Category: Youth

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp., Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme complete inaugural Summer to Remember program

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VENTURA COUNTY — Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme announced the successful completion of their inaugural Summer to Remember program, an eight-week enrichment initiative that served 15 children living at Dolores Huerta Gardens Apartments in Oxnard from June 22 through August 14. The program brought free, on-site academic support, recreation and creative programming directly to the community where these children live, marking Cabrillo EDC’s first partnership that expands summer services for young residents.

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Guest contribution — Moorpark Moms for Progressive Values — Follow-Up on Moorpark’s Flock Cameras

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One of California’s safest cities is preparing for a September debate over why its 15 fixed Flock license plate reader cameras remain in place after Ventura County data was made available to out-of-state and federal agencies in violation of California law.

During a one-month period in early 2025, out-of-state agencies ran more than 364,000 searches against the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office’s Flock network, even though VCSO believed national access had been disabled since 2023. Immigration enforcement was referenced in the justifications for 299 searches. Flock has acknowledged that the access was unauthorized but said its technical logs cannot fully explain how it occurred.

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Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) August 2026 newsletter

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Lea en español | Received this from a friend? Subscribe! eNewsletter | August 2026 Here’s to 56 years! This month, nearly 200 People’s team members from throughout the Central Coast came together to mark the milestone. Friend, The coming months will…

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Museum of Ventura County — Taste of History Ticket Sales Close Sept. 1 + Upcoming Events at the Ag

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Thursday, September 10 | 5:30–9:30 PM
Sherwood Country Club, Thousand Oaks

Step back into the glamour of the 1920s for an unforgettable evening celebrating Ventura County’s remarkable role in the early days of filmmaking. Join us for Taste of History: The Silent Movie Era, featuring fine dining, vintage-inspired cocktails, live entertainment, dancing, and an exciting live auction.

The evening will also feature the presentation of the Museum of Ventura County’s Lifetime Achievement Awards honoring Chuck Cohen and Joanie Young. Celebrate their extraordinary contributions to Ventura County and their lasting impact on our community.

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One Step A La Vez 2nd Quarter Update

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One Step A La Vez is in an important season of growth, reflection, and renewal. As we look toward the future, we also want to honor the people whose dedication and service have helped shape our organization. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Amanda Garza, Diana Madrigal and Yuliana Suarez, who recently departed One Step after many years of commitment to our youth, families, and community. Their time, energy, care, and talents have left a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful for all they contributed to One Step’s journey.

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Bilingual report — Three additional birds test positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that a bird collected in the city of Camarillo on August 1, 2026, and two birds collected in the city of Ventura on August 3, 2026, tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). All mosquito breeding sources in the area where the birds were collected will be inspected and treated if evidence of mosquito breeding is observed. Ventura County Public Health and Environmental Health are closely monitoring WNV activity, including the increase in WNV cases and the recent WNV-related death in Los Angeles County.

Public Health confirms that no human cases of WNV have been identified to date in 2026 in Ventura County.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Deep learning refines how bionic eyes communicate with the brain’ and more news

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Computer scientist Michael Beyeler and colleagues use a deep-learning model to design patterns of electrical stimulation for electrodes temporarily implanted in a blind participant’s brain.

Read more about the findings

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Food Share to break ground on future home of Ventura County’s Food Bank

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OXNARD — Food Share of Ventura County invites the entire community to celebrate a historic milestone in the fight against hunger as the organization breaks ground on the future home of Ventura County’s food bank on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. at 1425 Mariner Drive in Oxnard.

The free community celebration will mark the ceremonial groundbreaking of Food Share’s new 85,000-square-foot facility, a transformational project designed to dramatically expand the organization’s capacity to serve Ventura County for decades to come.

The groundbreaking is part of Feeding Our Future, Food Share’s $50 million capital campaign to build a food bank capable of meeting both today’s unprecedented need and the needs of a growing community well into the future.

