Category: Youth

805UndocuFund receives $32,000 in total grant support from the Fund for Santa Barbara to strengthen immigrant rights advocacy and Emergency Response

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SANTA BARBARA — 805UndocuFund is proud to announce it has received a total of $32,000 in grant funding from The Fund for Santa Barbara to expand its immigrant rights advocacy and strengthen rapid response and disaster relief efforts across the Central Coast.

The first award—a $10,000 Emergent Needs Grant from The Fund for Santa Barbara—will provide general operating support for the 805 Immigrant Rapid Response Network, which monitors and responds to immigration enforcement actions across Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties.

The second award—a $12,000 Donor Advised Grant, also from The Fund for Santa Barbara—provides additional general support for the Rapid Response Network, further sustaining the network’s capacity to verify ICE activity, deploy trained legal observers and community responders, and provide emergency assistance to impacted families.

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Ventura County Ethnic Studies Downtown Oxnard Walking Tour to be held April 18

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OXNARD — The Ventura County Ethnic Studies Downtown Oxnard Walking Tour will be held from9 a.m.to 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 18.

Led by Professors José Alamillo and Frank Barajas, the 2.5 mile tour of the historic and cultural sites of downtown Oxnard will be followed by lunch and conversation.

A driving option is available for those with mobility issues.

RSVP to Patty Colman (pcolman@vccd.edu) by Wednesday, April 16 as space is limited.

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Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy — We Deserve Clean Air. Safe Water. A Just Future

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Everyone deserves clean air, safe water, and a healthy community – no matter your race, income, or zip code. But right now, low-income communities and communities of color are still being hit first and worst by pollution and climate change.

Environmental justice means we don’t just survive – we thrive. It means organizing, speaking out, and demanding bold changes that put our health, our safety, and our futures first. And this month, you’ve got three powerful ways to take action with our community:

Speak Up at the State Lands Commission – Monday, April 14

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Santa Barbara Museum of Art to open expanded educational space on April 13

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“Education is at the core of SBMA’s mission,” states Eichholz Family Foundation Director Amada Cruz. “The new expanded space for classes and workshops at the Museum is a game-changer. From the minute you walk into the light-filled white ART LEARNING LAB, you are immersed in a space for art-making with colorful pencils, crayons, sketch pads, and drawings on the wall.”

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150 artisans will display their designs and crafts at 39th annual California Strawberry Festival

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While strawberry-themed foods and beverages are a big draw for the nearly 50,000 people who attend each year, the festival is well-known for unique handcrafted works by artists and crafters. Over 150 artisans showcase their original items including paintings, ceramics, children’s toys, wearables, photography, outdoor furniture, jewelry and specialty foods. Many incorporate strawberries into their creations.

“For many festivalgoers, their first stop is the arts and crafts booths to see what’s new,” says Dana Hale-Mounier, director of Pacific Fine Arts Festivals and coordinator of the festival’s arts and craft booths. “Meeting the artists at the festival makes the experience special. You learn about their inspiration and the creation process and appreciate what goes into every item.”

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CLU School of Management announces April events

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‘Life in Tune” with Freddie Ravel
Tuesday, April 22 | 12:00 PM
Zoom Webinar

“Life in Tune” is a one-of-a-kind program designed to challenge and inspire organizations to discover their untapped potential. The format is fast-paced, entertaining, and as the secrets of the world’s undisputed international language of music are revealed, full of surprises.

Freddie will be taking questions that will be moderated by Gerhard Apfelthaler, Dean of the School of Management. Everyone is welcome to join the conversation.

Registration is required. Registered participants will be sent information about joining the Zoom webinar.

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SEEAG Selected To Receive A Target Circle Community Grant

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“SEEAG is honored to be chosen to participate in this special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, SEEAG executive director. “The more points SEEAG receives, the larger portion of Target’s charitable funds will go to fund SEEAG’s mission.”

Nonprofits were selected by region based on their impact and address pressing issues in their community. Points are accumulated through June 1.

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Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Take a Look at What’s Coming Up!

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Join us for an evening of Cochineal Dye Demonstrations, Mezcal Tasting, and Delicious Oaxacan Cuisine at Sangre De Nopal artist Porfirio Gutierrez’s Studio in Ventura.

