Category: Youth

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Foundation awards $725,000 at annual scholarship ceremony

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Hundreds of students and donors gathered at the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium on May 21 to celebrate the Allan Hancock College Foundation’s annual?scholarship?awards.

This year, 409 students received 578?scholarships totaling $725,000— the most awarded in the foundation’s 49-year history, and a 20 percent increase over the previous year.

“Scholarships do more than help students pay for college. They create opportunities, remove barriers, and remind students that their community believes in their potential,” said Jon Hooten, Ph.D., executive director of college advancement and the Allan Hancock College Foundation. “It’s inspiring to see so many students recognized for their dedication, perseverance, and academic success.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Carbon markets underestimate the risks U.S. forests face from climate change’ and other events, stories

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2026 • Comments Off

Wildfire, drought and insect infestations are causing forests to emit more greenhouse gasses than carbon-credit systems currently account for.

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Health Science Major Bryan Magana to pursue a future in cancer research and medicine

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Epidemiologist. Oncologist. Physician-scientist. CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Health Science major Bryan Magana has big plans for the future.

Magana, who will graduate from CSUCI on Saturday, May 23, also minored in Chemistry and Biology. In the Fall, he will attend Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to pursue a Master of Health Science degree in Epidemiology. From there, he plans to earn an M.D./Ph.D. and ultimately build a career that combines treating cancer patients with conducting oncology research.

A first-generation college student and the son of Mexican immigrants, Magana grew up in Fillmore, California, where he excelled academically and athletically at Fillmore High School. Although he was accepted to several California State University campuses, he chose CSUCI because of its small class sizes, affordability, and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with faculty.

“I know all of my professors personally,” Magana said. “The class sizes are small enough that I was able to develop connections with them and ask questions about graduate school, career paths, and future opportunities.”

Bilingual report — Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan public review draft available

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2026 • Comments Off

?The Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan is a collaborative, countywide effort launched by the County of Ventura in partnership with House Farm Workers!, designed to understand and address the urgent housing needs of the county’s farmworker community – needs shaped by long-standing shortages, rising housing costs, and the essential role farm workers play in sustaining the region’s agricultural economy.

Nyeland Promise receives SCAG’s 2026 Carmen Ramirez Award for Equity

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2026 • Comments Off

NYELAND ACRES — Nyeland Promise is proud to announce that its “Safe Travels in Nyeland Acres” initiative has been recognized with the prestigious 2026 Carmen Ramirez Award for Equity by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) during the 2026 Regional Conference and General Assembly

The Carmen Ramirez Award for Equity honors projects and collaborations that advance equity and improve outcomes for historically underserved and marginalized communities across Southern California. The award is named in honor of the late Ventura County Supervisor Carmen Ramirez, a tireless champion for social justice, sustainability, and underserved communities.

One Step A La Vez receives top honors at the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce Awards

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — One Step A La Vez proudly celebrated an unforgettable evening of recognition and community support at the Best of Heritage Valley Awards presented by the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce, held at the beautiful Palazzio Event Center.

One Step A La Vez was honored with 1st Place – Best Community Service Organization in the Santa Clara River Valley, a recognition that reflects the incredible trust and support of the community we are privileged to serve.

In addition to this top honor, One Step A La Vez was also recognized with:

2nd Place – Best Children’s Activities / Center
3rd Place – Best Non-Profit Organization

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. launches inaugural ‘Summer to Remember’ Youth Enrichment Program in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC), the region’s leading affordable housing developer, announces the launch of its inaugural Summer to Remember program, an eight-week youth enrichment initiative in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme designed to support children and teens living in affordable housing communities managed by Cabrillo EDC across Ventura County.

“We are excited to partner with Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation to bring a Summer to Remember to life for young people in our community. This partnership allows us to meet kids where they are, providing safe, engaging, and enriching summer experiences that support learning, confidence, and connection. When organizations come together with a shared commitment to youth and families, the impact is powerful and lasting,” said Erin Antrim, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme

Teatro de las Américas — Cerca de ti | Clase de yoga | Solicitamos director

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2026 • Comments Off

Cerca de ti

(Close to you)

Play in Spanish

?Written by Conchi León?

Directed by Juliana Acosta

Ventura College Foundation distributes a record $1,037,741 in scholarships

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — For the fourth consecutive year, the Ventura College Foundation distributed a record amount of scholarship funding to students. A total of $1,037,741 in scholarships was awarded to students during the foundation’s 37th Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony, May 16, at the Ventura College Sportsplex Field.

