Wrona Gall and Ted Gall: Stories in Pigment and Metal
On view now through November 8
Santa Barbara Museum of Art Exhibitions & Events Oct. 13 through 25
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a Free Family Day
Sunday, October 25
11 am – 4 pm
Explore a vibrant display of community-created altars, engage in hands-on art activities for all ages, and enjoy a festive Calenda procession featuring traditional music and dance from Oaxaca and Guerrero.
Now in its third year, the procession, produced by the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, celebrates Mexican traditions while bringing the community together in a joyful expression of remembrance, culture, and connection.
HASC celebrates Cottage Nurse Paula Gallucci as a 2026 My SoCal Hospital Hero
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is proud to announce that Paula Gallucci, BSN, RN, CCRN, Manager, Medical Intensive Care Unit, has been selected as a 2026 My SoCal Hospital Hero by the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC). The honor recognizes employees across Southern California hospitals who contribute to outstanding patient care through embodying excellence, compassion and dedication in their work every day.
Paula was chosen for her extraordinary impact on patients, colleagues and the hospital community. She leads with a unique combination of clinical rigor, creative energy and boundless compassion. In a high-stakes environment, she brings the steady, inspired leadership that transforms a critical care unit into a place where people want to work – and patients and families feel genuinely cared for.
Bilingual report — Santa Paula City Council adopts resolution opposing Proposition 43
SANTA PAULA — At its Oct. 7, 2026 meeting, the Santa Paula City Council voted unanimously (5-0) to adopt Resolution No. 7635, formally opposing Proposition 43, a statewide ballot measure appearing before California voters on November 3, 2026.
The action follows a request from the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) encouraging cities to consider opposing the measure. Proposition 43 would increase the voter-approval requirement for voter-initiated local special taxes from a simple majority to two-thirds, potentially making it more difficult for communities to approve dedicated funding for local services and priorities.
Central Coast joins 1.6 million+ voices calling for Roadless Rule protections
CENTRAL COAST — With the closing of the final public comment period last week, more than 1.6 million people—including more than one thousand Central Coast residents—voiced their support for keeping the Roadless Rule in place. The rule — which the Trump administration is proposing to repeal—protects some of the country’s last intact backcountry forests, including 635,106 acres across 37 inventoried roadless areas in Los Padres National Forest.
The latest comment period on the Trump administration’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule closed October 6.
Dog adoptions up 42% at the HSVC, and a new program is open to 805 residents
OJAI — Not everyone can take a shelter dog home, but almost anyone can give one a few hours away from the kennel. The Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) is officially rolling out its Dog Day Out program to the public. Community members can take a dog out for a hike, a ride or a quiet afternoon at home, with no foster or adoption commitment.
HSVC is giving more dogs homes, and faster. Through August, dog adoptions are up 42% over the same period last year (223 compared with 157), and half of adopted dogs now go home within 14 days, compared with 24 days last year. HSVC hopes Dog Day Out — a program used by shelters nationwide and linked in research to higher adoption rates — will keep this momentum going and help its longest-staying dogs find homes.
Business, Cultural, familia, Family, Finance, Government, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth
Bilingual report — Santa Paula City Council approves temporary pause on certain RV parking enforcement
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is temporarily pausing enforcement of certain recreational vehicle (RV) parking regulations following a unanimous (5-0) City Council decision on October 7, 2026. The temporary pause allows the City to review its existing ordinance and explore potential updates with input from the community. The decision follows ongoing public comments and concerns from residents regarding RV parking restrictions and their impact on the community.
Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Local, News, Technology, Youth
UCSB — The Current — ‘Refugee studies meets environmental justice in new special journal issue’ and more news, events
Scholar Heidi Amin-Hong explores how systems of colonialism, militarism and global capitalism create displacement and treat people and environments as disposable.
Read more about the issue
The Welcome Room in Ventura publishes latest newsletter — Extra Extra! Read All About Us!
We’ll be holding two shows over the next month at the Rubicon Theatre. Let’s keep the streak alive! Come out and support and share these events with your “peeps”.
• Thursday, Oct 27: Good Company. Hosted by Lachlan Patterson with Aida Rodriguez, Francisco Ramos, Chris Estrada and Chad Goes Deep. Benefitting Westside Community Development Corporation. Get tickets
• Monday, Nov 2 — The Line-Up of Extraordinary Women with Laurie Kilmartin, Aparna Nancherla, Beth Stelling and Emily Catalano. Benefitting Women’s Economic Ventures. LOW TICKET WARNING: Get tickets
Business, Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Government, Health, Immigration, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth
Bilingual guest contribution — 805 UNDOCUFund — Operation Safe California targets the Central Coast-100 community members disappeared in five days
Thank you for standing with us during these increasingly difficult times. At 805UndocuFund, our mission has always been rooted in protecting the dignity and safety of undocumented and mixed-status families across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. Today, that work is more urgent than ever.
Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics’ Medical Mobile Unit to provide low-cost sports physicals at UC Santa Barbara on Oct. 14
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) announced today that its Medical Mobile Unit will be visiting the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) on October 14th to provide on-campus sports physicals for students preparing to participate in club sports.
