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Music Academy of the West — With Gratitude This Thanksgiving

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Dear Friend of the Music Academy,

As we enter this season of gratitude, all of us at the Music Academy of the West thank you for being a valued part of our community. Your presence—whether in the audience, at our events, or in support of our young artists—brings joy and meaning to everything we do.

This Thanksgiving, we’re reflecting on the extraordinary moments we shared this summer. From welcoming our largest class of 150 fellows to presenting vibrant performances across Santa Barbara, the 2025 Summer Music Festival & School was filled with energy, discovery, and connection.

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AMR Ventura County urges families to recognize ‘holiday heart syndrome’ as seasonal cardiac risks rise

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VENTURA COUNTY — As holiday gatherings begin and alcohol consumption increases, American Medical Response Ventura County (AMR) and Gold Coast Ambulance are encouraging families to recognize the signs of “holiday heart syndrome,” a condition that occurs more frequently between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Heavier alcohol use, rich foods, emotional stress and delayed care are key contributors to the seasonal rise in cases.

During the holiday season, individuals may disregard mild or atypical cardiac symptoms, attributing them to fatigue or stress associated with festivities. As the manifestations of holiday heart syndrome can be subtle and easily missed, it is essential to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical evaluation; early intervention may safeguard cardiovascular health and prove lifesaving.

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Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Government, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Ventura County Arts Council — CALL TO ARTISTS: ‘The Sound of Silence’ at the Atrium Gallery

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“The Sound of Silence,” featuring lead artist Cheyenne Proctor, is one in a series of art exhibitions addressing mental health that is part of VibeWell Ventura County, a county-wide initiative that uses art and culture to raise awareness of mental health conditions. VCAC invites submissions from local artists to be juried for potential display alongside the lead artist. Monetary prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place winners. All levels welcome.

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Bilingual report — Single-Parent Allan Hancock College students receive free Thanksgiving meals

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provided students who are single parents with a?turkey?and other Thanksgiving meal items free of charge. 

A total of 105 individuals and families stopped by the Hancock EOPS+ program’s Fall Harvest Turkey Giveaway booth outside the college’s Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center on Nov. 25, where Hancock staff provided them with everything needed to prepare a Thanksgiving meal. The packages included a?turkey, potatoes, beans, cranberry sauce, rolls, stuffing, pumpkin pie, whipped cream, and butter. Turkey?preparation and cooking instructions were also included.? 

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VCCF Power of Purpose – November 2025

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Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,

Yesterday, I was unexpectedly transported back to the very beginning of my career. I was 21, attending my first Chamber of Commerce meeting, nervous beyond words. In my attempt to discreetly stab a grape from my fruit salad with a plastic fork as everyone was making their introductions, it slipped, flew across the table, and landed directly in Michael Towbes’ lap.

He looked up at me with such kindness and without judgment as he picked up the grape, handed it gently back to me, and said, with a twinkle in his eye, “I think this might belong to you.” I am sure I turned the deepest shade of red imaginable, and I have avoided eating grapes with a plastic fork ever since.

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Business, Education, Finance, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Ventura County Credit Union gifts $75,000 to the Health Care Foundation for Ventura County as part of 75th anniversary celebration

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VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) has awarded a $75,000 donation to the Health Care Foundation for Ventura County, underscoring the importance of investing in organizations that enhance community well-being. This contribution is part of VCCU’s $750,000 giving campaign in honor of the credit union’s 75th anniversary. 

The Health Care Foundation is the ninth nonprofit to receive funding through VCCU’s “Year of Giving” campaign. The ceremonial check presentation took place Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Ventura County Medical Center in Ventura.

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Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) — New Art Avengers Assemble–We Need You!

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 I’m excited to share an important milestone: we’ve just welcomed six remarkable new leaders to our Board of Trustees—individuals deeply committed to strengthening the connection between Art and Democracy in our community.

