Education, Health, Local, News

SBCC School of Extended Learning to offer Mental Health Services

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College’s (SBCC) School of Extended Learning (SEL) will now offer FREE one-on-one mental health counseling to students for the first time ever.

Starting this week, SEL will offer mental health counseling and connections/referrals to resources on both Schott and Wake campuses. Students can access these services by visiting the office adjacent to the Welcome Center on each campus.

“The mental health counseling will help SEL students enrich and enhance their personal lives and personal growth, which will then advance them in achieving their educational goals,” said Monica Campbell, Director of SBCC’s School of Extended Learning.

Read more →

Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Join us for a NO-COST workshop series for businesses on Feb. 12, 19

by  • 

Join the City of Moorpark, Accelerate CA and EDC for this workshop series, which has been developed to help advance business formalization, financial resilience and strategic visibility among small businesses in Ventura County. It addresses core areas where entrepreneurs often face barriers—legal compliance, financial planning, and marketing execution—offering hands-on, actionable training that leads to real outcomes: formal registration, funding readiness and customer growth.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News

First Father-Son presidents of historic Santa Barbara nonprofit

by  • 

“It’s a real honor to serve as president of the Trust, especially following in my dad’s footsteps,” Cody said. “With deep family roots in Santa Barbara, I feel a strong responsibility to help preserve the places and stories that make this community so special, and to ensure they can be shared with future generations.”

Read more →

Business, Finance, Government, Home, Local, News

Center Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Santa Paula residents urged to address City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb 4

by  • 

The fight for housing justice in Santa Paula is reaching a breaking point – and City Council must decide who they stand with. 

For over a year, mobile home residents in Santa Paula have been living under constant threat of displacement, all because a corporate landlord is trying again and again to squeeze more profit out of our working class community.

Here’s what residents have endured over the last year:

Read more →

Business, Local, News, Seniors

Friendship Center Adult Day Services — The Friendly Finch: February 2026

by  • 

Dear Friends,

Bear with me for a moment as I do what I do best (or worst), overshare:

February is wrapped in hearts and flowers and Valentine’s cheer, and while we’re leaning fully into that spirit this month over here, I do need to acknowledge that the ache in my stomach is more than just too much chocolate. This Valentine’s Day, February 14th, marks ten years since my dad died. As someone who has dedicated my education and career to bringing light to end-of-life work, it’s painful to admit that my own dad’s final chapter was quite dimmed.

Read more →

Business, Education, Health, Local, News, Veteranos, Youth

Cottage Health and Santa Barbara Unified School District partner to launch Cottage Health Careers Academy at San Marcos High School

by  • 

“This partnership represents a meaningful investment in our local community and the future of healthcare,” said Scott Wester, President and CEO of Cottage Health. “By expanding access to educational pathways and engaging students early, we’re helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthening care across Santa Barbara.”

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Free admission, new exhibitions, and more happenings at MVC

by  • 

FREE ADMISSION IN FEBRUARY

Thanks to the generous support of Ventura County Credit Union, admission to the Museum of Ventura County is FREE for all visitors in February. This support helps the Museum welcome more visitors to experience Ventura County’s history, art, and cultural heritage.

Read more →

Elections, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Nomination Period Announced for offices in the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election

by  • 

VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion announced the February 9, 2026 opening of the nomination period for the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election. Those who are interested in running for office should make an appointment to obtain their candidate filing documents from the Ventura County Elections Division for the following offices:

Read more →

Business, Education, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by  • 

IN-PERSON EVENT: CITY OF MOORPARK: READY • SET • GROW: SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES

February 5, 12 and 19 @ 8:00 am

Join the City of Moorpark and Economic Development Collaborative for a 3-part series to help business owners improve legal compliance, financial planning and marketing. Participants will receive hands-on, practical training to achieve real results, such as official registration, funding readiness, and customer growth. This 3-workshop series will be conducted in English, with the option to answer questions in Spanish. Hands-on materials will be provided in both languages. Address: Moorpark City Council Chamber 323 Science Drive, Moorpark, CA 93021

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Read more →

Cultural, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — Call to artists for Surfers Point Public Art Tiled Sculpture

by  • 

This opportunity is open to artists residing and working in the State of California. Special consideration will be given to those based in Ventura County and Santa Barbara County.

