VENTURA — Early education about food helps young people see the value of eating fruits and vegetables instead of ultra-processed foods. A fun program helps 3rd grade students learn where their food comes from, the science of agriculture, and related career opportunities. Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) provides a Farm-to-Table Laboratory that teaches children in Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara counties in California, thanks to a grant from Kaiser Permanente.
VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County (UWVC) has been awarded two grants totaling $1.7 million from the Ventura County Continuum of Care Alliance. Both grants are from the State of California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP) Round 5 for Homeless Prevention, and Rapid Re-Housing. This funding will bolster key programs, including Home Safe which aims to place homeless and keep them housed as well as the countywide Landlord Engagement Program (LEP), which aims to increase housing stock and utilize existing housing vouchers and subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners. By recruiting and retaining landlords willing to assist, the program seeks to prevent and end homelessness in the community.
CAMARILLO — Representatives from area businesses, the non-profit sector, the health industry, and a faculty member from the campus were recognized as valuable partners to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) during the annual CSUCI Connections Breakfast.
The sold-out event took place on campus where participants had a chance to mingle and look over student research projects on display before sitting down to breakfast and welcome remarks from CSUCI Vice President for Advancement Richard LeRoy and President Richard Yao.
“We are excited to welcome Chief Dickey as the next leader of the Ventura Police Department,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “His extensive experience, collaborative leadership style, and dedication to the community make him well-equipped to address evolving public safety challenges with professionalism.”
VENTURA — The County of Ventura has named Roger Robinson as the new director for the Ventura County Human Service Agency. Robinson was selected following an extensive recruitment process, which included both internal and external candidates. He steps into the role following the retirement of former director Melissa Livingston this month.
Author Melody Jue, an associate professor of English, departs from common coral narratives in her new collection of essays.
Read more about the book
VENTURA COUNTY — More than 100 middle and high schoolers from throughout Ventura County marveled industry professionals last Thursday with their innovation and technical talent at the first annual Industry and Education: Student Project Showcase in Camarillo. The event brought together students, educators, and industry leaders to highlight the ingenuity of local youth and the importance of providing educational opportunities that can lead to local manufacturing careers.
VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village is thrilled to announce the Seaside Vacay Giveaway for 2025! One lucky winner will receive a coastal getaway experience at Ventura’s seaside playground – Ventura Harbor Village valued at over $1,000, and packed with seaside fun, a two-night harbor stay, waterfront dining, shopping, and on the water adventure.
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Board voted 5-1-0-1 (one board member was absent) on Thursday, April 17, to move forward with replacing the Physical Education (PE) Building on the Cliff Drive East Campus. The priority of the PE building replacement project is due to $34 million matching state funds that would expire in the coming year if not utilized. The $34 million would add to the Measure P Bond Extension’s $198 million and maximize facility improvements.
“We are grateful to our community for passing the Measure P Bond Extension by 66 percent,” said SBCC Board President Jonathan Abboud. “The Physical Education building is being done first because of $34 million in state matching funds that expire in June 2025 if not used — this is money we do not want to lose. Another $71 million from the bond, 36 percent, would go towards this project’s estimated $105 million total cost.”
AND GAIN MORE CUSTOMERS
May 7 @ 8:30 am
Whether you are a seasoned marketer or just starting out, this workshop is tailored to equip you with actionable marketing strategies that will deliver results. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your marketing game and attract and gain more customers. Join SCORE Ventura County, City of Thousand Oaks and EDC for this insight-packed workshop that will dive into the key elements of digital marketing to help attract and gain more customers. Address: Thousand Oaks City Hall, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Hancock will host the 2025 Folklórico Invitational concert and dance performance on May 1-3 at 7 p.m. in Boyd Concert Hall (bldg. F) on the Santa Maria campus. Performers include Hancock students, as well as talented dancers from Righetti, Pioneer Valley and Santa Maria high schools, as well as members of the community. Tickets are $10 each and are available at https://www.hancockcollege.edu/pathways/creative-arts/tickets.php.
VENTURA — More than a million and a half strawberries will be eaten over two days during the 39thAnnual California Strawberry Festival, May 17 and 18 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds(10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001).
