Category: Youth

Southeast Ventura County YMCA receives $1 million grant from state budget for Simi Valley Family YMCA expansion project

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SIMI VALLEY — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA announced it has been awarded a $1 million state budget grant through the governor’s signing of State Budget AB113 last week to help fund the upcoming expansion of its Simi Valley Family YMCA branch.

This financial investment from the state will bring the YMCA closer to fully funding the $7.5 million project and achieve YMCA leadership’s objectives of funding the project through a partnership of local philanthropy, business investments and public/government funding.

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, a leading supporter of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA, advocated and secured this award to bring expanded programs, services and facilities that are accessible to all members of the Simi Valley community.

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Bilingual guest commentary by Kaiser Permanente — Halloween Safety: Simple Steps to Keep the Holiday Fun and Injury-Free

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As Halloween draws near, children across Southern California are eagerly preparing for a night of costumes, candy and neighborhood adventures.

While the excitement of trick-or-treating is hard to match, parents can take a few simple precautions to help ensure the holiday remains both memorable and safe.

According to Dr. Kristina Kang a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente in Camarillo, a little preparation can go a long way toward preventing common Halloween-related injuries and health concerns.

Among others, she recommends:

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Museum of Ventura County — Your Museum, Your Community | Quarterly Update from the Development Team

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I want to begin this quarterly update with what may be one of my favorite things I have ever had the opportunity to report.

Our longtime Facilities Manager, Miguel Aguiar, recently purchased a commemorative Museum tile, not for himself, but in honor of the people he has worked alongside throughout his years at MVC.

Miguel held a small unveiling ceremony with staff and volunteers to recognize four people he affectionately referred to as “my blessings”: Shanon Rice, David Bayer, Clyde Hofflund, and John Treuer. These are people who have worked alongside Miguel and the Museum over the years, giving their time and talents to help make so many of our events and gatherings possible.

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Guest commentary — AMR Ventura County urges drivers, riders and trick-or-treaters to stay alert this Halloween

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VENTURA COUNTY  — Halloween brings more children, pedestrians and riders onto streets after dark. To understand the risks, AMR Ventura County and Gold Coast Ambulance reviewed its call response data from previous years. Alongside routine medical calls, crews responded most frequently to traffic collisions, fall injuries, behavioral emergencies and suspected intoxication-related calls during this time of year.

“This year, Halloween falls on a Saturday, which typically means more people are expected to be out celebrating throughout the day and into the evening,” said Mike Sanders, AMR’s regional director for Ventura and Santa Barbara. “Halloween is always a busy night for first responders, but weekends can bring additional traffic, larger gatherings, and increased alcohol and substance use, making it important for residents to plan ahead and celebrate responsibly.”

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$3 Million federal grant brings applied AI training to Moorpark College students

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MOORPARK — Moorpark College has been awarded a five-year, $3 million federal Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant to launch the Applied AI Initiative for Workforce Readiness, Faculty Capacity, and Economic Mobility. The initiative will help students and faculty prepare for a workforce where artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday work.

The grant will fund a new interdisciplinary Applied Artificial Intelligence certificate that students can pair with their main field of study, from business and communication to cybersecurity and film and television. Rather than training AI specialists, the program will help students become professionals who can use AI effectively, responsibly and critically in their chosen careers.

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CSUCI Nursing students gain hands-on experience while helping protect the campus from the flu

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CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) Nursing students are putting their clinical skills into practice this Fall while helping to protect the campus community during a series of flu vaccination clinics offered in partnership with the campus’ Student Health Services.

Second-year Nursing students who are members of CSUCI’s Student Nurses Association (SNA) will be administering the flu vaccines to CSUCI students, faculty and staff. The campus clinics provide Nursing students with valuable hands-on experience while offering CSUCI students and employees convenient access to an important preventive health service.

“This partnership gives our nursing students an opportunity to apply what they are learning in a real-world setting while making a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of the campus community,” said Neomie Congello, chair of CSUCI’s Nursing program. “It reflects the compassion, professionalism and commitment to service that are at the heart of nursing.”

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CSUCI’s Extended University recognized among Nation’s Leaders in Student Satisfaction

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CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) Extended University has been recognized as one of the nation’s highest-performing colleges and universities for student satisfaction, earning a place on the inaugural 2026 Student Voice Score® (SVS®) Honors List, released by higher education technology company EdSights. CSUCI’s Extended University ranked No. 8 in the nation.

