa Paula’s business community.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Deirdre and Chloe to the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce. Both bring exactly the passion, drive, and deep commitment to the city and community of Santa Paula that will help our Chamber thrive and serve our business community with excellence. This is a tremendously exciting step forward for the Chamber, and we look forward to the energy and leadership they will each bring,” states Elena Brokaw, Chair of the Board, Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce.
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
RSVP REQUESTED
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) will host the launch of the ASCEND Fund on May 13, 2026 at the nonprofit’s San Luis Obispo headquarters, introducing a new initiative designed to support residents pursuing entrepreneurship, education, and professional advancement.
The ASCEND Fund – standing for Agency, Skills, Capacity, Entrepreneurship, Network, and Direction – will provide micro-grants to individuals living in PSHH properties who are working to build businesses, grow professionally, or further their entrepreneurial education.
“We see ASCEND as a bridge between our residents and the broader business community,” said Ken Trigueiro, CEO of People’s Self-Help Housing. “We’re here for our residents who are entrepreneurs and future leaders; and when we invest in their growth, we’re investing in a stronger, more resilient Central Coast economy for everyone.”
Located at 1206 West Grand Avenue and 164 South 13th Street in the City of Grover Beach, Cleaver & Clark Commons is comprised of 53 affordable, multifamily housing units for households at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
The property has 14 units set aside for farmworker households at 30-60% of AMI, 21 units are set aside for project-based vouchers administered through HASLO, and 6 units are set aside for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is pleased to share positive results from the 2026 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count, which indicate a 21.5% decrease in the total number of unsheltered and sheltered individuals experiencing homelessness in the City, when compared to 2025.
The Point-in-Time Count, conducted annually across Ventura County, provides a snapshot of homelessness in the community and helps guide funding, services, and policy decisions. Santa Paula’s results reflect meaningful local progress.
THOUSAND OAKS — A beloved spiritual community is stepping into a new chapter of inspiration.
New Thought Now!, formerly The Global Truth Center, will mark its official launch with a ribbon cutting ceremony May 14th at 4:30pm (880 Hampshire Road, Suite W, Westlake Village), bringing together local dignitaries and community members for a memorable afternoon of celebration, entertainment and refreshments.
“It’s all about honoring where we’ve been, celebrating where we are, and opening the door to what comes next,” says Spiritual Director Dr. James Mellon, adding that “The new name reflects an evolving vision—one that honors the roots and relationships that have shaped this community while continuing to grow alongside the people it serves.”
CAMARILLO — California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) proudly celebrates Jennifer Raymond, Community Partnership Lead for the Center for Community Engagement, as a recipient of the inaugural Trustee Wenda Fong and Mr. Daniel Fetterly Staff Award. The inaugural award marks the first systemwide recognition program dedicated exclusively to California State University (CSU) staff for their exemplary contributions and dedication to student success and institutional excellence.
Raymond received the First Generation Belonging and Community honor, recognizing her work to foster a strong sense of belonging and support for first-generation students.
VENTURA — Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA) (on May 6) announced the appointment of Danielle Gabele, DNP, RN, as Chief Executive Officer of Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and Santa Paula Hospital (SPH), effective May 10, 2026.
Dr. Gabele holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and serves as President-Elect of the Association of California Nurse Leaders. She is also pursuing a Master of Health Administration degree at the University of Cincinnati.
“Dr. Gabele is a proven leader with a deep commitment to patient-centered care and clinical excellence,” said [Dr. John Fankhauser, HCA Director]. “Her collaborative approach and operational expertise make her exceptionally well-suited to lead VCMC and Santa Paula Hospital into the future.”
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) announces the opening of a new exhibit, Fine Print, Hard Lines: Housing and Exclusion in Santa Barbara, which examines how discriminatory housing policies and practices have shaped the city’s past and continue to influence the community today.
On view at Casa de la Guerra, Fine Print, Hard Lines explores the use of restrictive covenants and other exclusionary practices embedded in historical “fine print” that limited who could buy, rent, or reside in certain neighborhoods. Through a compelling mix of primary sources including property records, real estate advertisements, newspaper articles, and historic maps, the exhibit reveals how these practices produced lasting social inequities and barriers that still affect the lived experiences of Santa Barbara residents.
VENTURA — Setting the stage to linger longer, Ventura Harbor Village is continuing its live entertainment series of free, family-friendly music on the Seaside Promenade at the waterfront throughout May 2026. 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.
