In less than 30 days, our community has witnessed yet another violent physical attack against individuals bearing witness to ICE activity in Santa Barbara County.
805 UNCOCUFund — Two Violent Incidents in 30 Days — We Will Not Be Intimidated
Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Finance, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Fuel Your Business Growth with Simi Valley’s Low-Interest Loans!
Ventura College to host ‘Decolonized: The Matriarchs,’ a powerful Black History Month performance on Feb. 25
Created and directed by acclaimed choreographer and artistic leader Karen Parks, CEO and Artistic Director of Stagebound, Inc., Decolonized: The Matriarchs is a multidisciplinary performance that reclaims and elevates the Black female narrative through expressive movement, voice, and storytelling. Parks is widely recognized for her work exploring themes of identity, culture, and healing through the performing arts. Her work has been featured throughout California and beyond, engaging audiences in meaningful dialogue around history, resilience, and empowerment.
Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA 26th District) — Holding ICE accountable
I am infuriated that ICE is using taxpayer dollars to brutalize and kill Americans. No one should have to live in fear.
I voted NO to granting ICE billions of taxpayer dollars without proper oversight, and now I am demanding that DHS implement common sense guardrails to protect the constitutional rights of all of us.
Union registered nurses across the country (including Ventura County) hold day of action TODAY to protest ICE as one of worst public health threats
Registered nurse members of National Nurses United, the nation’s largest union and professional association of RNs, are naming federal immigration enforcement agencies as among the country’s top public health threats, and demanding through national coordinated protests on Thursday, Feb. 19 that Congress stop funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and move to abolish ICE for the health and safety of patients and communities. Nurses also blame hospital executives for failing to clearly side with nurses and immigrant patients by acting to keep ICE out of hospitals.
Bilingual commentary — Beef, Lifestyles, and Life Expectancies
Argentine beef has been in the news a lot lately. President Trump recently issued an executive order allowing more Argentine beef to enter our country tariff-free. Presumably, this is a “win” for U.S. consumers who are agitated about affordability.
However, economists are skeptical. They are saying that the impact on consumer prices will be minimal, given that the tariff-free beef represents not even 1% of the total beef supply. So much for the “win.”
In addition, Midwest farmers are not at all thrilled with this gift to Trump’s friend, Javier Milei, president of Argentina, a flamboyant right-wing populist and libertarian. They see Trump’s directive as a slap in the face and a lack of support for the American beef cattle industry.
Bilingual report — Join us for the Feb. 24 Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting
Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors’ meetings are available in Spanish. Watch live on our Spanish YouTube Channel, or Cable TV subscribers can access Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) in language settings.
Advance requests are still needed to interpret public comment originating in Spanish. To provide public comment in Spanish, contact the Clerk of the Board at (805) 568-2240, before 4:00 p.m. the Friday before the Board meeting.
Bilingual report — City of Ventura adopts emergency ordinance prohibiting the removal and trimming of trees within protected wildlife habitats
VENTURA — On Tuesday, February 10, the Ventura City Council adopted an emergency ordinance prohibiting the removal and trimming of trees within identified protected wildlife habitats. This ordinance only applies to trees within the protected areas.
Community Environmental Council — Community Song Circle is sold out
We’re thrilled to share that the Community Song Circle is officially SOLD OUT!
Thank you to everyone who RSVP’d — we’re so inspired by the enthusiasm for this gathering of music, connection, and shared expression.The Community Song Circle, part of our Embodied Arts Workshop Series, brings people together to raise their voices in celebration of community, nature, and our shared humanity. Santa Barbara–based community song leader Heather Stevenson has been leading song circles since 2019, creating inclusive spaces where participants feel uplifted, inspired, and soothed. In this workshop, you’ll learn short, meaningful songs taught by ear. No experience or ability to read music is required. Each song highlights our connection to the Earth and the natural world, fostering community, peace, joy, and healing.
Ventura County Arts Council — 23rd Annual Ventura County Employee, Retiree & Family Art Show: “What’s Your Happy?”
NEW AT THE ATRIUM GALLERY!
23rd Annual Ventura County Employee, Retiree & Family Art Show:
“What’s Your Happy?”