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Leadership Ventura County unveils new identity, launches expanded programming across the county

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VENTURA COUNTY — Over 200 community leaders, alumni and partners gathered Thursday, Aug. 20th, at the Ventura County Office of Education for The Big Reveal Party, where the organization formerly known as Ventura County Leadership Academy introduced its new name, Leadership Ventura County, alongside an expanded slate of leadership programming built to reach more of Ventura County.

While Leadership Ventura County’s new identity marks a visible change, organization leaders say the programming behind it is the real story: a broader, more accessible approach to developing leaders across the region.

“Our new name, Leadership Ventura County, is really about access,” said Pattie Braga, Executive Director. “With Leadership Class, Leadership Explore, Leadership Elevate, and Leadership Connect, we now have programs tailored to where someone is at personally or within their career, whether that’s a nine-month deep dive or a first step into their community. This next chapter is about opening that door wider for more people across the county.”

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CSUCI unveils refreshed brand identity rooted in opportunity, connection and a distinctive sense of place

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CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) on Aug. 24 unveiled a refreshed brand that celebrates the University’s distinctive sense of place while giving CSUCI a unified voice, visuals, and digital presence for the future.

The refreshed brand is part of a broader effort to strengthen how CSUCI communicates its distinctive value to prospective and current students, employees, alumni, donors, community partners, and the region. More than a new visual identity, the work clarifies CSUCI’s institutional identity, the value of a CSUCI education, and the experiences that distinguish the University.

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City of Santa Paula opens cooling center amid high temperatures

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SANTA PAULA — With temperatures expected to reach 90 degrees or higher for several consecutive days this week, the City of Santa Paula will open a cooling center at the Santa Paula Community Center to provide residents with a place to find relief from the heat.

The cooling center will be located in the front lobby of the Santa Paula Community Center, 530 W. Main St., Santa Paula, and will be available Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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Hospice of Santa Barbara announces 2026 Heroes of Hospice Award recipients

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SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is honored to announce the 2026 Heroes of Hospice award recipients, recognized for their outstanding service and dedication to the health and well-being of our community. The honorees will be celebrated at Hospice of Santa Barbara’s 14th Annual Heroes of Hospice (HOH) luncheon on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. Inspired by poet Mary Oliver’s timeless question, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”, this year’s Heroes of Hospice luncheon will be a celebration of the people we love, the ordinary moments that give life meaning, and the simple joys that become our most treasured memories.  This year’s Heroes of Hospice Award recipients are:

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Bilingual report — VSP Eyes of Hope, SEE International provided free eye exams and glasses to more than 100 Santa Maria and Lompoc residents

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partnered with SEE International’s local SEE Vision Care program and the County of Santa Barbara Health Department to bring free eye exams and prescription glasses to over 100 Santa Maria and Lompoc residents without access to vision care. In recognition of National Eye Exam Month, a 40-foot VSP Eyes of Hope mobile clinic and volunteer eye doctors stopped at the Santa Maria Health Center on Aug. 20 and the Lompoc Health Center on Aug. 21, providing comprehensive exams and on-site eyewear selection at no cost to patients.

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Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics’ dental program marks landmark year in community health, saving thousands from emergency rooms and costly procedures

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) is highlighting a year of significant impact for its dental program, releasing 2025 data that underscores its role as a critical safety net for the region. With 23,846 patient encounters over the past year, the clinics provided everything from routine cleanings to advanced procedures such as root canal therapy and dental implants for nearly 6,800 unique patients.

In a community with high caries (cavity) risk and non-fluoridated water, SBNC has focused heavily on preventative care to break the cycle of lifelong dental decay. 

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Bilingual report — Students ages 20 to 98 find friendship, creativity and lifelong learning through Allan Hancock College Community Education

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SANTA MARIA — Students separated by?nearly eight?decades gather around sewing machines inside Mary Jo Gabel’s Community Education classroom at Allan Hancock College. Some are learning to thread a needle for the first time. Others have been sewing for years.?Together, they have found far more than sewing techniques. It’s a place where creativity,?friendship?and lifelong learning bring generations together.