The Student Voice Score Honors List recognizes the top-performing 20% of participating colleges and universities within each higher education sector, celebrating institutions that are setting the national standard for student experience and success.

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November at the Santa Paula Art Museum

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The year is swiftly coming to a close, but we’ve saved some of our best events for last! In November, don’t miss the premiere of Jim Wilson’s solo exhibition, our Día de los Muertos Free Family Day, downtown Santa Paula’s Holiday Sip & Shop, and more. (It’s also a great time to make a tax-deductible year-end donation to support the Museum!)

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County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Improving E-Bike Safety Across Ventura County

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E-bike safety continues to be a priority for me, particularly as more young people ride e-bikes to travel to school and throughout our communities.

Earlier this year, I initiated a countywide review of e-bike safety strategies, bringing together law enforcement, educators, public health officials, and community partners. This month, the E-Bike Safety Task Force presented its findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.

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Ventura Charter School moves 21st annual Campout to Campus amid October heat, keeping a tradition rooted in 1969 on track

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VENTURA — When high temperatures made Steckel Park unsafe for this year’s campout, Ventura Charter School’s campout committee moved the 21st Annual Campout to the school’s own campus. That kept one of the school’s longest-running traditions going for students in grades K-8, their families and staff. The three- day event ran October 7 through 9 as originally planned, with outdoor programming, shared meals and student-led campfires. Campout is one of several annual traditions through which the school pursues its mission to engage every student in meaningful and supportive learning experiences.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Powerhouse UCSB team awarded big grant to investigate mathematical foundations of AI’ and more news, events

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Researchers Nina Miolane, Haewon Jeong, Sanjuka Krishnagopal and Yao Qin win $1 million from NSF for their collaborative investigation.

Read more about the group project

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Bilingual report — Ventura County residents urged to eliminate standing water following recent rainfall to prevent mosquito breeding

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VENTURA — Following last week’s rainfall and with warmer temperatures expected this week, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) is urging residents to eliminate standing water around their homes and properties to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus (WNV). The reminder comes as the California Department of Public Health reports West Nile virus activity at a five-year high statewide.

Standing water left in outdoor containers can quickly become a breeding source for mosquitoes. In as little as seven days, mosquito eggs can hatch, larvae can develop, and adult mosquitoes can emerge. With mosquito activity continuing into the fall, recent rainfall, and warmer temperatures may contribute to increased mosquito populations throughout Ventura County.

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Date announced for the 14th annual Ventura County Farm Day (May 8, 2027)

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VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) announced that the 14th annual Ventura County Farm Day will take place Saturday, May 8, 2027.

Farm Day is a free, interactive experience where the public visits farms and other agricultural venues throughout the county. It offers behind-the-scenes tours, tractor rides, produce tastings and giveaways, and kid-friendly activities while visitors learn first-hand how food is grown, harvested and delivered to stores locally and around the world.

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People’s Self-Help Housing now accepting applications for Skylight Homes: New for-sale homes in Santa Maria

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CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has begun construction on Skylight Homes: a new, for-sale, single-family subdivision in Santa Maria. Interested buyers are encouraged to sign up for the interest list and attend a mandatory Agricultural Worker Project Presentation to begin the application process.  

Located at 3170 Santa Maria Way, Skylight Homes will consist of 49 new homes, built over two phases of construction. The subdivision is surrounded by existing single-family neighborhoods, shopping centers, schools, and community parks. Each home will come with: 

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Ventura Music Festival — That’s a wrap on the Fall series. We’d love your feedback!

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The Board and Staff of the Festival value your feedback! If you attended any of the Fall Series concerts as a patron or a volunteer, please fill out our short survey. You’ll automatically be entered to win a pair of tickets to Chanticleer or a 2027 standard concert of your choice!

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Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing October 2026 e-newsletter

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Our newest owner-builders are beginning their homeownership journey at Mission Gardens II in San Miguel! This new development is bringing 14 new single-story homes for first-time homebuyers to the community, with each household contributing over 1,600 hours of construction labor in lieu of a down payment. Learn more about Mission Gardens II and our build your own home program at pshhc.org!

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Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara celebrates Grand Opening of Bella Vista Affordable Housing Development

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SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) celebrated the grand opening of Bella Vista, its new affordable housing development at 200 North La Cumbre Road, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday.

The 48-unit development provides affordable rental housing for families with low and very low incomes, offering a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. All units are subsidized through Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers, allowing residents to pay 30% of their income toward rent.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Financing available for Child Care Providers

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Supporting our county’s future and the next generation’s education and career success starts with quality preschool programs. Historically, Ventura County has had too few licensed commercial child care and preschool spaces to meet demand. The Economic Development Collaborative and First 5 Ventura County are committed to building more child care and early childhood education capacity in our community through the Child Care Investment Loan Fund.