Based on community surveys and workshops, the project theme has been identified as a combination of Marine Life and Surf & Beach Culture. The artwork should serve as a cultural and ecological narrative, visually connecting visitors to the coastal marine life, beach and surf culture with a color palette of natural coastal tones

Read more →

Business, Local, News, Women

Santa Barbara corporate law firm Trusted Legal adds senior attorney

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — Trusted Legal is proud to announce that Natasha Bhushan is joining the firm as a senior attorney.

Bhushan, an experienced corporate and transactional law attorney, has guided many clients and businesses through complex legal matters, transitions, real estate transactions and other issues like governance and compliance. She loves walking with her clients during their journeys from just starting out to seasoned entrepreneur.

Read more →

Government, Local, News, Public Safety

CAL FIRE to Review VCFD Operations on wildfire that preceded Mountain Fire

by  • 

THOUSAND OAKS — Delivering on a commitment by Fire Chief Dustin Gardner, the Ventura County Fire Department has reached an agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for an independent review of VCFD’s operations during a wildfire that preceded and eventually led to the Mountain Fire.

“CAL FIRE is the nation’s leading expert on wildfire operations,” Chief Gardner said. “No agency is better prepared to conduct this type of review and provide recommendations to enhance our future work.”

The Balcom Fire was started by a tractor clearing brush in the Balcom Canyon area near Somis. Firefighters contained it at 1.8 acres.

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Education, Government, Local, News

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Oak Park MAC Meeting Recap

by  • 

Last night’s Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council monthly meeting saw strong community engagement. Thank you to all those who attended or tuned in. I am pleased to announce the new leadership roles for 2026: Michelle Santucci will serve as Chair of the MAC and Brianna Adams will serve as Vice Chair.

Read more →

Business, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — City of Ventura to begin waterline project on the Eastside to strengthen water reliability

by  • 

“The project includes upgrades to underground water lines along Foothill and Kimball roads and represents the second phase of constructing new transmission pipelines that improve efficiency throughout the City,” said Ventura Water Gina Dorrington. “This project reflects how local water rate dollars are used to maintain critical infrastructure and ensure reliable service for our customers.”

Read more →

Business, Education, Finance, Local, News, Youth

Statement from SBCC Board of Trustees President Jonathan Abboud on unauthorized use of McKenzie Scott Gift

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Board of Trustees is concerned by the unauthorized use of the 2021 MacKenzie Scott gift funds disclosed by the SBCC Foundation. 

While we were disappointed to learn that the MacKenzie Scott funds were used without explicit authorization by either the SBCC Foundation board or the College, SBCC is nevertheless grateful to the SBCC Foundation’s current leadership and staff for identifying the past unauthorized activity and initiating a comprehensive review of the SBCC Foundation’s past accounting practices and swiftly improving internal controls. SBCC works closely with the SBCC Foundation, which is a separate legal entity, to support student success and further the institution’s educational mission. 

Read more →

Business, Cultural, En español, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Ventura’s 4th of July Street Fair seeking artisan vendors

by  • 

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is seeking artisan vendor applications for the annual 4th of July Street Fair. This annual event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the 4th of July in Ventura’s Downtown District and attracts more than 15,000 attendees. This year will feature additional events and activities celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Family, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — We Just Passed a Rent Freeze in Santa Barbara

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — Community power and organized tenants delivered a major victory for Santa Barbara renters.

On Tuesday, the Santa Barbara City Council passed a temporary rent freeze while the city implements a strong, permanent rent stabilization ordinance.

Who is covered:

Generally speaking, if your building was built in 1995 or earlier, is multi-family, and is not low-income or government-subsidized housing, these protections apply to you.

Read more →

Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Opinion, Youth

Bilingual commentary — More Masculinity—As If We Didn’t Have Enough Already

by  • 

More In Common US, a nonpartisan nonprofit that studies the roots of division in our society, recently interviewed 10,000 Trump voters over 10 months. The result was an eye-opening “Beyond MAGA” report that shed light on Americans’ attitudes regarding patriarchy and women. 

Almost 50% of members of Gen Z who took the survey want Trump to serve a third term. That the Constitution prohibits this authoritarian maneuver doesn’t appear to dissuade them.

