Category: Youth

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard hosts groundbreaking ceremony for the Campus Park Activation Project on June 26

by Amigos805.com • June 26, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard will celebrate the groundbreaking of the Campus Park Activation Project on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the future Campus Park site, located at 350 S. K St. on the former Oxnard High School campus—marking a major milestone in the transformation of this long-anticipated community space.

“This groundbreaking achievement is a significant milestone made possible through years of collaboration, the involvement of community members who never gave up, and the City’s dedication to securing grant funding and bringing this project to life,” said Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur. “Today, we celebrate the start of a long-awaited investment in our community that will deliver lasting benefits for our youth and future generations.”

Bilingual commentary — Why Latinos Must Embrace AI

by Community Contributor • June 26, 2026 • Comments Off

As a boomer who started working toward the end of the Industrial Revolution and then well into the digital age, I find myself fumbling my way into the AI Era that is suddenly at our doorstep. Now it occurs to me that although it behooves young people to get on board with AI for the sake of their futures, Latinos, specifically, should seriously consider the benefits that are possible for them.

For important reasons, Latinos stand to benefit enormously by upgrading their skills.

Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing June 2026 eNewsletter

by Community Contributor • June 26, 2026 • Comments Off

In 1970, when People’s Self-Help Housing was founded, our work began with a simple but powerful idea: as our name indicates, help people build their own homes. Through this mutual self-help model, we have worked alongside 1,200 amazing families who built their own homes. But as the needs of our communities evolved, so did we. In the mid-80s we moved into developing multifamily housing for rent and since then have constructed 63 vibrant neighborhoods throughout the Central Coast.

Bilingual report — SEE International celebrates $100,000 endowment gift from Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2026 • Comments Off

GOLETA — Local nonprofit SEE International celebrated on June 23 a $100,000 endowed gift from the Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club during a community event held at the organization’s SEE Vision Care clinic in Goleta.

The gift will support SEE Vision Care (SVC), SEE International’s local program providing free eye care services to uninsured and underinsured individuals throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Through five clinic locations, a mobile vision clinic, and community outreach events, SVC provides vision screenings, comprehensive eye exams, prescription glasses, and sight-restoring surgeries at no cost to qualifying patients.

City Impact Inc. in Ventura County issues call for nominations for Thrive Together Awards

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — City Impact, Inc., a Ventura County–based nonprofit dedicated to serving at-promise youth and families since 1995, is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the Thrive Together Awards 2026 — the organization’s signature annual celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation and community impact, targeting small businesses and start-up organizations in Ventura County.

The Thrive Together awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 5:00–9:00 PM at the Museum of Ventura County in Ventura, California — fittingly timed during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Small business nominations are open now through Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura invites public to celebrate (on June 27) completion of landmark Moon Ditch Mural

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura invites the public to celebrate the completion of the Moon Ditch Mural, a landmark public art project that has transformed a flood control channel into one of the largest murals in the United States. Spanning approximately 3,400 linear feet (about two-thirds of a mile), the project was created through a partnership of local artists, volunteers, community organizations, and County agencies, demonstrating how participation in the arts can foster connection, support mental well-being, and inspire environmental stewardship.

Grocery Outlet launches 16th Annual ‘Independence from Hunger’ Campaign to benefit Camarillo Community Church, Catholic Charities of Los Angeles and Salvation Army in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2026 • Comments Off

This year, Grocery Outlet is expanding the reach of IFH through a new partnership with Feeding America, allowing customers to donate online to support hunger-relief efforts on a national scale. In-store donations will continue to benefit Feeding America network members, including local food banks and partner agencies, reinforcing Grocery Outlet’s community-driven approach to giving back. The organizations include Camarillo Community Church, Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, and Salvation Army in Ventura County.

