Category: Youth

Museum of Ventura County — Last-minute gifts, inspiring events and upcoming exhibitions

As 2025 comes to a close, I want to sincerely thank everyone who supports the Museum of Ventura County.

Throughout the year, I was continually reminded that connection is at the heart of everything we do. We supported local students through meaningful educational experiences that inspired curiosity, welcomed our community through public events that celebrated shared stories, presented exhibitions that explored Ventura County’s diverse cultural history, and continued vital work behind the scenes to preserve our collections for future generations.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our members, donors, sponsors, board members, committee advisors, community partners, volunteers, and visitors. This work is truly a shared effort, and on behalf of our entire staff, thank you for believing in the Museum.

Happy Holidays from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art!

As we reach the end of the year, we are filled with gratitude for the community that surrounds and sustains the Museum. Your curiosity, your presence at our exhibitions and programs, and your belief in the power of art to deepen our lives have made 2025 a year of connection, discovery, and joy.

Bilingual report — Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report: Potential storm water runoff contamination

VENTURA — As part of the Ventura County Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Program, the Environmental Health Division (Division) is providing the following precautionary information to the public.?Rainfall that is significant enough to result in runoff can flow into storm drains, channels, creeks, and rivers that empty onto the beaches of Ventura County.?In general, 0.2 inches (2 tenths of an inch) of rainfall may be enough to create significant runoff conditions.? 

SYV People Helping People fulfills a holiday wish for vulnerable families

SOLVANG — People Helping People (PHP) teamed up with generous local businesses, volunteers, and community members to create the 31st annual Fulfill-A-Wish Boutique, bringing relief and joy to 144 low-income households. 

The festive boutique at Veterans’ Memorial Hall in Solvang on December 10th and 11th supplied everything parents needed to create a warm holiday memory for their children from presents to wrapping paper. 

All recipients are clients of PHP who live, work, or go to school in the Santa Ynez Valley or Los Alamos. 

Ventura County Emergency Information website update

Winter Storm Information

Ventura County Sheriff Emergency Services and the National Weather Service are monitoring a significant storm forecast to bring up rainfall totals up to 4.00 inches in coasts and valleys and 8.00 in mountain areas of Ventura County Tuesday evening through Thursday. 

Bilingual report — EVACUATION WARNING Issued for Identified Properties in Santa Barbara County Associated with the Lake Fire

EVACUATION WARNING Issued for Identified Properties in Santa Barbara County Associated with the Lake Fire  

***

ADVERTENCIA DE EVACUACIÓN emitida para propiedades identificadas en el Condado de Santa Barbara asociadas con el Incendio Lake

Read More | Lea Más

City of San Luis Obispo — Five Ways to Prepare for the Upcoming Storm

The National Weather Service is forecasting a moderate to strong storm that will impact San Luis Obispo County from Tuesday, December 23 through Saturday, December 27. Heavy rainfall is expected with high rainfall rates and high winds.

A Flood Watch is in effect from Tuesday, December 23 at 4 PM until Thursday, December 25 at 10 PM and a High Wind Watch in effect from Tuesday, December 23 at 12 PM until Thursday, December 25 at 3 PM.

Bilingual report — 805 UNCOCUFund — Help Sustain Life-Saving Community Alerts/Ayúdenos a Sostener Alertas Comunitarias que Salvan Vidas

As immigration enforcement continues to escalate across the Central Coast, our community alerts have become one of the most critical tools we have to protect undocumented families. These alerts provide real-time information about ICE activity so families can take precautions, avoid harm, and connect to rapid response support when it matters most.

Since the beginning of this year, 805UndocuFund has spent $45,910.34 solely on sending alerts. On average, each alert costs approximately $600—and this amount reflects only what we pay our texting provider. It does not include staff time, verification of reports, coordination with volunteers, or follow-up support for impacted families. In December alone, we have already spent $5,779.00, underscoring how frequently these alerts are now needed.

Bilingual report — Major Storm Forecasted for Santa Barbara County (Dec. 23-25)

The National Weather Service is forecasting a major storm for Santa Barbara County that is expected to occur Tuesday, December 23, 2025, through Thursday, December 25, 2025. Light rain is possible on Sunday, December 21, 2025, and Monday, December 22, 2025. Flooding in low-lying areas, flash flooding, and strong winds are possible.

There are no evacuations in place at this time. If you are concerned that this storm may cause unsafe conditions at your home, leave the area before the rain starts.  Do not wait for an official evacuation notification to leave. 

Public safety officials are monitoring the incoming storm and will continue to assess if protective actions, such as an evacuation warning, evacuation order, or shelter in place, are necessary. 