The Ventura County Office of Education and Child Care Planning Council has documented that Ventura County is as many as 50,000 childcare slots short. Only 36 percent of children ages 0-14 whose parents are in the workforce have access to a licensed child care space. Further, studies find that children who are most likely to benefit from a high-quality preschool program are least likely to attend.

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CSUCI Expands Academic Offerings with New Degree Programs

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CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) is expanding its academic offerings with new degree programs designed to connect students with emerging fields, community needs, and evolving career opportunities.

The University’s new programs include bachelor degrees in Sustainable Agriculture, Black Studies, Spanish-English Translation and Interpretation, and Statistics, and a master’s in Psychology degree. Together, the offerings emphasize interdisciplinary study, applied learning, and preparation for careers in fields ranging from agriculture and data science to research, public policy and language services.

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Explore Lompoc — News from Lompoc: Explore Space Country at Vandenberg’s Space And Missile Technology Center

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LOMPOC — The countdown ends.  Engines ignite. A rocket climbs into the sky, leaving a bright trail above the California coast.

For a few unforgettable moments, all eyes are on the sky.  In Lompoc, this kind of space-age excitement is part of the destination.

Welcome to Space Country, where you can watch a launch, explore the technology behind the missions, and get an up-close look at space history at the Space and Missile Technology Center (SAMTEC).

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Central Coast Alliance United for A Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Years of organizing. A historic victory for Santa Barbara tenants

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The fight for rent stabilization in Santa Barbara has been years in the making, built by our community that keeps showing up, organizing, and building power together.Through long meetings, countless conversations, public comments, and years of organizing, we kept showing up and building power together. And last week, that persistence paid off: Santa Barbara City Council adopted the rent stabilization ordinance!

Make a one-time or monthly donation to help us keep building on this historic victory!

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education Alternative Education honored with Golden Bell Award

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The Ventura County Office of Education is being honored with the prestigious Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association for its Alternative Education program, which serves students who have been expelled, are involved with the justice system, or face serious obstacles in school.

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) to present Free Youth Climate Workshop for Students on Oct. 24. More upcoming events

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The climate decisions we make today will affect our communities for decades to come. Young people deserve a say in shaping their future — and at the Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) Youth Climate Workshop, students can learn how to make their voices heard and take action in their communities.

Co-hosted with 805 Action, this free workshop invites students in grades 5–12 to explore how they can influence local climate policy and help shape a more sustainable future.

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Oxnard Performing Arts Center to present 7th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration on Oct. 25

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OXNARD — Join us for a mesmerizing and heartfelt celebration of life and remembrance at OPAC’s 7th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 at 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard.

For seven years, we’ve gathered in the heart of Oxnard to honor our ancestors and celebrate the rich traditions of Mexican culture.

Immerse yourself in a vibrant experience filled with colorful calacas, beautifully adorned ofrendas, captivating performances, local food vendors, and the warmth of community. Whether you’re new to this tradition or have celebrated with us for years, all are welcome to come together, honor those who came before us, and embrace the beauty of life, remembrance, and tradition.

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Bilingual report — Santa Barbara Museum of Art — Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a Free Family Day on Oct. 25

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SANTA BARBARA — For the 37th year, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art honors the Mexican tradition of remembering the dead with a display of altars, created by students in the Museum’s school and outreach programs and local community groups from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. The Art Learning Lab will offer Día de los Muertos-inspired art activities for all ages on the Front Terrace.

Explore a vibrant display of community-created altars, engage in hands-on art activities for all ages, and enjoy a festive Calenda procession featuring traditional music and dance from Oaxaca and Guerrero.

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Panteón Fest returns to Oxnard for its Fourth Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration on Oct. 17

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OXNARD — Pipiripau will host the fourth annual Panteón Fest on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Heritage Square in downtown Oxnard from 1:00 to 9:00 PM. This year’s festival pays homage to Chespirito, the beloved Mexican comedian and creator of El Chavo del Ocho and El Chapulín Colorado.

“Panteón Fest is about bringing our community together to celebrate our culture, remember where we come from, and create something meaningful for the next generation,” said co-founders Rolando and Heriberto Rubalcava.

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Wells Fargo invests $100,000 to support People’s Self-Help Housing Education Program

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CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH)  has received a generous $100,000 grant from Wells Fargo in support of Central Coast students enrolled in their education program and to help launch their newest Learning Center at Buellton Garden Apartments.
 
