Category: Youth

Nov. 2 — Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County Hosts ‘Big Little Adventure’ at The Turtle and Tortoise Rescue

ARROYO GRANDE — Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County (BBBS SLO) is excited to announce a special event, the “Big Little Adventure,” taking place on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, at The Turtle and Tortoise Rescue in Arroyo Grande at 11am. This unique outing invites “Bigs” (mentors) with their “Littles” (mentees) out for a day of adventure, learning, and connection in support of mentorship. School-based program participants are also invited to participate with their families. 

The event will offer an engaging experience where children can explore the fascinating world of turtles and tortoises, participate in fun educational activities, and enjoy the beauty of nature. With a dedicated team of volunteers and staff, participants will learn about the importance of wildlife conservation while building lasting relationships through mentorship. 

Nov. 2 — 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day – ‘Meet The Hands That Feed You,’ to be held countywide

VENTURA — More than 15 Ventura County farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public to experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours during the 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nov. 3 — Studio Spotlight: InnoVision Workshop — Nicho-making with Elisa Torres

Explore the art of nicho-making with Elisa Torres, a featured artist in our InnoVision exhibition. In this workshop, you’ll create a nicho, a decorative shadow box rooted in Mexican/Latinx culture, often used to honor loved ones, particularly during Día de los Muertos.

Nov. 7 — Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College’s dance program hosts 2024 ‘Dimensions in Dance’ performances

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s dance program is inviting the community to its annual Dimensions in Dance performances on November 7-9 at 7 p.m. in Boyd Concert Hall (bldg. F) at the college’s Santa Maria campus.

The 2024 program will include a variety of dance styles, including contemporary, hip-hop, salsa and musical theatre, all inspired by the theme “Discovery.”

“The students were encouraged to interpret the theme in their own way, including drawing on their personal experiences and their journeys of self-discovery,” said Hancock Dance Program Professor Sydney Sorenson.

Nov. 7 — CLU to present ‘The Doctor in Spite of Himself’ Prescribes Laughter

THOUSAND OAKS —The French playwright Molière mocked bourgeois pretentiousness and the medical profession over 350 years ago in “The Doctor in Spite of Himself.” These timeless themes shine through in California Lutheran University’s Theatre and Dance Department student production. Premiering Nov. 7, the play runs through Nov. 17, with performances Thursday through Saturday evenings and a Sunday matinee. Performances are in the Black Box Studio Theatreon the Cal Lutheran campus.

Nov. 9-10 — ‘Art Comes Alive’ to be held at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum

Art Comes Alive is one of our most popular and fun annual events, transforming our galleries into an interactive experience where actors and volunteers portray characters both real and imagined right from our art collection, bringing the art quite literally to life. This event provides an engaging way for visitors of all ages to explore maritime history in a unique and exciting way not replicable through an ordinary tour. Be sure to bring the whole family for photo stations, games, prizes and so much more!

Update, Event postponed due to Mountain Fire. Nov. 9 through Dec. 13 — CSUCI’s All-Alumni Exhibition proves you can do plenty with an Art major

CAMARILLO — Fresh off the University’s first-ever Homecoming Week, CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI’s) Department of Art History will continue the celebration of school spirit with “Chasing Echoes: 21 Years of Creative Chaos,” the second-ever all-alumni art exhibition, which will be on display from Nov. 9 through Dec. 13 in the Napa Hall Art Gallery. A public reception will be held on Nov. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Featuring a variety of artwork and a diverse range of media, the exhibition includes paintings, sculptures, photography, animations, comics, installations, video and film production, and professional and commercial design-work. Community members, aspiring artists, and anyone with an interest in art are encouraged to attend.

Nov. 13 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents bestselling author and essayist Anne Lamott in a talk titled ‘Somehow: Thoughts on Love’ at the Arlington, Theatre

SANTA BARBARA – UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Anne Lamott in a talk titled Somehow: Thoughts on Love on Wednesday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre. An enchanting, lyrical writer, Anne Lamott takes on the most complex, intimate parts of life with grace and precision. Her novels and memoirs have won the most sought-after literary prizes and her latest book, Somehow: Thoughts on Love, explores the struggles of love and the transformative power of intimacy. Lamott’s trademark honesty and humor will be on full display as she discusses finding love late in life, the changing ways we love our children and the ways love can keep us going in a painful world.