Escalating enforcement violence across the Central Coast underscores the critical role of community-based alert systems and rapid response networks

CENTRAL COAST  — As immigration enforcement activity intensifies across the Central Coast, 805UndocuFund is raising urgent concerns about the growing normalization of aggressive enforcement tactics, the visible presence of ICE in public and private spaces, and the extraordinary courage demonstrated by community members, staff, and volunteers who continue to show up—often at personal risk—to protect immigrant families. Across the region, these individuals have stepped forward with clarity, discipline, and resolve to ensure families are not left isolated or uninformed.

SBCC’s Statement on recent (ICE) law enforcement activities on campus

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College would like to take a moment to acknowledge the fear, stress, and anxiety experienced by the Santa Barbara and SBCC communities including students and employees (faculty and staff) regarding recent events with law enforcement/ICE on Cliff campus. We want to ensure that our SBCC campuses remain safe places that prioritize learning, with dignity and respect. 

The series of events that occurred last week at SBCC are very concerning. SBCC was not informed in advance of law enforcement activities on our campuses, including the Department of Homeland Security’s visit to Antioch University (who rents facilities at SBCC), ICE staging in the SBCC West Cliff Campus parking lot, or the dignitary training by the County of Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura activates Foul Weather Shelter on Dec. 23 due to inclement weather

VENTURA — The City of Ventura, in partnership with River Community Church, has activated the Foul Weather Shelter Program on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, in response to forecasted rainfall of at least one-half inch.

As part of this activation, 40 motel rooms have been reserved at a local motel for individuals 62 years and older and/or with those with chronic medical conditions. Rooms are limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals who are not placed in a motel room will receive a stay-warm kit.

Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) Board Elects Leadership for New Year

“I’m honored to continue serving as Board Chair and to uphold our district’s commitment to student equity, inclusion, and access,” said Torres. “Every student deserves to feel a sense of belonging and to have the opportunity to thrive, and I look forward to working alongside my fellow trustees and our community to support that vision. Our strength as a district comes from listening to and learning from the diverse voices we serve.”

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Now Offering Non-Invasive Treatment Option for Patients with Liver Tumors

Only hospital in the region offering ultrasound-based liver tumor treatment SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH) is now offering histotripsy, an innovative, non-invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to precisely destroy targeted tissue in both cancerous and…

Physician incentive program delivers $16M in quality health Care to Central Coast in 2025

SANTA BARBARA — In 2025, CenCal Health, the Medi-Cal managed care plan, distributed over $16 million to 95 local primary care providers through its Quality Care Incentive Program (QCIP), driving significant improvements in patient care across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. QCIP rewards CenCal Health providers for excellence in key clinical areas, including diabetes and asthma management, breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings, and pediatric well-care.

Holiday heart dangers: stress, cold, and overindulgence drive spike in cardiac incidents

VENTURA COUNTY  — Stress, cold weather, and festive indulgence make the holiday season the most dangerous time of year for heart emergencies. American Medical Response (AMR), which is the largest emergency medical service provider in the U.S. and part of Global Medical Response (GMR), has found cardiac emergencies rise by more than 30% on Christmas Eve. This makes it their busiest day of the year for heart-related incidents. This trend aligns with national data from the American Heart Associationshowing the majority of cardiac deaths in the U.S. occur during the last week of December.

Biligual report — December News from People’s Self-Help Housing

As we approach December 21, the longest night of the year, I am reminded of the profound significance this season holds for those of us committed to ending homelessness. The winter solstice is a natural pause, a moment to reflect on the stark reality faced by individuals who endure these long nights without the comfort of shelter.

While many of us live by calendars, alarms, and screens, the sun remains the oldest measure of time. In these days of deep darkness and cold, I encourage you to take a moment to consider what these hours mean for those without warmth, food, or safety.

Bilingual report — Unmet transit need survey being conducted in Ventura County

VENTURA COUNTY — We want to know if bus, paratransit, dial-a-ride, on-demand, or rail services are meeting your needs.

Your local transit operators are looking for comments and suggestions that will help to plan and improve transit services in Ventura County. You can share your comments in a few ways.

Bilingual commentary — Is It Worth Studying the Humanities?

We are in the midst of an era of rapid technological advancement. As high school students and their parents sweat over the correct choice for a major, they may feel that they are engaged in a sort of life-or-death economic decision rather than the opportunity to pursue a passion. There are currently a whole slew of podcasters, influencers and politicians who disparage the humanities as “impractical” or outmoded, as if they were a musty remnant of the Renaissance.  

