Thank You!
To all who joined us for last week’s Cleaver & Clark Commons Grand Opening and to those who helped make this new affordable housing possible, we share our gratitude.
VENTURA — Ventura County Business Women (VCBW), the county’s fastest-growing professional women’s network with over 6,600 members, announces its June 2026 event lineup designed to support women entrepreneurs through authentic connection, strategic collaboration, and personal empowerment.
With a diverse range of in-person and virtual opportunities, June’s calendar offers businesswomen across Ventura County multiple touchpoints for networking, skill development and community building—from signature morning networking events and a brand-new pop-up gathering in Ojai to an expert panel experience.
OXNARD — The Mestizo Folklórico Dance Company presents Fiesta Folklórica, marking its 45th anniversary with two shows at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building, located at 4000 S. Rose Avenue.
The performances will take place on Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, May 31 at 4:30 pm.
For information on advanced online ticket sales, please visit: https://oxnard.vbotickets.com/event/mestizo_dance_company_presents_fiesta_folkl%C3%B3rica/192913, or you can scan the QR code or click on the link on the poster.
Tickets will also be available at the door one hour before each show.
PISMO BEACH — The Rotary Club of Pismo Beach Five Cities has donated more than $13,000 to Judkins Middle School to give its graduating eighth graders the celebration they deserve. On Monday, May 26th, the Class of 2026 will enjoy an exclusive, full-day outing at Boomers— courtesy of the club’s year-long fundraising efforts and the community’s generous support.
The gift comes after budget constraints forced the cancellation of what had long been a beloved end-of-year tradition: a class trip to Magic Mountain. With that milestone gone, eighth graders faced graduating without any special send-off. The Rotary Club decided to change that.
“Every kid deserves to be celebrated as they make this big leap to high school,” said Jenny Dierck, a parent and club member involved in organizing the event. “We’ve been working hard all year to make this happen, and we couldn’t be more excited to give these students a day they’ll always remember.”
Thursday, June 4, 2026
California Lutheran University
Gilbert Sports & Fitness Center
130 Overton Ct, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the achievements of 1,196?graduating students at the college’s 105th?commencement?ceremony.
“No matter what path brought you to this moment, you should be proud of what you have accomplished,” Hancock Board of Trustees President Hilda Zacarias said to the more than 600 graduates who participated in the May 22 ceremony, which took place on the college’s athletics field at its Santa Maria campus. “Wherever your path leads, know that you leave here with knowledge, experience, confidence, and the ability to create opportunity for yourselves and for others.”
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) this week celebrated the achievements of more than 5,000 graduates during commencement ceremonies held across its three colleges: Moorpark College, Oxnard College and Ventura College on May 20, May 21 and May 22.
The Class of 2026 earned a collective 4,768 certificates and 8,237 degrees, reflecting thousands of hours of academic study, hands-on training, internships, clinical experience and workforce preparation. Graduates will continue serving communities throughout Ventura County as educators, healthcare professionals, first responders, skilled technical workers, business leaders and community advocates.
This year’s graduates represent the diversity, resilience and ambition of Ventura County. Many balanced academics with jobs, family responsibilities and community leadership while pursuing certificates and degrees designed to open doors to transfer opportunities and high-demand careers.
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.”
Wildfire, drought and insect infestations are causing forests to emit more greenhouse gasses than carbon-credit systems currently account for.
Read more about the risks
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.”
?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 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.
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
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
Cerca de ti
(Close to you)
Play in Spanish
?Written by Conchi León?
Directed by Juliana Acosta
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Read more about the discovery
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.”
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 — 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
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.
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.
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.
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 — 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.
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.”
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.
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.
PORT HUENEME — It was a moment of pomp and circumstance at Oxnard College last week as families, educators, and Port leaders honored local students for completing the Port of Hueneme’s Global Trade & Logistics (GTL) class and taking an important step toward future careers in trade, transportation, and logistics.
The award-winning program, offered in partnership with the Oxnard Union High School District, introduces local juniors and seniors to pathways in maritime, supply chain management, and related fields. Through hands-on learning, dynamic presentations, and real-world exposure to Port operations, students gained valuable insight into one of Ventura County’s most vital economic drivers.
Over the course of the 12-session program, students learned directly from Port staff, customers, and community partners about imports and exports, goods movement, cargo systems, safety and security, and the wide range of existing and emerging careers available across the industry.
SANTA BARBARA — The regional Mexican music community is coming together for a powerful evening of music, solidarity, and support for immigrant families through the inaugural Freedom Music Fest, featuring performances by Larry Hernández, Régulo Caro, and Roberto Tapia.
