Teatro de las Américas
34th Anniversary
Dinner/Concert Fundraiser
Teatro de las Américas is celebrating its 34th anniversary as the only organization dedicated to Spanish-language theater on the Central Coast, and we invite friends, volunteers, and anyone interested in supporting the arts and culture in our community to join us for our annual benefit event.
Watching Artemis II loop around the Moon and come home felt like I too had “come home.” Some of us in my generation used to get up at 3 a.m. to watch the electrifying launches of the missions with god-like names: Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo. We would watch with focused fascination the black-and-white images on our small TV screens, never imagining that our grandchildren some 50 years later would be seeing mesmerizing high-definition, full-color feeds of the lunar surface on large high-tech screens during their moonshot. It all felt like a powerful injection of déjà vu. It wasn’t just about the hardware or the physics; it was that energy of the thrill of returning to the Moon.
CESI’s 2026 conference, “California’s Housing Crisis: Roots of the Problem and What Lies Ahead,” is now fully available—bringing together opening remarks, cutting-edge research, a dynamic panel, and candid Q&A throughout.
Explore three short highlight videos tackling housing affordability, economic inequality, and the mounting pressures facing communities across California.
This is more than a recap—it’s a call to action. Join the conversation, challenge the status quo, and help drive the long-overdue change Californians deserve.
Watch CESI Conference!
SANTA BARBARA —. Vejas Skripkus, a board-certified physician specializing in family medicine, has joined Cottage Primary Care – Santa Barbara – Bath St., where he practices alongside Dr. Barry Statner, Dr. Nastassia Sylvestre, Dr. Brett Trzcinski and Dr. Jane Varner.
VENTURA — More than six centuries of public service were recognized this week as the County of Ventura honored 24 employees reaching career milestones of 25 to 35 years. Their combined 660 years of service reflect decades of experience supporting essential programs and services across the county. The recognition took place during the April 14 meeting of the Board of Supervisors.
The Museum of Ventura County extends beyond its galleries. Through community events, school tours, and outreach programs, we connect with people across Ventura County in ways that spark curiosity.
Over the past 12 months, we have reached more than 10,000 people through these experiences. Communities come together to share and reflect. Students see their local history in a new way. Families engage with one another through hands-on activities.
This is what the Museum does. We connect people through the shared stories of Ventura County.
VENTURA — Ocean water quality results from samples collected this week indicate that ocean water quality at the following Ventura County beach sampling locations failed to meet State standards for bacteria:
Rincon Beach – South of Creek
Surfer’s Knoll Beach
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Over 300 teens and their parents selected free prom attire at Prom Closets at the two branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. Prom Closets were held at the Simi Valley Family YMCA and Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village. Both Prom Closets were filled with donated, gently used and new formal wear for use by high schoolers at their prom.
For the past three years, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA and its branches have partnered with the Simi Valley Soroptimist Club to hold a Prom Closet at both YMCA sites.
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Elections Division released its Election Observation Schedule, outlining the dates, times, and descriptions of observable activities, for the upcoming June 2nd election.
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Department is currently accepting applications for the Police Chief Advisory Committee. Those interested in applying can do so online. The application is open to residents or business owners in the City of Santa Paula.
The Police Chief Advisory Committee will be comprised of 5-7 members from the community. The committee may take on roles including but not limited to: reviewing policies and practices, community concerns, and recommending public safety strategies. The committee’s purpose is advisory only, and it will not act in an oversight capacity.
Download the 2026 Economic Outlook Report presented at our April 14th VCTF event.
This comprehensive report is presented by Dr. Mark Schniepp from the California Economic Forecast.
VENTURA — The 13th Annual Ventura County Farm Day drew over 7,300 visitors to 18 local farms, ranches and agricultural venues across Ventura County. The number of visitors for the April 11 event was the largest since the annual event began.
Almost 10,000 vegetable seedlings donated by Plantel Nurseries were distributed at Duda Farms and Petty Ranch, two participating farms.