Many of the 50 food vendors at the festival will serve strawberry-themed offerings. Festival goers can treat themselves to such treats as chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry-topped funnel cakes, strawberry pizza, strawberry nachos, deep-fried strawberries, berry kabobs, strawberry tacos and strawberry beer, margaritas and smoothies.
Friday, June 27 at 7:00 PM
The Majestic Ventura Theater
One of the most successful instrumental artists of the past decades, Ottmar Liebert has been entertaining audiences around the world for decades with his unforgettable, signature Nouveau Flamenco sound that blends elegance, passion, and global rhythms. Don’t miss this world-renowned guitarist as he creates a spellbinding atmosphere with every note!
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara Presents
The 2025 Art Awards
Mary Heebner
Dr. JoAnn Kuchera-Morin
Gabriela Ruiz
Manjari Sharma
Diana Thater
SANTA MARIA — More than 50 community leaders, school administrators, local government representatives, and concerned parents gathered on April 10th at the Santa Maria Public Library for Family Service Agency’s (FSA) impactful luncheon focused on youth mental health. The event showcased FSA’s comprehensive approach to supporting youth mental health across Santa Barbara County and highlighted the organization’s significant impact in the community.
“We all need help sometimes, and FSA is universal in their approach in that FSA serves the entire county and communities in which they live, meaning there is ‘no wrong door’ to access services for anyone in need,” said Teressa Johnes, FSA board member, during her opening remarks. Johnes emphasized FSA’s unique ability to serve individuals across the entire lifespan, from prenatal care to senior services for those in their golden years.
CAMARILLO — In a year where authentic storytelling and cultural relevance stood out as creative imperatives, the marketing teams at Ventura College and the District Administrative Center (DAC) rose to the occasion. At the 2025 Community College Public Relations Organization (CCPRO) Pro Awards, both teams were honored for campaigns that didn’t just communicate—but connected.
CCPRO is a statewide professional organization that supports marketing, public relations, and communications professionals at California’s community colleges. The group provides opportunities for professional development, resource sharing, and collaboration across districts. Its annual Pro Awards recognize outstanding work in areas like media relations, advertising, design, and crisis communication.
Spring into homeownership – this is the season of renewal and growth and we’re pleased to share exciting updates and opportunities that support your path to homeownership. This month’s newsletter highlights important program changes, upcoming events, and valuable resources available to individuals and families throughout the communities we serve. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking for support to take the next step, VCCDC is here to help guide and empower you every step of the way!
Download the 2025 Economic Outlook Report presented at our April 17th VCTF event.
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This comprehensive report is presented by Dr. Mark Schniepp from the California Economic Forecast.
Cultural historian Lisa Jacobson’s new book tells the complicated and fascinating story of how alcoholic beverages morphed from disreputable habit to ubiquitous facet of American life.
SANTA BARBARA — Join ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) for three free community performances by Ballet Nepantla.
Ballet Nepantla
THREE FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES
Friday, May 16 | 7 PM | Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Rd, Goleta
Saturday, May 17 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St, Guadalupe, CA
Sunday, May 18 | 6 PM | The Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E Cota St, Santa Barbara
Ballet Nepantla combines classic ballet and contemporary dance with traditional Mexican folklórico, creating a truly special production. Founders Andrea Guajardo and Martín Rodríguez envisioned a new form of expression that fused these two distinct dance traditions, creating an aesthetic that reflects the historical, cultural, and social realities of a broader narrative of being Mexican, Mexican American, immigrant, and trans-cultural.
Recently I was helping my eldest grandson with some technical homework he had in his college class. I was flipping through the index of his massive reference book, the way I used to do it in my college days. Meanwhile, he nonchalantly typed in a few words to an app on his phone and rapidly found the answer to the question that we were seeking.
Boomer grandpa asked Generation-Z grandson how he did that. Without batting an eye, he informed me that he was using AI.
This May Day, we’re showing up loud and clear in solidarity with farmworkers at the Santa Maria Strawberry Festival, and we want you there with us.