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with Free Outdoor 4th of July Concert featuring Santa Barbara’s Prime Time Band

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2026 • Comments Off

This year, Santa Barbara’s beloved Prime Time Band, under the direction of Paul Mori, presents “Sounds of America,” a spectacular musical retrospective featuring classic tunes from pop, rock, Broadway, film, and patriotic traditions. The program opens with the presentation of colors by the Vandenberg Air Force Base Honor Guard and includes favorites such as Captain America March, Armed Services Medley, America the Beautiful, and Summer of ’69: Music of Woodstock. The performance will also feature Emmy-nominated vocalist Anikka Abbott, who will join the band on several selections including Over the Rainbow, What a Wonderful World, and America the Beautiful.

Announcing the People Helping People Youth Coalition

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY — People Helping People (PHP) is giving youth a seat at the table to help lead the fight against substance misuse in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Over the years PHP has led a number of organizations to promote substance use reduction and prevention, but previously the student and adult programs were separate.

The new People Helping People Youth Coalition (PHPYC) will be led by local youth working directly with key community partners – educators, parents, businesses, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and local organizations.

“Youth voice isn’t just valuable, it’s essential. They understand what’s happening in their schools and among their peers far better than any adult can. Our role is to listen first, then build programs that actually reflect what they’re telling us”, said Selene Sandoval, PHP Director of Youth Programs.

Ventura County Community College District chancellor announces conclusion of service in 2027

by Community Contributor • June 23, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Chancellor Rick MacLennan has announced that he will conclude his service with the Ventura County Community College District upon the expiration of his current contract on June 30, 2027.

Since becoming Chancellor in 2022, MacLennan has advanced a more unified districtwide approach focused on student success, workforce opportunity, institutional partnership, and regional responsiveness.

Museum of Ventura County — Summer programs, new exhibits & Taste of History 2026

by Community Contributor • June 23, 2026 • Comments Off

Step into the glamour of the 1920s for an unforgettable evening of fine dining, vintage-inspired cocktails, entertainment, dancing, and philanthropy as we celebrate Ventura County’s remarkable role in the early days of filmmaking.

TASTE OF HISTORY 2026

Thursday, September 10

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — A Year of Active Hope: FREE community events all summer long

by Community Contributor • June 22, 2026 • Comments Off

What does active hope look like? It looks like learning new skills, meeting inspiring people, celebrating community, coming together around shared solutions, and discovering practical ways to create change.

This summer, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) invites you to join us for A Year of Active Hope — a series of free events offering a welcoming space for people to unite, find courage, and take meaningful steps for our planet.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. breaks ground on Camino de Salud in the Ojai Valley

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) on June 5 celebrated the groundbreaking of Camino De Salud, a 49-unit supportive affordable housing development in the unincorporated Ojai Valley community of Mira Monte. Camino De Salud will reserve half of its units for residents who are experiencing homelessness and have been high health users with the remaining units serving residents earning 50 percent or less of the area median income.

“It’s truly a pleasure to be here in the beautiful Ojai Valley to celebrate the groundbreaking of Camino de Salud. A project whose very name reflects what the community stands for: health, opportunity and a pathway forward,” said Victoria Brady, Chief Executive Officer. “We’re building opportunity, we’re building a stronger, more connected community.”

Bilingual report — Community invited to the 35th annual Juneteenth Freedom Day celebration on June 20

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2026 • Comments Off

“For 35 years, the Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration has brought together our Ventura County community to honor history, celebrate culture, and embrace the values of freedom and unity,” said Bruce Stewart, President of the Ventura County Juneteenth Celebration. “We are proud to continue this tradition and remain committed to ensuring that future generations understand the importance of Juneteenth and the contributions of African Americans to our nation and our community.”

Ventura Music Festival — Volunteers Needed – Sunday June 21

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2026 • Comments Off

With free live music and activations down Main Street, we expect a high volume of foot traffic for MMV, and we need your help!

Join us as a volunteer for Make Music Ventura and experience the day from a backstage perspective, while helping our community make the most of this wonderful, free event. Shifts are available all day, between the hours of 8am to 8pm, and we have numerous opportunities in stage support, wayfinding, booth staffing, and more! Thank you for joining us.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: ‘Cornelis Botke: Painter of the Western Scene’

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2026 • Comments Off

On view now through July 12, 2026

Santa Paula artist Cornelis Botke (1887-1954) is best known as a master etcher and as a supporting figure in the career of his wife, artist Jessie Arms Botke (1883-1971). His etchings earned international acclaim and entered the collections of the California State Library, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Institution. Yet from childhood, Cornelis’ true ambition was to be a painter.