Our New Trustees:

Cassandria Blackmore – Artist, Santa Barbara, CA

Amy Harrison – Independent art teacher, Carpinteria, CA

Spenser Jaimes – Coastal Chumash; Founder & CEO, Limuw Productions; diver at Ocean Origins; Syuxtun (Santa Barbara)-born

Angela Robins – Senior Director, Various Small Fires; winemaker, Los Angeles, CA

Lea Sindija – Miami-born entrepreneur advancing culture-driven work in talent representation, brand partnerships, and global marketing; Santa Barbara, CA

Bany Vargas – Zapoteca; Oaxaca-born, Santa Barbara–raised cultural ambassador and traditional cook; Oaxaca, Mexico

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Celebrate The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year In Lompoc Along California’s Central Coast

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LOMPOC — It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Lompoc! If you’re headed to California’s Central Coast for a holiday escape, you’re in for a treat. Our town lights up with festive events, delicious bites, handcrafted gifts, and cozy winter moments. Whether you’re craving a family getaway, a romantic weekend, or a cheerful adventure with your besties, Lompoc has something for every type of holiday traveler.

The holidays don’t need to be hectic. Here, the season slows down. Enjoy relaxed small-town charm, a full lineup of family-friendly activities, specialty shopping, and more than 30 local wine-tasting venues. Then settle in for a restful evening at one of Lompoc’s comfy hotels. Ready to plan? Let’s unwrap the best of the season!

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Business, Commentary, Events, Family, Food, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Hundreds enjoy People Helping People’s Thanksgiving Food Distribution in Santa Ynez, Los Alamos Valleys

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SOLVANG — The Thanksgiving Food Distribution at People Helping People, an annual holiday ritual, is a team effort with 66 students, teachers, PHP staff, seasoned volunteers and new recruits joining together to share the bounty of the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos Valleys with the most vulnerable. 

Twenty fourth-grade students from the Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy, led by their teacher Bridget Morrell, got a first-hand lesson in giving by helping organize the can goods donated by public and private schools all over the Valley and bingo players at the Chumash Casino Resort. 

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event (Dec. 1) and webinar schedule

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SCORE: GRANT PREP BOOT CAMP WORKSHOP

November 24 @ 8:00 am

In three hours, you will learn how to research, prepare, write and apply for grants. At the end of this webinar, you will be able to target and learn how to organize grants to further your mission. Don’t worry if you don’t have access to the various fancy (and expensive) grant databases. SCORE will show you how to access grant information (for FREE), filter through 990 returns, uncover names and get around the “invite only” issue when determining fit. SCORE will also work on systematizing the process of grants, so you don’t have to redo it every time. Price: $10.00.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. — Holiday safety tips to prevent being a crime victim

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SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Department is reaching out with helpful tips to make our community safer during the upcoming holidays especially for shoppers, retailers, and travelers.

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Sullivan Goss — An American Gallery announces 1th annual ‘100 GRAND exhibition’

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SANTA BARBARA — Sullivan Goss is pleased to announce the SEVENTEENTH annual 100 GRAND exhibition. Featuring over 100 quality works of art for $1,000 or less, the exhibition has become an incubator of emerging talent, an entryway for beginning collectors, a holiday celebration in the art community, and an ever timely reminder that everyone’s life is improved by the addition of original works of art.

The works will go on sale MONDAY, DECEMBER 1ST at 9:00am.

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Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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6th Annual Holiday Food & Toy Drive Happening Dec. 6th!

The Ventura County Harbor Department and Harbor & Beach Community Alliance (HBCA) are teaming up to spread holiday cheer this season by hosting the 6th Annual Holiday Food & Toy Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 6, 2025 at the Harbor Landing parking lot off Harbor Blvd.
The Holiday Food & Toy Drive will benefit Food Share of Ventura County and the Spark of Love Toy Drive, an annual effort coordinated by local fire departments which provide toys to thousands of children each year.
On the day of the event, donations will be accepted at a drop-off location at the Harbor Landing parking lot, located at the Channel Islands Boulevard and Harbor Boulevard intersection. Volunteers will be there to safely accept the donations and provide them to Food Share and the Spark of Love Toy Drive.