Funds raised will provide critical support for museum exhibitions and programs like Sangre de Nopal currently on view.

For further questions email hello@mcasantabarbara.org

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Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Get your tickets for the 2025 Builder Games on April 26

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Saturday, April 26 | 3-7 PM | 1060 Kendall Rd, San Luis Obispo
 
Want to join the fun at the 2025 Builder Games? Reserve your spot now!

Cheer on teams as they race against the clock and face fun challenges to build one-of-a-kind playhouses for children. Enjoy Santa Maria style BBQ, local wine, beer, and music! All funds raised benefit the Supportive Housing and Camino Scholars programs of PSHH.

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Last Chance! Register now for CEC’s Climate Stewards Course

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Are you ready to lead grassroots climate action?
CEC’s Spring Climate Stewards Course begins April 16.
CEC Climate Stewards are leading a groundswell of Climate Action across California’s central coast. If you are looking for ways to have a positive impact in your community, CEC’s Climate Stewards certification program can equip you with the skills and confidence to take individual and collective action.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Continuum of Care announces 15.6% reduction in 2025 Ventura County Homeless Count

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Continuum of Care has reported a 15.6% decrease in homelessness as part of the 2025 Ventura County Homeless Count. Conducted on January 22, 2025, the count identified 1,990 individuals experiencing homelessness, a reduction of 368 people compared to 2024. Since 2023, the overall decrease stands at 18.5%.

This progress reflects successful investments in permanent supportive housing, homelessness prevention programs, and enhanced supportive services across the county to promote housing retention. The count, which adheres to federal definitions of homelessness, includes individuals living unsheltered, in emergency shelters, or in transitional housing.

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County of Ventura Supervisor Jeff Gorell announces inaugural Supervisorial Leadership & Excellence Awards

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Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell is proud to announce the honorees of the 1st Annual Supervisorial Leadership and Excellence Awards, a signature event recognizing extraordinary individuals whose leadership, dedication and compassion have made a lasting impact across Ventura County’s District 2.

The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 PM at the Amgen campus in Thousand Oaks. This inaugural celebration will honor “Great Navigators” those who have shown excellence in Public Safety, Education, Prosperity and Economy, Conservation and Environmentalism and Community Leadership.

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Lumina Alliance launches ‘Light the Way’ lifeline vampaign to dustain vital services for survivors

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SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance has launched the Light the Way lifeline campaign, a bold three-year, $5 million fundraising initiative to ensure that survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence in San Luis Obispo County continue to have access to life-saving resources. With nearly half of the organization’s funding at risk due to potential federal funding cuts, vital services—including emergency shelter, therapy, and crisis intervention—are in jeopardy.

“For thousands of survivors in San Luis Obispo County, Lumina Alliance is their only lifeline,” said Jennifer Adams, CEO of Lumina Alliance. “Without urgent funding, we risk losing the essential services that help survivors heal and rebuild their lives.”

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Long-time Ventura College Foundation board member Eleanor Tilquist given board emeritus status

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“Eleanor is dedicated to seeing that students have every opportunity to succeed,” says Nicole Kreutz, Board Chair. “She is adored by students and the community. We are proud to bestow Eleanor with the Board Emeritus status and look forward to her continued involvement in the foundation.”

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Gainey Foundation gives significant gift to People Helping People repairs in Solvang

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“We couldn’t be more grateful to the Gainey Foundation for this remarkable gift,” said PHP CEO, Erica Flores. “They have been a dedicated supporter of our mission for many years and we appreciate them supporting us for this unplanned and unanticipated need.” 

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Farmworkers in Santa Maria demand dignity, fair wages, and an end to deportations in commemoration of César Chávez Day

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SANTA MARIA — On Sunday, March 30, the Santa Maria community peacefully rallied alongside farmworkers and allies, standing firm to demand dignity—not just for their labor but for their humanity. Everyone, no matter where they were born, deserves respect, fair wages, and the opportunity to live without fear.

“We are all here today united to use our voices to fight back against the deportations. We are fighting for our kids; we are fighting for ourselves because we are all essential and deserve the right to live safely, without fear,” said Gabriela Vivar, Farmworker Leader with Alianza Campesina.  