Nov. 14 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Disney’s Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert at the Arlington Theater

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Disney’s Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert on Thursday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. Sing along with Disney’s Academy Award-winning film Encanto as the magical tale of the extraordinary Madrigal family unfolds on the big screen.

Nov. 16 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present free Holiday Market Showcasing Lynda Weinman and other Women Artisans of Santa Barbara

Kick off your holiday shopping with a curated shopping event featuring one-of-a-kind items with an emphasis on art, design and style by local creative women who have taken their art to the next level. Featured are 3D printed designs by Lynda Weinman, leather handbags from Barbara Flanagan, puzzles and notecards by the collage artist Athena Philippides, and edible delights from Marley Confections. 

Nov. 17 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art presents Parallel Stories: Breaking the Cycle/Rewriting the Story With Alex Espinoza and Narsiso Martinez

Artist Narsiso Martinez and writer Alex Espinoza share their intersecting stories of family, place, identity, escape, and witness. In equally powerful narrative drawings and narrated words, these two artists create connections in situations and generations where disconnections often speak louder than truth or tenderness.

Book signing to follow.

Parallel Stories is a literary and performing arts series that pairs art and artists with award-winning authors and performers of regional, national, and international acclaim. This series functions as a multidisciplinary lens through which to view the Museum’s collection and special exhibitions.

Nov. 22, 30; Dec. 4, 6 — Museum of Ventura County announces upcoming Sip ‘n Shop and Small Business Saturday events

Sip ‘n Shop Friday, November 22 3 pm – 6 pm MVC members receive a 10% discount @Agriculture Museum Holiday Storytime and Excerpts – Join us for an interactive holiday preview of “The Nutcracker” by Ventura County Balletfrom 4 pm –…

Through Nov. 23 — CSUCI Performing Arts presents the Tony Award-winning musical fairytale ‘Into the Woods’

CAMARILLO — Fairytale favorites like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel come together with a witch and two princes in composer Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) through Nov. 23.

The curtain opens at 8 p.m. in the Malibu Hall Theater for the Tony Award-winning musical, which is a favorite of Theater Lecturer Laura Covault. Covault is co-directing the show with CSUCI 2023 Performing Arts alumnus Griffin Giboney.

“I thought it would be really great to challenge us to do a Sondheim musical because it’s so nuanced,” Covault said. “The melodies are unique and difficult. If I could expose each one of my theater students to a Sondheim musical, I would.”

Nov. 23 — Allan Hancock College student choir to host holiday concert

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s talented student choir will kick off the holiday season with a festive all-ages concert.

The choir will perform a selection of popular holiday songs on Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. in Boyd Concert Hall (bldg. F) at the college’s Santa Maria campus.

“The students are very excited about the concert and the choir has never sounded better,” said Hancock music professor and choir director Nichole Dechaine. “We can’t wait to bring some holiday cheer to our community.”

Nov. 26 — Interfaith Thanksgiving Service to be held in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — Our annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held on Tuesday, November 26th, at 7:00 p.m. at the historic, downtown First United Methodist Church. This year’s theme is“Transforming Trauma into Hope.”

The Greater Santa Barbara Area Clergy Association includes clergy and religious leaders from over 100 local faith communities. We come together for an evening of song, prayer, and praise to celebrate and reflect upon unity, peace, hope, and blessings from our diverse religious traditions.

Dec. 3 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Medal of Freedom recipient and Homeboy Industries founder Father Gregory Boyle at UCSB Campbell Hall

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Father Gregory Boyle speaking on the topic of Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times on Tuesday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Campbell Hall.Over the past 30 years, Father Gregory Boyle has transformed thousands of lives through his work as the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention program in the world.

