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Art, Identity, and the Global Game Converge in ‘Once Miradas, Un Balón’ at the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard. Events May 14 through Sept. 4
OXNARD — As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, a new exhibition in Oxnard invites the community to explore the game of soccer through a local perspective. The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC), in partnership with the Consulado de México en Oxnard, presents Once Miradas, Un Balón (Eleven Gazes, One Ball)—a group exhibition that looks at fútbol as both a cultural presence and a source of artistic inspiration. The exhibit opens to the public with a reception on May 21 from 5:30-8pm and will celebrate (4) youth soccer teams with a custom jersey giveaway and hands-on activities. Once Miradas, Un Balón will be on view from May 14 – September 4, 2026. Gallery hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Admission is free.
UCSB — The Current — ‘On Fire Talk: Mass Deportation as Racial Engineering (May 7)’ and more news, events
Thursday, May 7
Ahilan T. Arulanantham of the UCLA School of Law discusses the role of race discrimination in immigration and refugee policy.
Hospice of Santa Barbara announces first Ambassador Spotlight: Jill Nida
SANTA BARBARA — For more than three decades, Jill Nida has been a steadfast advocate, volunteer, and champion for Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB). Her leadership and generosity have helped shape the organization into what it is today, and her personal story is deeply woven into its mission.
Over the past 37 years, Jill has served as Board Chair (twice), Board Member, Auxiliary Member, and Capital Campaign Chair for the Riviera office building. She was also honored as a Hero of Hospice in 2015. She served on the Hospice Foundation Board and is Board Emeritus. She was instrumental in the HSB butterfly logo design and color (aqua). Beyond titles, roles, and responsibilities she has been one of HSB’s most passionate ambassadors in the community, given the unofficial title “Cheerleader Emeritus.”
Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth
Ventura Charter School’s 15th Annual EcoFest draws 2,500 in celebration of Students, Sustainability and Community
VENTURA — Ventura Charter School welcomed an estimated 2,500 attendees to its 15th Annual EcoFest on Sunday, April 26, as students, families, local businesses and community organizations gathered on the school’s Ventura campus to celebrate sustainability and demonstrate what a school rooted in its community looks like in practice.
All proceeds from booth fees, sponsorships, the silent auction and raffle ticket sales go directly to student programs and educational enrichment at Ventura Charter School.
Business, Cultural, Education, Elections, Family, Finance, Government, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth
Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara May 2026 Newsletter
Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth
Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College honors noncredit students at recognition ceremony
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the achievements of its noncredit students at its annual Noncredit Recognition Ceremony May 1 at the college’s Santa Maria campus.
The celebration, held in Boyd Concert Hall, highlighted the perseverance and accomplishments of students who completed noncredit certificate programs, including family childcare license preparation, commercial truck driving and income tax preparation. The ceremony also recognized students who completed English Language Development (ELDN) courses, earned their GED Equivalency Certificate or achieved U.S. citizenship through the college’s noncredit offerings. More than 426 certificates were completed in noncredit programs at Hancock during the 2025–2026 academic year.
“Noncredit programs are essential to ensuring that education remains accessible to everyone in our community,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “These students are a powerful example of what can be achieved when opportunity meets determination.”
Downtown Oxnard — Cinco de Mayo events through May 5, other activities
Bilingual report — Third Space Sauna is coming to Rincon County Beach starting May 8
SANTA BARBARA — Third Space Sauna, Santa Barbara’s first community sauna and cold plunge, is bringing its custom Finnish cedar barrel sauna to Rincon Beach for the first time this weekend.
On May 8th and 9th, the public is invited to drop in Friday and Saturday to meet founders Joey Mcguinness and Eli Pearlman, sweat it out in a 12-foot cedar sauna, take a plunge in the cold Pacific, and hang out on one of the most iconic stretches of coastline in California.
Third Space partnered with Santa Barbara County Parks with a goal to bring community wellness to public land as a service for everyone, not just those who can afford a resort day.
“We started Third Space to create a place where people can gather and connect,” said co-founder Joey McGuinness.
Public access to Ventura Hills Nature Preserve is under threat due to a lawsuit brought by Chevron and Aera Energy
VENTURA — Ventura Land Trust released the following statement on May 4, 20206:
Public access to Ventura Hills Nature Preserve is under threat due to a lawsuit brought by Chevron and Aera Energy.
They claim that allowing the public to use Hall Canyon Road interferes with their asserted legal rights to use the road for oil operations. Chevron and Aera have asked the Court to close Hall Canyon Road and VLT’s trailhead to the public.
Ventura Land Trust is currently in active litigation fighting to keep this vital community asset open to the public. Ventura Hills Nature Preserve is the product of more than 25 years of community effort and public investment. This preserve exists today because people across Ventura came together to ensure it would be preserved and accessible for future generations.