Among them is 98-year-old Rae Gibbs,?one of Hancock’s oldest current students. Gibbs?has spent more than three decades taking Community Education classes at Hancock. Recently, classmates gathered to celebrate her birthday with cake,?laughter?and songs, recognizing not only another year of life but a student whose enthusiasm for learning continues to inspire those around her.

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Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Turn out Tuesday, Aug. 25 in Santa Barbara: No surveillance in our communities!

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Because of growing community opposition to mass surveillance, Santa Barbara has decided to terminate its contract with Flock, and Flock’s cameras are scheduled to be shut off citywide today, August 24. We’re grateful to the coalition of multi-issue groups across Santa Barbara who have been leading this effort, and to the City administration for moving swiftly and decisively to end the Flock contract. … But we need to keep pushing. Our message to the City Council is simple: Don’t replace Flock with Verkada.

Join us tomorrow in Santa Barbara at City Council at 2 PM (735 Anacapa Street).

The City is now moving toward a contract with Verkada Inc. to provide replacement automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology. We learned about this over the weekend, and the City has announced that it “will be switching to [Verkada] technology.”

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Rebozo Festival Inc. announces 2027 grant application now open

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CAMARILLO — Rebozo Festival Inc., is pleased to announce that awards of up to $20,000 will be granted to qualified non-profit organizations that focus on the cultural, social and/or educational needs of the Ventura County community. The application process will open September 1st and will close September 30th, 2026, at 5:00 pm.

Rebozo Festival, Inc., encourages non-profit organizations that meet the following requirements to apply:  Nominated organizations must be located in Ventura County serving primarily Ventura County Latino residents and must be an IRS 501©(3) non-profit organization/institution or operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a qualified organization/institution.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves renaming Ventura Family Justice Center in honor of late Judge Colleen Toy White

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved renaming the Ventura County Family Justice Center in Ventura as the Judge Colleen Toy White Family Justice Center, honoring the late Ventura County Superior Court Judge whose decades of public service transformed how the county supports victims and other vulnerable members of the community.

Judge White devoted 41 years to serving the people of Ventura County, including 18 years with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, where she served for 10 years as Chief Assistant District Attorney. She was elected to the Ventura County Superior Court in 1994 and served 23 years on the bench before retiring in 2017. During her judicial career, she served as Presiding Judge, Assistant Presiding Judge and Family Law Supervising Judge.

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City Impacts in Oxnard invites partners for Thrive Together 2026 on Sept. 24

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… The evening brings together more than 200 community members, business leaders and families for an Entrepreneur Awards Ceremony, Youth Art and Business Showcase, along with a BBQ dinner, live music, art auction and networking. City Impact is now inviting local businesses, foundations and community partners to sponsor the event and stand alongside the Hispanic entrepreneurs and young artists it celebrates.

“Every sponsor at Thrive Together becomes part of the story we’re telling about Ventura County’s small business community,” said Cynthia Torres, Executive Director of City Impact. “Their support directly funds the mentorship, wellness resources and creative programs that help our young people and entrepreneurs grow.”

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Bilingual report — 8th Annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day (Sept. 19) brings farmers and the public together

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SANTA BARBARA — Ever wonder where great-tasting fruits and vegetables are grown? Find out at the 8th Annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day, Saturday, September 19. Visit farms in Santa Barbara County to learn how fruits, nuts, produce and wine are produced, harvested and delivered.

Twenty farms and agricultural organizations will open their doors from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during Santa Barbara Farm Day. Guests will experience behind-the-scenes farm tours, tractor rides, produce tastings and giveaways, and plenty of kid-friendly exhibits all at no cost.

Ag participants this year range from large, international agricultural operations to family-run, organic farms.

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Ventura Music Festival — Friends, join us in October!

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Tea & Trumpets

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 at 3 PM

THE HISTORIC PIERPONT INN

A lively local favorite returns to the beautiful and historic Pierpont Inn for an afternoon of tradition. Guests are welcomed with a full afternoon tea: warm scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and a tempting array of pastries, served in one of Ventura’s most gracious settings. The music comes courtesy of a spirited brass quintet, whose program moves easily between classical favorites and jazz standards. LEARN MORE

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Ventura Art & Chalk Festival returns to Ventura Harbor Village Sept. 12–13

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VENTURA  — The sidewalks of Ventura Harbor Village will become colorful canvases when the Ventura Art & Chalk Festival returns Saturday and Sunday, September 12–13, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by Rotary Club of Ventura, this free, family-friendly festival celebrates creativity, community and giving back against the beautiful backdrop of the Ventura waterfront.

