The oldest eukaryotes that have been found lived exclusively on the seafloor and already used oxygen. The discovery overturns certain long-held assumptions about the group while corroborating others.
Read more about the discovery
SANTA MARIA — On May 20, Allan Hancock College honored the dedication and service of 16 retiring faculty and staff members during a heartfelt ceremony that celebrated decades of contributions to student success.??
?This year’s retirees, who contributed a combined 323 years of service to the college, include full and part-time faculty members, classified staff and other employees from the college’s many programs and departments.
“Our retiring employees have devoted years of talent, care, and hard work to supporting our students and strengthening this college community,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Their influence can be seen not only in the programs they helped build, but in the countless lives they impacted along the way.”
CAMARILLO — Among the nearly 1,600 graduates participating in the May 23 commencement ceremonies at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) are identical triplet sisters Whitley, Jasmine, and Ashleigh Williams.
The sisters have attended CSUCI since their freshman year, choosing the University after falling in love with its lush beauty and proximity to the ocean.
Originally from Perris in Riverside County, the trio are earning degrees in different fields. Whitley is a psychology major, Jasmine studied political science, and Ashleigh focused on anthropology.
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce gathered with the community Thursday evening at the Palazzio Event Center to honor the recipients of its 64th Annual “Best of Santa Paula” Awards — celebrating the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose commitment to excellence, service, and community vitality defines what makes Santa Paula exceptional.
This year’s celebration was the Chamber’s most inclusive awards event to date, with the evening also featuring the announcement of the 2026 Best of Heritage Valley winners — chosen through community-wide public voting and recognizing outstanding businesses and community contributors across the broader Heritage Valley region, which includes Fillmore and Piru. A full list of Best of Heritage Valley winners is available at www.santapaulachamber.com/best-of-hv-winners
VENTURA — Tax season is over and many low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents took advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) led by United Way of Ventura County in partnership with the County of Ventura Human Services Agency and the IRS.
Throughout February to April 30, 2026, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers helped working families and individuals file their state and federal tax returns and access the tax credits for which they are eligible. Households earning up to $69,000 are eligible to use the free services.
OXNARD — California Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced the award of just over $11.7 million from the State’s Homekey+ program to the County of Santa Barbara, in partnership with DignityMoves, to support the development of a new housing community dedicated to families experiencing homelessness. $9,000,000 will fund construction of the village, with $2,000,000 funding wraparound services. DignityMoves has also raised $5,000,000 for construction and will raise an additional $2,000,000 for services.
The new “Family Village” will include 30 units designed specifically to serve families with children, providing a safe, stable environment alongside supportive services aimed at helping residents transition into permanent housing. The Family Village is proposed for development on County-owned land currently used as an overflow parking lot within the County’s Calle Real campus in the eastern Goleta Valley. This project comes at a critical time, as Santa Barbara County has the highest rate of child poverty in California.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the 2026 graduates who will continue their education at four-year universities at its annual University Transfer Stars Celebration on May 15 at the college’s Santa Maria campus.
Hosted each year by Hancock’s University Transfer Center, the event allowed Hancock’s transfer students to celebrate their achievements with their friends and family as they prepare for a new chapter in their educational journeys. More than 200 “transfer stars” were invited to this year’s celebration.
Participating students, many wearing apparel from their respective universities, received a commemorative?transfer?medallion, took photos with their soon-to-be university peers, and listened to messages of support from Hancock staff and their fellow?transfer?students.
THOUSAND OAKS — Students of all ages and educational professionals can avoid “summer brain drain” by exploring a variety of enriching programs this summer at California Lutheran University. The programs run June through August and are designed to help students excel while having fun and for educators to enhance their classroom skills. Offerings include Camp CLUE for K-8th-grade students and the Pre-College Summer Academy for high school students wanting to earn college credits. Educators can choose one-unit Micro-Credential Courses on a wide range of topics.
SANTA MARIA — This spring, a group of Orcutt Academy High School (OAHS) seniors will achieve something few high school students can claim: graduating with associate degrees from Allan Hancock College while completing high school.
The students are part of the first cohort in Orcutt Academy’s Early College Cadre (ECC) program, which allows students to complete college-level coursework while earning high school diplomas. This year, 26 students from the program are expected to participate in Hancock’s commencement ceremony on May 22, marking the culmination of four years of rigorous academic work.
Launched in 2022 through a partnership between Hancock and OAHS, the ECC program allows students to complete a 60-unit associate degree pathway during grades 9-12. The program includes a combination of concurrent enrollment classes taught during the school day at OAHS, college coursework offered before the school day at OAHS and summer classes at Hancock.
VENTURA — Marking 100 years of transforming student lives in Ventura County, Ventura College is preparing to close its centennial year with a ceremony befitting the milestone. This ceremony, taking place Friday, May 22 on the Ventura College campus, will feature distinguished guests, a historic musical performance, and a keynote address from a world-class athlete and advocate. Media representatives are encouraged to attend and cover the event.