While the festival celebrates strawberries, it leaves out the very people who make the harvest possible. Farmworkers power a multi-billion-dollar industry in California, yet they’re still fighting for wages they can live on.
This isn’t just about fairness – it’s about people power. And when we show up together, we shift what’s possible through our collective voice and power.
VENTURA — International industry leaders came together at Alta Sea at the Port of Los Angeles April 16 for the annual Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) Awards Ceremony, which recognized the top-performing shipping lines for the 2024 season and celebrated 10 seasons of the program.
The busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere offered a fitting place to recognize shipping industry leaders who move cargo all over the globe for their exemplary efforts in the most impactful BWBS season yet.
Premiere Party:
“Plein Air Visions”
Presented by the California Art Club
Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 Members, $10 Non-members
The prestigious California Art Club was established in 1909 by early California Impressionists to promote the practice of traditional fine arts in the fields of painting, drawing, and sculpture. “Plein Air Visions” will feature 35 contemporary plein air paintings by two dozen current CAC members. The group exhibition celebrates the immediacy and spontaneity of the plein air technique in capturing the ever-changing light, colors, and moods of the California landscape. All of the paintings will be available for purchase.
SANTA BARBARA — Samara Harris, a corporate and real estate attorney with experience working on a variety of complex transactions, recently joined the premier, full-service law firm Reicker, Pfau, Pyle & McRoy.
Harris joined Reicker Pfau on March 17 as an associate in the firm’s Transactions Department. Her practice focuses primarily on mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions and general contract and corporate matters.
A graduate of the University of Southern California, Harris has represented a wide range of clients, including private equity funds, public companies, developers, individuals, and hotel companies in connection with complex real estate deals. These transactions have included the acquisition, disposition, financing, leasing, land banking and franchising of diverse real estate assets, such as multifamily and residential developments, student housing, mixed-use developments, retail centers, hotels and single-family homes.
SANTA BARBARA — Channel Islands Fiduciary Group, a company that offers private, professional fiduciary services for elders and dependent adults, is celebrating 10 years in business.
Founded by Courtney DeSoto, J.D., CLPF, NCG, TEP, Channel Islands Fiduciary Group offers a comprehensive range of fiduciary services to support populations that include at-risk seniors, people who wish to age in their own homes, individuals suffering from mental and/or emotional challenges, those suffering from substance use disorder, adults vulnerable to exploitation or abuse, and isolated adults. DeSoto provides services as a successor trustee, executor and agent on a power of attorney for finances and/or healthcare. She also serves by court appointment in conservatorships and probate administration proceedings.
RESTAURANTS CARE RESILIENCE FUND
Restaurants Care, a nonprofit program of the California Restaurant Foundation, has awarded $7.3 million in grants to 1,603 independent restaurants across California—supporting burger joints, taquerias, bakeries and more. In 2025, Restaurants Care is offering two grant opportunities to help restaurants thrive: $10,000 grants for LA County restaurants and food trucks impacted by the 2025 LA Fires and $5,000 grants for restaurants and commercial caterers in select CA counties (including Ventura & Santa Barbara!) to build resilience. Restaurants Care was created in 2017 as a safety net for food and beverage workers. To learn more about their fund for food and beverage workers, click here.
This Arbor Day, let’s get planting! Whether you plant a tree, grow native plants, or start a community garden, every green effort helps create cleaner air, cooler neighborhoods, and thriving ecosystems.
Ready to make an impact?
“In 1969, the devastating images of a massive oil spill from an oil platform off Santa Barbara’s coast galvanized California into action and caught the attention of the rest of the nation, including Senator Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day, who visited Santa Barbara shortly after the spill. The resulting swell of outrage and concern gave rise to the first Earth Day in 1970” (and our colleagues at the Community Environmental Council).
In April we celebrate Fair Housing Month and rightly recognize the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This landmark legislature came just two years ahead of People’s Self-Help Housing’s incorporation.
The Act, which protects people from discrimination when renting or buying a home, securing a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities, originally had four protected classes – race, religion, national origin, and gender. With the amendment of 1988, two additional classes, ability and familial status were added.