Dear Friends of our Ventura County kids, Nearly 9,500 youth have been identified by the Ventura County Office of Education as homeless in Ventura County. Help us support local youth experiencing homelessness as they head back to school. Your contribution…
SOLVANG — The California Nature Art Museum (CalNAM) is pleased to welcome Jessica Tade as the organization’s new executive director. In this role, Tade will provide strategic leadership as she guides the museum through its next phase of growth and impact.
“We are thrilled that Jessica will be bringing her vast experience and leadership to the California Nature Art Museum as we begin the next chapter of our storied history,” said CalNAM Board President Kevin Patterson. “Her vision and creativity will continue to grow the museum’s impact, deepen our connection with the community, and inspire greater appreciation for the intersection of art and the natural world. We are confident that under her leadership, CalNAM will reach new heights and build on its legacy as a vibrant cultural and educational resource.”
n a media environment where creating content and spreading false or misleading material is easy, perception is everything. Political scientist Julia Morse examines how these dynamics play out in the international arena.
Across the country, we’re seeing renewed efforts to expand fossil fuels and lock in decades of climate risk.
Here on the Central Coast, we know what that means.
We’ve seen what happens when systems fail — and we’ve spent decades building something better.
To protect that progress, CEC is working to raise $75,000 by May 15 — and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
We can’t go back.
Protect our progress ?
IN-PERSON WORKSHOP: AI FOR SMALL BUSINESS: 10 USE CASES YOU CAN APPLY THIS MONTH
April 17 @ 8:30 am
Join SCORE, the City of Moorpark, the Economic Development Collaborative, and Accelerate CA for this information-packed workshop. Turn AI from buzzword into business results. Learn practical, low-cost tools and tips for marketing, sales, and operations, no IT or coding background needed. Leave with prompts, checklists and a 30-day action plan. Note: A free or paid Generative AI Account (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Co-Pilot) is required to get the most out of the hands-on portions of this workshop. Bring a fully charged laptop or device with your selected AI application installed and signed in to your account. Address: Moorpark City Hall | 323 Science Dr, Moorpark, CA 93021. The Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub (Accelerate CA Hub) is funded by the State of California and administered by CalOSBA. Price: FREE.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors is currently considering a massive $460 million proposal (including long-term financing and staffing) to expand the North Branch Jail by 1½ housing units, adding 384 beds. We are calling on the Board to reject this overreach and limit the addition to just one housing unit (256 beds).
The Board’s current plan would more than double the capacity of the Santa Maria jail, locking our County into decades of crushing debt and soaring operational costs. Our County is facing $23 million in cuts to social and safety-net programs next fiscal year and a $66 million deficit over the next 5 years.
The Human Cost: A Devastating Blow to Our Immigrant Community
Beyond the fiscal irresponsibility, this expansion poses a direct threat to our immigrant neighbors. Our jails already hold many non-violent residents, including those struggling with mental health or substance use disorders, who do not need to be incarcerated to ensure public safety.
Hi, I’m Heather Williams, Chief Development Officer at the Museum of Ventura County.
First and foremost, thank you for your support of the Museum. It’s people like you who help keep our mission, vision, and purpose alive.
I wanted to reach out to introduce myself and our team. You may know our Barbara Barnard Smith CEO, Elena Brokaw, but you may not know us, the development team. We’re the ones who call to thank you for your donations, send your tax letters, answer your membership questions, and most importantly, build and sustain the funding plan for the Museum of Ventura County.
Our small but mighty team wouldn’t be able to do what we do without you. Each quarter, we’ll send an email like this one highlighting wins that you, our MVC community, made possible.
SANTA BARBARA — The National Association of Women Business Owners, Santa Barbara chapter (NAWBO-SB) is proud to announce the 12th Annual BRAVO Awards, celebrating the accomplishments of outstanding women in the Santa Barbara community. President Dr. Mary Jean Vignone and President-Elect Annika Jensen will be co-hosting an engaging luncheon to honor nine incredible winners.