Bilingual report — 805UndocuFund conducting $50,000 year-end fundraising campaign

CENTRAL COAST — The 805UndocuFund is conducting a $50,000 year-end fundraising campaign.

This is an ambitious goal, but the need far exceeds any fundraising goals. Your year-end gift will continue to fuel our grassroots efforts and strengthen our movement to protect the humanity of our undocumented neighbors. We understand that times are tough, yet together we have shown the ability to make the impossible possible.

Ventura College Foundation distributes record $1.16 million in direct student support during 2024-25 academic year

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation distributed a record $1,163,994 in direct student assistance during the 2024-25 academic year and another $1.54 million to 56 college programs across 14 departments and divisions. The Ventura College Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and programs.

As part of the distribution, the foundation provided $158,000 in gap funding for tuition costs for the Ventura College Promise program after state budget cuts. The program covers tuition and fees for eligible students for up to two years, serving 4,460 first-time, full-time Ventura College students in their first and second years during the 2024-25 school year.

CSUCI announces Channel Islands Tuition Promise for eligible California Students beginning Fall 2026

“At Cal State Channel Islands, opportunity is within reach for every student. The Channel Islands Tuition Promise ensures that tuition and mandatory fees are fully covered for eligible students, reducing financial barriers to earning a CSUCI degree,” said Interim President Susan Andrzejewski. This program allows students to focus on the transformative learning experiences that define Cal State Channel Islands, strengthening our role as a powerful engine of social mobility for Ventura County and the state.”  

New welding education and testing facility opens in Camarillo

“Our new facility will prepare aspiring welders for high-paying careers that allow them to put down roots in Ventura County and contribute to the local economy,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “This facility is a perfect example of education and industry partners coming together to provide tangible solutions for job seekers in our community.”

Community commitment advances student opportunity at Moorpark College

MOORPARK — Moorpark College is deepening its commitment to student success with the support of a $75,000 donation from Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU), which will help expand scholarships, basic needs programs and student-centered initiatives across campus. This gift was presented to the college as a part of VCCU’s “Year of Giving.”

“We are deeply grateful for VCCU’s extraordinary investment in our students,” said Dr. Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College. “This generous gift strengthens the programs that open doors, empower learners and uplift families across Ventura County. VCCU’s commitment to education reflects the very best of community partnership, and together we are helping our students build futures filled with purpose and possibility.”

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — A personal note from Nadra: Help fill the gap

This holiday season, I’m proud to support the Community Environmental Council in protecting the Central Coast. But federal rollbacks have created a $1.5 million funding gap, threatening programs that keep our air clean, food systems resilient, and communities prepared. And with new proposals to expand offshore drilling along our coastline, it’s clear we must do more than simply fight back — we must strengthen the community-led solutions generations have worked to build.

Museum of Ventura County — Season of Gratitude

As we approach the end of the year, we are deeply grateful for a community that believes in the power of history, art, and shared stories.

Each day, the Museum of Ventura County preserves the history of our region by collecting and caring for its stories through oral histories, objects, photographs, and archival materials. We serve as the steward of Ventura County’s collective memory, ensuring that the people, places, and moments that shaped our community are protected for generations to come.

UCSB — The Current — ‘NIH backs UCSB virtual reality project to help older adults build real social connections’ and more news, events

The $3.8 million grant supports professors Tamara Afifi and Nancy Collins in their research goals: extending lifespan and improving quality of life.

Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Our new website is here – Built to power our movement

We’re excited to share some big news with you! Even in a year that’s brought no shortage of challenges, we’ve been working to launch a more accessible, user-friendly website – a digital home designed to help us stay connected, build grassroots power, and make sure our communities have the tools we need to know and defend our rights.

Our new site is built for you. When you have a moment, take a look around – and be sure you’re subscribed to our email list. If you’re on social media, follow us on Instagram and Facebook so you never miss an update.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police urge responsible celebrations this holiday season

VENTURA — As holiday celebrations ramp up, so does the risk on our roads. In December 2023, 1,038 people across the U.S. lost their lives in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Ventura Police Department joins agencies statewide in urging drivers to celebrate responsibly and keep impaired driving out of their holiday plans.

Tthrough New Year’s Day, Ventura Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk.

Ventura County Credit Union concludes ‘Year of Giving’ with $75,000 donation to Museum of Ventura County

“This gift from Ventura County Credit Union will help us fulfill our mission to engage the community in meaningful experiences with history, art and culture,” said Elena Brokaw, Barbara Barnard CEO of the Museum of Ventura County. “As we work to expand our programs and strengthen community partnerships, this support enables us to continue serving as a gathering place where diverse voices and stories come together. We are deeply grateful to VCCU for investing in our future and recognizing the vital role museums play in helping us understand our past and build a better future for Ventura County.”

