WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is taking signups for its Adventure Guides/Y-Trailblazers programs in Simi and Conejo valleys for the 2026-27 school year.
Organized through the Simi Valley Family YMCA and the Yarrow Family YMCA branches, YMCA Adventure Guides/Y-Trailblazers programs are for parents and their children, ages 5–11. The program runs from August 2026 through June 2027.
The format is structured so that students can continue to work while earning an engineering degree, regardless of geographic location or time zone.
Read more about the METL program
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce has named two accomplished community members to lead the organization forward: Deirdre Weaver, a longtime Santa Paula business owner, educator and Chamber board member, as Interim Executive Director, and Chloe Rahimzadeh Lurie, an arts administrator and civic leader, as Operations Manager. Together, the two appointments represent a deliberate investment in local knowledge, operational credibility and community trust as the Chamber is focused squarely on deepening its service to Santa Paula’s business community.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Deirdre and Chloe to the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce. Both bring exactly the passion, drive, and deep commitment to the city and community of Santa Paula that will help our Chamber thrive and serve our business community with excellence. This is a tremendously exciting step forward for the Chamber, and we look forward to the energy and leadership they will each bring,” states Elena Brokaw, Chair of the Board, Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce.
Parallel Histories: Ventura County during the US Revolution
As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Parallel Histories explores what was unfolding at the same time in Ventura County. While British colonialism and the Revolutionary War reshaped the East Coast, California, not yet part of the United States, was being transformed by Spain.
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Patriotic Threads: Textiles, Tapestries, & T-Shirts
Patriotic Threads explores how textiles have long served as powerful expressions of national identity. Through handcrafted works, the exhibit reveals how textiles and design embody patriotism and collective memory.
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RSVP REQUESTED
Ticket sales have opened to the public at venturamusicfestival.org with a 20% early bird savings, using the code: EARLY2026
There’s still time to weigh in, but the deadline is coming up fast. Community members are encouraged to complete the Waterfront Adaptation Survey by Monday, May 18 to help shape the long-term future of Santa Barbara’s Waterfront.
The Waterfront Adaptation Plan looks ahead to the next 30 years, focusing on how to prepare for coastal flooding, shoreline erosion, and sea level rise. At the same time, it aims to protect and enhance what makes the waterfront so important to the community: beach access, recreation, boating, natural habitats, and essential coastal infrastructure.
VENTURA — Ventura College made history this spring break when eleven students participated in the college’s inaugural study abroad program, traveling to Loreto, Mexico — Ventura’s sister city — for a week-long immersive, cross-disciplinary experience. Led by Professor of Sociology Daniella Graves and Professor of Biology Kammy Algiers, the program marked a milestone year in the making.
“This trip has been such an enriching experience. There couldn’t have been a better fit for our Ventura College students,” said Professor Graves. The program originated three years ago when Ventura Sister City Association board member Mark Urwick connected with Ventura College faculty about a potential collaboration. Ventura, California, and Loreto, Mexico, have been sister cities since 2015, sharing a rich mission heritage that gave students the opportunity to explore historical landmarks and reflect on their lasting cultural impact. Ventura College officially approved the program this year, bringing the vision to life.
The Ventura County Office of Education is thrilled to announce that John Beck, an English teacher from Pacifica High School in the Oxnard Union High School District, is the 2026 Ventura County Teacher of the Year! Mr. Beck received the news this week when his family members joined representatives from VCOE and OUHSD in a surprise visit to his classroom.
Mr. Beck has been teaching for 21 years and has been at Pacifica for 13. His classroom is known for a positive atmosphere where students feel comfortable and confident in themselves as they engage in academic discussions.
“In a diverse community like ours, where students bring a wide range of experiences, languages, and aspirations into the classroom, my goal is to create an environment where every student sees themselves as a capable reader, writer, and thinker,” Mr. Beck said. His program is built to ensure equitable access to engaging, rigorous learning experiences that prepare students for success inside and outside the classroom.
Learn More about Mr. Beck
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) will host the launch of the ASCEND Fund on May 13, 2026 at the nonprofit’s San Luis Obispo headquarters, introducing a new initiative designed to support residents pursuing entrepreneurship, education, and professional advancement.
The ASCEND Fund – standing for Agency, Skills, Capacity, Entrepreneurship, Network, and Direction – will provide micro-grants to individuals living in PSHH properties who are working to build businesses, grow professionally, or further their entrepreneurial education.
“We see ASCEND as a bridge between our residents and the broader business community,” said Ken Trigueiro, CEO of People’s Self-Help Housing. “We’re here for our residents who are entrepreneurs and future leaders; and when we invest in their growth, we’re investing in a stronger, more resilient Central Coast economy for everyone.”