For families with school-aged children, PSHH’s eight onsite Learning Centers offer a safe, engaging environment where students receive homework assistance, participate in enrichment activities, build confidence, and develop skills that support long-term academic success. These year-round services are all provided at no cost to the families, thanks to partners like Wells Fargo.

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Port of Hueneme — DOCK TALK – Community Newsletter – October 2026

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The Port of Hueneme’s 13th Annual Banana Festival set a second consecutive attendance record as nearly 19,000 guests came to the Port for a celebratory day of live music, banana treats, tours, a classic car show, and family-friendly fun. This year’s theme, “Gateway to the World,” highlighted the Port’s role in connecting local consumers to global goods and markets.

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City of Ventura prepares emergency winter shelter ahead of anticipated El Niño storms

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VENTURA — As the City of Ventura prepares for potential El Niño storms this fall and winter, plans are underway to provide emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness during severe weather. The El Niño Winter Shelter will be activated when forecasts indicate flash flooding, including anticipated rainfall exceeding half an inch per hour, to provide safety to unsheltered individuals living in riverbeds and other flood-prone areas. 

Located at the National Guard Armory at 1270 Arundell Avenue, the shelter will provide up to 120 emergency beds during extreme rainfall events between October 15, 2026, through April 15, 2027. 

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Girls Inc. of Carpinteria stands ready to activate as resilience hub as El Niño brings uncertainty

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CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is reaffirming the organization’s commitment to emergency preparedness and community resilience as El Niño brings uncertainty about unpredictable and potentially dangerous weather.

The Girls Inc. of Carpinteria (GIC) campus, located at 5315 Foothill Rd. in Carpinteria, is well-equipped in the event of an emergency — with large indoor and outdoor spaces, an industrial-sized kitchen stocked with necessities, and basic supplies at the ready.

Under normal circumstances, these features equip GIC to serve the more than 700 girls and young women who access their programs each year. In the event of an emergency, they would allow the organization to respond to a crisis by offering food, shelter, and other resiliency resources.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Brain surgery by autonomous robot? It’s possible — and could save lives’ and more news, events

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With a federal grant from the Advanced Projects Research Agency for Health, researchers are working to bring soft robotics to cardiovascular surgery with a method that combines maximum precision with minimal harm.

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Bilingual report — Veterans find community through noncredit art class at Allan Hancock College

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SANTA MARIA — When Allan Hancock College Community Education introduced its new Image Transfers from Photographs course, instructor and U.S. Navy veteran Helen Boursier expected to bring together students interested in art and creativity.?

What she did not expect was that the class would become a gathering place for seven veterans representing more than six decades of combined military service.?

“I wasn’t surprised to see so many veterans in the class because I already knew several of them through the local veteran community, but I was incredibly pleased that they decided to sign up,” Boursier said. “It was especially rewarding to hear that they enjoyed the experience and wanted to know when I would be teaching the class again.”

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Santa Barbara Museum of Art Exhibitions & Events Oct. 13 through 25

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Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a Free Family Day
Sunday, October 25
11 am – 4 pm

Explore a vibrant display of community-created altars, engage in hands-on art activities for all ages, and enjoy a festive Calenda procession featuring traditional music and dance from Oaxaca and Guerrero.
Now in its third year, the procession, produced by the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, celebrates Mexican traditions while bringing the community together in a joyful expression of remembrance, culture, and connection.

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Dog adoptions up 42% at the HSVC, and a new program is open to 805 residents

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OJAI — Not everyone can take a shelter dog home, but almost anyone can give one a few hours away from the kennel. The Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) is officially rolling out its Dog Day Out program to the public. Community members can take a dog out for a hike, a ride or a quiet afternoon at home, with no foster or adoption commitment.

HSVC is giving more dogs homes, and faster. Through August, dog adoptions are up 42% over the same period last year (223 compared with 157), and half of adopted dogs now go home within 14 days, compared with 24 days last year. HSVC hopes Dog Day Out — a program used by shelters nationwide and linked in research to higher adoption rates — will keep this momentum going and help its longest-staying dogs find homes.