A portion of the event proceeds will benefit 805UndocuFund, a nonprofit organization providing direct financial assistance to immigrant families impacted by recent ICE raids and climate-induced disasters while also advocating for long-term systems change at the policy level.
All donated proceeds received by 805UndocuFund will directly support the organization’s Emergency Assistance Fund, which provides immediate relief to families affected by immigration enforcement throughout California’s Central Coast. Since launching the Emergency Assistance Fund in April 2025, 805UndocuFund has distributed more than $1 million in direct assistance to impacted families across the region.
VENTURA — Winners of the first Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) “Fields of Innovation in Agriculture Research Competition” were selected on May 2.
High schoolers in grades 10 through 12 from 6 different schools interested in applying STEM solutions to agricultural problems participated in the six-week, guided online competition. The competition culminated in an in-person final showcase at CSU Channel Islands, held alongside the 18th Annual CSUCI Student Research Conference.
“By bringing SEEAG’s student finalists to CSUCI, we connected them directly to the college research environment while giving them a platform to present their own work,” says Caitlin Paulus Case, SEEAG executive director. “It’s an experience that builds confidence and strengthens real-world communication skills.”
OXNARD — For 35 years, El Concilio has celebrated Latino leadership throughout Ventura County… who have made a substantial impact in their communities.
These individuals have enhanced the lives of the underprivileged… through their contributions to education, volunteerism, health and wellness, advocacy, and more.
Do you know a Leader in your community who has significantly influenced the lives of the Latino community?
VENTURA — Bike the Coast Ventura will be hosting their inaugural event on June 13, showcasing the charm of the Ventura community. The event has put a strong emphasis on its local involvement, focusing on building partnerships with businesses and organizations within the Ventura region and authentically connected to the community. Registration for the 2026 event is now open.
This year’s sponsors and partners include Visit Ventura, Downtown Ventura Association, Ventura Coast Brewing Company and Ventura Coast Cycling. The event has also partnered with local charity organizations, including The Los Angeles Chapter of National MS and the Downtown Ventura Foundation. The event will also host Ventura-based band The GAMBLE at their free Finish Festival, which will also include various local food, drink and vendors for riders, spectators and community members to all enjoy.
CAMARILLO — Three years ago, Oxnard College hosted the first Lavender Graduation in the history of the Community Colleges of Ventura County. On May 1, 2026, the celebration returned to the Performing Arts Building with its corridor of employee allies and a giant inflatable rainbow that welcomed attendees home.
Lavender Graduation has become a beloved districtwide tradition, rotating annually among Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges since its creation in the 2022-23 academic year. Designed to celebrate the achievements and identities of LGBTQIA+ students across the district, this year’s return to Oxnard College marked a full-circle moment for a program that has grown each year since its founding.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is taking signups for its Adventure Guides/Y-Trailblazers programs in Simi and Conejo valleys for the 2026-27 school year.
Organized through the Simi Valley Family YMCA and the Yarrow Family YMCA branches, YMCA Adventure Guides/Y-Trailblazers programs are for parents and their children, ages 5–11. The program runs from August 2026 through June 2027.
The format is structured so that students can continue to work while earning an engineering degree, regardless of geographic location or time zone.
Read more about the METL program
Parallel Histories: Ventura County during the US Revolution
As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Parallel Histories explores what was unfolding at the same time in Ventura County. While British colonialism and the Revolutionary War reshaped the East Coast, California, not yet part of the United States, was being transformed by Spain.
READ MORE
Patriotic Threads: Textiles, Tapestries, & T-Shirts
Patriotic Threads explores how textiles have long served as powerful expressions of national identity. Through handcrafted works, the exhibit reveals how textiles and design embody patriotism and collective memory.
READ MORE
RSVP REQUESTED
VENTURA — Ventura College made history this spring break when eleven students participated in the college’s inaugural study abroad program, traveling to Loreto, Mexico — Ventura’s sister city — for a week-long immersive, cross-disciplinary experience. Led by Professor of Sociology Daniella Graves and Professor of Biology Kammy Algiers, the program marked a milestone year in the making.
“This trip has been such an enriching experience. There couldn’t have been a better fit for our Ventura College students,” said Professor Graves. The program originated three years ago when Ventura Sister City Association board member Mark Urwick connected with Ventura College faculty about a potential collaboration. Ventura, California, and Loreto, Mexico, have been sister cities since 2015, sharing a rich mission heritage that gave students the opportunity to explore historical landmarks and reflect on their lasting cultural impact. Ventura College officially approved the program this year, bringing the vision to life.