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Santa Barbara joins national “Hands Off!” Day of Action on April 5 to push back against rising authoritarianism and corporate greed

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The event, part of a nationwide protest movement, will take place at De La Guerra Plaza from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with pre-rally sign-making starting at 12:00 PM. It is co-sponsored by Indivisible Santa Barbara and Women’s March Santa Barbara, and is part of a coordinated response to what organizers call an “ongoing crisis of power and greed” from Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and other billionaire elites.

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Ventura County Fire Dept. launches emergency blood transfusion program

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“This program marks a groundbreaking advancement in emergency medicine,” said Chief Gardner. “By equipping our rescue ambulances with whole blood, our firefighter-paramedics can deliver life-saving transfusions at the scene—significantly improving patient outcomes when every second counts.”

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Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation in Santa Barbara selects 14 finalists for annual music competition

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SANTA BARBARA — Fourteen talented instrumentalists and vocalists will vie for thousands of dollars in scholarships at the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation’s (PASF) annual competition on April 27. The finalists were selected through auditions held March 28 and 29 at the Music Academy of the West’s Weinmann Hall in Montecito.

The PASF Audition Committee, comprised of Board President Deborah Bertling, Board Secretary Erin Bonski-Evans, and Directors Jill Felber, Dr. David McKee, and Kristine Pacheco-Bernt, carefully chose the finalists from a competitive field of adult and youth musicians. This year’s auditions featured several contenders for the newly introduced Junior Vocal Division, which is dedicated to vocalists under the age of 17.

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Annual César Chávez Memorial March & Citizenship Fair to be held April 6, 2025 in Oxnard

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OXNARD — The annual César Chávez Memorial March & Citizenship Fair will be held April 6, 2025 in Oxnard.

Sponsored by the Port of Hueneme, the City of Oxnard and the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center, marchers will gather at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 6 at Cesar Chavez School, 200 N. Juanita Ave., Oxnard, to begin the march to La Colonia Gym, 195 No. Marquita St., Oxnard.

“We will visit the César Chávez Memorial site (Childhood Home),” organizers reported.

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April’s full of fun activities downtown Oxnard

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First Thursdays retunrs April 3rd with amazing eats, sweet treats, and good vibes as some of the best local food trucks roll in! @thesoulrevival_band will entertain with a soulful R&B set. Also participating is a group of CSU Long Beach grad students hosting a Community Resource Booth featuring free info, coffee & pasteries, and prize drawing! Learn about local services and share your thoughts on what matters to you and your family.
Thurs, April 3rd, 5 PM – 9 PM at Plaza Park, 500 South C Street

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Bilingual report — Ventura Music Under the Stars tickets go on sale May 6

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“This year, we’re introducing a few changes to our annual concert series, all aimed at enhancing the experience for everyone,” said Recreation Manager Rebecca Ellis. “As part of our efforts to streamline all our recreation programs, we are now aligning ticket prices with our standard resident and non-resident fee structure. Additional changes to this year’s program include eliminating printed and mailed tickets with a streamlined check-in service on the day of the event. 

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Ventura County Office of Education — Teacher of the Year for VCOE-Operated Schools is announced

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Dallas Ipach, who has dedicated his career to teaching students who face significant social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, has been named the 2025 Teacher of the Year for schools operated by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). Mr. Ipach will now have the opportunity to compete for the Ventura County Teacher of the Year award, which is accepting nominations until May 2.

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Celebrate Earth Month with Us!

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Connect with a community of activists.
Join us on the first Friday of each month, when local climate activists, students, and community members gather to exchange information about regional climate issues and opportunities for action. This month, Santa Barbara organizations will share Earth month actions that the community can take part in, including Sable pipeline advocacy opportunities.
Friday, April 4, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) to co-host 55th annual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival on April 26, 27, more news

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As Federal climate leadership stalls, cities, states, and local organizations are taking action to build climate resilience from the ground up. In this vein, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) remains committed to fostering grassroots climate action along California’s Central Coast.

This month, CEC is proud to co-host the 55th annual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival, an opportunity to educate, advocate, and mobilize around climate action. The theme for Earth Day 2025 is Our Power, Our Planet, inviting everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030. 