Located at 1206 West Grand Avenue and 164 South 13th Street in the City of Grover Beach, Cleaver & Clark Commons is comprised of 53 affordable, multifamily housing units for households at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
The property has 14 units set aside for farmworker households at 30-60% of AMI, 21 units are set aside for project-based vouchers administered through HASLO, and 6 units are set aside for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
SANTA BARBARA — The Presidio Neighborhood, the historic district surrounding El Presidio de Santa Bárbara, has launched a new brand identity and website aimed at strengthening its visibility as a cultural and commercial destination in downtown Santa Barbara.
The refresh is part of a multi-year planning effort led by the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP), which acquired stewardship of the Presidio Neighborhood initiative in 2022. The updated branding includes a new logo, visual identity, and an expanded website highlighting the district’s history, businesses, cultural organizations, and public events.
“The Presidio Neighborhood is a place where historic charm and vibrant creativity intertwine—where live performances fill intimate spaces, galleries radiate bold expression, and cafés, boutiques, and restaurants blend seamlessly into a living canvas—inviting visitors to step in, linger, and be inspired. We look forward to seeing you,” said Cecilia Martini-Muth, Director of Marketing at the Lobero Theatre and a Presidio Neighborhood Advisory Council member.
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula is pleased to share positive results from the 2026 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count, which indicate a 21.5% decrease in the total number of unsheltered and sheltered individuals experiencing homelessness in the City, when compared to 2025.
The Point-in-Time Count, conducted annually across Ventura County, provides a snapshot of homelessness in the community and helps guide funding, services, and policy decisions. Santa Paula’s results reflect meaningful local progress.
THOUSAND OAKS — A beloved spiritual community is stepping into a new chapter of inspiration.
New Thought Now!, formerly The Global Truth Center, will mark its official launch with a ribbon cutting ceremony May 14th at 4:30pm (880 Hampshire Road, Suite W, Westlake Village), bringing together local dignitaries and community members for a memorable afternoon of celebration, entertainment and refreshments.
“It’s all about honoring where we’ve been, celebrating where we are, and opening the door to what comes next,” says Spiritual Director Dr. James Mellon, adding that “The new name reflects an evolving vision—one that honors the roots and relationships that have shaped this community while continuing to grow alongside the people it serves.”
We’re in the final days of our Spring Appeal, and we’re still working to reach our $75,000 goal by May 15.
We’re close — and every gift matters right now.
We are seeing renewed efforts to expand fossil fuels and roll back climate progress, even here on the Central Coast.
We’ve come too far to go back.
Your gift today will be matched dollar-for-dollar, but only for a short time.
Give now. Your gift will be doubled. ?
Jia-Ching Chen will spend a year in Taiwan on a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to study geopolitical intersections of energy transition and environmental governance.
Read more about Chen’s research
CAMARILLO — California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) proudly celebrates Jennifer Raymond, Community Partnership Lead for the Center for Community Engagement, as a recipient of the inaugural Trustee Wenda Fong and Mr. Daniel Fetterly Staff Award. The inaugural award marks the first systemwide recognition program dedicated exclusively to California State University (CSU) staff for their exemplary contributions and dedication to student success and institutional excellence.
Raymond received the First Generation Belonging and Community honor, recognizing her work to foster a strong sense of belonging and support for first-generation students.
We have good reasons to be optimistic about the month of May. Historically, May has been a month of events that are truly worth celebrating. Let’s review some of those cherished milestones.
To kick things off, World War II effectively ended on May 8, 1945. This singular event in history is known as VE Day (Victory in Europe Day), commemorating the day that the German Nazis surrendered, without conditions, to the Allies.
Looking back a couple of hundred years, the first successful smallpox vaccination was made available to the public in May of 1796. That is not a typo—it was not in 1976! The English physician Dr. Edward Jenner used cowpox, a virus that infects humans via rodents and domestic cats, to provide immunity against the dangerous smallpox virus.
PORT HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme was awarded $11,250,000 in federal funding on April 28 through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) as part of the competitive Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). The investment brings needed wharf and berth upgrades to streamline operations at one of the nation’s leading hubs for fresh produce and automobiles.
“Strategic investments like this ensure the Port of Hueneme remains a reliable, forward-looking gateway for global trade,” said Jason Hodge, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Harbor Commissioners. “This funding will allow us to continue delivering economic value for our region while supporting a more resilient national supply chain.”
VENTURA — Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA) (on May 6) announced the appointment of Danielle Gabele, DNP, RN, as Chief Executive Officer of Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and Santa Paula Hospital (SPH), effective May 10, 2026.
Dr. Gabele holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and serves as President-Elect of the Association of California Nurse Leaders. She is also pursuing a Master of Health Administration degree at the University of Cincinnati.
“Dr. Gabele is a proven leader with a deep commitment to patient-centered care and clinical excellence,” said [Dr. John Fankhauser, HCA Director]. “Her collaborative approach and operational expertise make her exceptionally well-suited to lead VCMC and Santa Paula Hospital into the future.”