The foundation presented 537 scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year.

Of the amount awarded, $932,860 went toward general scholarships, $42,313 supported career education and $10,068 went for paramedic training. Other scholarships included $42,500 from the Port of Hueneme Workforce Development and $10,000 for Courage to Dream students. The scholarship funds benefited 393 student recipients, many of whom received multiple awards.

SBCC honors grads, welcomes community to its 77th annual commencement ceremony

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is proud to announce its 77th Annual Commencement Ceremony, to be held on Friday, May 22, at 5 p.m. at the college’s La Playa Stadium. This cherished event marks the culmination of years of hard work and academic achievement, and SBCC warmly welcomes the community – including families and friends of graduates – to join in this special celebration.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College unveils new interactive art installation by Emerita Nancy Jo Ward

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the unveiling of “IllumiNation,” a new large-scale interactive art installation created by Fine Arts Professor Emerita Nancy Jo Ward, during a special ceremony held May 19 inside the college’s Fine Arts Complex.

Installed on the second floor of the Fine Arts Complex near Room 209, the immersive piece uses light, color, motion, and abstract forms to transform the hallway into a dynamic artistic environment that invites reflection and interaction.

“I wanted it to feel like a form of communication or language,” Ward said. “Something that invites curiosity and creates a calming, welcoming space for people.”

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula recognizes graduates of Future Leaders Academy Cohort II

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula proudly celebrated the graduation of the Future Leaders Academy Cohort II during a special ceremony held yesterday evening at Parque 1055, recognizing a dedicated group of residents, community members, committee and commission members, and local leaders who successfully completed the City’s civic leadership and community engagement program.

Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, the Future Leaders Academy Cohort II brought together 15 participants over the course of an eight-week program designed to educate and engage community members through an in-depth look at City government, operations, services, and local decision-making.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Early complex life clung to oxygenated seafloors for hundreds of millions of years’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2026 • Comments Off

The oldest eukaryotes that have been found lived exclusively on the seafloor and already used oxygen. The discovery overturns certain long-held assumptions about the group while corroborating others.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College honors 16 retiring faculty and staff

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — On May 20, Allan Hancock College honored the dedication and service of 16 retiring faculty and staff members during a heartfelt ceremony that celebrated decades of contributions to student success.??

?This year’s retirees, who contributed a combined 323 years of service to the college, include full and part-time faculty members, classified staff and other employees from the college’s many programs and departments.

“Our retiring employees have devoted years of talent, care, and hard work to supporting our students and strengthening this college community,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Their influence can be seen not only in the programs they helped build, but in the countless lives they impacted along the way.”

Triplet Sisters to Graduate from CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Among the nearly 1,600 graduates participating in the May 23 commencement ceremonies at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) are identical triplet sisters Whitley, Jasmine, and Ashleigh Williams.

The sisters have attended CSUCI since their freshman year, choosing the University after falling in love with its lush beauty and proximity to the ocean.

Originally from Perris in Riverside County, the trio are earning degrees in different fields. Whitley is a psychology major, Jasmine studied political science, and Ashleigh focused on anthropology.

Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 64th Annual “Best of Santa Paula” Awards

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce gathered with the community Thursday evening at the Palazzio Event Center to honor the recipients of its 64th Annual “Best of Santa Paula” Awards — celebrating the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose commitment to excellence, service, and community vitality defines what makes Santa Paula exceptional.

This year’s celebration was the Chamber’s most inclusive awards event to date, with the evening also featuring the announcement of the 2026 Best of Heritage Valley winners — chosen through community-wide public voting and recognizing outstanding businesses and community contributors across the broader Heritage Valley region, which includes Fillmore and Piru. A full list of Best of Heritage Valley winners is available at www.santapaulachamber.com/best-of-hv-winners

$11 Million State Homekey+ Grant will end homelessness for 30 Families

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2026 • Comments Off

OXNARD — California Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced the award of just over $11.7 million from the State’s Homekey+ program to the County of Santa Barbara, in partnership with DignityMoves, to support the development of a new housing community dedicated to families experiencing homelessness. $9,000,000 will fund construction of the village, with $2,000,000 funding wraparound services. DignityMoves has also raised $5,000,000 for construction and will raise an additional $2,000,000 for services.