Dec. 5 — LEAP to hold ribbon cutting ceremony for Lompoc’s Children’s Center

LOMPOC — LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner. will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for Lompoc Children’s Center at 11:30 .m. Thursday, Dec. 5 at 500 E. North Ave, Lompoc.

Program

11:30am: Speeches and Ribbon Cutting. Speakers include LEAP’s Executive Director Lori Goodman, Trinity Church of the Nazarene’s Lead Pastor Travis Caldeira, and elected officials.

12:00pm: BBQ Lunch and Children’s Center Tours

Dec. 5 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the West Coast Premiere of Dorrance Dance’s The Nutcracker Suite at the Arlington Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Dorrance Dance’s The Nutcracker Suite on Thursday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. Tap and jazz take on Tchaikovsky in Dorrance Dance’s vibrant version of this beloved holiday classic. The renowned tap company boogies, slides, struts and dives through the magical story of a young girl and her fantastical Christmas adventure. Taking their cue from Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s extraordinary reinterpretation of The Nutcracker Suite, Michelle Dorrance and co-choreographers Hannah Heller and Josette Wiggan transform the Sugar Plum Fairy into a slinky Sugar Rum Cherry, while the “March of the Toy Soldiers” becomes a swinging “Peanut Brittle Brigade,” featuring live music.

Dec. 6 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents bluegrass guitar phenomenon Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway at UCSB Campbell Hall

SANTA BARBARA —  UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway on Friday, December 6 at 8:00 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. A multi-talented songwriter and vocalist, Molly Tuttle’s spellbinding lyrics and exquisitely-crafted sound have garnered her a Best New Artist Grammy nomination and unprecedented back-to-back wins for Best Bluegrass Album in 2023 and 2024. She is lauded as “one of the world’s best guitar players” by American Songwriter and is the first woman ever named Guitar Player of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Together with her band Golden Highway, Tuttle weaves modern folk, bluegrass and Americana into an eclectic yet seamless musical fabric that stretches from Del McCoury to Jefferson Airplane and beyond.

Dec. 7 — 3rd Annual Holidays In The Village, A European Marketplace to be held in Thousand Oaks

Visitors can shop for unique holiday gifts from 60 vendors in a festive, family atmosphere. The Marketplace features traditional European foods and beverages including bratwurst, soft pretzels, Aebleskiver and other pastries, warm mulled wine, apple cider and hot cocoa.

Dec. 7 — Have Breakfast with Santa And Shop For Christmas Trees At Simi Valley Family YMCA

SIMI VALLEY — The Simi Valley Family YMCA will host its annual Breakfast With Santa on Saturday, December 7, featuring a fresh-cooked breakfast, hot cocoa, photos with Santa, a snow play area and holiday crafts. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Families can then select a newly-arrived Christmas tree at the YMCA’s Christmas tree lot operated by the Simi Valley Y’s Men’s Club.

The breakfast costs $20 for YMCA members and $25 for nonmembers, with children 3 and under admitted free. Advance registration is required at www.sevymca.org/breakfast-santa.

Dec. 7 — Music Academy of the West’s Mariposa Concert Series Continues with JACK Quartet, other upcoming events

SANTA BARBARA —The Music Academy of the West’s 2024-25 Mariposa Concert Series, a collection of concerts and experiences held in the intimate Hahn Hall, on the Music Academy’s lush Miraflores campus kicked off on October 5 with “African Queens,” celebrating the legacy of seven revered African Queens, featuring soprano Karen Slack and pianist Kevin Miller. The series continues on December 7, with one of contemporary music’s indispensable ensembles, JACK Quartet. 

Dec. 7 — European-Style Holiday Marketplace Returns to Thousand Oaks for Third Year

Sixty vendors will offer unique gifts ranging from handcrafted candy and crepe paper flowers to organic seasonings, glass art, ornaments and curated gift baskets.

“Holidays in the Village is where to find that perfect gift for a special family member or friend,” said Matt Midura, event co-chair.

