Business, Cultural, En español, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — City of Ventura and ForeFront Power complete citywide solar portfolio

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New solar canopies support Ventura’s Climate Action Plan and will save $2.3 million in energy costs   

VENTURA — The City of Ventura held a ribbon-cutting ceremony (May 29) celebrating the completion of a new 900 kilowatt-DC solar portfolio, marking a major milestone in the City’s commitment to sustainability and long-term cost savings. Developed in partnership with ForeFront Power, the project features solar parking canopies at two high-usage facilities: the Ventura Police and Fire Headquarters and Ventura Community Park.

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

Ventura County Public Works Agency completes El Rio Pedestrian Improvements Project. Ribbon cutting on June 2

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VENTURA — Supervisor Kelly Long’s Office and the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the El Rio Pedestrian Improvements Project on Monday, June 2 at 12:00 p.m. The event will take place in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church of El Rio, 2857 Cortez St., Oxnard.

The pedestrian improvements – which began in July 2024 — closes sidewalk gaps within the El Rio community, providing accessible pedestrian walkways along three residential roadways: Stroube Street, Walnut Drive and a portion of Cortez Street.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Family, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — June 3 County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting. Topics include: Fire hazard severity zones, cannabis business licensing, operations, & tax revenue

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The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 
9 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara,CA
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. 

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Business, Family, Finance, Local, News, Seniors

Invest in the Friendship Center Family

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Friendship Center serves a diverse background of seniors. No matter their age, or the stage of their condition, we provide dignified, compassionate care catered specifically to each individual’s needs. This quality and compassion enables us to not only be a helpful service, but a family in which every senior, caregiver, and loved one is seen and heard. 

Just like anything worthwhile, this dignified care comes at a cost. It costs us roughly $220 per member, per day to provide support for our seniors living with dementia.

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Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Community Colleges of Ventura County honor over 6,000 graduates at 2025 commencement

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CAMARILLO — This week, the Community Colleges of Ventura County celebrated the successes of 6,277 students during the 2025 Commencement ceremonies. The ceremonies were held at Moorpark and Oxnard colleges on May 22 and Ventura College on May 23.

The Class of 2025 earned a collective 5,316 certificates and 8,108 degrees. These tangible awards are symbolic of thousands of hours of class-time, practical lab work, and hands-on learning on the job with internships and apprenticeships. Ventura County’s graduates are tomorrow’s nurses, sheriffs, fire fighters, veterinarians, child care providers, and dentists. They will be scholars and researchers looking into the major issues of our age and they will be the technical workers implementing our sustainable, green future.

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Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

Meet the 2025 Ventura County Teacher of the Year — Shi Young Kim

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VENTURA COUNTY — Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that Shi Young Kim, a visual arts teacher from Rio Mesa High School in the Oxnard Union High School District, is the 2025 Ventura County Teacher of the Year. Ms. Kim received the surprise news during a classroom visit today by representatives from the Ventura County Office of Education and OUHSD. With a career marked by creativity, leadership, and dedication to student growth, Ms. Kim has inspired countless students through a dynamic blend of traditional and digital visual arts instruction.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Events, Government, Local, News, Women, Youth

Guest contribution — Urge Newsom: Stop Sable Oil Pipeline, protect May 29 at Gaviota State Park

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SANTA BARBARA — Amid growing outrage over Governor Gavin Newsom’s silence regarding Sable Offshore’s oil operations, community members and student activists will gather for a peaceful demonstration on Thursday, May 29 at 7:00 AM at Gaviota State Park.

Sable Offshore has begun pumping oil from offshore platforms that were abandoned for more than a decade, and pipeline work at Gaviota State Park is expected to finish this week. Environmental advocates say the silence from the Governor’s office—and the waivers granted by State Parks and Fire Marshal agencies—suggest tacit approval from the highest levels of state government.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Local, News

Santa Barbara Education Foundation Executive Director Pedro Paz announces departure

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The Board of Directors supports Pedro in his decision and extends its deep gratitude for his leadership and service over the past three years. During his tenure, Pedro helped advance SBEF’s mission to support programs that enrich the academic, artistic, and personal development of all students in the Santa Barbara Unified School District. Under his leadership, SBEF developed a comprehensive Strategic Plan and strengthened its operational effectiveness to lay a strong foundation for the future.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Home, Local, News

People’s Self-Help Housing CEO & President celebrates 20 year anniversary

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“We are so grateful for his passion and steadfast guidance over the past two decades,” said Shelly Higginbotham, PSHH Board Chair. “For his dedication and leadership, we congratulate Ken on reaching this significant milestone.” 

Since joining PSHH in 2005, Ken has served in many roles, including Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Vice President of Real Estate Finance. With extensive experience accumulated through a 30+ year distinguished career in banking and affordable housing, Ken brings an innovative combination of executive skills to his role as CEO & President. He earned his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Business Management from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and his MBA in Finance & Banking from Golden Gate University, San Francisco. 

