Category: Youth

Bilingual report — Ribbon cutting ceremony highlights safer pedestrian access to El Rio neighborhood of Oxnard

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VENTURA — Supervisor Kelly Long’s Office and the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA), in collaboration with community partners and local leaders, celebrated the completion of the El Rio Pedestrian Improvements Project with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of El Rio.

The event brought together members of the Rio School District, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP), Nyeland Promise Advisory Board, Gold Coast Transit District, construction teams, residents, and other key stakeholders who contributed to the project’s success. The celebration featured performances from children of the Mariachi Academy and folklórico dancers from the Rio School District, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the El Rio community.

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El Concilio Family Services — Need to renew your permanent resident card?

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OXNARD — Let El Concilio help you stay protected and prepared! *** Nuestro equipo acreditado a nivel federal está listo para ayudarlo. Ofreciendo renovaciones gratuitas de tarjetas de residencia permanente. Renovaciones Solo para Tarjetas que han vencido o vencerán dentro de los próximos 6 meses.

Atentamente,
El Concilio Family Services

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Farm Bureau of Ventura County — Western Center for Ag Health and Safety Training on June 13 for foreman and supervisors Immigration Enforcement in the Agricultural Workplace

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Join the Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety on Friday, June 13th at 9 am to learn how leaders in the agricultural workplace can prepare and respond to immigration enforcement. The primary audience is crew leaders and frontline supervisors. The webinar will be in Spanish with simultaneous English interpretation. This webinar will not be recorded.

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United Way of Ventura County — Stuff the Bus (June 9-July 31) and more news

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United Way of Ventura County’s 2025 Stuff the Bus campaign has officially launched! Help us reach our goal of providing 1,000 backpacks stuffed with essential school supplies for local homeless middle schoolers. Currently, over 8,000 youth have been identified as homeless in Ventura County and over 30% of homeless youth are of middle school age. Listed below are ways you can help this year’s campaign.

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Farm Bureau of Ventura County condemns ICE Actions

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VENTURA COUNTY — The Farm Bureau of Ventura County, representing hundreds of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses across the region, strongly condemns the actions taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Oxnard this morning. Reports indicate that ICE agents attempted to enter a local packing facility without a judicial warrant, conducted operations in agricultural fields, and initiated vehicle stops on roads frequently used by agricultural workers commuting to job sites.

As working producers and stewards of Ventura County’s $2 billion agricultural economy, we know firsthand that our industry cannot function without the contributions of our workforce. These are people we rely on, respect, and work alongside every day. They are skilled professionals who bring deep experience and an extraordinary work ethic to Ventura County’s fields and ranches. Their labor is the reason our region is recognized as one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world.

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LULAC urges public calm as National Guard troops ordered by Trump Administration arrive in Southern California

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“We are very concerned over the inflammatory language that the Trump administration is using to describe the environment in Los Angeles, which its actions have ignited,” said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. “Sending national guard troops into Southern California, without regard for the authority or knowledge of local or state officials, is a deliberate tactic that is only ramping up the anger,” he adds.

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Bilingual report — Celebrate the 4th of July with Ventura’s Street Fair and Parade

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura’s beloved 4th of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem Parade returns on Friday, July 4, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the heart of Downtown Ventura.

Courtesy photo.
The Pushem-Pullem Parade, presented by the Rotary Club of East Ventura, kicks off the celebration at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street in front of Cemetery Memorial Park and flows into the Street Fair. The parade is free and open to all; no registration is required. Families are encouraged to decorate bikes, scooters, strollers, or wagons and join the fun. Please note motorized vehicles are not permitted.

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Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: Anne Ward’s ‘Painted Seasons’

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On view now through July 6, 2025

Anne Ward grew up in the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, wanting to be an artist. She was always painting and drawing and was given her first set of oil paints by her Aunt Peg at age 13. After completing a degree in history at UCLA, Ward went to work as an assistant to the director on films like “Wyatt Earp” and “French Kiss.” While working in France, Anne discovered the thrill of painting outdoors and returned home fully devoted to the pursuit of painting.

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Bilingual report — Twenty-one recruits graduate from Allan Hancock College’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy

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SANTA MARIA — Twenty-one recruits graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy on June 11 during a ceremony at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.

The graduating recruits of Class #25-129 celebrated the completion of an intensive 872-hour California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) course, which prepares them for careers as peace officers. The program emphasizes professionalism, integrity, and public service, with training in community policing, search and seizure, firearms, ethics, investigation procedures, physical training, and emergency vehicle operations.

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Meadowlark Service League distributes more than $315K to local charities

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CAMARILLO — Representatives from 37 charities across Ventura County gathered to celebrate community along with the hard-working ladies of the Meadowlark Service League on Thursday, June 6th at the Las Posas Country Club. 