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8 things you can only do in Lompoc on California’s Central Coast

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LOMPOC — Tucked away on California’s stunning Central Coast, Lompoc is the kind of place that surprises you—in the best way possible. From sipping some of the world’s best Pinot Noir to watching rockets blast into space, this charming town is packed with unexpected adventures. Ready to explore? Here are 8 amazing things you can only do in Lompoc.

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Mechanics Bank announced as presenting sponsor of the 2025 Builder Games for the Second Year $15,000 sponsorship to benefit the Supportive Housing Program and Camino Scholars of People’s Self-Help Housing

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“We are immensely grateful to see the return of Mechanics Bank as our Presenting Sponsor this year,” said Ken Trigueiro CEO & President. “They’ve consistently been a huge supporter of the event and even more so of the residents who will ultimately benefit from their generosity. They are a key player in the success of the Builder Games, and we are proud to have them stand beside us as we continue to raise funds for these vital programs.”

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Bilingual report — Ventura’s Guide to summer camps, events, classes, and more!

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VENTURA — The Parks & Recreation Summer Activity Guide is now available online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide. Registration begins Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. and will be available online, over the phone, or in person at City Hall, Room 226, 501 Poli Street. Registration information and policies are on page 6.

The Summer Activity Guide offers a diverse range of youth summer camps and programs for all ages from June through August. Exciting special events await, including the highly anticipated 4th of July Street Fair and the captivating Music Under the Stars concert series. Community members can also explore aquatic activities such as sailing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, or swim lessons. There are also various arts and cultural options like tours to museums, productions, and local landmarks. 

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Official artwork revealed for 39th Annual California Strawberry Festival

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OXNARD — Helen Reyes’ winning artwork for the 39th Annual California Strawberry Festival was revealed at an April 1 gathering of dignitaries and festival sponsors at Yolanda’s Mexican Café in Oxnard. The luncheon officially kicks off activities for the 2025 festival celebration taking place May 17 and 18 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Reyes takes home a $2,000 grand prize and VIP tickets to the festival.

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CLU announces non-dilutive funding for startups: DIG 2025 applications now open

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Dorfman Incubator Grants We’re now accepting applications for the 2025 Dorfman Incubator Grants (DIG). Startups can apply for $5,000 to $50,000 in non-dilutive grant funding. Ideal candidates have a connection to Cal Lutheran as a student, alum, employee or employer…

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Jump into fun at Museum of Ventura County!

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Enfoque Calendars on Sale

Stay inspired and organized in 2025 with our stunning calendar, showcasing breathtaking photography by Diego Huerta from the Enfoque exhibit—now on display at the Agriculture Museum. Click HERE to purchase.

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Applications open for Ventura’s Special Event Grant Program

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura is now accepting applications for its Special Event Grant Program (SEGP), designed to support community events for local residents. To be eligible, applicants must be nonprofit organizations based in the City of Ventura with 501(c)(3) status.

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Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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Coming Soon! New web addresses for County websites

The County of Ventura has officially begun the migration of county websites to the new .gov domain – venturacounty.gov.?
The transition to the new address complies with CA State Assembly Bill 1637, which was passed in 2024 and requires local governments to have a .gov domain by or before 2029. The transition to the new address will provide enhanced cybersecurity and easily identify the County’s online presence for residents, businesses, and visitors.

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April at the Santa Paula Art Museum

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15th Anniversary Gala and Fundraiser

?
Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM

$125 per person

Join us Saturday evening for our 15th Anniversary Gala and Fundraiser! We’re celebrating 15 years of the Santa Paula Art Museum, and raising critical funds for our community arts education programs. Enjoy live music by Angelo Divino, a petite art auction, delicious hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktail, and more. We will also present the 2025 Mary Alice Orcutt Henderson Visionary Award to David Schwabauer. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Cocktail attire is encouraged.

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Por La Vida y La Dignidad (For Life & Dignity): A peaceful march to end deportations and win a living wage for farmworkers to be held March 30 in Santa Maria

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SANTA MARIA — For the past year, Alianza Campesina has been advocating for fair and dignified wages for farmworkers, many of whom struggle to survive on low pay while also facing the dangers of pesticide exposure and the harsh effects of climate change, and natural disasters. Now, farmworkers and the broader immigrant community face an even greater threat — the fear of family separation and the ongoing uncertainty caused by increased immigration presence in our communities.