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

June at the Santa Paula Art Museum

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Kids’ Art Fest
?
Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 11 AM to 3 PM
Free for all ages

We’re kicking off a summer of creative fun with Kids’ Art Fest on Sunday, June 1! This free, outdoor celebration is packed with hands-on art activities for all ages, plus face painting, giant bubbles, live art demos, yummy food vendors*, community performances, and more.

Don’t miss folklórico and mariachi performances by young artists from Oxnard’s Inlakech Cultural Arts Center from 12 PM to 1 PM. Kids’ Art Fest 2025 is sponsored by Calavo Growers, Brianne McGrath, and Rotary Club of Santa Paula.

*The cost of food is not included, but everything else is!

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Business, Health, Local, News

Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons joins Cottage Health Board of Directors

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SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health has elected Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons to its Board of Directors. A respected physician leader with nearly two decades of clinical and administrative experience, Dr. Fitzgibbons brings deep expertise in infectious diseases, public health and medical education.

She serves as Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and holds multiple medical directorships within Cottage Health, including for Infection Prevention and Control and the Cottage Center for Population Health. Dr. Fitzgibbons is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. A proud alumnus of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), she is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at UCSB. Throughout her career, Dr. Fitzgibbons has led local pandemic responses, directed quality initiatives and championed equitable, community-based care.

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

Museum of Ventura County — History Never Looked So Good—Picture This!

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Behind-the-Scenes – Stories of Hearst Castle

Tuesday, June 3
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street., Ventura
Registration closes Friday, May 30 at 12 p.m.

Join Montecito Bank & Trust M-Club & Museum of Ventura County for an informative Lunch & Learn with architectural historian, Victoria Kastner. Kastner will share many behind-the-scenes stories about Hearst Castle at San Simeon—examining its buildings, gardens, swimming pools, and glamorous guests. She will also reveal new information about Julia Morgan—its talented architect—and Julia’s unique collaboration with her influential client, William Randolph Hearst. Enjoy a catered lunch provided by Peirano’s!

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Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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IN-PERSON: MARKETING IN A DIGITAL WORLD

June 3 @ 8:30 am

Join SCORE Ventura County, City of Moorpark and EDC for this insight-packed workshop. It aims to educate business owners on the essential digital marketing skills, including social media dos and don’ts, tips for both digital and print marketing, creating engaging and effective content, avoiding common mistakes and so much more! Location: Moorpark City Hall, 323 Science Dr., Moorpark.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Business, Cultural, Government, Local, News

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Supervisorial Leadership & Excellence Awards

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Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 1st Annual District 2 Supervisorial Leadership and Excellence Awards—a special evening celebrating the “Great Navigators” of our community. From public safety and education to environmental stewardship and economic development, our honorees represent the best of Ventura County.

A heartfelt thank you to Amgen for graciously hosting us on their Thousand Oaks campus, and to the New West Symphony for providing beautiful music that elevated the evening.

To our recipients, sponsors, guests, and supporters—thank you for making this inaugural event such a success. If you missed it, I encourage you to watch the inspiring tribute videos linked below.

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Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Entertainment, Events, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — Mestizo Folklórico Dance Co. celebrating 44th year with two performances at Oxnard College on May 31, June 1

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The dance company has represented the college throughout the community performing for civic and school events as a way of celebrating the cultural and artistic traditions of México. The group takes pride in educating audiences about the music, dances, and traditions that have existed for generations and offers programs that demonstrate discipline and dedication, combined with a love of performing before appreciative audiences. As a unit, the Mestizo Folklórico Dance Com[any aims to transmit the elegance, joyfulness, and vibrancy of Mexico’s culture to their audiences. 

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En español, Events, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Veterans

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard joins Memorial Day Ceremony

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OXNARD — Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur is pleased to announce that the City of Oxnard along with members of the following organizations: Disabled American Veterans – Chapter 24, Knights of Columbus Council 750, Military Officers Association of America Ventura County Chapter, Port of Hueneme and the Channel Islands High School Raiders Band will jointly host a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, at Plaza Park (500 South C Street) starting at 11 a.m.

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Commentary, Cultural, familia, Family, Health, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — Ventura County: ‘God’s Country’

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My extended family consists of about 60 cousins and an untold number of their children. My paternal grandparents had 14 children, and one of those children had 14 children. Sometimes I think I must be related to half the population of Los Angeles. 

We cousins are scattered all over the map. I grew up next door to five of them, all brothers. One lives in Tokyo, Japan. Another is in Manchester, England. Two are near Seattle, Washington. One remains in Los Angeles. 

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Events, Family, Government, Local, News, Veterans

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation announces free Memorial Day Ceremony at Santa Barbara Cemetery to honor military service

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SANTA BARBARA — The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1649 have announced the details of their popular annual Memorial Day ceremony taking place on May 26th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive.