“What’s Your Happy?” is now open to the public at the Atrium Gallery and will have a free opening reception TOMORROW, Feb. 19, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
New affordable family and workforce housing developments advance in Unincorporated Ventura County (near Ojai) and Santa Barbara with McCarthy Companies
VENTURA COUNTY — McCarthy Companies has been selected to provide Preconstruction and General Contracting services for two new affordable housing developments, bringing a total of 112 new affordable units to the Central Coast counties.
Museum of Ventura County — Inside the Exhibition Opening + What’s Next
We welcomed hundreds of guests for an inspiring first look at Pages to Posters: The Visual Worlds of Simms Taback. This exhibition celebrates learning, community, humor, and cultural connection, values that shaped Taback’s work. Vibrant original posters and illustrations are on display, along with Taback’s Caldecott Medal and his design for the first McDonald’s Happy Meal box. The evening featured refreshments and live jazz by The Dennis Berger Trio, sponsored by the Ventura Music Festival.
WATCH THE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:
Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — SBA Financial Assistance Now Available for businesses affected by the late December 2025 storms
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has declared a disaster for the late December 2025 storms, which occurred from December 16 to December 25, 2025. SBA now offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs, including faith-based organizations, with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.
View SBA’s disaster declaration HERE
Teatro de las Américas — Manifest Destinitis. A Political Satire by Herbert Singuenza to be presented
A Political Comedy SatireWritten by Herbert Siguenza Directe
Manifest Destinitis
March 13-29, 2026
Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m.
Sundays, 3 p.m.
Tickets / Boletos
Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Local, News, Public Safety, Science, Youth
UCSB — The Current — ‘Moving beyond money to measure the true value of Earth science information’ and more news, events
Researchers have mapped out methods for assessing its societal benefits, an effort that could lead to more effective uses of remote sensing technology while increasing benefits to people at large.
Agromin turns 1.25 million tons of organic waste into compost In 2025
OXNARD — Agromin, California’s largest organics recycler, composted more than 1.25 million tons of organic waste in 2025, a 250,000-ton increase from 2024.
The Oxnard-based company manages 21 processing and composting facilities throughout the state. Its finished products are used by farmers, commercial landscapers, residential customers, nonprofits, schools and state and local government agencies.
Because of state-mandatory organic waste recycling laws, California jurisdictions are enlisting the help of organic recyclers like Agromin to help turn their green waste into compost and mulch. Ten of those jurisdictions partnered with Agromin in 2025 to distribute finished compost and mulch products to residents through customized coupon programs.
Bilingual report — Wilderness Youth Project & Sea League launch ‘Big Blue Bridge’ Spring Break Camp in Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA — Wilderness Youth Project (WYP) and Sea League are partnering this spring break to offer the Big Blue Bridge Spring Break Camp, a week-long program designed to build water safety, swim confidence, and belonging for 24 students, ages 6-12, with priority registration for low-income families from Franklin and Adelante Elementary Schools.
The camp will take place March 30–April 3 and combines WYP’s small-group, nature-based mentoring model with Sea League’s beginner-centered swim instruction at the Santa Barbara High School pool.
County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Direction to pause proposed transition of area Agency on aging administration & evaluate service options
Chair of the Board Jeff Gorell has placed an item on the upcoming Board of Supervisors agenda to preserve current senior programs and pause proposed transition of the Area Agency on Aging Administration while further evaluation takes place. The item will be on the March 3, 2026 Board of Supervisors Agenda.
Click here to read the full Board Letter.
SBCC Financial Aid Fest on Feb. 25 offers students/community a helping hand to file their financial aid applications
SANTA BARBARA — Financial Aid Offices from across Santa Barbara (including Santa Barbara City College, UC Santa Barbara and Westmont College) will participate in a hands-on event to help local students and their families complete their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Financial Aid) or CADAA (California Dream Act Application). SBCC’s Financial Aid Fest will be held Wednesday, Feb. 25, at SBCC’s East Cliff Campus (details below).