Throughout the weekend, talented chalk artists will transform ordinary pavement into  extraordinary works of art, creating colorful, large-scale pieces right before visitors’ eyes.  Guests can stroll along the harbor, meet artists, watch their creations take shape and  experience the fascinating process behind this unique form of temporary public art. This year’s festival will feature more than 30 chalk and craft artists, bringing together an exciting variety of artistic styles and mediums, including artist duos and 3D artists.

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SBCC’s Fall Semester starts Monday, Aug. 24

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College welcomes students of all ages, attending in-person or via its extensive selection of online courses, on its first day of classes, Monday, August 24.

From recent high school graduates enrolling in college for the first time, to career-minded students desiring two- or four-year areas of study and beyond, SBCC’s credit programs provide multiple pathways to earn a degree, certificate or transfer.

Adult learners are equally empowered through the School of Extended Learning’s programs, working on their vocational skills, GED, ESL or exploring various creative offerings.

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Ventura County nurses and health care professionals to hold speak out to save Santa Paula Hospital

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VENTURA — Registered nurses and healthcare professionals at Santa Paula Hospital (SPH) in Santa Paula and Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) in Ventura will hold a speak out at Ventura County’s Board of Supervisors hearing on Tuesday, Aug. 18, to protest changes in services and possible closure of SPH proposed by Ventura County Healthcare Agency Administration and County Board of Supervisors. Nurses and health care workers at SPH and VCMC are represented by California Nurses Association/Caregivers and Healthcare Employees Union (CNA/CHEU), an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), the country’s largest nurses union.

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SB Museum of Art — Basil Kincaid Visits SBMA for Talk, Artist Workshop

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Basil Kincaid, whose work is featured in the exhibition Remixed, joins SBMA Assistant Curator Lauren Karazija, to explore ancestry, connection and conversation. Crafted from salvaged fabrics, quilts offer far more than physical warmth—they retain the indelible traces of past lives. Describing quilting as a “spiritual technology,” Kincaid engages in a dialogue across time and space through lived-in materials charged with the enduring energy of loved ones. Tickets are selling quickly; reserve yours today at sbma.net.

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El Concilio Family Services in Oxnard announces 36th annual Latino Leadership Awards Fundraising Campaign

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OXNARD — El Concilio Family Services has officially launched its fundraising and sponsorship drive for the upcoming 36th Annual Latino Leadership Awards. Established in 1990, the awards recognize outstanding individuals and businesses that have made substantial contributions to uplifting Ventura County’s Latino community.

“Our donors deserve to know that their generosity translates directly into high-quality, professional support for local agricultural and service-sector families,” said Yvonne R. Gutierrez, Executive Director. “The Latino Leadership Awards allow us to honor local excellence while raising vital funding to keep our immigration and education services responsive, credible, and fully accountable.”

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Santa Paula Latino Town Hall — Please Join Us: Defend health care in the Santa Clara Valley – 10:30 am August 18

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You are invited to make public comment before the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and stand with our community in defending hospital-level health care in the Santa Clara Valley.

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 – 10:30 a.m.
Ventura County Board of Supervisors Meeting
Board of Supervisors Meeting Room
Hall of Administration
800 S. Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA 93009

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Guest contribution — Farmworkers and advocates, including legendary civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, rally at the State Capitol to demand accountability from California’s pesticide regulator

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The hearing room was full, with more than 110 Californians from across the state present, including those from the Central Coast. Many traveled hours from home, as far away as Ventura, taking a day from work and rising before dawn to attend the 2½ hour hearing. Community members called on lawmakers to confront the Dept. of Pesticide Regulation’s conflicts of interest and failure to protect the public.