This César Chávez Day, Alianza Campesina is demanding an end to deportations and ICE presence in our communities while urging the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors to pass a living wage for farmworkers. We invite community members, advocates, and allies to join us in a peaceful march as we demand justice, dignity, and safety for all.

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Guest commentary — CC Was One of Us, Fought for Us and Spoke on behalf of Us. (Oxnard Library presentation on March 29)

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CSU Professor Dr. Frank P. Barajas will present “Cesar Chavez’s Life and Legacy in Oxnard” from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at the Oxnard Public Library, 251 So. A., St. Oxnard. Learn about the life of famed worker’s rights advocate Cesar Chavez and his connections to the Oxnard Community.

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Santa Paula celebrates community, culture & education with new mural at Glen City Elementary

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SANTA PAULA — The Isabella Project, in partnership with Glen City Elementary School, has unveiled a new mural by locally renowned artist Checkos Martinez.

Located at Glen City Elementary — a STEAM school in Santa Paula — the mural depicts a beautiful lemon tree (as citrus represents the region’s agricultural heritage), and monarch butterflies, which symbolize transformation, growth, hope, and freedom. More than art, this mural serves as a public reminder of the importance of education in the Santa Clara community. It reflects the deep cultural significance of murals in Hispanic and Latinx American traditions.

Abril Estrada leads the audience in a dance celebrating early childhood education at the Isabella Project mural unveiling event.

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Bilingual report — Building Healthier Communities, Together: CenCal Health’s 2025 Annual Report

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SANTA BARBARA — CenCal Health, the Medi-Cal health plan for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, presented its 2025 Community Report at a regular bimonthly meeting of its Board of Directors, held this month in San Luis Obispo.

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Join Us for the April 1 County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting. Topics Include: Cachuma Lake RV Hookup Sites Fees; Parking Restrictions for Oversized Vehicles; Potential Expansion of Northern Branch Jail

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he next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 
9 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
The public may participate virtually, or in person at the County Board Hearing Room in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. 

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Spring Forward With Over 200 Classes for Your Life or Career, Starting Soon at SBCC School of Extended Learning

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SANTA BARBARA — Spring is the perfect time to nurture your potential, acquire new skills, and advance in your career and life with SBCC School of Extended Learning. The next wave of essential workshops and engaging classes will start soon, with new offerings launching every week between March 31 and May 24. There are still spots open in over 200 free and fee-based classes designed to advance careers, hone life skills, and inspire creativity and camaraderie.

“We invite the community to embrace the spirit of springtime—the season of growth and renewal – by trying something new or rekindling a lifelong dream,” said Carola Smith, Assistant Superintendent / Vice President, School of Extended Learning. “We’re here to help you cultivate the future you envision.”

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Music Academy of the West names Nicholas Walls as Chief Advancement Officer

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Beginning on March 31, Walls will lead the Academy’s advancement efforts to support its mission of training the next generation of great musicians and engaging the community through innovative musical experiences.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nicholas to our leadership team,” said Shauna Quill, President & CEO of the Music Academy. “His deep expertise in philanthropy, donor engagement, and strategic fundraising will be invaluable in advancing the Academy’s vision for the future and ensuring the success of our programs and initiatives.”

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First-in-the-World Online Pesticide Notification System launched, impacting farm working communities in Ventura County and elsewhere in California

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Irene Gomez, an Oxnard resident and member of the Coalition Advocating for Pesticide Safety – Ventura County or CAPS 805, raised a remaining concern: “When my community in Nyeland Acres had the pilot notification project, our biggest issue was that you couldn’t find out exactly where the pesticides would be applied – which farm? That’s still a problem with Spray Days. You can only know pesticides are being applied within a square mile, but not whether it’s coming from behind your house, across the street, or even a mile away.”

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REACH in Santa Barbara welcomes largest cohort to date

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SANTA BARBARA —  REACH, a leading organization dedicated to empowering first-generation, low- to mid-income students in Santa Barbara County, proudly announces its largest cohort to date. With 60 Fellows, their Cohort 2025 (Class of 2026) reflects REACH’s commitment to transforming lives through academic preparation, outdoor experiences, and personal development.