Revel in 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.
SANTA BARBARA — The Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara is gearing up to distribute $1,375,000 to local nonprofits that address the critical needs of women, children, and families in south Santa Barbara County. Since 2004, nearly $13 Million has been awarded to 163 local nonprofits. Grants will be announced at the Celebration of Grants on May 13 at the Lobero Theatre.
Each year, the Women’s Fund Research Committee develops and presents a ballot of projects proposed by local agencies. Members then cast their votes to determine which projects will receive funding.
“This large grants pool not only reflects the remarkable generosity of our 1,450+ members but also their commitment to our community,” says Women’s Fund Board Chair Carolyn Jabs. “It also demonstrates the power of collective giving. By combining our contributions, we magnify the impact of every member’s donation so we can give significant grants to nonprofits with projects that benefit vulnerable women, children, and families. ”
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance’s signature gala, Lumina Nights: Dancing with Our Stars, brought the community together for two unforgettable, sold-out evenings on May 1 and 2 at the Vina Robles Tasting Room in Paso Robles, raising over $400,000 in support of survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. Of that total, the STAR dancers alone raised over $115,000 for Lumina Alliance’s essential programs.
STAR dancers included Jeanette Trompeter, County of San Luis Obispo Public Information Specialist; Ryan and Amber Blevins, Community Members; Kris Beal, Paso Robles City Councilmember; Bruce Gibson, District 2 County Supervisor, and Cherie Gibson; Heather Muran, Director of Portfolio Strategy and Marketing at Covelop; and Joel Peterson, CEO of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.
VENTURA COUNTY — Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County announced it will mark its 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades operating on a simple but urgent mission that brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. What began in the mid-1980s from community-based roots has grown into one of the region’s most enduring forces for affordable homeownership, partnering with families across 14 cities. Over four decades, that work has touched more than 20,000 volunteers, donors, and community members.
VENTURA — As temperatures continue to rise this May, Ventura County residents are encouraged to take steps to prevent mosquito breeding and protect themselves from bites as peak mosquito season begins. Mosquito activity started earlier than usual this year due to above-average temperatures, including the warmest March on record, along with increased rainfall. In addition to native mosquito species that can transmit West Nile Virus (WNV), the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito has become established in Ventura County.
SANTA BARBARA — On May 5, the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) Board of Directors and the Good Neighbors Founders hosted a Donor Appreciation Reception at the Santa Barbara Club. The evening honored a historic $5 million donation from the Wyatt Family, the largest philanthropic contribution from an individual family in the organization’s history.
During the event, CEO Mahdi Ashrafian shared remarks alongside special guests, the Wyatt Family, for an inspiring evening highlighting their leadership gift and the naming of the Wyatt Family Health Center. This transformational gift will fund the completion of SBNC’s new flagship facility on the Westside, which is expected to increase the organization’s patient capacity by over 40%, serving an additional 8,300 community members annually.
OXNARD — As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, a new exhibition in Oxnard invites the community to explore the game of soccer through a local perspective. The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC), in partnership with the Consulado de México en Oxnard, presents Once Miradas, Un Balón (Eleven Gazes, One Ball)—a group exhibition that looks at fútbol as both a cultural presence and a source of artistic inspiration. The exhibit opens to the public with a reception on May 21 from 5:30-8pm and will celebrate (4) youth soccer teams with a custom jersey giveaway and hands-on activities. Once Miradas, Un Balón will be on view from May 14 – September 4, 2026. Gallery hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Admission is free.
Thursday, May 7
Ahilan T. Arulanantham of the UCLA School of Law discusses the role of race discrimination in immigration and refugee policy.
SANTA BARBARA — For more than three decades, Jill Nida has been a steadfast advocate, volunteer, and champion for Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB). Her leadership and generosity have helped shape the organization into what it is today, and her personal story is deeply woven into its mission.
Over the past 37 years, Jill has served as Board Chair (twice), Board Member, Auxiliary Member, and Capital Campaign Chair for the Riviera office building. She was also honored as a Hero of Hospice in 2015. She served on the Hospice Foundation Board and is Board Emeritus. She was instrumental in the HSB butterfly logo design and color (aqua). Beyond titles, roles, and responsibilities she has been one of HSB’s most passionate ambassadors in the community, given the unofficial title “Cheerleader Emeritus.”
