Immigrant Rights in California Child Care Settings – for families with children in child care and child care providers working in various California child care programs:
This training will provide:
Sunday, November 2, from 12 PM to 3 PM
Free for all ages
Guests of all ages are invited to celebrate Día de los Muertos at three locations in downtown Santa Paula on Sunday, November 2! Visit the Santa Paula Art Museum, Santa Paula Cemetery, and the Agriculture Museum and enjoy hands-on crafts, altar and art displays, face painting, and much more. Admission is free and all materials are provided. Hours and activities vary by location. Follow the link below for full details.
Free Family Day at the Santa Paula Art Museum is sponsored by Gold Coast Health Plan and The Smith-Hobson Foundation Fund.
MORE INFO?
CAMARILLO — When Geraldine Montoya earns her master’s degree in School Counseling from California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI), she will become the first in her family to earn a graduate degree — a milestone that represents years of perseverance and determination.
A first-generation immigrant from Colombia, Montoya faced significant challenges growing up, including homelessness and the loss of her father at a young age. Yet through resilience and an unwavering belief in education, she turned those obstacles into motivation to help others succeed.
Today, Montoya maintains a 4.0 GPA in CSUCI’s School Counseling program while also serving as Coordinator for the California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP). In that role, she leads more than 50 Cash4College workshops each year to help students and families access financial aid and pursue higher education.
CAMARILLO — Momentum is building with the announcement of a new matching opportunity for the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund, a community-wide effort to support local families and small businesses experiencing sudden hardship and disruption. Through the generosity of the Brokaw Family Fund, donations up to a total of $50,000 will be matched, doubling impact for this vital humanitarian effort that offers a coordinated and trusted way for residents to step up and support one another.
“The Brokaw Family Fund normally focuses on bettering the lives of farm workers but now all our immigrant neighbors are threatened,” said Ellen Brokaw. “Non-profits are overwhelmed with requests from families for life-sustaining help. We hope this challenge will inspire others to contribute whatever they can to help all our neighbors in need.”
The Port of Hueneme was proud to support the Farmworker Health and Wellness Fair at Oxnard College on October 10th, connecting our local farmworker community with essential health resources, wellness services, and support programs.
VENTURA — This November, PODS® Local Moving and Storage is proud to partner with Cumulus Media and Ventura County Medical Center Volunteer Auxiliary?(VCMC) as a Sponsor for the 2025 Cumulus Radiothon & Toy Drive, supporting the only dedicated pediatric hospital unit in Ventura County.
Running from November 5–30, this heartwarming campaign collects new, unwrapped toys for pediatric patients and their families receiving care at both Ventura and Santa Paula hospital campuses. With nearly 10,000 toys distributed by VCMC each year, the toy drive is a crucial effort to bring joy and comfort to children during what can be a difficult time. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off Monday – Friday, 8am to 4pm to the Cumulus Media studios at 1376 Walter St. Ventura.
SANTA BARBARA and GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is adopting Mentavi Health’s Diagnostic Evaluation to provide timely, rigorous ADHD assessments for students seeking academic accommodations. The partnership enables SBCC to reach accommodation decisions faster, when appropriate, and helps students stay on course during the term’s most demanding weeks.
Krut, who teaches in the Writing Program and the College of Creative Studies, draws inspiration from Raymond Carver and the Beat Poets for his new book.
OAK PARK — Artwork by 13-year-old Micah Aliling, currently an 8th grader at Medea Creek Middle School in Oak Park, was selected by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to appear in its printed 2026 calendar and digital library.
MWD delivers 1.5 billion gallons of water daily to 19 million people in Southern California. Earlier this year, it invited students across its six-county service area, including those in the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD), to submit water conservation-themed artwork for its “Being Water Wise Is…” Student Art Calendar Contest. This marks the fourth consecutive year that a student from Oak Park has had their artwork featured in the calendar.
National recognition follows consecutive honors in 2021, 2023, and 2025 Cycles CAMARILLO — Two of Ventura County’s leading institutions, Moorpark College and Ventura College, have once again earned national recognition for their commitment to student success — named among the…
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce the following winners of logo design contests for the 2026 Academic Decathlon, Science Fair, Battle of the Books, Batalla de los Libros, Mock Trial, and Civic Action Project. The artwork will be prominently displayed on promotional and informational materials for these high-profile competitions and will be featured on commemorative pins for each event. The winning logos were selected from 120 entries by a committee of VCOE staff members.
VENTURA — Three new board members joined the Ventura College Foundation board of directors, including Dr. Luca E. Lewis, acting president of Ventura College. Lewis was previously vice president of Student Affairs at Ventura College. He brings over 22 years of experience in community college education.
“By fostering innovation, operational excellence, and teaching and learning excellence, I strive to create an environment with my colleagues where Ventura College can advance its mission, empower students, and strengthen our diverse communities in which we serve,” says Lewis.