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CLU announces upcoming events including Junior Achievement Company Program on March 26, Government Insights on March 27

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You can’t start early enough. The Cal Lutheran School of Management cooperates with Westlake High School on many levels. On Wednesday, March 26 (9:30 am to 12:30 pm) at our own Hub101 we will host the 2025 Student Business Competition by the Junior Achievement Company Program.

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2025 Ventura County Science Fair Awards

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VENTURA COUTY — The award winners of the 70th annual Ventura County Science Fair were announced at a ceremony this evening at the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) in Camarillo. Awards were presented in a variety of scientific categories,…

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Bilingual report — Ventura Fire Department announces release of new Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map for public input

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The draft Fire Hazard Severity Zone map for Ventura provides an updated assessment of local fire hazards and will help guide local fire prevention efforts, inform building regulations, and support emergency response planning. The map updates previous version approved in 2011 to reflect current fire risk conditions and new data. Hazard areas are rated moderate, high, and very high depending on the factors that contribute to fire behavior, like historical fire patterns, vegetation growth, weather, and terrain, among others. 

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Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics Encourages Community to be Screened for Colon Cancer

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SANTA BARBARA — March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to highlight a deadly but preventable cancer responsible for more than 50,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, over 154,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer in 2025, making it the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. Though the disease is highly treatable when diagnosed at an early stage, it is the second most deadly cancer in the U.S., which is why, every March, healthcare providers including Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, work to educate people on how to detect and treat it.

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Spring Guide to visiting Lompoc on California’s Central Coast

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LOMPOC — Spring has is in the air in Lompoc, California, and with it comes welcoming warmer weather and a wide array of activities sure to satisfy the outdoor adventurers, wine lovers, history buffs and thrill seekers.  From Insta-worthy flower fields to scenic hiking trails and breathtaking vinewyards, travelers discover that Lompoc is the place to explore.

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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SCORE: FUND YOUR BUSINESS WITH SPONSORS, EVEN IF YOU’RE JUST STARTING OUT

March 26 @ 10:00 am

Would you like to do what you love and have someone else foot the bill? Have you ever thought about corporate sponsors for your business, show, book, charity, speaking or events? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this webinar is for you! America’s most successful companies partner with sponsors. Why not you? Linda Hollander can help you. She is the author of the #1 best-selling book, Corporate Sponsorship in 3 Easy Steps and the CEO of Sponsor Concierge. Linda has consulted with many entrepreneurs to help them profit from the awesome power of corporate sponsors and has 20 years of experience in business. Her corporate sponsors have included Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Epson, Citibank, Fed Ex, Health Net, Southwest Airlines, Bank of America, Staples, American Airlines, Walmart and IBM.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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More than 300 Shop at Prom Closet at Simi Valley Family YMCA

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SIMI VALLEY — Over 300 teens and their parents picked out free prom attire at the Prom Closet at the Simi Valley Family YMCA on March 23. Hosted by the Southeast Ventura County YMCA and Soroptimist International of Simi Valley, the Prom Closet was filled with donated gently used and new formal wear for use by high schoolers at their prom.

Families expressed their gratitude for the event. “The cost of prom has become so expensive. One mom said that she could only budget $60 for a prom dress,” says Dani Hutchison, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA chief development officer. “Her daughter selected a brand new $415 designer dress at the Prom Closet that she absolutely loved. Everyone who came found something special.”

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Runners Dash to the finish in year two of the Port/City 5k, highlighting fitness and wellness with free community fair

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PORT HUENEME — Building on the success of its inaugural year, the City of Port Hueneme and the Port of Hueneme once again teamed up to host their second annual 5k race over the weekend.  

Organizers introduced a fresh look for the event, now called the Sea Splash Color Dash. The update brings exciting new features including a 1k kids’ run and expanded offerings to the free health and wellness fair.

 Jess Lopez, Port Hueneme Mayor Pro Tem, stressed how this new tradition, which attracted more than 750 participants, helps encourage residents to prioritize their health. “I’m inspired to see so many people come together to enjoy the sun and get in some exercise,” he said. “Spending time outdoors, moving our bodies, and being by the beach boosts both our physical and our mental health. It’s a win on every level.”