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Business, Events, Family, Local, News

Ventura Pottery Gallery Holiday Gift Promotion starting Nov. 29

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VENTURA — The Ventura Pottery Gallery is delighted to share a special holiday promotion with our community. Beginning November 29th, when you spend $40 or more in the gallery, you’ll

receive a free, handmade pottery gift – our way of saying thank you for supporting local artists. This offer will continue while supplies last.

 Our forty members are generously donating bowls, vases, mugs, plates, and ornaments created in their studios. These unique pieces are our gift to you, a token of appreciation for bringing handmade ceramics from our studios into your home.

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Business, Finance, Local, News

Santa Barbara Trust Company celebrates opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Trust Company led by Frank Tabar, local trust expert, who leads the team in conjunction with Arlington Financial Advisors, celebrated the opening with a party at their offices in downtown Santa Barbara. Randy Rowse, the Mayor of Santa Barbara, cut the ribbon on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce.

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Bilingual report — Office of Traffic Safety awards $185,000 grant to the Ventura Police Department for Traffic Enforcement Program to increase safety on roads

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“We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” said Traffic Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “Through a combination of education and enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone.” 

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Business, Cultural, Local, News

Strengthening Trade: Port of Hueneme welcomes delegation from the state of Chiapas, Mexico

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VENTURA COUNTY — The Port of Hueneme, California, welcomed foreign dignitaries from the State of Chiapas, Mexico, on Thursday for discussions aimed at expanding commercial opportunities and strengthening trade connectivity between California and southern Mexico. Mexico remains one of the Port’s highest-ranking trade partners, standing at #8 by value and #5 by volume, with more than $483.95 million in cargo and 10,083 TEUs moving through the Port annually, underscoring the significance of binational collaboration.

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Bilingual commentary — Losing the Boys, Naturally

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It was not long ago that I used to take my two older grandsons to fun places—arcades, children’s museums and exhibits, story times at libraries, pirate festivals, butterfly events. It was only yesterday (wasn’t it?) that I was getting down on the floor with the older one, and then the other years later, to play board games or assemble jigsaw puzzles of superheroes and animals. It couldn’t have been that long ago that I held them in my arms, walked hand-in-hand with them at a park, or ran beside them as they learned to skate or ride a bicycle. 

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Business, Education, Finance, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI contributes millions of dollars in statewide economic activity and tax revenue

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CAMARILLO — The California State University (CSU) system released its Economic Impact Report highlighting the significant role the CSU and Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) play in driving regional economic vitality, strengthening California’s key industries and preparing a skilled workforce essential to California’s economy.

The report, Moving California Forward: The Economic Power of the CSU, highlights the lasting return on investment for the people of California at every level:

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People’s Self-Health Housing — Celebrating a Year of Impact | Celebrando un año de impacto

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Our 2024-25 Annual Impact Report is here! Dive into our accomplishments from the past year and discover more about our mission. The report is available in English and Spanish at pshhc.org/impactreport

¡Ya está aquí nuestro Informe de Impacto Anual 2024-25! Descubra nuestros logros del año pasado y conozca más sobre nuestra misión. El informe está disponible en inglés y español en pshhc.org/es/impactreport

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

Ventura County Community Foundation names Leah Lacayo new board chair, honors legacy of outgoing chair Sean L. Leonard

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CAMARILLO — Following four years serving as the Ventura County Community Foundation’s (VCCF) board chair, Sean L. Leonard, President & CEO of S.L. Leonard & Associates, is handing over the reins to incoming chair Leah Lacayo.