The assistant professor of computer science has received a prestigious Early CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation for his project to advance watermarking.
SANTA BARBARA — Age Well Care, the boutique senior home care agency serving California’s Central Coast and Conejo Valley, has announced its partnership with Nolia Health to deliver dementia care at home and in-home respite care for families living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The partnership — now active across Santa Barbara County and Ventura County — operates under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, giving eligible Medicare beneficiaries access to Age Well Care’s specialized in-home caregivers.
LOMPOC — There is still time to enjoy Spring with a wildflower-colored drive to Lompoc. This hidden gem tucked along the Central Coast offers a rich history, fun outdoor activities, impressive sights, a flourishing wine industry, and outstanding options for accommodations.
During the spring, it’s a little cooler and quieter, making it one of the best times to visit. While you plan your trip to Lompoc, here’s a list of things you don’t want to miss during this season – we call it “Lompoc’s Spring Bucket List.”
We can’t wait to celebrate our stars in the community with you! Mark it on your calendar today! Partners, individuals, corporations, donors, and volunteers! We celebrate your support with awards for your gifts of time, talent, treasure, AND your Spirit! We are already working on the silent auction too!
LOMPOC — n the “Valley of Arts and Flowers,” visitors can now see spectacular patches of colors from spring through fall in the farm fields of Lompoc Valley – Stock, Larkspur, Delphinium, Sweet Pea and Bells of Ireland along with other varieties are grown in abundance by local commercial flower growers.
Where to See Them: The flower fields rotate every year, and are scattered throughout Lompoc Valley. Some can be spotted west of Old Town Lompoc, along Central Avenue, from Floradale Ave. to Union Sugar Ave.
SANTA MARIA — Thirty cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy on May 15 at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.
The ceremony marked the end of a rigorous 18-week academy consisting of 788 hours of classroom and field instruction for the cadets in Battalion 157. The ceremony was also an acknowledgment that the cadets had not only completed that training but also met and exceeded the state and national certification training standards for Firefighter I Certification.
“Congratulations to our cadets, who have endured a rigorous training program to sit in front of you today,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D.
PORT HUENEME — It was a moment of pomp and circumstance at Oxnard College last week as families, educators, and Port leaders honored local students for completing the Port of Hueneme’s Global Trade & Logistics (GTL) class and taking an important step toward future careers in trade, transportation, and logistics.
The award-winning program, offered in partnership with the Oxnard Union High School District, introduces local juniors and seniors to pathways in maritime, supply chain management, and related fields. Through hands-on learning, dynamic presentations, and real-world exposure to Port operations, students gained valuable insight into one of Ventura County’s most vital economic drivers.
Over the course of the 12-session program, students learned directly from Port staff, customers, and community partners about imports and exports, goods movement, cargo systems, safety and security, and the wide range of existing and emerging careers available across the industry.
My favorite libraries lately are those that constitute the network of the Little Free Library movement. This is a global phenomenon with the motto: “Take a book; share a book.” Anyone is free to open the little protective door that protects the books in these micro-sized libraries. They dot some neighborhoods in front of participants’ homes and invite the passerby to peruse the collection and borrow or replace a book. Collections typically vary from around five to twenty-five books.
I’ve always enjoyed sharing and circulating books, so this program suits me perfectly. I often choose novels, introducing me to new authors and styles of writing.
At 3 am, Wednesday, May13, 2026, in Ventura County communities, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations agents raided the homes, Gestapo style, of one former and three current VC Defensa volunteers, as well as the organization’s meeting place in downtown Oxnard.
At least twenty-armed HSI agents arrived at each place in military personnel vehicles masked with their firearms and panoplied in full body armor. The agents pounded doors, smashed windows, and battered down entrances.
With warrants, HSI agents ransacked each place and seized computers, mobile phones, and other property while the residents stood outside in the cold handcuffed. No one was arrested.
SANTA BARBARA — The regional Mexican music community is coming together for a powerful evening of music, solidarity, and support for immigrant families through the inaugural Freedom Music Fest, featuring performances by Larry Hernández, Régulo Caro, and Roberto Tapia.
A portion of the event proceeds will benefit 805UndocuFund, a nonprofit organization providing direct financial assistance to immigrant families impacted by recent ICE raids and climate-induced disasters while also advocating for long-term systems change at the policy level.
All donated proceeds received by 805UndocuFund will directly support the organization’s Emergency Assistance Fund, which provides immediate relief to families affected by immigration enforcement throughout California’s Central Coast. Since launching the Emergency Assistance Fund in April 2025, 805UndocuFund has distributed more than $1 million in direct assistance to impacted families across the region.