State-of-the-Art Indoor Pickleball complex coming to Santa Barbara/Goleta area this Spring

SANTA BARBARA — A new home to the pickleball community is coming to Santa Barbara County. The former Bed Bath & Beyond location, in the Fairview Shopping Center in Goleta, will soon be transformed into a premier indoor pickleball facility, The Picklr Santa Barbara, owned and operated by local residents Ted and Trish Guggenheim. The state-of-the-art complex will feature 7 professional-grade courts, including 2 official championship-sized courts. 

Holiday message from Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

As we bring this calendar year to a close, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a joyful and restorative holiday season. This year has moved quickly, and I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished together. Ventura County schools are making gains in student achievement while offering outstanding programs before, during, and after school.

I’m especially grateful for everyone who strengthens our education community—teachers and staff at our districts and charter schools, families, community partners, and all who support our students inside and outside the classroom. In a year with its share of challenges, Ventura County schools have stepped up to support families facing immigration concerns and disruptions to CalFresh benefits. In difficult moments, I’m so proud that VCOE has remained a source of stability, compassion, and hope.

Allan Hancock College celebrates Nursing and EMT Program graduations in Lompoc

LOMPOC — Allan Hancock College celebrated a new crop of first responders and healthcare workers as a combined 137 individuals graduated from the college’s fire, emergency medical technician (EMT), and nursing programs on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12.  

The fire and EMT academy graduates were honored during two ceremonies at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC) in Lompoc, while the nursing graduation took place at the Marian Theatre on the college’s Santa Maria campus.

A total of 30 cadets graduated from the fire academy on Dec. 11, marking the end of a rigorous 18-week program consisting of 624 hours of classroom and field instruction. Before the ceremony, the cadets gave a live demonstration of the skills they learned at the academy, including running fire hoses, dousing burning cars and extricating “victims” from vehicle wrecks outside the PSTC’s burn tower.

Ventura Music Festival — Music gives so much more!

This year, music lifted Ventura at an unprecedented rate.
It reached students who had never held an instrument.
It comforted those at Community Memorial Hospital.
It filled parks, schools, museums, and neighborhoods — ?much of it free and all of it accessible to all.

And now, as the year comes to a close, we ask you to help keep this music playing.

Your support today fuels the music tomorrow. Year-end gifts are fully tax-deductible and make an immediate impact across the programs that define our mission. Every dollar you give ensures that the Ventura Music Festival continues to reach more people, in more places, in more ways—especially those who need it most.

Allan Hancock College’s SkillsUSA Community Service Team organizes blanket drive donation

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s SkillsUSA Community Service Team is collecting new and gently used blankets this holiday season to support individuals and families in need across the Central Coast.

Donation bins are available now through Dec.19 in the Mechanics Bank Student Center (bldg. G) at the college’s Santa Maria campus. Community members are encouraged to contribute if they are able.

The blanket drive serves as the team’s official SkillsUSA community service project for the year. Students on the team include Johana Diaz-Toscano, Alexandra Ramirez and Victoria Gama. The three students organized and launched the initiative entirely themselves. Diaz-Toscano said that blankets will be distributed to local shelters, many of which see increased need during the winter months.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County Welcomes New board director, Dennis Yai

VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is proud to announce the appointment of Dennis Yai, Associate General Counsel at Amgen, to its Board of Directors. Mr. Yai brings extensive expertise in corporate governance, securities, and strategic legal counsel, experience that will strengthen the agency’s mission to ignite the potential of youth across Ventura County.

As Associate General Counsel at Amgen, one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, Mr. Yai oversees a broad portfolio of corporate, securities, and governance activities. His responsibilities include advising on SEC compliance, executive compensation, ESG matters, stockholder activism, and high-level public disclosure. Mr. Yai also played a pivotal role in structuring, negotiating, and closing major financing transactions, including cross-border financing in support of Amgen’s acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics.

40th Annual California Strawberry Festival call for applicants: Makers of unique, quality handcrafted artwork and craft items

VENTURA — The 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival is accepting applications from individual makers of quality, handcrafted works by artists and crafters for this year’s festival taking place May 16 and 17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The deadline to apply is February 9.

The festival, which attracts more than 50,000 visitors, features dozens of different kinds of foods and beverages made from fresh strawberries. About 150 artisans from throughout California showcase their original works including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, children’s toys, accessories, photography, textiles, outdoor furniture, jewelryand specialty foods.

