Business, Cultural, Education, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Police Dept. — Safety Tips for Cinco De Mayo

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SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Department invites those who are attending festivities to celebrate responsibly during the weekend leading up to Cinco De Mayo, which is Monday, May 5th.

Residents, business owners, and drivers are encouraged to be vigilant and report drunk drivers by dialing 911. If you are driving to Cinco De May celebrations over the next several days, please make responsible choices and designate a sober driver to get you home. Rideshare and public transportation are also available.

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

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Felix Nuñez to Assume Permanent Role

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CAMARILLO  — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) announced the appointment of Dr. Felix Nuñez as Chief Executive Officer. A seasoned family physician and health care executive with nearly three decades of experience in managed care and health care delivery, Dr. Nuñez will lead GCHP’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, equitable care to more than 240,000 Medi-Cal members in Ventura County.

Dr. Nuñez joined GCHP in 2022 as associate chief medical officer and assumed the role of chief medical officer the following year. He assumes the CEO role following an eight-month tenure as Acting CEO. His three-year contract starts May 1, 2025, and runs through April 30, 2028.

“I have dedicated my life’s work to vulnerable populations and underserved communities, and I am happy that I can continue to lead that important work in Ventura County,” Dr. Nuñez said. “I look forward to strengthening GCHP’s partnerships, expanding access to high quality care for our members, and continuing to build a health plan that contributes to the overall health and wellbeing of our community.”

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Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, familia, Family, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Opinion, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual commentary — Helping Someone in Emotional Pain

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It is painful when we accompany someone who is in emotional pain. To some extent, we carry their pain along with them as they suffer. Watching someone we love or care about in the depths of hopelessness, worry or despair is emotionally taxing for us. This is compassion, something that the late Pope Francis tried to instill in us.

There are right ways and there are wrong ways to try helping someone who is in emotional pain.

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Commentary, Cultural, Education, Government, Local, News, Politics

Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Thinking About Public Leadership? Start Here

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Have you — or someone you know – ever thought about stepping into public leadership, only to feel overwhelmed by where to begin?You’re not alone — and that’s exactly why the Justice Leadership Institute (JLI) exists.

Unidos 805, in partnership with CAUSE, FLA, MICOP, and the Fund for Santa Barbara, is proud to announce JLI, a six-month leadership academy designed to empower and equip progressive leaders from diverse backgrounds with the knowledge, confidence, and community needed to step into public service.

We know that barriers like institutional racism, systemic inequality, and gender bias have too often kept the people most impacted by policy out of decision-making spaces. JLI is here to change that.

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

Big Things are Blooming at the Museum of Ventura County this Spring

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LAST CHANCE to visit … Closing May 11!
Exhibitions
MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY

What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art

What is Beauty? invites us to explore diverse perspectives on beauty through fourteen portraits by Ventura County artists from the Museum’s permanent collection. Spanning works created between 1939 and 2011, this exhibition showcases a range of styles—from vibrant realism to minimalist simplicity—challenging traditional standards shaped by art, media, and society.
Artists featured in the exhibition: Carlisle Cooper / Hiroko Yoshimoto / Johanna Spinks / John Nava / John Nichols – featured in exhibition logo / Kitty Botke / Lis Schwitters / Michael Ward / Neal Barr / Omar d’León / Robert Clunie.

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Business, Events, Government, Local, News, Youth

Ventura County DA joins West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) forum on public safety

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CAMARILLO – OXNARD — West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA), the chamber of commerce advocating for businesses in Camarillo and Oxnard, will host an important conversation about public safety at its quarterly Statement Series luncheon on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at Staybridge Suites Oxnard River Ridge. WVCBA’s Statement Series is designed to bridge the communities with overarching topics that are relevant to both.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI partnership with Navy base and Santa Paula Unified School district creates pathways to an engineering career

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CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) President Richard Yao plans to visit Santa Paula High School on May 7 as elementary students in a special pilot pre-engineering program showcase the remotely-operated underwater vehicles they built from scratch. 