Botke was born in Leeuwarden, Holland, in 1887. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised and educated in a Mennonite orphanage in Haarlem. Although he longed to pursue painting, his guardians worried about his livelihood and enrolled him instead at the Haarlem School of Applied Art, where students trained for professional trades such as architectural drawing, engraving, and metalwork.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves balanced budget for fiscal year 2026-2027

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2026 • Comments Off

“The adoption of this budget reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while continuing to invest in the services Ventura County residents rely on every day,” stated Chair of the Board Jeff Gorell. “This balanced budget maintains our strong fiscal foundation, supports public safety, infrastructure, health and human services, and positions our county to meet both current needs and future challenges. At a time when changes in state and federal funding are creating new challenges for counties across California, Ventura County remains focused on fiscal discipline, strategic planning, and delivering high-quality services to our residents.”

Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees place local funding measure on November 2026 ballot

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees voted unanimously June 16 to place a local facilities funding measure on the November 3, 2026, ballot, allowing voters throughout the Allan Hancock Joint Community College District to consider whether to authorize funding for repairs, upgrades and modernization projects at the college’s facilities.

If approved by voters, the measure would authorize up to $290 million in locally controlled general obligation bonds to improve and modernize projects at Allan Hancock College locations throughout the district.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board Of Supervisors approves construction of new playground at Steckel Park

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, during their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 9, approved construction of a new playground at Steckel Park, marking a major investment in recreation, accessibility, and family-friendly amenities at one of the County’s most popular parks.

Bike the Coast Ventura welcomes nearly 600 riders at inaugural event on June 13

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The inaugural Bike the Coast Ventura hosted nearly 600 riders on June 13, welcoming participants of all ages and experience levels to ride through the scenic City of Ventura. The event partnered with local businesses and organizations to ensure that the Ventura community charm was truly highlighted throughout the event. The field of riders included Ventura locals, loyal participants of Bike the Coast San Diego, the event’s sister ride that takes place in the fall, and cyclists who traveled from Northern California, Las Vegas, and Arizona.

Just In Time For Summer 2026, Island Packers announces new Whale Watching schedule and non-landing specialty excursions

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — With Summer fast approaching, Island Packers, the official concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, is expanding its non-landing schedule to include Summer Island and Summer Whale Watching excursions from Ventura Harbor from May – September 2026. Visitors of all ages can view some truly magnificent mammals and also have the option to board a vessel to experience specialty trips to destinations on The Nature Conservancy property, in addition to the company’s full schedule of transportation to destinations in the Channel Island National Park. www.islandpackers.com and Ventura Harbor Village

Bilingual report — Community leaders named as 2026 Hancock Honors Recipients

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation announced the recipients of the 2026 Hancock Honors, presented by CoastHills Credit Union. The annual celebration, set for Sept. 12, recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership, philanthropy and service have made a lasting impact on the college and the communities it serves.?

This year’s honorees are educator and Allan Hancock College?alumna?Dr. Nicolasa “Niki” Sandoval, pioneering Santa Barbara County winemaker and philanthropist Fred Brander and the Melsheimer Family, longtime supporters of education and workforce development on the Central Coast.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Grant Awarded for Leisure Village Wildfire Resilience and Floodplain Restoration Initiative

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2026 • Comments Off

I am pleased to share that the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy has approved a quarter of a million dollar grant for the Leisure Village Wildfire Resilience and Floodplain Restoration Initiative. This funding will help remove highly flammable invasive Arundo vegetation adjacent to Leisure Village, reducing wildfire risk while improving floodplain function and environmental health.

As a member of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Board, I appreciate the Conservancy’s continued investment in projects that enhance public safety, strengthen community resilience, and protect our natural resources throughout Ventura County.