The Ventura County Office of Education is thrilled to announce that John Beck, an English teacher from Pacifica High School in the Oxnard Union High School District, is the 2026 Ventura County Teacher of the Year! Mr. Beck received the news this week when his family members joined representatives from VCOE and OUHSD in a surprise visit to his classroom.
Mr. Beck has been teaching for 21 years and has been at Pacifica for 13. His classroom is known for a positive atmosphere where students feel comfortable and confident in themselves as they engage in academic discussions.
“In a diverse community like ours, where students bring a wide range of experiences, languages, and aspirations into the classroom, my goal is to create an environment where every student sees themselves as a capable reader, writer, and thinker,” Mr. Beck said. His program is built to ensure equitable access to engaging, rigorous learning experiences that prepare students for success inside and outside the classroom.
Learn More about Mr. Beck
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) will host the launch of the ASCEND Fund on May 13, 2026 at the nonprofit’s San Luis Obispo headquarters, introducing a new initiative designed to support residents pursuing entrepreneurship, education, and professional advancement.
The ASCEND Fund – standing for Agency, Skills, Capacity, Entrepreneurship, Network, and Direction – will provide micro-grants to individuals living in PSHH properties who are working to build businesses, grow professionally, or further their entrepreneurial education.
“We see ASCEND as a bridge between our residents and the broader business community,” said Ken Trigueiro, CEO of People’s Self-Help Housing. “We’re here for our residents who are entrepreneurs and future leaders; and when we invest in their growth, we’re investing in a stronger, more resilient Central Coast economy for everyone.”
Located at 1206 West Grand Avenue and 164 South 13th Street in the City of Grover Beach, Cleaver & Clark Commons is comprised of 53 affordable, multifamily housing units for households at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
The property has 14 units set aside for farmworker households at 30-60% of AMI, 21 units are set aside for project-based vouchers administered through HASLO, and 6 units are set aside for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is pleased to share positive results from the 2026 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count, which indicate a 21.5% decrease in the total number of unsheltered and sheltered individuals experiencing homelessness in the City, when compared to 2025.
The Point-in-Time Count, conducted annually across Ventura County, provides a snapshot of homelessness in the community and helps guide funding, services, and policy decisions. Santa Paula’s results reflect meaningful local progress.
THOUSAND OAKS — A beloved spiritual community is stepping into a new chapter of inspiration.
New Thought Now!, formerly The Global Truth Center, will mark its official launch with a ribbon cutting ceremony May 14th at 4:30pm (880 Hampshire Road, Suite W, Westlake Village), bringing together local dignitaries and community members for a memorable afternoon of celebration, entertainment and refreshments.
“It’s all about honoring where we’ve been, celebrating where we are, and opening the door to what comes next,” says Spiritual Director Dr. James Mellon, adding that “The new name reflects an evolving vision—one that honors the roots and relationships that have shaped this community while continuing to grow alongside the people it serves.”
Jia-Ching Chen will spend a year in Taiwan on a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to study geopolitical intersections of energy transition and environmental governance.
Read more about Chen’s research
VENTURA — Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA) (on May 6) announced the appointment of Danielle Gabele, DNP, RN, as Chief Executive Officer of Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and Santa Paula Hospital (SPH), effective May 10, 2026.
Dr. Gabele holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and serves as President-Elect of the Association of California Nurse Leaders. She is also pursuing a Master of Health Administration degree at the University of Cincinnati.
“Dr. Gabele is a proven leader with a deep commitment to patient-centered care and clinical excellence,” said [Dr. John Fankhauser, HCA Director]. “Her collaborative approach and operational expertise make her exceptionally well-suited to lead VCMC and Santa Paula Hospital into the future.”
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) announces the opening of a new exhibit, Fine Print, Hard Lines: Housing and Exclusion in Santa Barbara, which examines how discriminatory housing policies and practices have shaped the city’s past and continue to influence the community today.
On view at Casa de la Guerra, Fine Print, Hard Lines explores the use of restrictive covenants and other exclusionary practices embedded in historical “fine print” that limited who could buy, rent, or reside in certain neighborhoods. Through a compelling mix of primary sources including property records, real estate advertisements, newspaper articles, and historic maps, the exhibit reveals how these practices produced lasting social inequities and barriers that still affect the lived experiences of Santa Barbara residents.