The charities that are supported by the Meadowlark Service League impact the elderly, youth/children, the arts, the homeless, the disabled, veterans, hospice, health, feeding the needy, community services, and education. In addition, $15,000 in scholarships will be given to new and continuing college students. 

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Bilingual report —City of Ventura encourages community input on future of Downtown through Main Street Moves questionnaire

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VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites community members to help shape the future of downtown by participating in the Main Street Moves Questionnaire, available online through June 30, 2025. The questionnaire offers a valuable opportunity for residents, property owners, business owners, and visitors to share input on the future design and use of Main Street.

The questionnaire follows the overwhelmingly positive turnout at the Main Street Moves Visioning Session hosted on May 31, 2025. More than 100 residents participated in the event, offering thoughtful ideas and feedback on potential streetscape design improvements, accessibility upgrades, landscaping, public art, and downtown programming.

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Ventura Music Festival — Calling all songwriters!, more news, events

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VMF’s Songcraft Summer Camp
July 14-18, 2025
Ages 12-19
Ojai Underground

This five-day immersive summer camp introduces students to the creative and professional world of the music business. Each day focuses on a different aspect of being an artist—from songwriting and performance to branding and production. Students will collaborate, create original music, explore recording techniques, build stage presence, and leave with real-world tools to share their voice with the world. The week culminates in a live performance.
Learn More

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Cloverlane Foundation launches Nurses Project for students at Allan Hancock College

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SANTA MARIA — The nonprofit Cloverlane Foundation announced the launch of the Nurses Project, a new program to provide textbooks and other educational resources for nursing students with the initial savings for students of $35,000. Allan Hancock College is the first school selected to participate in what is intended to become a multi-college program.

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Grace Housing Inc. to announce 15 local nonprofits receiving funds during its 10th annual grant recipient reception

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The reception celebrates the 2025 recipients of Grace Housing Inc.’s charitable grants, which empower local organizations to meet the community’s most urgent needs. Since its inception in 2015, GHI has distributed over $1.25 million in charitable grants, continuing the legacy of service established by Grace Lutheran Church, which donated the land that made this mission possible.

Grace Housing Inc. operates with a commitment to sustaining and expanding the impact of Grace Lutheran’s charitable work. Beyond managing affordable housing properties, GHI actively seeks to fund initiatives that address Santa Barbara’s community needs. Its charitable grant program supports organizations focused on essential services, including food security, healthcare access, and housing solutions for vulnerable populations. By reinvesting rental income from its properties, Grace Housing Inc. maintains a steady source of funding that ensures long-term support for Santa Barbara’s most pressing social challenges.

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Museum of Ventura County — It’s beginning to feel a lot like Summer!

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NOW OPEN – Picturing the Past: How Photography Tells Our Stories

How do we truly know what happened in the past? History is a collection of stories—interwoven, evolving, and shaped by the evidence left behind. Photographs are one of the many tools that help us understand the past, capturing faces, places, and moments frozen in time. But do they always tell the full story?
This engaging exhibition explores the power of photography to record our history. Through images, artifacts, and interactive displays, visitors will discover how historians use photographs to uncover hidden narratives, challenge assumptions, and bring history to life. Join us in exploring the early history of photography in Ventura County, how photos shape our understanding of the past, and how the photos we take today tell tomorrow’s story. More information HERE!

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CSUCI Entrepreneurship & Small Business Institute helps launch award-winning student startups

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s director of CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Entrepreneurship & Small Business Institute (ESBI), Associate Professor of Management Maria Ballesteros-Sola helps students discover their inner entrepreneur.

“Our mission is to nurture entrepreneurship in our students – many who don’t see themselves as entrepreneurs, but they are running these successful side hustles,” Ballesteros-Sola said. “They’ll say ‘I’m helping my parents with the family business,’ and I will tell them ‘You are being very entrepreneurial.’”

The ESBI marked several successes during the spring semester, not the least of which was winning an award at the New Venture Fair held at Cal Lutheran University in May. CSUCI Environmental Science & Resource Management (ESRM) major Austin Dent won a $1,000 award in the “Startup for Good” category for a nonprofit he launched called CalThrive Community Agriculture. CSUCI was among 65 competing teams from local high schools and colleges.

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Transformative youth program receives $75,000 boost from Ventura County Credit Union

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VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) continues its milestone “Year of Giving” with its 4th $75,000 donation in celebration of its 75th anniversary. The latest organization supported through this momentous giving campaign is the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation (VCFJCF) — the charitable arm of the Ventura County Family Justice Center (VCJFC) — who was presented with the check at the foundation’s annual Voices of Hope gala, held on May 29, 2025, at The Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark.