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Guest commentary — Allá En El Rancho Grande: Ventura County, One Big Plantation

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The past, present, and future exist concurrently. History matters because the present and past manifest in the now. This is why historical events such as the 1942 Sleepy Lagoon Case of the Zoot Suiters and the Deportation Campaigns of the 1930s speak to us today in relation to the overcharging and over-sentencing of convicted ethnic Mexicans regarding the former and the vicious Gestapo kidnappings of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency with the latter.

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Two new members join the Ventura College Foundation Board

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VENTURA — New board member Denise Sindelar is the founder and principal project manager of Sindelar Art Consulting in Ventura. …

As the new Associated Students of Ventura College (ASVC) President, Briana Becerra serves on the foundation board, acting as the primary liaison between students and the college and district administration. Becerra, a communication major, also serves as the official spokesperson for ASVC and the broader Ventura College student body.

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Work Progressing on 70-Acre Agromin-Limoneira Green Waste Processing Center in Santa Paula

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SANTA PAULA — The land has been cleared for a 70-acre, state-of-the-art commercial composting center on Limoneira Company property in Santa Paula. The joint venture project by Limoneira Company and Agromin marks an expansion from the existing 15-acre green waste composting site at the location that has been in operation by Agromin since 2004.

The expanded site is expected to begin operations in the second half of 2027 and will be capable of processing about 295,000 tons of organic waste per year into compost and mulch. The current facility, which remains operating while construction is underway, is the only permitted commercial composting center in Ventura County.

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Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) graduates 14 resident teens from Summer program

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SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) recently celebrated the graduation of 14 students from its free, four-week Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura (PBC) summer program. Designed for HACSB residents entering grades 9–12, the program equips students with the tools, resources, and experiences needed to prepare for college, careers, and future success. Since its launch four years ago, 65 students have completed the program.

PBC provides a well-rounded experience that promotes educational achievement, social-emotional wellness, and cultural awareness. Throughout the four-week program, students participate in college tours, educational field trips, community service projects, and interactive workshops. Participants also earn community service hours and receive a backpack filled with school supplies to help them begin the academic year prepared.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Sarah Rosalena creates monumental textile work for LACMA’s new galleries’ and more news, events

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The artist and professor’s 27-foot piece was commissioned by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art for permanent display in its new David Geffen Galleries.

Read more about the textile

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Santa Barbara Museum of Art — Basil Kincaid Visits SBMA for Talk, Artist Workshop

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Basil Kincaid, whose work is featured in the exhibition Remixed, joins SBMA Assistant Curator Lauren Karazija, to explore ancestry, connection and conversation. Crafted from salvaged fabrics, quilts offer far more than physical warmth—they retain the indelible traces of past lives. Describing quilting as a “spiritual technology,” Kincaid engages in a dialogue across time and space through lived-in materials charged with the enduring energy of loved ones. Tickets are selling quickly; reserve yours today at sbma.net.

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Ventura Music Festival — The Power in Partnership

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Community partners are essential to the vitality and success of the Ventura Music Festival. Whether through corporate sponsorships that help bring world-class artists to our stage or collaborative programming with fellow cultural organizations, these partnerships strengthen our community and enrich the Festival experience for audiences throughout the region. Simply put, what we do would not be possible without the generosity, vision, and support of these extraordinary partners.

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Ventura Harbor Village invites music lovers to experience free seaside live music all month long

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VENTURA — Sit back, relax and continue to enjoy summer at Ventura Harbor Village with a menagerie of free, family-friendly, live weekly music throughout August 2026 on the seaside Promenade Stage at the waterfront.  www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

The ongoing music series showcases a dockside selection of top-notch musicians who present a variety of genres, including Pop, Rock and coastal surf rock. Welcome the perfect coastal day with live music from 1 – 4 PM.   Take in a scenic view by the water as talented local musicians set the scene with a mix of lively and laid-back tunes.  Whether you’re dining at a waterfront restaurant or simply soaking up the ocean breeze, the vibrant music adds the perfect soundtrack to your visit.