During his tenure, Leonard helped steward nearly $80 million in grantmaking to Ventura County and beyond, through VCCF’s work during the pandemic, and community efforts such as the creation of the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund, disaster response during the Mountain Fire and winter storms of 2023 and championing early childhood education through the Isabella Project. Through his dedication and leadership, he supported the foundation in grantmaking to local nonprofits, lifting up causes from animal welfare to environmental protection to the arts and more, as well as encouraging the academic dreams of hundreds of local students through VCCF’s Scholarship Program.

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Business, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

Ventura County Animals Services (VCAS) #LongStayChallenge Hopes to Spur Dog Adoptions

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VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) currently has over 200 dogs in their care, including 50 who have been at the shelter for more than 100 days and 6 who have been waiting over a year.

To help these long-stay dogs find homes, VCAS has launched the #LongStayChallenge, encouraging shelter volunteers to take dogs “on the town” and create fun, engaging promotional videos to showcase their personalities.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Local, News

Local Musician Irene Fredricey champions music education with Giving Tuesday benefit concert

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SANTA BARBARA — For Irene Fredricey, music has always been more than just notes on a page. It has been a source of confidence and community. Growing up in Santa Barbara, Irene remembers riding her bike to Peabody School with her violin in tow, eager to help set up the orchestra pit before class. ” I felt involved in something special,” she recalls. “I met new friends and became more focused in school.”

Today, Irene is passing that love of music on to the next generation. Alongside her husband and keyboardist Jim Thomas, she has organized a series of benefit concerts for Keep the Beat, a program of the Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) that provides instruments and funding for music education in local public schools. What started as a Valentine’s Day Sweethearts Concert evolved into a Summer of Love Couples Concert, both of which sold out quickly. This new tradition now continues with A Gift of Music: Giving Tuesday Concert on Tuesday, December 2.

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Family Service Agency opens new location at Escalante Meadows in Guadalupe, expanding access to free services for families, seniors, community members

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GUADALUPE — Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County (FSA) announced today the opening of a new on-site service location at Escalante Meadows in Guadalupe, marking a significant expansion of accessible, no-cost family support services for residents and community members. The location opened November 1, 2025, in partnership with the Housing Authority of Santa Barbara County (HASBARCO).

The new location, situated in the Wellness Center at Escalante Meadows, provides direct access to case management, resource navigation, parenting education workshops, and community-building activities. Services are available to all Escalante Meadows residents and Guadalupe community members at no cost, regardless of income, insurance status, or immigration status.

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Brokaw Ranch company invests $500,000 to fuel revolving loan fund for affordable housing

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VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has received a $500,000 investment from Brokaw Ranch Company, a multi-generational family farm that has been part of Ventura County’s agricultural heritage for more than six decades. This community impact investment towards Housing Trust Fund VC’s Everyone Deserves a Home Revolving Loan Fund will help the organization continue to support the development of affordable housing for those who contribute to the fabric of Ventura County’s economy and community.

“Our family sees this as a win-win proposition.  This investment contributes to the health and vitality of Ventura County and nets us some interest income.  We have long admired the work of Housing Trust Fund Ventura County and hope others will join us in supporting their efforts,” said Deborah Brokaw Jackson, President, Brokaw Ranch Company.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approve new ordinance to prohibit overnight parking and camping near farmland

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VENTURA — On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to pass a new local ordinance that will ban overnight parking and camping on certain roads next to farmland in County unincorporated areas. The goal is to protect local agriculture and the environment, while also ensuring public safety. The new ordinance, which was approved during the regular meeting for the Board of Supervisors, goes into effect January 1, 2026.

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UCSB — The Current — Big Bang Beat L.A.: Environmental Communications and the city as canvas and more news, events

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The Art, Design & Architecture Museum revisits the visionary 1970s collective Environmental Communications, whose multi-media documentation of Los Angeles reimagined the city as a living ecosystem — and reshaped how we see the built environment today.

Read more about the exhibition

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