The forces that precipitated the rise and fall of ancient urban centers echo in today’s urban challenges.
We’re thrilled to unveil our 55th Anniversary Digital Community Quilt, a vibrant mosaic of creativity and connection featuring 55 unique panels created in a variety of mediums by PSHH team members, residents, and community members. Visit pshhc.org/quilt to see the full piece!
IN-PERSON EVENT: AI UNLOCKED: SHAPING THE FUTURE
November 7 @ 12:30 pm
Join the Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Economic Development Collaborative to learn about how Santa Barbara County businesses are expanding the AI frontier, creating both challenges and opportunities for the workforce. At AI Unlocked: Shaping the Future, business leaders, students, faculty and employees will come together to explore how AI is transforming local industries—and the future-ready skills everyone will need to succeed. Through real-world insights, you’ll learn how businesses are adapting, what employers are looking for, and how to navigate your own path to AI literacy. Whether you’re running a business, preparing for your career or teaching and supporting students, this conversation will give you the tools and perspective to keep pace in an AI-driven world. Address: SBCC West Campus, Fe Bland Forum (BC Building Forum), 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
THOUSAND OAKS — In a powerful act of remembrance and resistance, a series of art markers was installed in Thousand Oaks to commemorate locations where individuals were taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The installation honors the lives disrupted by these actions and the resilience of the local immigrant community, 805UndocuFund reported in a media release.
The event was held on Hampshire Road between Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Royal Oaks Drive. Community members, artists, and advocates gathered to recognize the significance of the moment and the collective effort behind the project.
CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) will host Bay Area Xicanx artist and cultural worker Melanie Cervantes for a solo exhibition, “Protect Your Spirit: Visual Lexicons of Resistance,” from Oct. 23 through Dec. 12 in the second-floor gallery of the John Spoor Broome Library.
An opening reception open to the public will be held Thursday, Oct. 23, at 5 p.m. at the Broome Library. Cervantes will also provide an artist talk for CSUCI students on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at noon, at the Broome Library.
Cervantes’ work offers a powerful visual language of resistance against social injustice and systemic oppression. Her art explores stories of struggle, resilience and triumph within marginalized communities and invites reflection on the role of art in social movements.
“There is both an ephemeral and a timeless nature to Cervantes’ art,” said CSUCI art historian Theresa Avila. “In this era of increased repression and surveillance, the type of art that Cervantes creates is needed now more than ever.”
Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore was founded in the early 1990s to support and promote the hard-fought conservation of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, established in 1978. The SMMNRA encompasses over 156,000 acres that stretch east to west from Griffith Park in Los Angeles County to Point Mugu State Park in Ventura County. With 46 miles of scenic coastline, over 500 miles of trails, and a vast array of native flora, fauna, and culturally significant sites, the SMMNRA is the largest urban national recreation are in the world, bordering the second-largest city in the United States.
SANTA BARBARA — This fall, SBCC School of Extended Learning invites older adults to discover or rediscover their creative potential. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced artist looking to refine your skills, the Older Adults Program offers expert instruction in a welcoming environment, with free art classes designed specifically for adults age 55 and over.
Two of the program’s exceptional eight-week courses are launching the week of October 20, with spots still available:
Fall is Feasting Season
Join us in celebrating:
(The Art of Mexcal)
Filipino American History Month
VENTURA — The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), in partnership with Ventura College and the Ventura College Foundation, kicked off the 2026-27 Statewide Financial Aid Application Cycle at a press conference held on Oct. 1. This event held at Ventura College highlighted the critical role financial aid plays in allowing access and equity for students pursuing higher education across California.
“We chose to launch the 2026-27 financial aid cycle in Ventura because there is something special here,” said Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission. “From being able to support a student to pursue their college dreams, to understanding that financial aid is critical to help students stay enrolled, Ventura has the opportunity to continue its growth in completed financial aid applications while supporting students through their higher education journey.”
The Ventura County Fire Department will host the 2025 Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony:
Thursday, November 6th
10:00 am to 11:30 a.m.
Ventura County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura.
Artist Kim Garcia’s new LA show “Tender Material” connects family stories with Philippine cultural history.
View this email in your browser FOOD SHOPS ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS Connect & Share with #DowntownOxnard Copyright © 2025 Oxnard Downtown Management District, All rights reserved.
MOORPARK — At Moorpark College, transfer isn’t just a hope—it’s a plan. This year, the college’s work to remove barriers, close equity gaps and accelerate student success has earned it statewide recognition as a 2025 Pathway Champion of Transfer. This honor presented by the Campaign for College Opportunity recognizes colleges with the top numbers of Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs) awarded relative to full-time student enrollment.