The students built their underwater vehicles under the inaugural SeaPerch STEM Outreach Program, which is the result of a partnership between CSUCI, Ventura College, Ventura County Office of Education, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) and the Santa Paula Unified School District.  

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Cultural, Education, En español, Events, familia, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Bilingual report — May is National Bicycle Safety Month: Ventura PD encourages safer streets for all

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To help protect bicyclists and pedestrians, the Ventura Police Department will conduct a focused traffic safety operation throughout the month, aimed at addressing violations that endanger people walking and biking. Enforcement efforts will focus on speeding, illegal turns, failure to yield, and stop sign or red light violations.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — National Small Business Week

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For more than 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week (NSBW), which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. NSBW is co-hosted by SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of SBA.

Join us in celebrating National Small Business Week and participate in the NO-COST SBA National Small Business Week 2-Day Virtual Summit throughout the week! The event will cover information to help you START, GROW and EXPAND your small business.

SBA National Small Business Week 2-Day Virtual Summit

May 6 and May 7 @ 7:00 am PST

This year’s event will include educational presentations by experts, exhibit booths, NO-COST business resources, multiple peer-to-peer networking rooms and expert business advice from SCORE mentors. The event is NO-COST to view for both established and aspiring business owners. However, you must first register to gain entry.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Commentary, Education, Events, Government, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — ou’re Invited to Celebrate Our Community’s Great Navigators – Limited Tickets Remaining!

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I’m excited to share that we’re just a couple of weeks away from the 1st Annual District 2 Supervisorial Leadership and Excellence Awards—a signature event recognizing some of the most inspiring and impactful leaders in our community.

The event will take place Wednesday, May 21 from

5:00–7:00 PM at Amgen in Thousand Oaks.

This inaugural celebration will honor the “Great Navigators” of District 2—exceptional individuals who have demonstrated leadership in Public Safety, Education, Prosperity & Economy, Conservation & Environmentalism,and Community Leadership. These honorees have gone above and beyond to serve others and strengthen Ventura County.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Health, Local, News, Technology, Youth

UCSB — The Current — ALL-VIDEO EDITION: Press Play on Our Research Rewind

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Restoring Dunes to Protect Shores

Marine Science Institute researchers have found that restored dunes at Santa Monica Beach can help protect that section of California’s coast from the severe storms and sea-level rise that come with a warming ocean.

Watch to learn about dune restoration

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Home, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Lumina Nights: Dancing with Our Stars Raises Over $122,000 for local survivors—and the Dancing Isn’t Over Yet

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SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Nights: Dancing with Our Stars has already raised over $122,000 for Lumina Alliance—and the competition is just heating up. As the three-night event kicks off tonight at the Pavilion on the Lake in Atascadero, guests will continue “voting” for their favorite dancers by donating—each dollar a vote of support for local survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence.

Local stars have been hard at work fundraising, with County Supervisor Heather Moreno leading at nearly $35,000, followed by Rob Garcia of Corvus Wealth Advisors with $32,000, and Mary Verdin of Verdin Marketing at $24,000. Fellow dancers Eric Yun (Community West Bank), LeBren Harris (Downtown SLO), and Jennifer Idler (Idler’s Home) are also lighting up the stage with passion and purpose.

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Business, Commentary, Family, Health, Local, News

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital earn an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH) and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (GVCH) both earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety.

Leapfrog assigns an “A,” through “F” grade to hospitals across the country based on over 30 quality and safety performance measures and the systems hospitals have in place to prevent patient harm.

“This recognition speaks to our team’s commitment to safety and excellence,” said Scott Wester, President & CEO of Cottage Health. “It is a reflection of our work to provide a safe and healing environment for patients.

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

CSUCI receives the national ‘Opportunity Colleges and Universities’ designation

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“Hundreds of institutions nationwide are providing students an excellent opportunity to use higher education as a springboard to a better life,” said Ted Mitchell, president of ACE. “The Student Access and Earnings Classification highlights the depth and breadth of schools where student success is front and center.” 