Meadowlark Service League distributes $265,000 to local charities

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Representatives from over 40 charities across Ventura County gathered to celebrate community along with the hard-working ladies of the Meadowlark Service League for a special “Breakfast of Champions” on Thursday, June 4th at the Las Posas Country Club.

The charities that are supported by the Meadowlark Service League impact the elderly, youth/children, the arts, the homeless, the disabled, veterans, hospice, health, feeding the needy, community services, and education. In addition, $10,000 in scholarships were given to new and continuing college students.

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

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2026 • Comments Off

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

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

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

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

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

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

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

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

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

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

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

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

Dear Friends & Supporters,

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

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

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

Together, we remember…

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

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

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

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard celebrates groundbreaking of Endless Waves Skatepark, future home to an Olympic-quality skatepark

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard celebrated the groundbreaking of the Endless Waves Skatepark at Del Sol Park, marking a major milestone in the City Council’s continued investment in recreational opportunities and infrastructure improvements for the community. Once completed, the nearly 40,000 square-foot, Olympic-quality skatepark will be the largest skatepark in Ventura County.

“We are thrilled to break ground on the incredible new skatepark—a bold project that showcases our commitment to creating vibrant spaces where our youth, families, and entire community can come together to enjoy social and health benefits,” said Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur. “The Endless Waves Skatepark will become a premier amenity for our community members throughout Ventura County and a proud symbol for the neighborhoods of La Colonia, Rose Park, and the City of Oxnard for generations to come.”

Tickets on sale for Community Environmental Council (CEC)’s 2026 Green Gala on Sept. 19, more news

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

Southeast Ventura County YMCA seeks school supply donations for its drive on July 10

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is holding a school supply donation drive through July 10.

The goal is to fill 230 backpacks with donated items for young scholars participating in the Y’s “Find My Genius” summer learning program. The program serves low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level in the Conejo Valley and Simi Valley school districts.

Needed are newly purchased pencils, pencil boxes, 24-pack crayons, wide-ruled composition notebooks, spiral notebooks, colored pencils, erasers, pocket folders, glue sticks and hand sanitizers.

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

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

Downtown Oxnard announces June events

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

View this email in your browser

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

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosts EMS and Paramedics graduations

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

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.”

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

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

Save the Date — Panteón Fest returns October 17 to the vibrant city of Oxnard

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2026 • Comments Off

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

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves donation of laboratory equipment to California State University Channel Islands

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2026 • Comments Off

“This donation reflects our commitment to being responsible stewards of public resources while creating new opportunities for students and researchers,” said Board Chair Jeff Gorell. “We’re pleased that this equipment will continue serving the community through education, training, and scientific discovery at CSU Channel Islands”.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Thank you for showing up for the Central Coast

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2026 • Comments Off

Over the past several weeks, our community invested in a healthier, more resilient future.

From the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival to our Spring Appeal, we saw hundreds of people step forward to support climate action and community resilience across the Central Coast.

Thank you.

Because of supporters like you, this campaign outperformed recent years and raised meaningful support for the work ahead.

At a moment when so much progress feels uncertain, that kind of community investment matters deeply.

CLU’s Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival Celebrates 30 Years

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2026 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival launched in 1997 with the professional production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and the goal of presenting the magical comedy every decade with a different theme. Now, as the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company celebrates its milestone 30th year, it will again honor the tradition. This summer’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is set in the 1920s jazz and gangster world of Chicago and will run June 19 to July 5. “Hamlet” is the second production, July 10 to 26, and will be set in the late 19th century. All performances are at 8 p.m., Friday through Sunday, in Kingsmen Park on the California Lutheran University campus.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Alex Fabros, 80, makes history at UCSB’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2026 • Comments Off

From farmworker fields in California to war in Vietnam to a doctoral degree in history, Fabros is UCSB’s oldest Ph.D. recipient.

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

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2026 • Comments Off

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.”

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

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

7 things to do on a Summer getaway in Lompoc

by Community Contributor • June 11, 2026 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2026 • Comments Off

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

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