Through California’s Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program, which guarantees CSU admission for students who complete aligned coursework, more than 450,000 degrees have been awarded statewide. At Moorpark, a focused and equity-driven rollout of the ADT has helped more students, especially those from families and neighborhoods who face extra hurdles getting to college, reach their transfer goals.
Right now, our Central Coast faces a critical task:
we must strengthen our own community resilience and adaptation because our larger government, health, environmental, and economic systems are increasingly unpredictable.
At Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN), we know that when food is produced and purchased locally, our entire community benefits. Farmers, ranchers, and fisherfolk keep their livelihoods, we reduce transportation-caused pollution, and local dollars stay in our community.
But this shift cannot wait. The challenges of climate change, rising costs, poor health, and inequitable access to food are already here. Our community needs action now.
That’s why we’re asking you to join us as a monthly donor.
Your consistent support helps us:
SANTA BARBARA — Adelante Charter School of Santa Barbara proudly celebrates five years of leadership under Executive Director Javier Bolívar, whose vision, resilience, and unwavering dedication have guided the school through a period of remarkable growth and renewal.
Bolívar’s journey to education is both inspiring and deeply human. Born and raised in Venezuela, he grew up the youngest of four in a close-knit family shaped by love, creativity, and perseverance. His mother, a stay-at-home mom and talented seamstress, and his father, a public employee, instilled in him humility, respect, and the belief that kindness is a strength. The loss of two older brothers while they were in college profoundly influenced Bolívar’s empathy and his commitment to live with purpose.
LOS OLIVOS — The Legacies of Hope dinner, was an evening of storytelling and community, gathering many of People Helping People’s most dedicated supporters to the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos on October 17, 2025.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of this year’s Luminary Awards, for those who have given in extraordinary ways to support the mission of People Helping People (PHP).
This year’s recipients are the Becky Barieau and Billy Wathen Family, Feed the Valley with Chef Daisy and Greg Ryan, and the Brady Family.
MCASB Launches Future Fund
in 50th-Anniversary Campaign
Art and free speech are essential to a healthy democracy—Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) calls on our communities across Santa Barbara and the Central Coast to help safeguard the region’s only dedicated, free contemporary art museum. Once again communities are in crisis—and this time, artists and art institutions are on the front line standing up against authoritarianism. Join us!
Students in grades six through 12 who want to take meaningful climate action are invited to a FREE, hands-on workshop at CEC’s Environmental Hub, co-hosted by CEC and Santa Barbara High School’s Environmental Advocacy Club. In this session, we will dive into environmental policy advocacy, break down the public comment process, and show you how to use your voice to stand up for climate justice.
Ventura County students are making gains in both math and English language arts, according to the latest scores from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). The percentage of students countywide who met or exceeded state standards in the 2024-2025 school year is up by 1.3% in math and 1.9% in English. This is the fourth consecutive year of improvement since scores dipped during the pandemic. You can find CAASPP scores for individual schools and school districts at this link.
Researchers created an algae-based gel for studying mammary epithelial cells, which form milk-producing ducts and glands in healthy breast tissue and can transform into cancer cells.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is helping local students and healthcare professionals take the next step in their careers with two upcoming program application deadlines — including the college’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pathway, developed in partnership with California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI), and the spring 2026 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) academy.
VENTURA — Ventura Housing is inviting Ventura County artists to help bring beauty and meaning to its affordable housing community, Valentine Road Apartments.
As part of its commitment to integrating art into community spaces, Ventura Housing seeks artworks that inspire, uplift, and reflect the voices of residents. This project reflects Ventura Housing’s belief that art is an essential part of what makes a home. By bringing creativity and color into shared spaces, the Valentine Road public art initiative aims to spark pride, connection, and healing among residents.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College’s (SBCC) Physical Education Department is proud to announce the launch of three innovative certification pathways designed to meet growing workforce needs in sports, fitness, and healthcare industries: Youth Coaching, Fitness Trainer, and Pre-Sports Medicine. The certifications launched this Fall semester and registration for Spring 2026 begins Friday, Dec. 12.
MOORPARK — The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College has received the Animal Exhibit Award of Excellence from the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), a national honor recognizing Annual Awards Banquet, recognizing the zoo’s excellence in new and unique live animal display, exhibit design and construction.
Presented annually at the ZAA Awards Banquet, the Animal Exhibit Award of Excellence places Moorpark College’s Teaching Zoo alongside some of the most respected wildlife facilities in the country. The ZAA, a leading accrediting body in zoological care, awards the recognition to exhibits that demonstrate excellence in enriching animal lives, engaging the public and advancing conservation education.
SANTA BARBARA — This fall, Adelante Charter School, a 2025 California Distinguished School and a Spanish dual-language immersion program, will celebrate its 25th anniversary by honoring individuals who have been instrumental to its success and growth. The honorees include the school’s inaugural board members, whose vision and dedication made history in Santa Barbara County, along with local philanthropist Jim Kearns.