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SBCC Superintendent/President, Dr. Erika Endrijonas, shares gratitude to the campus community for demonstrating strong financial progress

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“Since I began in August, 2023, the message was clear from the SBCC Board of Trustees: ‘We need to address the structural deficit of the college,’” shared Superintendent/President Dr. Erika Endrijonas, who also sent a thank-you email to all employees. “This meant painful, yet decisive and strategic decisions needed to be made – ones that were not always popular with employees (faculty and staff) – and now, three years later, I have to thank every single employee for their hard work, determination and trust in me and my fellow leaders to get on a trajectory for a healthier financial future for the college. I cannot thank our amazing SBCC team enough … Thank you!”

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Registration continues as Allan Hancock College prepares to begin fall classes on Aug. 17

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SANTA MARIA — As the start of the fall semester approaches, Allan Hancock College is encouraging students to take advantage of the opportunity to enroll before classes begin Aug. 17. With hundreds of credit and noncredit courses available, students can explore new interests, prepare for transfer, earn a certificate or train for an in-demand career.

“Education has the power to change lives, and every semester is an opportunity for students to take the next step toward their future,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Our faculty and staff are ready to help students make the most of that opportunity.”

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Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara — Announcing the 2026 Winners of the Marilyn Horne Song Competition

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SANTA BARBARA  — The Music Academy of the West is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Marilyn Horne Song Competition, recognizing the extraordinary artistry and collaboration of its 2026 Lehrer Vocal Institute fellows. This cornerstone event of the Summer Music Festival & School offers young musicians a platform to shine through world-class performance, interpretation, and musical partnership.

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Guest Commentary — Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) — Ventura County Office of Education Update — Accountability

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Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805

Structural Governance Gaps Are the Center Question

Structural Governance Gaps Are the Center Question

Structural Governance Gaps Are the Center Question

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El Concilio Family Services in Oxnard — Celebrate with us at the 36th Latino Leadership Awards on Oct. 2. RSVP NOW! Sponsorships available

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OXNARD — El Concilio Family Services invites you to join us as we celebrate 36 years of recognizing exceptional Latino leadership. Featuring the inspiring artwork “Healing in Color” as seen through the Eyes of Youth, this special evening brings together community partners, supporters, and leaders committed to creating a brighter future. We hope you’ll join us on Oct. 2, 2026, to honor our award recipients and invest in programs that make a lasting difference in the lives of local families.

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Port of Hueneme — DOCK TALK – Community Newsletter – July 2026 Recap

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The Port of Hueneme was proud to co-host Stars, Stripes & Sounds: America 250 alongside the City of Oxnard and the Oxnard Downtowners Foundation at Plaza Park. The community celebration commemorated the nation’s 250th
anniversary with local bands, classic cars, and family activities.

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CAUSE — Join Unidos 805 and build power this election season

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This fall, we have the power to push back against cuts to essential services, address the skyrocketing cost of living, and respond to the fear our communities have faced at the hands of ICE and the federal government over the past year and a half. To do so, we have to make sure people get out and make their voices heard at the ballot box.

CAUSE is a founding member of Unidos 805, a coalition dedicated to building an intergenerational movement that creates lasting political, social, environmental, and economic change across the Central Coast. Together, we’re growing the collective power of our organizations, our leaders, and our communities to shape a future where everyone can thrive.

With a major election just months away, Unidos 805 is hiring phone bankers and canvassers to help build the people-powered movement needed to advance policies rooted in our communities’ values.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Health confirms first Measles case in Ventura County since 2017

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VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) has confirmed a positive case of measles related to international travel. This is the first confirmed case in the county since 2017. VCPH is conducting a thorough investigation and working closely with healthcare providers and exposed contacts to prevent further transmission. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing, and airborne particles. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. Unvaccinated or undervaccinated individuals are especially at risk of infection. If you have been fully vaccinated or were born before 1957, your risk of infection is extremely low.

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Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. — Back to School traffic safety awareness

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SANTA PAULA — As the beginning of the new school year approaches next week, the Santa Paula Police Department reminds residents, parents, students, and school staff to practice caution and safety in observance of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and school buses.

