Category: Youth

CSUCI students gain hands-on industry experience through new biotechnology internship pilot

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Three CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) undergraduates were selected to participate in a new biotechnology internship pilot developed in collaboration with Amgen, providing hands-on research experience at the company’s Thousand Oaks headquarters.

Part of the Amgen-CSURF (California State University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships) initiative, the program is designed to increase access to industry training for students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. The students are paired with scientists and gain exposure to real-world applications in laboratory science and drug discovery over two summers. The program kicked off at the Thousand Oaks headquarters in summer 2025 and will return in the summer of 2026.

Port of Hueneme DOCK TALK Community Newsletter — Feb. 2026

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

The Port of Hueneme is excited to once again host (it’s first annual Robatics Competition) that is free and open to the public to attend. Click the button to learn more about the competition schedule.

March 7-8, 2026
The Port of Hueneme
333 Ponoma St. Port Hueneme

Spirit of Japan Ventura 2026 returns (April 18-19) with authentic Japanese food, culture and family fun

by Amigos805.com • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Spirit of Japan Ventura returns for its second year, bringing a vibrant celebration of Japanese food, culture, and community to Ventura County. The two-day outdoor festival will take place Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2026, welcoming…

Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s 27th Annual National Day of Prayer Breakfast seeks sponsors

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA seeks sponsors for its 27th Annual National Day of Prayer Breakfast. The breakfast is on Thursday, May 7, at CLU’s Gilbert Sports Center in Thousand Oaks. The breakfast brings together all faiths to pray for friends, family, government leaders, the nation and the world. The theme this year is “Hope & Peace.”

Bilingual report — Cloverlane Foundation funds new ‘Jaws of Life’ for Allan Hancock College Fire Academy

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

“This investment by the Cloverlane Foundation will make a real difference in how we prepare students for the field,” said Fire Academy Coordinator Leonard Champion. “Access to professional-grade equipment like this elevates the quality of our program and gives our students a meaningful advantage when they enter the workforce.”

Habitat Ventura brings affordable homeownership to Ojai with Tiny Homes Project

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

OJAI — Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County (Habitat Ventura) is preparing for an exciting new chapter in its mission to expand affordable housing opportunities in Ventura County, with a small-scale residential development planned for Ojai and anticipated to break ground in summer 2026. The Montgomery Street Tiny Homes project will deliver five new homes designed to meet the needs of the Ojai community while preserving the character of the neighborhood. The development will include two thoughtfully designed tiny home duplexes and one single-family home, creating a total of five affordable homeownership opportunities for local families.

College Readiness Program Brings Nearly 200 Eighth Grade Students to SBCC’s Cliff Campus

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

“As a former AVID student and a first-generation college graduate, I know firsthand how powerful access and exposure can be,” shared Senior Director of Admissions & Records and Dual Enrollment Angelica Contreras. “Programs like AVID Discovery Days are often the first time students can actually see themselves on a college campus walking into labs, trying hands-on activities, and realizing that these careers are real and attainable.”

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Action Alert: Speak Up for Environmental Justice by March 10

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

Join us on Tuesday, March 10 to urge Santa Barbara County Supervisors to consider resident feedback and fully address all environmental challenges facing the communities most affected.

Low-income communities and communities of color often bear the brunt of the climate crisis, facing more severe environmental hazards with fewer resources. Santa Barbara County is required by state law to adopt an Environmental Justice (EJ) Element that addresses environmental inequities.

Ventura County Office of Education — Middle School Winners of the 2026 Ventura County Mock Trial

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Dr. Cesar Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that Mesa Union School is the winner of the middle school division of the 2026 Ventura County Mock Trial. Mesa Union School earned the highest score in the final round of competition, held this afternoon at the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo. Second place went to Hillside Middle School.