For many college students, completing a sports physical is a routine step toward joined campus athletics. However, out-of-pocket costs can present an unexpected financial barrier for students without adequate insurance coverage, potentially preventing them from joining teams, staying active, and fully engaging in campus life.
Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Immigration, Local, News, Public Safety, Seniors, Women, Youth
Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Our communities, our power
CENTRAL COAST — For nearly two years, immigrant communities across the Central Coast have faced kidnapping, family separation, and escalating violence at the hands of ICE. And now, as Californians begin to vote, ICE activity is surging – in an attempt to bring more fear and intimidation into our communities.
As of Tuesday afternoon, at least 32 of our neighbors in the region have been taken by ICE this week. Parents. Neighbors. Workers. Families torn apart.
But we are not powerless. We know how to respond. We know how to protect each other. We know how to organize. And we know that information is power.
Business, Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Opinion
Bilingual commentary — The Tragedy of Linguistic Decay
At times I scan newsworthy social media notifications that appear on my phone. One thing has become abundantly clear to me: the posts I see are a window into the linguistic decay that has been settling into our American culture.
I am struck by the paucity of commentary that is written well. The overwhelming majority of the posts offer a glimpse into the atrocious grammar and spelling that are a regular feature of our national discourse. This widespread deterioration of the English language, by which we communicate with each other, raises a seriously unsettling question about our society: why have we allowed ourselves to embrace and normalize this consistently sloppy writing?
Teatro de las Américas — Heard the buzz about Teatro De Las Americas’s production of Diego Rivera: His Story – A One Night Theatrical Event performed by Herbert Siguenza? (Oct. 10)
Sat. October 10th 2026, 7:00 pm
Have you heard the buzz about Teatro De Las Americas’s spectacular production of Diego Rivera: His Story – A One?Night Theatrical Event performed by Herbert Siguenza? It’s an event you absolutely can’t miss! Secure your seat today by grabbing your tickets online. Join us for an unforgettable experience!
LEAP Names Juan Pimentel Chief Operating Officer and celebrates his 20 years of service
GOLETA — LEAP celebrates Juan Pimentel’s 20 years of service and his new title as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner., recognizing his longstanding leadership and commitment to children, families and community.
Pimentel joined LEAP, then Isla Vista Youth Projects, in 2006 at age 19 as a Work-Study student attending the University of California, Santa Barbara, serving as a group leader in its after-school program.
Santa Barbara County local businesses raise 15,079 diapers for Diaper Bank
GOLETA — This September, businesses, organizations, and community members across Santa Barbara County came together to collect more than 15,000 diapers for local families through LEAP’s annual Diaper Need Awareness campaign.
One in two U.S. families with young children struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their babies clean, according to The NDBN Diaper Check 2026: Diaper Insecurity among U.S. Children and Families. This lack of a sufficient supply of diapers is known as diaper need. Families experiencing diaper need report making difficult tradeoffs, including skipping meals, delaying rent or mortgage payments, or falling behind on other bills to afford diapers.
Ventura Music Festival — Last Call for Tea! Just 23 Tickets Remain. More upcoming events
23 seats left for scones, sandwiches, and lively brass at the historic Pierpont Inn – get yours now, because these won’t last the weekend!
Some traditions are worth dressing up for. Picture it: a sunny Sunday afternoon at the historic Pierpont Inn. A pot of tea at your table. Warm scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and a tempting tower of pastries. And then, the trumpets. Tea & Trumpets is one of those VMF experiences that, once you’ve been, you make sure you don’t miss. It’s civilized and joyful in equal measure, and this Sunday, it opens our 2026 Fall Series. There are just 33 tickets left. Once they’re gone, they’re gone, so grab your seat before someone else gets your scone!
Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth
TOArts expands National Geographic Live 2026–27 season beyond the stage
THOUSAND OAKS — TOArts is bringing National Geographic Live back to the Bank of America Performing Arts Center for the 2026–27 season, with four acclaimed explorers whose work spans wildlife filmmaking, ecology, photography and the science of sound. This year, with support from Bank of America, TOArts is adding on to the on the onstage experience with creative programming and expanded student access designed to bring audiences even closer to the ideas, stories and people behind each presentation.
Business, Cultural, En español, Events, familia, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth
Bilingual report — CenCal Health launches member navigation hub to help at-risk residents keep Medi-Cal coverage
SANTA BARBARA — In response to Medi-Cal eligibility, enrollment and renewal changes affecting an estimated 44,000 local residents, CenCal Health and a coalition of community partners have launched Central Coast Coverage, a regional member navigation hub that helps eligible individuals keep their health coverage and avoid disruptions in care.
Supported by a $2 million investment from CenCal Health – the region’s Medi-Cal health plan serving more than 220,000 members in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties – the new resource connects residents with navigation assistance, resource guides, and information about Medi-Cal.