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Family, Local, News, Seniors

Senior Concerns Seeks Volunteers for 31st Annual Love Run

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volunteer for the 31st Annual Love Run, presented by Logix Federal Credit Union, which will take place on Sunday, June 1, in Westlake Village.

One of the largest 5K/10K events in the Conejo Valley, the Love Run, draws more than 2,000 participants and 500 spectators annually. Volunteers are essential to making the event a success, helping raise funds to provide nutritious meals to homebound seniors through Senior Concerns’ Meals On Wheels program.

“Volunteers are the heart and driving force behind the Love Run,” says Andrea Gallagher, president of Senior Concerns. “Event volunteers do more than just help on race day- they ensure thousands of meals reach homebound seniors throughout the year. That impact is priceless.” 

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Education, Family, Finance, Local, News, Youth

Santa Barbara Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation names 2025 music competition winners

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SANTA BARBARA — Eight talented, young musicians and vocalists took home a total of $36,000 in scholarships Sunday, April 27, after competing in the annual music contest organized by the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation.

A professional panel of judges selected first and second place winners in the Adult Instrumental, Junior Instrumental, Adult Vocal and newly added Junior Vocal categories. Fourteen finalists competed at the event. Awards ranged from $500 to $6,000. The contest took place in Lehmann Hall at Music Academy of the West in Montecito.

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

People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC) 2025 Builder Games Raises over $125,000 for Resident Programs

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CENTRAL COAST – This past weekend, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) hosted the 2025 Builder Games. Presented by Mechanics Bank, eight teams competed in a series of fun building-related challenges to imaginatively transform a standard 4’x 4’ playhouse into a child’s dream.   
Winning this year’s title of ‘Builder Games Champion’ and the ‘People’s Choice Award’ was first-time competitor Tricamo Construction for their “Chicken Coop”. The ‘Judge’s Choice Award’ was awarded to BMA Mechanical+, another team new to this year’s Games, for their inventive recreation of the iconic San Luis Obispo landmark, Frank’s Hot Dogs Restaurant.  

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Finance, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Funding Opprotunity for City of Oxnard Business Owners

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The City of Oxnard and the Economic Development Collaborative have partnered to support small business owners! With a low-interest rate, terms designed for businesses and NO-COST professional advising, this fund is perfect for those who haven’t been unable to qualify for traditional bank loans.

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

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

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CARE Act Town Hall Meeting on Mental Health and Support Services 

Join the County of Ventura and the Ventura County Superior Court for an upcoming *CARE Act Town Hall Meeting* to learn about a new program offering voluntary support and treatment for individuals facing serious mental health and substance use challenges.

This informative session will cover eligibility, the petition process, and how the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act is being implemented locally to connect people with the care they need.

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025 

Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 

Location: Ventura County Government Center  

Hall of Administration – Lower Plaza Assembly Room, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009  

Or Join via Zoom: 

Meeting ID: 814 194 7530 

Passcode: 484640 

Download Zoom at: zoom.us/download

**Spanish interpretation will be provided.

Speakers include representatives from the Ventura County Superior Court, County Counsel, Public Defender’s Office, and Behavioral Health, all working together to support residents through this new state program.

LEARN MORE

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

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — LA Art Trips & Artist Opportunities

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There are still a few spots left to join us on Saturday May 3, departing Santa Barbara at 9:00 am.

Our LA adventure begins with a Pace gallery director guided tour of legendary Light and Space artist Robert Irwin In Los Angeles, an exhibition of work produced between 1960 and 1971, marking the first exhibition of Irwin’s work mounted by Pace since the artist’s death in 2023 and his first posthumous presentation in California. We’ll enjoy our boxed lunches in the gallery garden then head to Marciano Foundation for Lightscape: Doug Aitken, and a special screening of Aitken’s FRONTIER followed by a conversation between Ed Ruscha and Aitken. A very full and rewarding day of art and ideas – register here!

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Business, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Women

Bilingual report — Don’t Miss Your Flight! Get a Certified Copy of Your Birth Certificate to Apply for a REAL ID or Passport

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VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder Michelle Ascencion is reminding residents that starting May 7, 2025, the federal government will require a REAL ID, U.S. passport, or other federally approved identification to board domestic flights.