Museum of Ventura County — Free Admission in March + Discover What’s New Online

by Community Contributor • March 5, 2026 • Comments Off

Thanks to the generous support of Ventura County Credit Union, admission to the Museum of Ventura County is FREE in March. This support allows more visitors to explore Ventura County’s history, art, and cultural heritage.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves acceptance of $250,000 donation to support E.P. Foster Library Renovation Project

by Community Contributor • March 5, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, during their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 3, unanimously approved the acceptance of a $250,000 donation from the Ventura Friends of the Library (VFOL) to support the E.P. Foster Library Building Forward Grant Project. The donation will help meet required local matching funds for the state-funded renovation project at the E.P. Foster Library in downtown Ventura. As part of the action, the Board also authorized the necessary budget adjustments to formally receive and allocate the funds, with no additional cost to the County’s General Fund.

2026 Ventura County Mock Trial Winners – High School Division

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Trinity Pacific Christian School and Oak Park High School took the top two spots in the high school division of the 2026 Ventura County Mock Trial competition, which was held over two weekends at the Ventura County Government Center’s Hall of Justice. This marks the fourth year in a row that Trinity Pacific has come in first.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves 20-year lease to expand youth farm and education programs at Juvenile Justice Facilities

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2026 • Comments Off

“This partnership represents a unique opportunity to transform an underutilized farm site into a vibrant educational resource that benefits both our community and local youth,” said Chair of the Board Jeff Gorell. “By connecting young people with agriculture, workforce skills, and service to others, we are creating meaningful pathways for growth, responsibility, and future employment. At the same time, the program will help strengthen food security by growing fresh produce that can support local organizations and families in need.”

SEEAG gets go-ahead to create new 3.63-acre educational farm in Oxnard

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — At its March 3 meeting, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved a 20-year, $0 per year lease agreement between Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) and the County of Ventura to develop an educational farm on 3.63 acres of arable land located behind the Ventura County Juvenile Facilities property in Oxnard.

In collaboration with the County of Ventura and the Ventura County Probation Agency (VCPA), SEEAG will establish the Southbank Learning Farm, a community-driven space where justice-involved youth will engage in hands-on farming and food education and career pathway development, while growing fresh, healthy produce to support local food access initiatives.

Nonprofit Celebrates 55th Anniversary and Local Leaders at the LEAP Awards?

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2026 • Comments Off

GOLETA — LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner. celebrated its 55th anniversary as a nonprofit — and 50 years of providing high-quality childcare — at the 2026 LEAP Awards Brunch on Saturday, February 28, at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The event raised $81,715 to support LEAP’s programs and services for children and families across Santa Barbara County.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Students — Take Action this Saturday (March 7) at Our Youth Climate Workshop! More news

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2026 • Comments Off

If you are — or know — a student in grades 6–12 who cares about the future of our coastlines, wildlife, and communities, this is the moment to spring into climate action. Join the Community Environmental Council (CEC), Santa Barbara High School’s Environmental Advocacy Club, and the Sierra Club Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter for a free, interactive Youth Climate Workshop designed to turn passion into tangible impact.

Housing leaders identify workforce housing as key to Ventura County’s economic future

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2026 • Comments Off

“The lack of available housing, not just affordable housing, but available housing, is the single largest impediment to economic growth and prosperity in our region,” said Stephanie Caldwell, President & CEO of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. “As Ken Trigueiro said, ‘Affordable housing is where the jobs go at night’.” These words framed the core theme of the morning: if workers cannot afford to live here, Ventura County’s economy cannot thrive.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara March 2026 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2026 • Comments Off

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Grow Your Child Care Business with WEV’s Emprendedoras de Guardería Program

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2026 • Comments Off

Emprendedoras de Guardería is Women’s Economic Ventures’ (WEV) NO-COST 8-week Spanish business training program designed for licensed, home-based child care providers in Ventura County. The program supports providers in growing and strengthening their businesses through culturally responsive training, coaching and peer support.

Participants will also have the opportunity to apply for a $5,000 stipend to invest in their child care business.

WEV is currently inviting interested providers to complete their Spanish interest form HERE.