This free event honors men and women who have proudly served in the United States military. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early in order to secure a seat. Plenty of free parking will be available on-site. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. sharp near the cemetery’s main flagpole. This year’s program will feature presentations and performances by local groups such as the UCSB ROTC Color Guard, Gold Coast Pipe & Drum Band, David Gonzales and the Santa Barbara Choral Society, and The Prime Time Band.

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Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

Oxnard Film Society — Vietnam Exhibit closes with screening on May 30

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VENTURA COUNTY — The last day of the WE REMEMBER exhibit is May 30 when at 2 pm we will present a 8 minute work-in-progress documentary on Deported Veterans followed by We Remember: End of Innocence a 47 minute doc on Ventura County veterans on their Vietnam experience. A Q/A with veterans and director George J. Sandoval will follow.

The John Spoor Broome Library at CSU, Channel Islands is open from 9am to 4pm Tuesday – Friday and unfortunately is closed on Memorial Day.

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Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Events, Government, Immigration, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — Community Organizing Gatherings continue across Santa Barbara County on May 24

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Looking to take action in your community? Join the Santa Barbara Transgender Advocacy Network for a countywide day of community organizing this Saturday, May 24th, from 12 to 2 PM in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Isla Vista.

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Education, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College honors 17 retiring faculty and staff

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SANTA MARIA — On May 21, Allan Hancock College honored the dedication and service of 17 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 341 years of service to the college, include full and part-time faculty members, classified staff, supervisors, and administrators from various programs and departments. 

“Our retirees have helped shape this college into the extraordinary institution it is today,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to our students have made a lasting impact that will be felt for generations.” 

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Business, Education, Family, Finance, Local, News, Youth

Valentine Foundation Pledges $500,000 To Simi Valley Family YMCA Expansion/Renovation

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This donation marks the foundation’s second major contribution to the YMCA this year. Earlier in 2025, the Valentine Foundation contributed $250,000 to the YMCA’s Find My Genius program, a free five-week program for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level to support their academic and social-emotional learning.

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Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Finance, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Ventura County Community Foundation’s (VCCF) — Power of Purpose — May 2025

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… In this time of nonstop headlines and uncertainty, I invite us not to lose sight of the good we are creating together. There are so many examples, including the meaningful and inspired leadership of the recent graduating class of the Ventura County Leadership Academy, where Cohort 30 raised more than $20,000 to help support neighbors who lost their homes in the Mountain Fire. I wish I could have bottled up their joy as they presented the check last week – it was such a beautiful thing to witness!

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Business, Cultural, En español, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report – Ventura County Public Works Agency recognizes 2025 Employees of The Year

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VENTURA — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is proud to announce the recognition of its 2025 Employees of the Year. These exceptional individuals have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, dedication, and innovation in their roles, contributing to the Agency’s ongoing success. The awards were presented on Tuesday, May 20th, during the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Evan Martinez, honored with the Operations & Maintenance Employee of the Year award, has been with VCPWA for just over five years, playing a key role in maintaining and operating the water systems across the Agency’s four service districts. His major duties consist of helping the Operations and

Productions team deliver safe drinking water to residents and keeping the water system in excellent working condition.

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Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Finance, Local, News, Youth

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Foundation awards $605,000 at annual scholarship ceremony

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SANTA MARIA — Over 800 students and donors gathered at the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium on May 22 to celebrate the Allan Hancock College Foundation’s annual scholarship awards.

This year, the Foundation awarded 518 scholarships totaling $605,000 to 416 Hancock students. Generous members of the community also funded 18 new scholarships in 2025.

“Each year, we find new ways to strengthen our support for Hancock students, and tonight’s celebration is a powerful reflection of that growth,” said Jon Hooten, Ph.D., executive director of college advancement and the AHC Foundation. “We’re incredibly proud of every student recognized this evening for their hard work and achievements.”

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Business, Family, Finance, Local, News

Friendship Center Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — ‘Match’ Their Day

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Many of the seniors served through Friendship Center’s programs are at the intersection of aging, poverty, and dementia, with few additional resources for support.

Every day costs Friendship Center more than $200 per person, and most of the program’s members pay less than $100. Will you help us fill that gap?!

Below is a real-time snapshot of how many members we serve at each contribution level.

You can pick a tier and match what they can’t cover, day by day.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Local, News, Women, Youth

Transforming Lives: The Women’s Fund in Santa Barbara awards? a record $1.25 million to local nonprofits

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SANTA BARBARA —The power of collective giving was on display on May 20th when the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara awarded an unprecedented $1.25 million in grants to 11 local nonprofits —showcasing the power of collective giving in the Santa Barbara community. This accomplishment was made possible through the generosity of 1,426 local women members who have combined their charitable contributions into a substantial grants pool.

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