Bilingual report — Now’s the time to VOTE in the June 2, 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election!
VENTURA COUNTY — Michelle Ascencion, the Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, announced the May 4thcommencement of voting activities for the June 2, 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election.
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara held Senior Fair, ‘Young at Heart’
SANTA BARBARA — On Thursday, April 30th, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), in partnership with 2nd Story Associates, hosted the Young at Heart Senior Fair at Presidio Springs. Approximately 150 HACSB senior residents gathered to receive important information and resources from a wide array of partnering organizations and service providers.
The event provided local seniors with access to essential resources related to health care, wellness, recreation, caregiving, and social services. Highlights of the fair included:
El Concilio Family Services — Check out our video on May 15 deadline for 23rd annual Latino Leadership Award nominations
Celebrate leadership. Inspire community.
For over 35 years, El Concilio Family Services has honored outstanding Latino leaders across Ventura County who are making a meaningful difference through education, advocacy, volunteerism, health, and more. Know someone who is uplifting others and creating impact?
Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth
Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Foundation welcomes two alumni to board of directors
SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation has appointed two AHC alumni to its board of directors, further strengthening its mission to support student success and expand educational opportunities across the Central Coast.
In addition to being proud Hancock graduates, Claudia Ortiz and Luis Servin also bring a combined wealth of experience in community leadership, workforce development and education advocacy to the Foundation.
Santa Barbara Trust Company adds local real estate expert
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Trust Company has welcomed Raegan Erdman as a new trust administrator associate.
Raegan has more than 20 years of experience guiding clients through complex financial and real estate matters, especially in the larger Santa Barbara community. Her background spans escrow, lending, luxury real estate operations and property management, bringing a wealth of experience to the team.
Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara unveils ‘The Muse’
SANTA BARBARA—The Music Academy of the West has revealed updated details behind The Muse, its forthcoming Music Education Center in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara — an architecturally ambitious project designed not just to house music, but to make inspiration visible, tangible, and shared across the city. On May 7, from 5 to 8 p.m., the public is invited to step inside that vision during a special Sneak Peek at The Muse as part of Santa Barbara’s 1st Thursday Art Walk.
Santa Barbara City College shines light on Mental Health Awareness Month, joins countywide effort
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is joining the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness, county residents, businesses, organizations, and community partners in recognizing May as Mental Health Month by participating in the annual Light Up Green. The SBCC Board of Trustees recognized Mental Health Awareness Month with a resolution at their public board meeting on April 23 to formally acknowledge and build awareness.
“We are Lighting up SBCC’s Cliff, Schott, and Wake campuses with Green as a part of a county wide initiative to raise mental health awareness during the month of May,” shared SBCC Mental Health Counselor Lacey Peters, M.A. LMFT. “To further awareness, SBCC is hosting a Mental Health Awareness Event with the Active Minds Club to Destigmatize Mental Health Care on May 6th at 5:30 p.m. at SBCC West Campus BC Forum.”
Ventura County Arts Council — $5k and $10k grants available for artists – APPLY NOW by June 1st!
Are you an individual artist who has a unique artistic vision, a sustained commitment to creative practice, and engages to make an impact on the cultural ecosystem in your community? If so, this grant opportunity is for you!
The California Arts Council’s Individual Artists Fellowship program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence, and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures.
The online grant application deadline is June 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — In-Person Event (May 7): 12th Annual Orange County World Trade Week Forum
12TH ANNUAL ORANGE COUNTY WORLD TRADE WEEK FORUM
Join the District Export Council for an evening filled with world-class keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, and unparalleled business-to-business networking opportunities at the 12th Annual World Trade Week Forum Event. This is your chance to connect with key trade organizations, international business groups, and extensive global resources available in Southern California.
Presented by the District Export Council of Southern California and supported by key partners, including the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce and WITOC, this gathering is essential for those ready to embrace the future of international trade. Don’t miss this opportunity to propel your trade ambitions forward!
Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Join May Day Actions on the Central Coast. See other events
VENTURA COUNTY — May Day – also known as International Workers’ Day – is Friday, May 1, 2026, and we’re inviting you to take part in a powerful day of action across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
On May 1, workers, students, and families across the Central Coast will come together for a coordinated day of rallies and marches as part of a nationwide mobilization spanning more than 1,000 cities. Rooted in grassroots energy and a growing movement of economic noncooperation, communities are taking a collective stand – walking out of workplaces, classrooms, and stores – to demand a future that puts people over profit.
This “No Work, No School, No Shopping” action highlights the strength of everyday people united in solidarity with communities facing impossible choices amid escalating ICE raids and rising authoritarianism, while corporate profits continue to rise. From the fields to classrooms to city streets, the message across the Central Coast is clear: ICE OUT OF THE 805.