The new “Family Village” will include 30 units designed specifically to serve families with children, providing a safe, stable environment alongside supportive services aimed at helping residents transition into permanent housing. The Family Village is proposed for development on County-owned land currently used as an overflow parking lot within the County’s Calle Real campus in the eastern Goleta Valley. This project comes at a critical time, as Santa Barbara County has the highest rate of child poverty in California.

Allan Hancock College celebrates 2026 Transfer stars

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the 2026 graduates who will continue their education at four-year universities at its annual University Transfer Stars Celebration on May 15 at the college’s Santa Maria campus.

Hosted each year by Hancock’s University Transfer Center, the event allowed Hancock’s transfer students to celebrate their achievements with their friends and family as they prepare for a new chapter in their educational journeys. More than 200 “transfer stars” were invited to this year’s celebration.

Participating students, many wearing apparel from their respective universities, received a commemorative?transfer?medallion, took photos with their soon-to-be university peers, and listened to messages of support from Hancock staff and their fellow?transfer?students.

California Lutheran University offers Summer enrichment programs

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2026 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — Students of all ages and educational professionals can avoid “summer brain drain” by exploring a variety of enriching programs this summer at California Lutheran University. The programs run June through August and are designed to help students excel while having fun and for educators to enhance their classroom skills. Offerings include Camp CLUE for K-8th-grade students and the Pre-College Summer Academy for high school students wanting to earn college credits. Educators can choose one-unit Micro-Credential Courses on a wide range of topics.

Early College Program helps Orcutt Academy High School (OAHS) students graduate with college degrees from Allan Hancock College

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — This spring, a group of Orcutt Academy High School (OAHS) seniors will achieve something few high school students can claim: graduating with associate degrees from Allan Hancock College while completing high school.

The students are part of the first cohort in Orcutt Academy’s Early College Cadre (ECC) program, which allows students to complete college-level coursework while earning high school diplomas. This year, 26 students from the program are expected to participate in Hancock’s commencement ceremony on May 22, marking the culmination of four years of rigorous academic work.

Launched in 2022 through a partnership between Hancock and OAHS, the ECC program allows students to complete a 60-unit associate degree pathway during grades 9-12. The program includes a combination of concurrent enrollment classes taught during the school day at OAHS, college coursework offered before the school day at OAHS and summer classes at Hancock.

Ventura College closes Centennial Year With 2026 Commencement Ceremony

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Marking 100 years of transforming student lives in Ventura County, Ventura College is preparing to close its centennial year with a ceremony befitting the milestone. This ceremony, taking place Friday, May 22 on the Ventura College campus, will feature distinguished guests, a historic musical performance, and a keynote address from a world-class athlete and advocate. Media representatives are encouraged to attend and cover the event.

A Complete Spring 2026 Bucket List In Lompoc

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2026 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — There is still time to enjoy Spring with a wildflower-colored drive to Lompoc. This hidden gem tucked along the Central Coast offers a rich history, fun outdoor activities, impressive sights, a flourishing wine industry, and outstanding options for accommodations.

During the spring, it’s a little cooler and quieter, making it one of the best times to visit. While you plan your trip to Lompoc, here’s a list of things you don’t want to miss during this season – we call it “Lompoc’s Spring Bucket List.”

Just in time for the warmer months ahead, visit Lompoc’s flower fields on California’s Central Coast

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2026 • Comments Off

LOMPOC — n the “Valley of Arts and Flowers,” visitors can now see spectacular patches of colors from spring through fall in the farm fields of Lompoc Valley – Stock, Larkspur, Delphinium, Sweet Pea and Bells of Ireland along with other varieties are grown in abundance by local commercial flower growers.

Where to See Them: The flower fields rotate every year, and are scattered throughout Lompoc Valley. Some can be spotted west of Old Town Lompoc, along Central Avenue, from Floradale Ave. to Union Sugar Ave.

Bilingual report — Thirty cadets graduate from Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2026 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Thirty cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy on May 15 at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.

The ceremony marked the end of a rigorous 18-week academy consisting of 788 hours of classroom and field instruction for the cadets in Battalion 157. The ceremony was also an acknowledgment that the cadets had not only completed that training but also met and exceeded the state and national certification training standards for Firefighter I Certification.

“Congratulations to our cadets, who have endured a rigorous training program to sit in front of you today,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D.