The first day of school is August 12, 2026. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be impacted during drop-off and pickup times. Here are helpful tips for back to school traffic safety:

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Community Environmental Council (CEC)’s Fall Climate Stewards course starts Sept. 15, more upcoming events

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Since launching the course, CEC has certified 256 CEC Climate Stewards — a growing, interconnected network of alumni who are putting what they’ve learned into practice. This diverse mix of educators, non-profit leaders, students, retirees, business owners, and climate allies are tackling challenges ranging from local policy change to plastic pollution to wildfire resilience.

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Ventura Housing helps students start the school year strong at Back-to-School Resource Fair

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VENTURA — Ventura Housing on July 25 welcomed families from across the community to its Westview Property for its annual Back-to-School Resource Fair, providing free backpacks, school supplies, meals and entertainment alongside direct access to more than 20 community organizations to help students start the new school year prepared for success. Centered around the theme “Strong Families, Strong Futures,” the fair connected families with educational opportunities, health and wellness resources, workforce development programs, mental health services and youth enrichment activities. Participating partners included Ventura County Library, Ventura College, California Lutheran University, Clinicas del Camino Real, and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura, giving attendees direct access to programs and services that support student success long after the first day of school.

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United Way’s Fun in the Sun Scholars join the Music Academy of the West

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SANTA BARBARA — More than 350+ elementary school students enrolled in United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Fun in the Sun summer learning program participated in an arts education experience this week with a live performance of Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra by the Music Academy’s Chamber Orchestraconducted by William Long and featuring acting troupe Really Inventive Stuff, plus an instrument exploration station hosted by the Santa Barbara Symphony.

The field trip was made possible by the Music Academy of the West and sponsored by Montecito Bank & Trust and all partners of Santa Barbara County’s arts and education programs.

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Ventura Harbor Village celebrates the Summer with waterfront & island adventures, live entertainment, whale watching, coastal dining, shopping & relaxation

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VENTURA — Summer is in full swing at Ventura Harbor Village, Southern California’s premier seaside destination where visitors can savor ocean breezes, fresh coastal cuisine, boutique shopping, family-friendly entertainment, and unforgettable adventures on the water. Whether planning a day trip or weekend getaway, Ventura Harbor Village offers the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation along Ventura’s picturesque waterfront. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

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Music Academy of the West — Announcing the Mariposa Concert Series 2026-27

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SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West proudly announces the 2026-2027 Mariposa Concert Series, a collection of intimate musical experiences held in Hahn Hall on the Academy’s Miraflores campus in Montecito. The series furthers the Academy’s mission to bring exceptional music to the community throughout the year by showcasing the artistry of esteemed Music Academy alums and world-renowned musicians.

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California Lutheran University School of Management — Explore CESI’s Ventura County Social Issues Database

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Ventura County, like many other places in California, brings affluence and poverty together across its neighborhoods. Deep, persistent inequalities continue to threaten the future of Ventura County’s children and communities.

The following infographic data from the CESI Database exposes some of these critical gaps. Take a look at the information provided, and do not forget that poverty is a byproduct of our economic system and can be eliminated by investing in ourselves and, most importantly, in our children.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘Christopher Costello recognized for his pioneering work in environmental markets’ and more news, events

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The Distinguished Professor and emLab Director was just named a Fellow of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (AERE), the highest honor bestowed in the field of environmental and resource economics.

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Families invited to the YMCA Adventure Guides & Trailblazers Welcome BBQ, Aug. 15

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Adventure Guides & Trailblazers is a family-centered YMCA program for parents and their children (ages 5-11) in the Conejo and Simi valleys. Parent-child pairs join a Circle with families in their neighborhood or the school they attend. Adventure Guides is for children in kindergarten through second grade. Trailblazers is for children in third grade and up.

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Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital’s Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp wraps up transformative week of sports, confidence and connection

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital recently concluded another successful Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp, bringing together youth with physical disabilities for a week of adapted sports and recreation at the UCSB Recreation Center. Held July 13-16, the camp welcomed approximately…

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