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Rotary Club of Montecito honors 11 SBCC students with scholarships

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MONTECITO — The Rotary Club of Montecito has awarded scholarships to 11 high-achieving students at Santa Barbara City College studying for vocational and technical careers.

Rotary club members presented the Career Technical and Vocational Scholarships during a ceremony on April 15 that included remarks from club President Kim Stone, Rotary Club of Montecito Foundation President Tony Morris, several SBCC faculty and students, and SBCC Foundation CEO Bobbi Abram. The scholarships honored students for their accomplishments and aspirations in diverse technical and vocational fields, including nursing, early childhood education, journalism and construction technology.

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New Junior Lifeguard training programs at the Simi Valley and Yarrow YMCAs

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Those interested in becoming lifeguards can take the first step by enrolling in one of the YMCA’s new Junior Guards programs. The programs provide an introduction to basic lifeguard and leadership skills training. Two summer sessions are available and take place at the Simi Valley Family YMCA and the Yarrow Family YMCA (in Westlake Village).

Participants learn water safety, hands-on CPR, first aid, emergency response and small craft and open water safety. Classes are three times a week. An Intro to Junior Guards program is for ages 9 through 12 years old and a Junior Guards program is for ages 13 through 15.

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Lumina Alliance opens girst transitional housing site for survivors in North County

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This milestone will be marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Paso Robles. The event is hosted in partnership with the Paso Robles & Templeton Chamber of Commerce and will include a brief program, a tour of the site, and recognition of key community partners.

The property was originally donated to Lumina Alliance in 2000 by Noreen Martin, her late husband Tom Martin, of Martin Resorts, and their family. Their generous gift laid the foundation for what has now become a vital resource for survivors in the North County. Ms. Martin will be attending the ceremony and offering a short speech in honor of this transformational milestone.

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Museum of Ventura County — Experience Art & History: Join us for a special opening night of two new exhibits!

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Picturing the Past, How Photography Tells Our Stories invites you to reflect on how we come to understand history. Photographs are among the many tools we use to piece together the past—capturing faces, places, and fleeting moments. But do they tell the whole story? This exhibition explores the evolving, interwoven nature of historical narratives and the role of photography in shaping what we remember.

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Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Celebrate Summer, Skip the Plastic

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From ocean gyres to grocery aisles, plastic is all around us, and it puts our communities and planet at risk. This summer, we invite you to connect with local activists, explore bold solutions, and take action to reduce your plastic footprint. Join our June and July events at CEC’s Environmental Hub and kick off the season in plastic-free style!

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A decade of HOPE: Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation celebrates 10 years and raises record-breaking $305,827 for Camp HOPE

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VENTURA — A decade of healing, hope, and resilience was celebrated under the stars on May 29th, as the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation (VCFJC Foundation) set a new fundraising record at its annual Voices of Hope celebration. This year’s theme, Celebrating a Decade of Camp Hope, raised $305,827 to support Camp HOPE along with a generous surprise $75,000 from Ventura County Credit Union to celebrate their 75th anniversary. VCFJC Foundation was one of 10 organizations selected to receive this generous donation. During the celebration three community leaders were honored for their contributions to family justice in Ventura County – Greg Totten, Dr.Graal Diaz and Reins of H.O.P.E. The event brought together over 230 community members, leaders, and supporters for an evening filled with purpose, celebration, and camp-themed fun.

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UCSB — The Current — ‘The atmosphere’s growing thirst is making droughts worse, even where it rains’ and more news, events

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Warmer air can suck up more moisture in dry regions and dump more rain in wet regions. New research reveals that the atmosphere’s drying capacity is outpacing increases in rainfall.

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Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Our Youth Fellowship Quinceañera

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As a supporter, you know that we care deeply about investing in the next generation of movement leaders.

And next month, we’re proud to share that we’ll be kicking off our 15th year of the CAUSE Summer Youth Fellowship!

Consider making a gift of $15, $25, $50, $100, or more in honor of our Summer Youth Fellowships Quincenera!

Some of you have been building this program with us since the very beginning. Some of you know our graduates well or are alums yourselves!

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FREE pet adoptions this Saturday only! Camarillo & Simi Valley Shelters

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FREE ADOPTIONS this Saturday!  Ventura County Animal Services is participating in California Adopt-a-Pet Day, a statewide pet adoption event organized by CalAnimalsand sponsored by the ASPCA! The event is this Saturday, June 7th, 2025 at both the Camarillo and Simi Valley Animal Shelters from 1:00pm – 6:00pm.

All adopted animals will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before going home.  Each adopter will receive a special FREE Adoption Gift Bagcourtesy of Supervisor Janice Parvin!