“We are excited to receive this grant, which will allow us to significantly expand our bicycle and pedestrian safety program,” said Principal Civil Engineer Jeff Hereford. “By focusing on education, awareness, and promoting safe practices, we aim to reduce crashes and prevent injuries. Ultimately, we’re working toward building more walkable and bike-friendly neighborhoods where everyone can travel safely and confidently.”
THOUSAND OAKS — For details on the series and to register, go to: https://www.callutheran.edu/centers/lifelong-learning/fifty-better/lecture-series.html
Lectures are $10 each. Bundle the entire series (12 lectures) for just $85. Or “build-your-own bundle” – choose 5 lectures for $40.
Half of the lectures offered this fall can be attended in-person at our Thousand Oaks campus (parking is free and accessible). All lectures are recorded and can be attended virtually.
“LEAP has always believed that when we bring people together, we can solve big challenges. The diaper drives are proof—students, businesses, churches, and organizations all stepped up. Each diaper collected represents relief for a caregiver and comfort for a child, and we are grateful to everyone who made that possible,” said Lori Goodman, CEO of LEAP.
You don’t need to wait for the next disaster to make a meaningful impact. Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) Central Coast Resilience Hubs Accelerator is here to support local leaders who recognize the growing threat of climate disasters and are ready to take action.
If you work with a neighborhood school, church, library, community center, nonprofit, or similar facility, you may be in the perfect position to host a Resilience Hub — a safe space that offers shelter, safety training, clean air, off-grid power, cooling, and/or food before, during, and after a disaster.
THOUSAND OAKS — We are excited about the opportunity for California Lutheran University to provide nonpartisan thought-leadership through the Elton and Janice Gallegly Center for Public Service and Civil Engagement on the main campus. This center will play a pivotal role in students’ collegiate experience by helping to develop the critical academic skills and broad perspectives necessary for constructive dialogue and civil public discourse. This scholarly engagement will empower them to pursue careers of meaningful public service and informed civic engagement.
CAMARILLO — The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County is pleased to announce that Alia Azariah, 2024 Social Justice Fellow, has been accepted to The Obama Foundation’s Leaders program, joining more than 200 global changemakers for the 2025-2026 class. Following a competitive selection process, Alia will be one of just 101 Leaders participating in the Leaders USA Program, where they will receive training in leadership development and civic engagement to help build their skills and scale their work across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — This summer marked another season of growth, adventure, and celebration for REACH. Fellows toured colleges across California, trekked into the Sierra Nevada on a record four backpacking trips, and immersed themselves in the cultures of Bolivia and Guatemala. Together, these experiences embody REACH’s mission: preparing first-generation students to thrive in higher education while cultivating the resilience, leadership, and vision necessary to succeed in life.
Our 2025 Playhouse Build Blitz will bring together more than 150 local volunteers to decorate custom playhouses to gift to local military and veteran families. This event provides volunteers a unique opportunity to celebrate Veterans Day by thanking military families for their service and helps raise funds for Habitat Ventura’s life-changing programs through sponsorships for the playhouses built by volunteers.
No Kings Day rallies are planned throughout the Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties region on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in protest of the policies of the Trump Administration. The rallies are being organized by Indivisible and supported by a variety of organizations.
“In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings,” Indivisible stated in a variety of posts.
“Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.”
Please see links to local protests, news coverage in the region.
By Kaiser Permanente
If you’re thinking about skipping the flu shot this year, you may want to reconsider!
Scientists and public health officials are preparing for a potentially active flu season in the United States in the coming months, based on recent trends and updated vaccine formulations. Here’s what they say the public should expect:
OXNARD —Oxnard College is celebrating its 50th anniversary this academic year, reflecting on five decades of empowering students, shaping careers and strengthening Ventura County. The milestone was marked on September 25 with the unveiling of a new campus mural by alumna Elisa Torres and her team of student artists.
Funded by the Oxnard College Foundation, the mural depicts the people, places and traditions that have defined Oxnard and the college’s role in the community over the last half-century. The college first opened its doors in 1975 after local families, community leaders and activists came together to advocate for equitable access to higher education in Oxnard.
In his book “When It All Burns,” Jordan Thomas sets out to answer a straightforward question: What led to today’s megafires? What emerged was an immersive account of a changing world.
CAMARILLO — Excelencia in Education, a national leader in catalyzing institutional transformation for student success in higher education, announced that California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) has earned the new Intentionally Thriving Institution (ITI) designation of the Seal of Excelencia. Cal State Channel Islands is one of the first institutions to earn the ITI designation, which extends impact beyond the educational pathway and recognizes positive impact in preparing students for, and connecting them to, the workforce.