Furthermore, a disheartening 26% of young Trump voters believe that “men should lead, and women should follow,” an outlook that appears to be fueled by the “trad wife” movement, which encourages women to marry into a “traditional” lifestyle that diminishes their autonomy and relinquishes them to subservient roles in service to their husbands.

Read more →

Business, Government, Home, Local, News

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County to receive $4.4 million from Prop 1 program

by  • 

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has been notified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) that it has been awarded $4,406,179 from the final round of the Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) Matching Grant Program. This brings the organization’s total LHTF funding to $18,425,566 out of $25 million available since 2020. Housing Trust Fund VC was also awarded a $125,396.82 grant from the California Investment & Innovation Program (Cal IIP).

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

VCCF Power of Purpose – January 2026

by  • 

… If you are a concerned community member wondering how best to help during this time, please know this: we are here to walk alongside you. The greatest gift you can give right now is your attention. When we are at the supermarket, waiting in line at a gas station, or passing one another in our neighborhoods, let us choose to truly see one another. These small moments of connection matter more than we often realize. 

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Government, Local, News

Historic Cañedo Adobe to Undergo Significant Roof Restoration Through Prop 68 Funding

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) is proud to announce the commencement of a critical roof replacement project at the historic Cañedo Adobe, located within El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. This essential preservation work is made possible by a specialized sub -grant administered by California State Parks. The funding originates from Proposition 68, the California Drought, Water, Parks, Public Access, and Environmental Resilience Act of 2018. $4,875,000 in funding was made available under Prop 68 for State Parks operated by nonprofit partners. Specifically, these funds were designated for nonprofit park operators , like SBTHP, to ensure the continued stewardship of California’s most cherished historical landmarks.

Read more →

Business, Finance, Local, News

Arlington Financial Advisors in Santa Barbara celebrates 15th year

by  • 

“Arlington Financial is immensely proud of our success. We are honored to have served our community and our clients all these years by providing trusted advice to help them achieve financial peace of mind,” said Dianne Duva, managing partner. “We look forward to continued growth as we help our clients achieve their financial goals.”

Read more →

Cultural, Education, En español, Local, News, Youth

Bilingual report — CSUCI Selected by Carnegie Foundation for 2026 Community Engagement Classification

by  • 

“Higher education is a vital economic engine for us all. Our colleges and universities not only fuel science and innovation, they build prosperity in rural, urban and suburban communities nationwide,” said Timothy F.C. Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation. “We celebrate each of these institutions, particularly their dedication to partnering with their neighbors —fostering civic engagement, building useable knowledge, and catalyzing real world learning experiences for students.”

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

February at the Santa Paula Art Museum

by  • 

February always feels extra special at the Santa Paula Art Museum. It’s our anniversary month, and the Museum is turning sweet 16. Love takes many forms, and this month’s programs invite you to fall in love with art, creativity, and community. Scroll down to learn more.

(If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, we recommend our one-day ceramics workshops on February 13 and 14. They’re fun to share with a friend or partner!)

Read more →

Business, En español, Government, Health, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety

Bilingual report — Ventura Fire Department seeks community input on first-every Community Wildfire Protection Plan

by  • 

“As wildfire risks continue to grow, planning and prevention are more important than ever,” said Interim Fire Chief Kris McDonald. “This draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan reflects both data and local experience, but it is strongest when the community helps guide it. We encourage residents to review the plan, attend a workshop, and share their perspectives so we can truly meet Ventura’s needs.” 

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Women

CSU Faculty and staff (including CSUCI’s Maricela J. Becerra García, Ph.D and Heather Castillo, M.F.A.) receive highest honor for steadfast commitment to student success

by  • 

“It is my great honor to confer the 2026 Wang Family Excellence Awards, recognizing exemplary contributions of the CSU’s world-class faculty and staff,” said CSU Chancellor Mildred García. “The CSU’s extraordinary and far-reaching impact is possible only because of the people who bring our mission and core values brilliantly to life. The work of the five extraordinary individuals we honor this year is as inspiring as it is consequential—and it demonstrates why the CSU leads the future of inclusive excellence and social mobility.

Read more →