The perfect Lompoc couples weekend In Santa Barbara County along California’s Central Coast

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2026 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — Framed by vineyard-covered hills and the Pacific Ocean, Lompoc, California is an ideal destination for couples looking to reconnect through great food, creative culture, and wide-open space. From spa indulgence to wine tastings and late-night eats, Lompoc delivers a weekend that feels effortless, intimate, and memorable. As you plan your trip, consider this weekend itinerary:

2026 Ventura County Mock Trial Semifinalists announced

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2026 • Comments Off

Dr. Cesar Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce the eight high school teams that will move on to the semifinal round of the 2026 Ventura County Mock Trial competition. Twenty-four local high schools fielded teams in the initial Mock Trial rounds held last weekend at the Hall of Justice at the Ventura County Government Center. The following eight high school teams had the highest scores and will advance to the semifinals:

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan launches second year of grants to fund community driven solutions to Safeguard Medi-Cal coverage

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) today announced that applications are now open for the second year of its Resilience, Innovation, Sustainability & Equity (RISE) Grant Program. GCHP will award one-year grants of up to $400,000 to help providers and community-based organizations support Medi-Cal members in navigating federal changes to coverage requirements.

March at the Santa Paula Art Museum

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2026 • Comments Off

We’re feeling lucky at the Museum in March!

We’re channeling Santa Paula artists Jessie and Cornelis Botke in the photo above as we dance into a brand-new month at the Santa Paula Art Museum. Join us for a green-themed Free Family Day on Sunday, March 1, and mark your calendars for the premiere of Cornelis Botke: Painter of the Western Scene on Saturday, March 14!

Scroll down to see all of our March events and classes.

The Collection at RiverPark welcomes spring with complimentary bunny photos and family-friendly events

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The Collection at RiverPark is inviting Ventura County to embrace the start of spring with an itinerary filled with family-friendly activities. Whether it’s snagging a selfie with the Spring Bunny or a day of crafts, visitors of all ages can look forward to beloved springtime traditions in a warm and vibrant community hub.

Allan Hancock College announces line up for Spring concerts

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is inviting the community to enjoy a series of live musical performances this spring featuring student musicians, faculty artists, and special guest performers in Boyd Concert Hall (bldg. F) on the Santa Maria campus.

These performances are open to the public on the following dates, times, and locations:

Celebrate National Clam Chowder Day at Ventura Harbor Village on Feb. 25

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Seafood lovers are invited to Ventura Harbor Village to celebrate National Clam Chowder Day on Wednesday, February 25 with $5 bowls of chowder from seven participating restaurants. (While supplies last.) Nestled along the picturesque Southern California coastline, Ventura Harbor Village, offers the perfect scenic setting to enjoy this classic coastal comfort dish, while dining alongside the fishing vessels, looking out towards the snow-capped Topa Topa mountains, and basking in the West Coast winter sunshine!

40th Annual California Strawberry Festival to be held May 16-17

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Celebrating its 40th year, the California Strawberry Festival returns Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). The family-friendly event features Strawberry-themed favorites, including strawberry nachos, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry kabobs, strawberry popcorn, margaritas and more.

Festival goers can also enjoy nearly 150 arts and crafts vendors, an expanded Strawberryland for kids, live entertainment on three stages, carnival rides, and a “build-your-own” Strawberry Shortcake Experience.

Southeast Ventura County YMCA expands Summer camp opportunities; registration open

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2026 • Comments Off

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Signups for summer camp at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA branches are underway with camp locations at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village, Simi Valley Family YMCA day camp sites and at the Conejo Valley YMCA.

“We’re happy to bring summer camp back to the Conejo Valley YMCA site,” Katie Oberman, Yarrow Family YMCA child care senior program director. “It has a perfect outdoor space for games, water sports and nature hikes, and indoor spaces for STEM activities and arts and crafts.”

California Lutheran University student-athlete named to Allstate NACDA Good Works Team

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2026 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University scholar-athlete Camden Hyde been named to the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter). The junior men’s basketball player is being honored by the Allstate National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA ) for his leadership in community service, academics and athletics. Annually, 60 student-athletes throughout the country are recognized for the fall, winter and spring seasons.

Bilingual report — February News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2026 • Comments Off

Last month we were honored to receive an award from a regional organization focused on economic development.

As essential infrastructure, just like transportation, public health, water systems, and energy grids, housing underpins our economy and is the very foundation upon which every vibrant community is built.