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Bilingual report — Santa Paula City Council approves temporary pause on certain RV parking enforcement

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SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is temporarily pausing enforcement of certain recreational vehicle (RV) parking regulations following a unanimous (5-0) City Council decision on October 7, 2026. The temporary pause allows the City to review its existing ordinance and explore potential updates with input from the community. The decision follows ongoing public comments and concerns from residents regarding RV parking restrictions and their impact on the community.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Refugee studies meets environmental justice in new special journal issue’ and more news, events

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Scholar Heidi Amin-Hong explores how systems of colonialism, militarism and global capitalism create displacement and treat people and environments as disposable.

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Bilingual guest contribution — 805 UNDOCUFund — Operation Safe California targets the Central Coast-100 community members disappeared in five days

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Thank you for standing with us during these increasingly difficult times. At 805UndocuFund, our mission has always been rooted in protecting the dignity and safety of undocumented and mixed-status families across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. Today, that work is more urgent than ever.

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Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics’ Medical Mobile Unit to provide low-cost sports physicals at UC Santa Barbara on Oct. 14

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) announced today that its Medical Mobile Unit will be visiting the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) on October 14th to provide on-campus sports physicals for students preparing to participate in club sports.

For many college students, completing a sports physical is a routine step toward joined campus athletics. However, out-of-pocket costs can present an unexpected financial barrier for students without adequate insurance coverage, potentially preventing them from joining teams, staying active, and fully engaging in campus life.

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Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Our communities, our power

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CENTRAL COAST — For nearly two years, immigrant communities across the Central Coast have faced kidnapping, family separation, and escalating violence at the hands of ICE. And now, as Californians begin to vote, ICE activity is surging – in an attempt to bring more fear and intimidation into our communities.

As of Tuesday afternoon, at least 32 of our neighbors in the region have been taken by ICE this week. Parents. Neighbors. Workers. Families torn apart.

But we are not powerless. We know how to respond. We know how to protect each other. We know how to organize. And we know that information is power.

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LEAP Names Juan Pimentel Chief Operating Officer and celebrates his 20 years of service

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GOLETA — LEAP celebrates Juan Pimentel’s 20 years of service and his new title as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner., recognizing his longstanding leadership and commitment to children, families and community.

Pimentel joined LEAP, then Isla Vista Youth Projects, in 2006 at age 19 as a Work-Study student attending the University of California, Santa Barbara, serving as a group leader in its after-school program.

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Santa Barbara County local businesses raise 15,079 diapers for Diaper Bank

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GOLETA — This September, businesses, organizations, and community members across Santa Barbara County came together to collect more than 15,000 diapers for local families through LEAP’s annual Diaper Need Awareness campaign.

One in two U.S. families with young children struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their babies clean, according to The NDBN Diaper Check 2026: Diaper Insecurity among U.S. Children and Families. This lack of a sufficient supply of diapers is known as diaper need. Families experiencing diaper need report making difficult tradeoffs, including skipping meals, delaying rent or mortgage payments, or falling behind on other bills to afford diapers.

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Ventura Music Festival — Last Call for Tea! Just 23 Tickets Remain. More upcoming events

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23 seats left for scones, sandwiches, and lively brass at the historic Pierpont Inn – get yours now, because these won’t last the weekend!

Some traditions are worth dressing up for. Picture it: a sunny Sunday afternoon at the historic Pierpont Inn. A pot of tea at your table. Warm scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and a tempting tower of pastries. And then, the trumpets. Tea & Trumpets is one of those VMF experiences that, once you’ve been, you make sure you don’t miss. It’s civilized and joyful in equal measure, and this Sunday, it opens our 2026 Fall Series. There are just 33 tickets left. Once they’re gone, they’re gone, so grab your seat before someone else gets your scone!

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TOArts expands National Geographic Live 2026–27 season beyond the stage

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THOUSAND OAKS — TOArts is bringing National Geographic Live back to the Bank of America Performing Arts Center for the 2026–27 season, with four acclaimed explorers whose work spans wildlife filmmaking, ecology, photography and the science of sound. This year, with support from Bank of America, TOArts is adding on to the on the onstage experience with creative programming and expanded student access designed to bring audiences even closer to the ideas, stories and people behind each presentation.

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Bilingual report — CenCal Health launches member navigation hub to help at-risk residents keep Medi-Cal coverage

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SANTA BARBARA — In response to Medi-Cal eligibility, enrollment and renewal changes affecting an estimated 44,000 local residents, CenCal Health and a coalition of community partners have launched Central Coast Coverage, a regional member navigation hub that helps eligible individuals keep their health coverage and avoid disruptions in care.

Supported by a $2 million investment from CenCal Health – the region’s Medi-Cal health plan serving more than 220,000 members in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties – the new resource connects residents with navigation assistance, resource guides, and information about Medi-Cal. 