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2025 marks Santa Barbara Earthquake Centennial Commemoration to be held through September

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SANTA BARBARA — At 6:44 am on June 29, 1925, a powerful earthquake devastated Santa Barbara, taking the lives of eleven people and destroying or damaging much of downtown. It was a pivotal moment in the City’s history that brought the community together, sharing resources and space to support one another through the aftermath, and out of the debris emerged the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture of today’s Santa Barbara.

Many City residents spent the rest of the summer sleeping outdoors in fear of the aftershocks that rolled periodically through the city. Meanwhile, City officials looked for ways to use this tragedy to improve Santa Barbara. Stricter building codes were enforced on new construction, and commercial buildings on State Street were required to conform to a Spanish-Moorish Revival style of architecture. The headline of the day was, “Spanish Architecture to Rise from Ruins.” The results of their efforts are evident in the distinctive look that has made Santa Barbara a popular tourist destination ever since.

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Registration is open for free YMCA Safety Around Water Classes

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Registration is open for the YMCA’s Safety Around Water (SAW) classes. The free, seven-session program provides water safety and basic swimming skills to youth and adults ages 5 and older with little or no water experience.

Weekly classes run from June 16 through August 9. Lessons are held during the late afternoon and early evening. SAW classes take place in the Simi Valley Family YMCA (3200 Cochran Street) and Yarrow Family YMCA (31105 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village) indoor swimming pools.

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Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Cypress Place: Pre-Applications Available Now | Cypress Place: Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles ahora

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Pre-applications available now through June 24 at pshhc.org/CYP
Pre-solicitudes disponibles ahora hasta el 24 de junio en pshhc.org/CYP

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May 30 Palomazo Highlights in Oxnard

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La Marcha Sound
This past Friday, we wrapped up the 4th Annual Palomazo Music Series with an unforgettable performance by La Marcha. It was truly epic—filled with incredible conversations, heartfelt stories, and even a little dancing! Huge thanks to everyone who came out and helped make this final Palomazo so special.

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County of Santa Barbara June 2025 Newsletter

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Juneteenth in Santa Barbara County: Gather, Reflect, Celebrate
Discover local Juneteenth events that commemorate history and celebrate Black culture.
Click to find events happening near you and be part of the celebration.

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Women’s Economic Ventures celebrates collective impact at community event and launches 2024 Impact Report

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SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) brought together WEV clients, elected officials, donors and local partners at its Community Impact Event on May 22, 2025 at The HUB in downtown Santa Barbara. The event celebrated the transformative achievements of 2024 and unveiled the newly released WEV 2024 Impact Report. Highlighted was WEV’s far-reaching support of women entrepreneurs and a reaffirmation of its mission to advance economic equity across the Central Coast.

“Economic equity is about building healthy and thriving communities for everyone,” said Irene Kelly, WEV’s Associate Director of Community Engagement, as she opened the program. “Our clients remind us that feeling financially stable, confident and excited about the future is a shared dream we can achieve together.”

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UCSB — The Current — UC Santa Barbara commencement events to celebrate 7,460 graduates for 2024–2025

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More than 7,400 students — a combination of both undergraduate and graduate — have declared their candidacy to earn degrees in 2025. And they’ll all be honored across nine official events over eight days.

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Ventura County Office of Education — Inspiring Stories form the Ventura County Class of 2025

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The students graduating from Ventura County’s high schools in 2025 are entering a world full of uncertainty. Our nation’s political divisions seem to be at an all-time high, the economy is experiencing wild fluctuations, and the relentless march of artificial intelligence is reshaping the job market in ways we’re only beginning to understand. At the same time, our educational institutions from preschool to higher education are facing threats to their funding like never before.

Despite these challenges, our graduating seniors are full of promise and possess an intense commitment to making a positive impact on our nation and our world.

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Mystic Whaler welcomes graduating Oxnard Union High School District seniors for a special photo opportunity

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OXNARD — The educational tall ship Mystic Whaler was honored to have welcomed graduating seniors from the Oxnard Union High School District to Mystic Whaler for a Class of 2025 portrait. The students arrived in their graduation finery and posed for a variety of photos to celebrate the graduates of 2025. Accompanying them, and proudly standing beside them, was OUHSD Superintendent Dr. Tom McCoy.

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Nate’s Place awarded MHSA funding from Ventura County Behavioral Health to support teen-centered initiatives

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VENTURA COUNTY — Nate’s Place – A Wellness and Recovery Center (Nate’s Place), a 501c3 nonprofit whose unique “recovery recipe” program is designed to support teens and young adults at risk of substance use and/or mental health challenges, is giving its teen drop-in center a new boost of programming and activities designed to provide enrolled teens with well-rounded mental health and wellness support after Ventura County Behavioral Health awarded the nonprofit a 12-month contract, effective July 1, 2025, toward this effort.

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