El Concilio Family Services — Call for nominations
El Concilio Family Services Announces Call for Nominations for the 36th Latino Leadership Awards Recognizing individuals, organizations, or businesses in Ventura County who have made exceptional contributions to the Latino community.
Click for more info and form.
County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Storm update
Ventura County will see multiple storm systems this week, bringing periods of rain, colder temperatures, and possible travel impacts. The first storm has already moved through, with 0.75–2.5 inches of rain recorded. Light, intermittent showers may continue through Tuesday afternoon. A second, colder system arrives Tuesday evening, bringing about 0.5 inch of rain locally (up to 1.5 inches in foothills and mountains). Snow levels may drop to 3,000 feet, with 1–3 inches of snow possible along the Grapevine, which could impact travel. A final storm is expected Thursday, with 0.5–1 inch of additional rain.
For the latest updates, visit the National Weather Service website.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule
IN-PERSON EVENT: CITY OF MOORPARK: READY • SET • GROW: SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES
February 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. Price: FREE.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
UCSB — The Current — ‘UCSB scientists bottle the sun with liquid battery’ and more news, events
A new bio-inspired molecule captures solar energy and releases it as heat on demand, outperforming lithium-ion batteries.
Housing Trust Fund Ventura County commits $2,000,000 to create 291 units of affordable housing in Oxnard
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has approved $2 million in loans to create 291 affordable homes across two Oxnard communities. The funding will support Lockwood Phase III and Cypress Place Phase II, addressing the critical need for housing among working families, farmworkers, and low-income households. Local developer Homes & Hope will receive a $500,000 predevelopment loan to develop Lockwood III, creating 232 apartment homes for families earning 30-70% of area median income (AMI). People’s Self Help Housing Corporation will receive a $1.5 million predevelopment loan for Cypress Place II, which will provide 59 apartment homes for households earning 30-60% of area median income (AMI).
Bilingual report — City of Ventura celebrates completion of Cabrillo Village Multi-Use Path
“This project is more than just a bike and pedestrian path. It’s about connectivity, sustainability, and enhancing quality of life,” said Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios. “By investing in accessible transportation options, we’re creating dedicated corridors where residents can walk, bike, and roll through our city in ways that support their well-being.”
Ventura County Civic Alliance Livable Communities Newsletter – February 15, 2026
The Ventura County Civic Alliance’s most recent State of the Region Report released in November 2025 omitted our Key Statistics section. The data for that section comes from the U.S. Census website which was unavailable during the government shutdown in October 2025.
Our first article, based on data since collected from the U.S. Census American Community Survey 5 years (Table S0101), will give you our current status and highlights three cities where population growth is bucking the downward county trend.
The last two articles focus on the needs of our population and the nonprofits that serve them.
Women’s Fund in Santa Barbara County set to distribute $1,375,000 grants pool in 2026
“This large grants pool not only reflects the remarkable generosity of our 1,450+ members but also their commitment to our community,” says Women’s Fund Board Chair Carolyn Jabs. “It also demonstrates the power of collective giving. By combining our contributions, we magnify the impact of every member’s donation so we can give significant grants to nonprofits with projects that benefit vulnerable women, children, and families.”
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara names Foodbank of Santa Barbara County ‘Partner Organization of the Year’
This annual award is selected by Housing Authority staff and recognizes a partner organization whose work has made the most meaningful, measurable difference for the people and communities the Authority serves.
“Stable housing is essential — but housing alone is not enough,” said Rob Fredericks, Executive Director/CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara. “Food security is absolutely foundational to health, stability, and dignity. The Foodbank’s work ensures that families, seniors, and individuals don’t have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. Their impact is profound, especially during times of economic uncertainty.”
Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Join CEC for A Year of Active Hope
When climate challenges feel overwhelming, our most powerful response is connection — gathering in community, strengthening our resolve, and finding pathways forward together. Hope is something we must actively practice every day. That’s why the Community Environmental Council (CEC) invites you to join us for A Year of Active Hope.
Theatro de las Américas — Will you be at opening ight for Amorodio on Feb. 14?
OXNARD — Opening night for Amorodio is almost here and we’d love for you to join us! Your support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to share this special moment with you!
Warm regards,
Teatro De Las Americas