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) announces the opening of a new exhibit, Fine Print, Hard Lines: Housing and Exclusion in Santa Barbara, which examines how discriminatory housing policies and practices have shaped the city’s past and continue to influence the community today.
On view at Casa de la Guerra, Fine Print, Hard Lines explores the use of restrictive covenants and other exclusionary practices embedded in historical “fine print” that limited who could buy, rent, or reside in certain neighborhoods. Through a compelling mix of primary sources including property records, real estate advertisements, newspaper articles, and historic maps, the exhibit reveals how these practices produced lasting social inequities and barriers that still affect the lived experiences of Santa Barbara residents.
VENTURA — Setting the stage to linger longer, Ventura Harbor Village is continuing its live entertainment series of free, family-friendly music on the Seaside Promenade at the waterfront throughout May 2026. The ongoing music series showcases a dockside selection of top-notch musicians who present a variety of genres, including Pop, Rock and coastal surf rock.
Revel in the perfect coastal day with live music from 1 – 4 PM. Relax by the water as talented local musicians set the scene with a mix of lively and laid-back tunes. Whether you’re dining at a waterfront restaurant or simply soaking up the ocean breeze, the vibrant music adds the perfect soundtrack to your visit.
SANTA BARBARA — The Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara is gearing up to distribute $1,375,000 to local nonprofits that address the critical needs of women, children, and families in south Santa Barbara County. Since 2004, nearly $13 Million has been awarded to 163 local nonprofits. Grants will be announced at the Celebration of Grants on May 13 at the Lobero Theatre.
Each year, the Women’s Fund Research Committee develops and presents a ballot of projects proposed by local agencies. Members then cast their votes to determine which projects will receive funding.
“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. ”
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance’s signature gala, Lumina Nights: Dancing with Our Stars, brought the community together for two unforgettable, sold-out evenings on May 1 and 2 at the Vina Robles Tasting Room in Paso Robles, raising over $400,000 in support of survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. Of that total, the STAR dancers alone raised over $115,000 for Lumina Alliance’s essential programs.
STAR dancers included Jeanette Trompeter, County of San Luis Obispo Public Information Specialist; Ryan and Amber Blevins, Community Members; Kris Beal, Paso Robles City Councilmember; Bruce Gibson, District 2 County Supervisor, and Cherie Gibson; Heather Muran, Director of Portfolio Strategy and Marketing at Covelop; and Joel Peterson, CEO of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.
I have long been worried about climate change, but I wasn’t sure what I could actually do to make an impact in my community.
That changed when I joined CEC’s Climate Stewards program.
I gained the tools and confidence to take action, and soon found myself helping bring the “Make Polluters Pay” campaign to Santa Barbara County, organizing alongside students and community members.
It showed me what’s possible when people come together.
VENTURA COUNTY — Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County announced it will mark its 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades operating on a simple but urgent mission that brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. What began in the mid-1980s from community-based roots has grown into one of the region’s most enduring forces for affordable homeownership, partnering with families across 14 cities. Over four decades, that work has touched more than 20,000 volunteers, donors, and community members.
VENTURA — As temperatures continue to rise this May, Ventura County residents are encouraged to take steps to prevent mosquito breeding and protect themselves from bites as peak mosquito season begins. Mosquito activity started earlier than usual this year due to above-average temperatures, including the warmest March on record, along with increased rainfall. In addition to native mosquito species that can transmit West Nile Virus (WNV), the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito has become established in Ventura County.
SANTA BARBARA — On May 5, the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) Board of Directors and the Good Neighbors Founders hosted a Donor Appreciation Reception at the Santa Barbara Club. The evening honored a historic $5 million donation from the Wyatt Family, the largest philanthropic contribution from an individual family in the organization’s history.
During the event, CEO Mahdi Ashrafian shared remarks alongside special guests, the Wyatt Family, for an inspiring evening highlighting their leadership gift and the naming of the Wyatt Family Health Center. This transformational gift will fund the completion of SBNC’s new flagship facility on the Westside, which is expected to increase the organization’s patient capacity by over 40%, serving an additional 8,300 community members annually.
I don’t know where to start with this intro letter. As much joy as we have in our programs on a daily basis, behind the scenes has been a bit tough for us over the last few months with our renovations, seasonal membership changes, fundraising efforts in what is typically a “slower” season, and so on. Well, April surely gave us the thumbs up that what we are doing is working, and I am so excited I might just jump through your screen as you read this!
For starters, I’m jazzed to share that we have officially launched our 50th Anniversary webpage! Throughout the year, this page will serve as the home for announcements, stories, celebrations, and special events commemorating Friendship Center’s first half century of impact in our community.
Friday, May 8
A screening of the 1981 landmark adaptation by Luis Valdez features accompaniment by a live orchestra.
Why the “Billionaire Tax” Is Just a Beta Test for the Middle Class In November 2026, you’ll be asked to vote on the California Billionaire Tax Act, Proposition 1. The measure proposes taxing the billionaires in the State and using…