Museum of Ventura County — October 8 is DAF Day
Thursday is DAF Day—a national day encouraging donors to put their Donor Advised Funds to work for the organizations and causes they care about most.
If preserving Ventura County’s stories, celebrating its art and culture, and creating opportunities for our community to learn from the people and places that shaped our region are important to you, we invite you to consider making a gift to the Museum of Ventura County through your Donor Advised Fund (DAF).
Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, En español, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety, Seniors, Women, Youth
Bilingual report — County of Ventura highlights winter storm preparations, encourages residents to get ready now
VENTURA — On Tuesday, October 6, the Board of Supervisors heard a report on the County’s inter-agency efforts to prepare for a potentially strong El Niño storm season. Staff from the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, Fire Department, Public Works Agency, and the County’s Public Information Office shared updates on work already underway to help ensure the community is storm ready ahead of a potentially wetter winter.
Pre-season efforts are focused on reducing risk and ensuring the County is ready to respond quickly if significant storms impact local communities. Preparations include inspecting and maintaining flood-control infrastructure, clearing drainage systems and debris basins, preparing swift water rescue resources, and coordinating emergency response plans for areas at higher risk of flooding and debris flows. The County’s Public Works Agency has already removed more than 235,000 cubic yards of material from detention basins and waterways in preparation for the winter storm season.
Friendship Center Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — Special Edition Friendly Finch: 50th Anniversary October 2026
We did it!
After months (well, years) of planning, our 50th Anniversary Weekend has officially come and gone, and we are all still buzzing.
There are a few things in my life that I am really, really proud of. Most of them have something to do with Friendship Center. One involves successfully teaching my pug to use a doggy door independently. But hosting our inaugural Dementia Care Conference alongside my teammate Shyra Jain, surrounded by some of the most remarkable people I’ve had the privilege of learning from and working alongside, followed the very next day by a Family Reunion filled with people who have been part of Friendship Center’s fifty-year story…that one is going to be hard to top.
Santa Barbara City College announces the reopening of the JSB Café
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is excited to announce that the JSB Café is now open and ready to serve students, faculty, staff, and members of the community. The cafe will once again serve as both a restaurant and a training ground for students in SBCC’s School of Culinary Arts with direction from Chef Roberto Lopez Carrillo.
“It is with great joy that we announce the reopening of the JSB Café for our campuses and the community-at-large,” shared SBCC Superintendent/President Dr. Erika Endrijonas. “The reopening marks another milestone for SBCC in the recovery from COVID-19 and adding another community resource at our Cliff Campus. Thank you to the amazing Chef Carrillo and culinary students.”
Santa Barbara Fiduciary launches Presidio Private to help families prepare for the “What Ifs”
“People are usually pretty good at planning for the life they expect to have,” Tull said. “It’s the things we haven’t thought through that can leave families scrambling. I want to help people think about those situations before they happen, rather than trying to sort everything out in the middle of a crisis.”
Ventura Harbor Village invites families, furry friends and witches to celebrate Halloween By the Sea
VENTURA — Halloween gets a coastal twist this October as Ventura Harbor Village welcomes families, witches, zombies, four-legged companions and Halloween enthusiasts to celebrate Fall with a festive lineup of Seaside Halloween happenings.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Ventura Harbor, this year’s Halloween festivities feature a dog costume contest, family-friendly trick-or-treating, Halloween entertainment and activities, and the colorful spectacle of costumed witches and warlocks paddling across the harbor. Visitors can also enjoy waterfront dining, shopping, harbor views and attractions throughout Ventura Harbor Village.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Three UCSB researchers recognized for contributions to the earth sciences’ and more news, events
Leander Anderegg, Kelly Caylor and David Valentine are honored by the American Geophysical Union for their work.
Read more about the research
Casa De Vida in Port Hueneme publishes latest newsletter
Join us for our Annual Dinner, support our Christmas Toy Giveaway, and discover ways to volunteer
Museum of Ventura County — You’re invited to the opening reception – Jungleland, USA
Jungleland, USA celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the legendary tourist attraction that put Thousand Oaks on the map. Jungleland was home to animal stars of the silver screen like Tamba the Chimp and Leo the MGM Lion, and featured animal trainer Mabel Stark.
Dr. Adrian Hill Joins Cottage Primary Care–Goleta
SANTA BARBARA — Dr. Adrian Hill, a primary care physician specializing in internal medicine, has joined Cottage Primary Care – Goleta, where she practices alongside Drs. Daniel Crossman, Amir Jalilian, Casey Whipple and Jayson Wright.
A Santa Barbara native, Dr. Hill is grateful for the opportunity to continue caring for patients in the community that shaped her.
Bilingual report — New live webcam offers real-time views of historic Ventura Pier and coastline
VENTURA — A new live webcam overlooking the historic Ventura Pier and City beach is giving residents, visitors, and viewers around the world a real-time look at one of Ventura’s most treasured landmarks. The launch comes just in time to celebrate the 154th anniversary of the original Ventura Wharf, completed on October 5, 1872. Today, the Ventura Pier is the oldest pier in California.