The event will take place on April 30, 2026, at The Leta Hotel (Tapestry Collection by Hilton) in Goleta. This year’s theme, “Business in Bloom”, celebrates the remarkable growth, resilience, and impact of the women in the Santa Barbara community.
VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village is setting the stage for a menagerie of free, family-friendly, live weekly music throughout April 2026 on the seaside Promenade Stage at the waterfront. 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.
Enjoy 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.
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.
Join us at the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Plein Air Anniversary Party on the outdoor patio at Parque 1055! Celebrate 16 years of art, community, and creativity as we honor the Shively, Clark, and Gunderson families for their incredible longstanding support.
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and handcrafted cocktails while watching live painting by several of our Cole Creativity Center teaching artists, and bid on their original works in a silent auction. All proceeds support the Museum’s arts education programs, which provide 1,600 hours of arts instruction to more than 6,000 K-12 students every year.
Hi Friends!
I have a cool announcement for you!
In honor of DJ Javier’s exhibition San Milano Drive, we are so happy to be launching our very own MCASB x DJ Javier t-shirt!
This tee will only be available for $35 at pre-sale, so make sure to get yours now.
Pre-sale ends April 20th, price will go up to $45.
The Central Coast is counting on people like you to step up for a climate-safe future. CEC’s Climate Stewards Certification Program, in partnership with the University of California Environmental Stewards program, gives you the tools to launch and lead climate solutions in your neighborhood. Starting this Wednesday, April 15, join a cohort of community members, professionals, students, and retirees who are done waiting on the sidelines and ready to lead.
SANTA PAULA — At a Special Meeting held on April 6, 2026, the Santa Paula City Council convened at the Community Center to consider the feasibility of placing a potential ballot measure before voters related to the regulation of commercial cannabis activities within the City. Ultimately, the City Council voted 4-1 not to place the measure on the upcoming November ballot.
The discussion was aligned with the City Council’s Strategic Goal of Economic Development, as permitting commercial cannabis activities, specifically retail storefronts, would provide opportunities to increase the City’s revenue base, create local jobs, and activate vacant commercial spaces.
VENTURA — Music Under the Stars returns to the Olivas Adobe Historical Park this summer with eight outdoor concerts on Saturdays from July through August. Tickets go on sale May 12, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. PST.
The City encourages people to purchase tickets online, as many concerts sell out quickly. While tickets are also available by phone or in person, please note that customer service may not be able to accommodate all requests promptly due to high demand. Purchasing tickets online ensures the fastest and most reliable way to secure seats.
SANTA MARIA – Alianza Campesina (on April 8) held a press conference to unveil new statewide research. The report builds on years of organizing led by Central Coast farmworkers fighting for living wages and safer, more dignified workplaces.
“Just a week ago, California took a step in the right direction, identifying March 31st as Farmworker Day, but now that everyone has collectively recognized the importance of celebrating farmworkers across the state, we need to follow up with action because farmworkers need more than just celebration. They need a living wage, and that is why we are gathered here today, to demonstrate that implementing a living wage is viable and is long overdue,” Erica Diaz Cervantes, Associate Policy Director with CAUSE.
We are all generally aware that the explosion of AI in our lives represents both a blessing and a threat. Some of the dangers are real, and some are imagined. We might also be conscious of the currently outsized impact that AI is having on white-collar careers such as computer programming.
But whereas the college-bound and college graduates are particularly acutely aware of the disruptive nature of AI, it’s beginning to dawn on many of us that the threat we’re sensing is only the proverbial tip of the iceberg.
VENTURA COUNTY — More than 20 farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public during the 13th Annual Ventura County Farm Day on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event, organized by Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEG), invites community members of all ages to explore and experience local farms, ranches and agricultural venues across Ventura County.
Farm Day features tours, tastings, giveaways, and family-friendly activities while visitors learn first-hand about the hands and lands that provide food to local communities and the world.