Dec. 7 — Bilingual report — SBCC Extended Learning presenting 2024 Arts & Crafts Fair

SANTA BARBARA —  Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, more than 50 arts and crafts faculty and students from the SBCC School of Extended Learning will be selling their wares at Wake Campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Dec. 13 — British Actor Duane Henry Joins KEYT-TV Anchors CJ Ward and Beth Farnsworth to Host Unity Shoppe’s Annual Holiday Telethon

SANTA BARBARA — The Unity Shoppe’s 38th Annual Holiday Celebration and Telethon, held on December 13, 5-8 p.m. and will be aired on KEY-TV. The telethon will feature appearances by Kenny Loggins, Brad Paisley, and Michael McDonald, along with other celebrity surprises.

Joining KEYT-TV News Anchors CJ Ward and Beth Farnsworth as a host this year is British actor and Santa Barbara local Duane Henry. Duane is best known for his roles in “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012), “Captain Marvel” (2019), and “NCIS” (2016-2018). 

Dec. 14 — Ventura Music Festival — The King’s Singers “Christmas Time is Here”

The King’s Singers

“Christmas Time is Here”

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Concert at 4:00 PM (Doors 3 PM)

Ventura Center for Spiritual Living

101 South Laurel Street, Ventura

Join us for a holiday concert this Dec 14th! The King’s Singers have set the gold standard in a cappella singing on the world’s greatest stages for over fifty years.

Dec. 14 — Ventura County Community Development Corp. (VCCDC) announces last Homebuyer Workshop for 2024

In this interactive session, you’ll gain valuable insights on key topics, including:

Understanding the do’s and don’ts of homebuying
Exploring financing options and mortgage types
Learning about down payment assistance programs
Managing your finances effectively
Building or improving your credit
Tips for navigating the real estate market

Dec. 14, 15 — Santa Barbara Festival Ballet Presents the 49th Anniversary of The Nutcracker

SANTA BARBARA — Experience the magic of the holiday season as the Santa Barbara Festival Ballet proudly presents the 49th anniversary of The Nutcracker at the historic Arlington Theatre! This year’s production of the timeless holiday classic blends the elegance of Tchaikovsky’s cherished score with a fresh, modern energy and visual brilliance.

Audiences will be dazzled by mesmerizing costumes and radiant stage designs that bring to life the enchanting world of The Nutcracker. Our internationally renowned guest artists Alexandra Hutchinson and Kouadio Davis, both from the prestigious Dance Theatre of Harlem, will grace the stage, showcasing their breathtaking skill and artistry. The powerful live symphony orchestra, conducted by Elise Unruh, will immerse the audience in the thunderous soundscape that enhances every magical moment.

Dec. 17 — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors to discuss Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds (TRUTH) Act Community Forum on immigration

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara County residents are invited to participate in a community forum about a California law called the TRUTH Act and the access local governments may provide to federal immigration authorities. The meeting’s original scheduled date has been postponed by one week for the Board of Supervisors meeting agenda management.

The TRUTH Act Forum will take place during the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the County Administration Building Board Hearing Room at 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara. The public may participate virtually, or in person. Information on methods of Participation can be found here.

Dec. 17 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Pink Martini’s 30th Anniversary Tour Holiday Show featuring China Forbes at the Arlington Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Portland’s “little orchestra” Pink Martini featuring China Forbes performing a joyful Holiday Show on Tuesday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. Pink Martini brings its signature blend of jazz, classical and pop music. With a dozen musicians and songs in more than a dozen languages, “this multi-denominational, multicultural jubilee overflows with enough holiday spirit to warm your entire family” (NPR). Performing classics like “White Christmas” alongside Chinese New Year tunes and a samba-inspired version of “Auld Lang Syne,” as well as fan favorites from the band’s 11 studio albums, this joyous, globetrotting concert is sure to make you merry.

Through Dec. 24 — This Holiday Season There’s Something for Everyone at The Collection in Oxnard

OXNARD — The first crisp days of fall bring the air of anticipation about the upcoming holiday season, and The Collection at RiverPark has plenty of festive activities to look forward to. From The Annual Tree Lighting Celebration and Photos with Santa to the Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt, Merry Vibes Market, and of course Black Friday shopping there’s plenty of fun for everyone.