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Bilingual report — Santa Paula Cruise Night is back! 2025 Season kicks off in April

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SANTA PAULA — One of Santa Paula’s most cherished traditions, Cruise Night, is officially set to return for the 2025 season, bringing classic cars, great food, and community spirit to the heart of downtown. The Santa Paula City Council recently approved a sponsorship to help cover a portion of event costs, ensuring the continuation of this signature event.

Hosted by the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce, Cruise Night will take place on the first Friday of each month from April through October along Main Street between 8th and 10th Streets. This event, which attracts thousands of visitors from across Southern California, has been a staple of the community since 1998 and continues to provide a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

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Santa Barbara City College hosts acclaimed poet Juan Felipe Herrera for National Poetry Month event on April 2

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“We are honored to welcome Juan Felipe Herrera to SBCC. Juan Felipe Herrera’s work exemplifies the profound power of storytelling and the resilience of the Latino experience, an especially significant contribution in today’s political climate. Storytelling has long been a cherished tradition in Latino culture, passed down through generations and deeply rooted in our ancestral heritage.

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UCSB Arts & Lectures presenting three new Spring Events — ‘Justice for All’

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Illuminating a wide spectrum of systemic injustice, the Justice for All programming initiative looks to today’s great minds and creators and to the courageous leaders across the globe who are forging a new path forward. Join us as we learn from those confronting uncomfortable questions, solving difficult problems, and guiding us all toward a more equitable world.

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Bilingual report — Kaiser Permanente awards $315,000 to support health initiatives in Ventura County

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VENTURA COUNTY — Kaiser Permanente began 2025 on a high note by awarding a total of $315,000 in community benefit funding to 15 nonprofit organizations in Ventura County.

These grants recognize the organizations’ commitment to improving local health. The grantees were recently celebrated at a reception held at California Lutheran University where each of the funded programs was highlighted.

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Guest contribution — 805 Immigrant Coalition condemns hate crime in Newbury Park

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CENTRAL COAST — The 805 Immigrant Coalition strongly condemns the hate crime that took place (March 17, 2025), around lunchtime in Newbury Park, where an individual was seen wearing a jacket labeled “ICE” at El Sancho Loco. Concerned community members reported this incident to the 805UndocuFund social media page, expressing deep concern over this act of intimidation.

This type of intimidation is not only cruel and harmful — it is illegal. Impersonating a federal officer is a crime under 18 USC § 912, and impersonating a police officer is a misdemeanor under California Penal Code § 538d. These actions spread fear, confusion, and unnecessary distress among families already vulnerable to unjust enforcement threats. The 805 Immigrant Coalition stands firmly against hate-fueled scare tactics and urges community members to report these hate crimes to law enforcement.

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Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosts dance, rodeo, film and family events March 27 through April 11

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These community events include a performance by the college’s Commercial Dance Team, a two-day rodeo event, movie screenings and a family-friendly “Spring Fling” hosted at Hancock’s Lompoc Valley Center (LVC) campus.  

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SEEAG’s First Annual Spring Celebration Is Seeking Sponsors

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VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is seeking sponsors for its First Annual Spring Celebration. The event will honor the farms and people of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties who create the food we eat. The celebration is Saturday, May 10 at the Stow House in Goleta from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Those attending will enjoy a curated farm-to-table brunch prepared by Seasons Catering featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients from SEEAG’s Ventura and Santa Barbara farm partners.

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Bilingual report — New in-demand healthcare training program offered for 250 low-and middle-income Ventura County residents

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VENTURA COUNTY — The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County is launching a groundbreaking initiative to train 250 low- and moderate-income individuals in healthcare occupations. The Ventura County Healthcare Employment Accelerator (VC Heal Healthcare Careers) program focuses on strengthening the county’s healthcare workforce and expanding career opportunities for residents. With nearly $7.5 million in funding, this program aims to improve healthcare infrastructure, support economic recovery after the 2018 wildfires, and promote overall community well-being.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘In Sameer Pandya’s ‘Our Beautiful Boys,’ teenage secrets are the dark heart of suburbia’ and more news, events

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The professor’s new novel weaves a tale where truth is slippery, race and class are in flux, and the past refuses to stay buried.

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