VENTURA COUNTY — Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony last night in Camarillo, the Ventura County Office of Education presented Impact on Education grants totaling in $6,000 to thirteen teachers. Photos from the event are available here.
OXNARD — The City of Oxnard joins the community in mourning the loss of former Mayor Dr. Thomas E. Holden, who passed away on May 26.
Dr. Holden served as Mayor from 2004 to 2012, following a decade of service on the City Council beginning in 1993. His leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on the Oxnard community.
VENTURA — Ventura Trans Sanctuary is calling upon community members, allies, and local leaders to rally in support of the proposed Ventura CARE Policy, a critical measure designed to protect transgender individuals, immigrants, and reproductive rights within the region. This initiative comes at a time when federal policies threaten to undermine the safety and freedoms of these vulnerable communities.
The CARE Policy aims to establish Ventura and Ojai as sanctuary cities, ensuring non-cooperation with external enforcement efforts that target transgender individuals, immigrants, and those seeking reproductive healthcare. With the policy scheduled for a vote in Ventura on June 11, 12, 18, or 19, and a similar proposal expected in Ojai during the second week of June, the need for immediate and collective action is paramount.
New research shows that, globally, men and women tend to use the ocean in different ways, with implications for how marine spaces are used and valued.
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Health, in partnership with Ventura County Action on Smoking and Health (VC-ASH) proudly joins the global community in recognizing World No Tobacco Day on May 31. This day, established by the World Health Organization, raises awareness about the health and environmental harms caused by tobacco use and highlights efforts to promote tobacco-free living.
The 2025 theme, “Unmasking the Appeal,” focuses on exposing the tactics tobacco companies use to attract youth through flavored products and marketing strategies. These deceptive appeals contribute to tobacco’s status as the leading cause of preventable disease and death worldwide.
“Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness worldwide,” said Vicky Gonzales of Ventura County Public Health. “We are committed to empowering Ventura County residents with the information and resources they need to quit and to protect our youth from the harmful influence of tobacco and nicotine products.”
THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) plans to conduct a prescribed burn in Adams Canyon, north of Santa Paula, on June 3rd, 4thor 5th weather permitting. This controlled burn is part of ongoing efforts to improve ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk. A window of 3 days is provided to ensure the safest weather conditions are used, and the burn will be conducted on only one of the 3 days listed.
Adams Canyon is located north of Santa Paula, south of Thomas Aquinas College, and west of Steckel Park. Firefighters will utilize hand-ignition techniques to carefully burn up to 100 acres. A small test burn will be conducted beforehand to confirm optimal conditions before proceeding with the full burn.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the achievements of 1,287 graduating students at the college’s 104th commencement ceremony.
“Whether your journey here was fast and focused or winding and full of unexpected turns, today is the moment where it all comes together,” said Hancock Board of Trustees President Hilda Zacarías. “It is a joy to celebrate with you.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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!
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.
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!
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
The physicist and computer science assistant professor explores a hybrid approach to scalable, error-resilient quantum machines.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