Bilingual commentary — What Do They Mean “Accounting Is Not Professional”?

In its nefarious dedication to destroying the foundations of American education, the U.S. Department of Education, in its definitely finite wisdom, is proposing that graduate accounting degrees are no longer to be recognized as “professional” for student loan purposes. This is certain to have repercussions that will significantly impact higher education in the field of finance.

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas — La Posada del teatro | Movie Night | Casting Call | Vision Board

*** Teatro’s Christmas Party ***

Let’s celebrate another year of art, stories, friendship, drama, and smiles.

Saturday, December 13

Starting at 6 p.m.

7 p.m. Araceli Collazo & The Ensamble

8 p.m. Karaoke Night with DJ Mannu

Bilingual report — Ventura Police spread holiday cheer at annual Shop with a Cop

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department helped make the season brighter for local families on December 10, 2025, during its annual Shop with a Cop event, held at Walmart and hosted in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura and the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. 

This year, 30 children from low-income households and families facing childhood cancer were paired with Ventura Police officers for an unforgettable evening of one-on-one shopping. Each child received $150 to choose gifts for the people they love, turning what can be a challenging time of year into an afternoon of joy and connection. 

Climate Stewards Winter 2026 Enrollment: Turn climate anxiety into community power

As federal policy and funding rollbacks threaten decades of environmental progress, it’s never been more important for all of us to step up, care for our neighborhoods, restore our ecosystems, and protect the places we love.

CEC’s Climate Stewards Certification Program empowers individuals from all backgrounds to advance bold climate solutions right at home. High school and college students, recent grads, teachers, community members, non-profit staff, business owners, retirees, and more are all invited to join us as we take collective action to move forward meaningful climate progress.

Holiday Magic at Heritage Square Oxnard

Call for Entries: Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit
Looking for a fun holiday project? Our annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit is the perfect way for family and friends to gather this weekend and create something sweet together.
Entries are due by next Tuesday, December 15.
Your gingerbread creation will be featured as part of our holiday display at Heritage Square.
View entry information: https://forms.gle/y7e8bHAoNfiiQcXC7
Inspiration from past entries here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/137180328@N06/albums/72157720188275462/

Habitat Families receive keys to homes they helped build at Vista Campanario

VENTURA — On the morning of Saturday, December 6th, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County (Habitat Ventura) presented families with keys to their very own homes at Vista Campanario in Camarillo. The families, all first-time homeowners, helped build their homes alongside Habitat Ventura volunteers, with each family contributing 250-500 hours of sweat equity.The eight new townhomes are located at Vista Campanario, a new Camarillo development that includes rental units along with the eight for-sale Habitat town homes.

“We are always trying to be better at what we do. This build is the first time we’ve collaborated with multiple partners to build these units,” said Darcy Taylor, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County. “To continue to build low-income housing, it’s going to take more than just Habitat to do that. We’re grateful for the partners that have allowed us to put these wonderful homes together.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘UCSB physicists accept Nobel Prizes in Sweden’ and more news, events

In a ceremony full of splendor, music and admiration, professors Michel Devoret and John Martinis, alongside their mentor, UC Berkeley physicist John Clarke, on Dec. 10 officially received their Nobel Prizes from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.

SEEAG Awarded $236,360 California Department of Food and Agriculture Grant

“Students learn about specialty crop-related science, technology and engineering. They explore career opportunities at local farms and connect with agricultural professionals,” says Caitlin Paulus Case, SEEAG executive director. “To run a successful agriculture business today requires the skills to address the many challenges facing the industry, including soil science, plant nutrition and sustainability practices.”

Bilingual report — Registration for Ventura’s Spring 2026 Activity Guide begins Jan. 6

Every Ventura resident will receive a printed copy of the Activity Guide in the mail. Additional copies are available for pick-up at City Hall and other City facilities during business hours, including the Westpark Community Center, Barranca Vista Community Center, Ventura Aquatics Center, and Ventura Avenue Adult Center.

Italian Photographer Mario Giacomelli (1925–2000) highlighted at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art as part of celebrations around the centennial of his birth

SANTA BARBARA — Now open at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) is an exhibition of notable Italian photographer Mario Giacomelli (1925–2000). Through innovative darkroom techniques, he depicted the people and landscapes of Italy’s Marche region with high contrast and sharp psychological intensity. Celebrating a significant new gift to the museum as well as the hundredth anniversary of the artist’s birth, Mario Giacomelli: La Gente, La Terra features 36 photographs taken between 1955 and 1980—all from SBMA’s collection—including some of his most iconic images. The exhibition will be open until February 15, 2026.