VENTURA — Setting the stage to linger longer, Ventura Harbor Village is continuing its live entertainment series of free, family-friendly music on the Seaside Promenade at the waterfront throughout May 2026. The ongoing music series showcases a dockside selection of top-notch musicians who present a variety of genres, including Pop, Rock and coastal surf rock.
Revel in the perfect coastal day with live music from 1 – 4 PM. Relax by the water as talented local musicians set the scene with a mix of lively and laid-back tunes. Whether you’re dining at a waterfront restaurant or simply soaking up the ocean breeze, the vibrant music adds the perfect soundtrack to your visit.
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance’s signature gala, Lumina Nights: Dancing with Our Stars, brought the community together for two unforgettable, sold-out evenings on May 1 and 2 at the Vina Robles Tasting Room in Paso Robles, raising over $400,000 in support of survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. Of that total, the STAR dancers alone raised over $115,000 for Lumina Alliance’s essential programs.
STAR dancers included Jeanette Trompeter, County of San Luis Obispo Public Information Specialist; Ryan and Amber Blevins, Community Members; Kris Beal, Paso Robles City Councilmember; Bruce Gibson, District 2 County Supervisor, and Cherie Gibson; Heather Muran, Director of Portfolio Strategy and Marketing at Covelop; and Joel Peterson, CEO of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.
VENTURA COUNTY — Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County announced it will mark its 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades operating on a simple but urgent mission that brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. What began in the mid-1980s from community-based roots has grown into one of the region’s most enduring forces for affordable homeownership, partnering with families across 14 cities. Over four decades, that work has touched more than 20,000 volunteers, donors, and community members.
VENTURA — As temperatures continue to rise this May, Ventura County residents are encouraged to take steps to prevent mosquito breeding and protect themselves from bites as peak mosquito season begins. Mosquito activity started earlier than usual this year due to above-average temperatures, including the warmest March on record, along with increased rainfall. In addition to native mosquito species that can transmit West Nile Virus (WNV), the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito has become established in Ventura County.
SANTA BARBARA — On May 5, the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) Board of Directors and the Good Neighbors Founders hosted a Donor Appreciation Reception at the Santa Barbara Club. The evening honored a historic $5 million donation from the Wyatt Family, the largest philanthropic contribution from an individual family in the organization’s history.
During the event, CEO Mahdi Ashrafian shared remarks alongside special guests, the Wyatt Family, for an inspiring evening highlighting their leadership gift and the naming of the Wyatt Family Health Center. This transformational gift will fund the completion of SBNC’s new flagship facility on the Westside, which is expected to increase the organization’s patient capacity by over 40%, serving an additional 8,300 community members annually.
Friday, May 8
A screening of the 1981 landmark adaptation by Luis Valdez features accompaniment by a live orchestra.
OXNARD — As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, a new exhibition in Oxnard invites the community to explore the game of soccer through a local perspective. The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC), in partnership with the Consulado de México en Oxnard, presents Once Miradas, Un Balón (Eleven Gazes, One Ball)—a group exhibition that looks at fútbol as both a cultural presence and a source of artistic inspiration. The exhibit opens to the public with a reception on May 21 from 5:30-8pm and will celebrate (4) youth soccer teams with a custom jersey giveaway and hands-on activities. Once Miradas, Un Balón will be on view from May 14 – September 4, 2026. Gallery hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Admission is free.
Thursday, May 7
Ahilan T. Arulanantham of the UCLA School of Law discusses the role of race discrimination in immigration and refugee policy.
VENTURA — Ventura Charter School welcomed an estimated 2,500 attendees to its 15th Annual EcoFest on Sunday, April 26, as students, families, local businesses and community organizations gathered on the school’s Ventura campus to celebrate sustainability and demonstrate what a school rooted in its community looks like in practice.
All proceeds from booth fees, sponsorships, the silent auction and raffle ticket sales go directly to student programs and educational enrichment at Ventura Charter School.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the achievements of its noncredit students at its annual Noncredit Recognition Ceremony May 1 at the college’s Santa Maria campus.
The celebration, held in Boyd Concert Hall, highlighted the perseverance and accomplishments of students who completed noncredit certificate programs, including family childcare license preparation, commercial truck driving and income tax preparation. The ceremony also recognized students who completed English Language Development (ELDN) courses, earned their GED Equivalency Certificate or achieved U.S. citizenship through the college’s noncredit offerings. More than 426 certificates were completed in noncredit programs at Hancock during the 2025–2026 academic year.
“Noncredit programs are essential to ensuring that education remains accessible to everyone in our community,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “These students are a powerful example of what can be achieved when opportunity meets determination.”