Through Jan. 1, 2025 — Celebrate The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year With Festive Holiday Events & Sun-kissed Seaside TIde-Ings at Ventura Harbor Village

VENTURA — Immerse in the wonder and spirit of the holiday SEAson at Ventura Harbor Village, a seaside playground along Central California’s scenic Highway 101.  With a spectacular line-up of 2024 events, paired to sparkling seasonal décor, come celebrate by the water!  Enjoy  Small Business Saturday on November 30, the sensational Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks on December 13 & 14, Santa Paddle 2024 on December 21, followed by the family-friendly Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace 2024, December 21.  venturaharborvillage.com/events

Continuing — Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program to present Children & Teens Grief Support Groups

VENTURA COUNTY — Many children and teens have experienced the death of a loved one, This is a difficult time for anyone grieving a loss. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program provides two free support groups, Good Grief Club (ages 6-10) and Young Teen Group (ages 11-15). These groups will run from October 5th through November 9th on Thursdays 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. For reservations, contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited.

Continuing — Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice presenting Free Grief & Bereavement Support Groups

CAMARILLO — Bereavement counseling can offer the support you need to help you through your grief. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program offers both individual (one-on-one) counseling with trained bereavement counselors/therapists and group counseling.  

All support groups are free for the community.

Continuing — Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program to present new Men’s Grief Support Group

Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program announces a new Men’s Grief Support Group. The group is for men grieving the death of a loved one. It will meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, via Zoom. If interested, please contact us at 805-389-6870. For more information, visit LMVNA.org

Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program support groups are committed to maintaining an open, accepting, confidential atmosphere. We also offer individual, couple, and family grief counseling in English and Spanish. 

Continuing — Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice offering free monthly classes for those with Type 2 and Pre-Diabetes

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice offers free monthly classes for those with Type 2 and Pre-Diabetes. Learn about meal planning, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, medication management, and new developments for living with diabetes.

Continuing — Livingston’s Grief & Bereavement Program to present Free Grief & Bereavement Support for Children

Livingston’s Grief & Bereavement Program is offering a weekly Good Grief Club to children ages 6 – 11 who have lost a loved one. This session will focus on grief through cinematherapy. The club runs every Tuesday from 5:30 – 7pm through May 30th.

Museum of Ventura County — Happy New Year – check out what we are up to in 2024!

Autism Society Ventura County Presents: Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show

Opening Reception January 11
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura

Museum of Ventura County welcomes Autism Society Ventura County’s “Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show” January 11 – 14 from 11 am – 5 pm daily with a special opening reception on January 11 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Explore the imaginative works of 43 neurodiverse artists of all ages. Reserve your spot HERE and immerse yourself in creativity!

Bilingual report — Volunteer Opportunity with Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is looking for new volunteers and docents for the 2024 year! We are hosting a six weeks docent training starting on January 13th. Contact SBMM’s Guest Services manager at volunteer@sbmm.org for more information.

CSUCI Model UN Team takes top honor plus six more awards at Seattle competition

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Political Science major Miguel “Miggy” Aguilar will never forget his 21st birthday speaking at a Model UN (United Nations) regional competition in Seattle.

“I feel like most people wouldn’t be stoked talking in front of 100 people on their birthday,” Aguilar said. “But part of the reason I started to do Model UN is because it’s the best thing you can do for yourself to expose yourself to other perspectives.”

Another reason he won’t forget his 21st birthday at the Model UN conference in November is because CSUCI’s team took the conference’s top award, “Outstanding Delegation,” along with six more awards.

The team won four “Distinguished Delegate” awards and two awards for research papers at the 2023 Northwest Model United Nations (NWMUN) – Seattle competition.

“I’m just enormously proud of them that their preparation really paid off this time,” said Professor of Political Science Andrea Grove, who coordinates Model UN with Political Science Lecturer Chris Scholl. “They’re always working hard to prepare, but it doesn’t always play out. This time it did, with their writing and their speaking and their confidence level.”

Year in Review from People’s Self-Help Housing!

Dear Friend,
This year was marked with so much success because of strong partnerships, faithful support and visionary investments from people like you. Thank you for every part you played through your advocacy, goodwill and generous support. You made stories like this possible.