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura highlights winter storm preparations, encourages residents to get ready now

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VENTURA — On Tuesday, October 6, the Board of Supervisors heard a report on the County’s inter-agency efforts to prepare for a potentially strong El Niño storm season. Staff from the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, Fire Department, Public Works Agency, and the County’s Public Information Office shared updates on work already underway to help ensure the community is storm ready ahead of a potentially wetter winter.

Pre-season efforts are focused on reducing risk and ensuring the County is ready to respond quickly if significant storms impact local communities. Preparations include inspecting and maintaining flood-control infrastructure, clearing drainage systems and debris basins, preparing swift water rescue resources, and coordinating emergency response plans for areas at higher risk of flooding and debris flows. The County’s Public Works Agency has already removed more than 235,000 cubic yards of material from detention basins and waterways in preparation for the winter storm season.

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Santa Barbara City College announces the reopening of the JSB Café

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is excited to announce that the JSB Café is now open and ready to serve students, faculty, staff, and members of the community. The cafe will once again serve as both a restaurant and a training ground for students in SBCC’s School of Culinary Arts with direction from Chef Roberto Lopez Carrillo.

“It is with great joy that we announce the reopening of the JSB Café for our campuses and the community-at-large,” shared SBCC Superintendent/President Dr. Erika Endrijonas. “The reopening marks another milestone for SBCC in the recovery from COVID-19 and adding another community resource at our Cliff Campus. Thank you to the amazing Chef Carrillo and culinary students.”

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Ventura Harbor Village invites families, furry friends and witches to celebrate Halloween By the Sea

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VENTURA  — Halloween gets a coastal twist this October as Ventura Harbor Village welcomes families, witches, zombies, four-legged companions and Halloween enthusiasts to celebrate Fall with a festive lineup of Seaside Halloween happenings.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Ventura Harbor, this year’s Halloween festivities feature a dog costume contest, family-friendly trick-or-treating, Halloween entertainment and activities, and the colorful spectacle of costumed witches and warlocks paddling across the harbor. Visitors can also enjoy waterfront dining, shopping, harbor views and attractions throughout Ventura Harbor Village.

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Museum of Ventura County — You’re invited to the opening reception – Jungleland, USA

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Jungleland, USA celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the legendary tourist attraction that put Thousand Oaks on the map. Jungleland was home to animal stars of the silver screen like Tamba the Chimp and Leo the MGM Lion, and featured animal trainer Mabel Stark.

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Bilingual report — New live webcam offers real-time views of historic Ventura Pier and coastline

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VENTURA — A new live webcam overlooking the historic Ventura Pier and City beach is giving residents, visitors, and viewers around the world a real-time look at one of Ventura’s most treasured landmarks. The launch comes just in time to celebrate the 154th anniversary of the original Ventura Wharf, completed on October 5, 1872. Today, the Ventura Pier is the oldest pier in California.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Luis J. Rodriguez Papers at UCSB Library document life and work of the renowned author and activist’ and more news, events

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Now open for research, the collection provides scholars, students and community members with a rich resource for studying Chicano literature, grassroots activism and social movements.

Read more about the Luis J. Rodriguez Papers

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Last chance: Tell CEC what matters to you. Upcoming events

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There’s still time to share your perspective with CEC — but our community survey is closing soon!

We’re asking Central Coast residents to share how they want to hear from CEC and what would make it easier to connect with the climate action work happening in our communities. Your feedback will help us better understand how to reach more people and create accessible pathways to get involved.

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Allan Hancock College hosted Career Exploration Day for high school and college students

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College invited 1,300 local high school and college students to its Santa Maria campus Oct. 2 for the college’s annual?Career?Exploration?Day.

The in-person event provided participating students with the opportunity to explore potential career paths and learn more about the college’s academic and career technical education programs. 

“Career Exploration Day helps students see what’s possible beyond the classroom,” said Hancock Career Counselor David Hernandez. “By talking directly with employers and industry professionals, students can discover careers, companies and opportunities they may not have known were out there.”

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Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. celebrates 45 years of bringing community home

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“Over forty-five years ago, a group of farmworker families worked together to protect their homes, and everything we have built since carries that same spirit forward,” said Victoria Brady, Chief Executive Officer of Cabrillo EDC. “This milestone belongs to the residents who have trusted us, the staff who have dedicated their careers to this mission, and the partners and supporters who have stood beside us through decades of growth. We are proud of how far we have come, and just as excited about what the next 45 years will bring.”

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