But the persistent shortage of affordable homes continues to challenge our region.

805 UNCOCUFund — Two Violent Incidents in 30 Days — We Will Not Be Intimidated

by Community Contributor • February 23, 2026 • Comments Off

In less than 30 days, our community has witnessed yet another violent physical attack against individuals bearing witness to ICE activity in Santa Barbara County.

Ventura College to host ‘Decolonized: The Matriarchs,’ a powerful Black History Month performance on Feb. 25

by Community Contributor • February 23, 2026 • Comments Off

Created and directed by acclaimed choreographer and artistic leader Karen Parks, CEO and Artistic Director of Stagebound, Inc., Decolonized: The Matriarchs is a multidisciplinary performance that reclaims and elevates the Black female narrative through expressive movement, voice, and storytelling. Parks is widely recognized for her work exploring themes of identity, culture, and healing through the performing arts. Her work has been featured throughout California and beyond, engaging audiences in meaningful dialogue around history, resilience, and empowerment.

Union registered nurses across the country (including Ventura County) hold day of action TODAY to protest ICE as one of worst public health threats

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

Registered nurse members of National Nurses United, the nation’s largest union and professional association of RNs, are naming federal immigration enforcement agencies as among the country’s top public health threats, and demanding through national coordinated protests on Thursday, Feb. 19 that Congress stop funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and move to abolish ICE for the health and safety of patients and communities. Nurses also blame hospital executives for failing to clearly side with nurses and immigrant patients by acting to keep ICE out of hospitals.

New affordable family and workforce housing developments advance in Unincorporated Ventura County (near Ojai) and Santa Barbara with McCarthy Companies

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — McCarthy Companies has been selected to provide Preconstruction and General Contracting services for two new affordable housing developments, bringing a total of 112 new affordable units to the Central Coast counties.

Museum of Ventura County — Inside the Exhibition Opening + What’s Next

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

We welcomed hundreds of guests for an inspiring first look at Pages to Posters: The Visual Worlds of Simms Taback. This exhibition celebrates learning, community, humor, and cultural connection, values that shaped Taback’s work. Vibrant original posters and illustrations are on display, along with Taback’s Caldecott Medal and his design for the first McDonald’s Happy Meal box. The evening featured refreshments and live jazz by The Dennis Berger Trio, sponsored by the Ventura Music Festival.

WATCH THE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:

UCSB — The Current — ‘Moving beyond money to measure the true value of Earth science information’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

Researchers have mapped out methods for assessing its societal benefits, an effort that could lead to more effective uses of remote sensing technology while increasing benefits to people at large.

Bilingual report — Wilderness Youth Project & Sea League launch ‘Big Blue Bridge’ Spring Break Camp in Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Wilderness Youth Project (WYP) and Sea League are partnering this spring break to offer the Big Blue Bridge Spring Break Camp, a week-long program designed to build water safety, swim confidence, and belonging for 24 students, ages 6-12, with priority registration for low-income families from Franklin and Adelante Elementary Schools.

The camp will take place March 30–April 3 and combines WYP’s small-group, nature-based mentoring model with Sea League’s beginner-centered swim instruction at the Santa Barbara High School pool.

SBCC Financial Aid Fest on Feb. 25 offers students/community a helping hand to file their financial aid applications

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Financial Aid Offices from across Santa Barbara (including Santa Barbara City College, UC Santa Barbara and Westmont College) will participate in a hands-on event to help local students and their families complete their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Financial Aid) or CADAA (California Dream Act Application). SBCC’s Financial Aid Fest will be held Wednesday, Feb. 25, at SBCC’s East Cliff Campus (details below).

El Concilio Family Services — Call for nominations

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2026 • Comments Off

El Concilio Family Services Announces Call for Nominations for the 36th Latino Leadership Awards Recognizing individuals, organizations, or businesses in Ventura County who have made exceptional contributions to the Latino community.

Click for more info and form.

UCSB — The Current — ‘UCSB scientists bottle the sun with liquid battery’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2026 • Comments Off

A new bio-inspired molecule captures solar energy and releases it as heat on demand, outperforming lithium-ion batteries.

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