People’s Self-Help Housing Receives Accolade for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design

CENTRAL COAST — This month, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) have unveiled their new Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Silver award at their corporate headquarters in San Luis Obispo.  

Achieved in collaboration with In Balance Green Consulting and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), this certification recognizes properties built with exceptional sustainable construction practices. The goal of LEED is to create ‘better buildings that promote sustainability, enhance individual human health, and protect and restore water resources’.  

Space Enthusiasts Uncover Best Places To View A Rocket Launch In Lompoc

LOMPOC — Lompoc is just minutes from some of the most spectacular rocket launches on California’s Central Coast! As the primary spaceport on the West Coast, Vandenberg Space Force Base is just minutes from Lompoc, making our valley and the surrounding area the best place to view rocket launches. The launches take place from several Space Launch Complex launch sites (SLC’s).

As Vandenberg is an active space force base, only members of the military can view the launch on the base. However, we have put together a list of several great sites where you’ll be able to view the launch action.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

Santa Paula is on the front lines of a fight against a deadly disease targeting citrus trees. The Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner is calling on the community to help stop the spread of Huanglongbing (HLB) a disease vectored by the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP).

Residents in quarantine zones are asked to not move any plant material – this includes fruit, leaves, branches, and even dirt. The Ventura County Agricultural Comissioner/Weights & Measures Department is working with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to mitigate the situation.

The disease is not harmful to humans but it is detrimental to citrus trees. Right now the goal is to slow the spread to give science and research time to develop possible treatments.

Call the CDFA pest hotline at 1-(800)-491-1899 if your trees are showing symptoms of ACP/ HLB and they can arrange to have your tree tested.

Want to learn more? Take a moment to watch the video on how HLB affects local citrus.

Artwork by Oak Park Sixth Grader Selected by Metropolitan Water District to Appear in 2024 Calendar

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Artwork by 11-year-old Jessica Joel, a sixth grader at Medea Creek Middle School in Oak Park, was selected by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to appear in its 2024 Water Calendar and digital library.

MWD provides water to 19 million people in Southern California. Students throughout MWD’s service area, including those in the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD), had the opportunity to submit original water-related artwork to MWD’s “Being Water Wise Is…” Student Art Calendar Contest earlier this year. This is the second year that TWSD participated in the calendar contest and the second year that an Oak Park student’s artwork was selected for the calendar.

Jessica was a fifth grader at Red Oak Elementary at the time of the contest. “I wanted to show the difference between conserving water versus not conserving it,” says Jessica. “We have the power to either destroy this planet and waste water or save it by conserving it. I save water by taking short showers and reusing water to water my plants.”

“Jess’ inspiration towards saving water had an impact on all of us and made the whole family cognizant to use water mindfully,” says Roslyn Thomas, Jessica’s mom.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Major Storm Impacting Santa Barbara County

Heavy rain is expected countywide Wednesday, December 20 through early Friday, December 22, 2023. Impacts are expected across the entire County with heightened risk expected in south Santa Barbara County foothills/mountains.

The National Weather Service has issued a FLOOD WATCH for all of Santa Barbara County until Friday morning, December 22, 2023. Stay away from rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Those living in areas prone to flooding, should stay aware of changing conditions and be prepared to take protective actions, such as going to higher ground, such as a second floor. 

The National Weather Service is also advising of a chance of thunderstorms, and a remote risk of small, short-lived small tornadoes, during a tornado watch or warning, the best course of action is to get to the innermost room of your home on the bottom floor, away from windows.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Trustees pass resolution in support of local Allan Hancock College

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees voiced their support for the college’s ongoing efforts to offer four-year degrees under the state’s Community College baccalaureate program. The trustees unanimously passed a resolution in favor of the district’s application to create a four-year degree in applied professional studies at their Dec. 19 regular meeting.

“This degree program would expand educational access and opportunity for our students and meet regional workforce needs,” said AHC Board President Greg Pensa. “This is exactly what we mean when we talk about changing the odds for our students.”