Bilingual commentary — The Art of Individual and Global Respect
In kindergarten, children are taught to respect each other. The youngsters are taught to “be nice” to their classmates, avoid name-calling and, above all, respect them.
But along the way, as children grow older, something goes terribly wrong. We would think that as adults we would have figured out that hostile, demeaning language online and face-to-face do nothing to promote amity and forward progress.
Unfortunately, too many adults with angry schoolyard aggression enter our civic and political spheres, where they have the power to inflict irreparable damage and lasting chaos. This is very much the scenario that we are witnessing in real time. Too often it seems as if the policies that guide our current government’s agenda are cruelty, belligerence, and hate. Disrespect for others is a troubling and pervasive element of executive orders, legislative bills, presidential tweets, and official pronouncements.
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Port of Hueneme — DOCK TALK – Community Newsletter – April 2026
The Oxnard Harbor District proudly celebrated Earth Day along side the MERITO Foundation at the Ventura Earth Day Festival in downtown Ventura.
The Port continues its charge to Zero Emissions by 2030 as we utilize electric cargo handling equipment, solar arrays, emissions capture barges, and real-time air quality monitoring.
Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Government, Immigration, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth
Mixteco Indigena Community Organization Project (MICOP) — No Work, No School, No Shopping: Oxnard May Day Calls for ICE Out of the 805 on May 1
OXNARD — On May 1, 2026, workers, students, and families will join local organizations in Downtown Oxnard for a May Day Rally and March, as part of the May Day Strong Movement in over 1,000 cities nationwide to demand a country that puts people over profit. The action is part of a coordinated “No Work, No School, No Shopping” pledge to demonstrate solidarity with community members who continue to choose between basic needs amid increased fear due to ICE enforcement, while corporations and billionaires grow their wealth. Across California’s Central Coast, we rise together with one clear demand: ICE OUT OF THE 805.
Santa Barbara Education Foundation celebrates 40 years and raises over $300,000 for local students
SANTA BARBARA — On Thursday, April 23, the Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) hosted its 40th Celebration, marking four decades of impact in support of students and public schools in the Santa Barbara Unified School District. The milestone event welcomed over 200 guests and brought together community leaders, educators, and supporters to honor the people and programs shaping student success.
Thanks to the community’s generosity, the event raised more than $300,000, marking a record-breaking fundraiser for the organization. Highlights included a transformational $100,000 gift from Sara Miller McCune through the Léni Fund supporting the BRAVO! afterschool music program, a $10,000 lead gift from the John C. Mithun Foundation, and a $15,000 matching gift announced by keynote speaker Angel Martinez in support of teachers.
Campus Bookstores at the Ventura County Community College District now accepting CalFresh Benefits
CAMARILLO — Making it easier than ever for students to put food on the table, campus bookstores at the community colleges of Ventura County now accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, known in California as CalFresh. The expanded payment option launched March 30, 2026.
According to the 2025 Real College California Basic Needs Survey, 46% of community college students statewide reported food insecurity — and research shows that more than half of eligible students aren’t accessing the CalFresh benefits available to them. By upgrading campus bookstore systems to accept Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, VCCCD is making it easier for students who are already enrolled in CalFresh to use their benefits right on campus.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Funding Opportunities for Ventura businesses
…The fund is designed to create jobs, support the growth of Ventura’s small business community and revitalize the city’s older commercial districts.
Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth
Bilingual report — Latest news from the County of Ventura
Ventura County Fire Dept. — Snake Safety While Hiking: Ventura County Fire reminds residents to stay aware outdoors?
THOUSAND OAKS — As temperatures rise and more residents head outdoors to enjoy Ventura County’s scenic trails, the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) is reminding the public to stay alert and practice snake safety while hiking.
Rattlesnakes are active throughout the region, particularly in warmer months, and are often found along trails, in tall grass, and near rocks or logs. While encounters are typically avoidable, taking a few simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of a bite.
Hermance Law in Westlake Village changes name to The Heritance Lawyers
VENTURA — Hermance Law is now The Heritance Lawyers.
The Heritance Lawyers, founded by Crista Hermance, is an all-female legal team serving Ventura and Los Angeles counties. The firm specializes in estate planning, wills, trusts, probate, guardianship and other legal matters regarding securing a family’s future, and the focus on family is part of what led to the name change.
‘Heritance’ comes from both the words heritage and inheritance, and represents the values families pass down, the protections and planning behind those decisions and the continuity and care that extends across generations.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Grackle research reveals behavioral flexibility and adaptation in action’
With the Grackle Project, researcher Corina Logan is trying to understand how the highly social birds adapt to a variety of human-made environments.
Read more about grackles