SANTA BARBARA — The power of collective giving was on full display at the Lobero Theatre on May 13 when the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara awarded a record $1,275,000 in grants to 10 local nonprofits. Grants ranged in size from $60,000 to $200,000. These grants will provide essential mental health therapy, youth counseling and mentorship, reproductive healthcare services for women, meals and wellness checks for seniors, transportation for foster children, door-to-door assistance for seniors and adults with disabilities, a truck to transport surplus food to nonprofits, and a supportive dormitory for women struggling with addiction.
VENTURA — Winners of the first Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) “Fields of Innovation in Agriculture Research Competition” were selected on May 2.
High schoolers in grades 10 through 12 from 6 different schools interested in applying STEM solutions to agricultural problems participated in the six-week, guided online competition. The competition culminated in an in-person final showcase at CSU Channel Islands, held alongside the 18th Annual CSUCI Student Research Conference.
“By bringing SEEAG’s student finalists to CSUCI, we connected them directly to the college research environment while giving them a platform to present their own work,” says Caitlin Paulus Case, SEEAG executive director. “It’s an experience that builds confidence and strengthens real-world communication skills.”
OXNARD — For 35 years, El Concilio has celebrated Latino leadership throughout Ventura County… who have made a substantial impact in their communities.
These individuals have enhanced the lives of the underprivileged… through their contributions to education, volunteerism, health and wellness, advocacy, and more.
Do you know a Leader in your community who has significantly influenced the lives of the Latino community?
VENTURA COUNTY — With the June 2, 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election underway, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion and her team are answering some of the common questions about the election that voters have been asking.
“Because every election is unique, each election generates its own set of questions,” Registrar Ascencion said.
“For example, the first thing voters notice when opening their mail ballot is that the ballot size is unusually large, and voters may wonder why that is,” she said. “This election is the first gubernatorial primary in California without an incumbent for governor since 2018, along with other termed-out seats at the State level. An open seat tends to draw a lot of hopefuls – there are about 60 candidates for governor alone!”
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College invites women ages 15-25 to get a first-hand look at life as a firefighter at Hancock’s annual Women’s Fire Camp. The camp will be held May 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC) in Lompoc.
Women who sign up for this event will work with staff from Hancock’s fire technology program and the college’s state-certified Fire Academy. Several female Hancock College Fire Academy graduates, who are now professional firefighters, will be on hand to share their knowledge and experience. Participants will take part in various team-building exercises and hands-on training with the techniques and equipment used by firefighters.
VENTURA — Bike the Coast Ventura will be hosting their inaugural event on June 13, showcasing the charm of the Ventura community. The event has put a strong emphasis on its local involvement, focusing on building partnerships with businesses and organizations within the Ventura region and authentically connected to the community. Registration for the 2026 event is now open.
This year’s sponsors and partners include Visit Ventura, Downtown Ventura Association, Ventura Coast Brewing Company and Ventura Coast Cycling. The event has also partnered with local charity organizations, including The Los Angeles Chapter of National MS and the Downtown Ventura Foundation. The event will also host Ventura-based band The GAMBLE at their free Finish Festival, which will also include various local food, drink and vendors for riders, spectators and community members to all enjoy.
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced that its 7th Annual Compassion Campaign raised more than $200,000, a new record for the organization. Held Thursday, May 7 at Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada in Moorpark, the event brought together more than 200 community members, business leaders, and elected officials under the theme “The Sweetest Investment,” a reflection of the lasting returns that local commitment to affordable housing generates for the entire region.
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) congratulates Dr. Julius O. Sokenu, president of Moorpark College, on being named Man of the Year by the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Sokenu will be recognized at the Chamber’s annual Recognition Gala — Journeys of Excellence — on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Westlake.
The award recognizes Dr. Sokenu’s nearly two decades of service to Moorpark College and his commitment to expanding student access, strengthening workforce readiness and advancing the region’s educational infrastructure. He has served as college president since 2021, leading a campus of over 400 faculty and staff that serves more than 14,000 students annually.
CAMARILLO — Three years ago, Oxnard College hosted the first Lavender Graduation in the history of the Community Colleges of Ventura County. On May 1, 2026, the celebration returned to the Performing Arts Building with its corridor of employee allies and a giant inflatable rainbow that welcomed attendees home.
Lavender Graduation has become a beloved districtwide tradition, rotating annually among Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges since its creation in the 2022-23 academic year. Designed to celebrate the achievements and identities of LGBTQIA+ students across the district, this year’s return to Oxnard College marked a full-circle moment for a program that has grown each year since its founding.
Hope is not passive — it’s built through collective action, conversation, and courage. TEDxSantaBarbara and the Community Environmental Council (CEC) are hosting an evening of active hope in the face of the climate crisis. Join us at The Hub for “Climate Action: Energized by Hope” to explore how truth, voice, vision, and sustained action can help us move from eco-anxiety to meaningful impact.