To apply for a REAL ID or passport, applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship—most commonly, a certified copy of their birth certificate. This must be obtained from the county where the individual was born.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety, Youth

Bilingual report — Twelve cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s CORE Custody Academy

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“Today is not an ending, but rather a beginning,” said Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Vincent Wasilewski. “It is the beginning of a career in one of the most demanding and rewarding professions anywhere.”

All 12 graduates of CORE Academy Class #19 completed a comprehensive California Standards and Training for Corrections course consisting of 260 hours of instruction. The six-week academy is designed to prepare students to work as correctional officers. Some of the instruction included emergency planning in a custody facility, report writing, ethics, investigation procedures, contraband, arrest and control, physical fitness training, CPR/First Aid and emergency vehicle operations.

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Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Defending Public Education in a Time of Uncertainty

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Public education is facing an unprecedented challenge. As political rhetoric intensifies, the U.S. Department of Education has come under attack, with calls for its elimination shaking the foundation of our nation’s commitment to equitable learning opportunities. Yet, despite these challenges, the focus of Ventura County educators remains clear: ensuring the well-being and success of students.

At this time, when public education is under scrutiny, our schools need unwavering support from the communities they serve. The narrative around education must shift from one of division to one of shared responsibility and appreciation. We need to reinforce the idea that teaching is not just a profession, but a privilege—one that shapes the future of our society. Strong, compassionate educators and leaders remain essential to guiding our schools through these uncertain times.

Public education is facing an unprecedented challenge. As political rhetoric intensifies, the U.S. Department of Education has come under attack, with calls for its elimination shaking the foundation of our nation’s commitment to equitable learning opportunities. Yet, despite these challenges, the focus of Ventura County educators remains clear: ensuring the well-being and success of students.

At this time, when public education is under scrutiny, our schools need unwavering support from the communities they serve. The narrative around education must shift from one of division to one of shared responsibility and appreciation. We need to reinforce the idea that teaching is not just a profession, but a privilege—one that shapes the future of our society. Strong, compassionate educators and leaders remain essential to guiding our schools through these uncertain times.

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Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Celebrity Readers in Ventura County will Take 5 and Read to Kids! starting May 2

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VENTURA COUNTY — The ninth annual Take 5 and Read to Kids! campaign will kick-off May 2nd at preschools, childcare centers, and public libraries throughout Ventura County. First 5 Ventura County hosts these free community events to help raise awareness about the importance of early childhood literacy for the more than 55,000 children in Ventura County who are age 5 and younger. For more information, visit www.first5ventura.org/talk-read-sing

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Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Allan Hancock College’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) students shine at state SkillsUSA competition

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SANTA MARIA — Students in Allan Hancock College’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs took home a staggering 50 gold, silver, and bronze medals from the statewide SkillsUSA competition in Ontario, California, earlier this month. 

A record-breaking 40 Hancock students who participated in this year’s competition earned gold medals across 25 categories, including cybersecurity, architecture, welding, crime scene investigation, web design, and more. 

In addition, seven Hancock students earned silver medals and three earned bronze medals. 

“The work and dedication of our SkillsUSA students demonstrates their drive to succeed and their passion for their career pathways,” said Hancock Administration of Justice Instructor Kurt Kruse, who attended the competition as a SkillsUSA coach. “As an instructor, I was proud of every student who competed.”?

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Local, News, Youth

CAUSE hiring Summer interns — and it’s PAID

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At CAUSE, building the next generation of community leaders isn’t just part of our vision – it is our vision. We believe our future lies with young people grounded in justice, ready to defend the progress we’ve made and fight for a more just and sustainable future in the Central Coast.

From June 16 to August 8, we’re looking for two interns to join our team and the fight for housing justice, workers’ rights, and environmental justice. These part-time internships are 10 hours weekly, with a pay rate of $20/hour. Whether you’re drawn to policy or building grassroots people power through organizing, this is your chance to build skills, grow your leadership, and make a real impact.

We’re now accepting applications for two dynamic, 8-week paid internship positions:

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