Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Elections, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

First District Supervisor Das Williams — That’s A Wrap!

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(Jan. 6), my tenure on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors came to an end. I consider myself fortunate and blessed that voters have trusted me to serve in elected office and make a difference for 21 years.

When I first came into office people called me a young gun. But in two decades I have seen a lot, and want to leave you with some parting thoughts.

I don’t believe any elected official can make every call right. When you vote on several thousands of pieces of legislation per year, you can never be perfect, as much as I have deeply wanted to.

The issues of our time are daunting.

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Cultural, Education, Family, Health, Local, News, Women

Santa Barbara Community Gains Free Access to Local Therapists with Immediate Availability

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SANTA BARBARA — During the most recent holidays, many individuals in our community faced heightened stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. To address this urgent need, SB Therapy Now (www.sbTherapyNow.com) is making it easier than ever for Santa Barbara residents to connect with local therapists who have immediate availability.

The platform is designed to eliminate the long wait times often associated with accessing mental health care. By offering instant access to a curated list of therapists, SB Therapy Now empowers individuals to prioritize their mental health when they need it most.

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

2025 Marks Santa Barbara Earthquake Centennial

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SANTA BARBARA — At 6:44am on June  29, 1925, a powerful earthquake devastated Santa Barbara, killing eleven people and destroying or damaging much of downtown. It was a pivotal moment in the City’s history because, out of the debris emerged the Spanish revival city of today.

The EQ25 Alliance is made up of charitable and historical organizations, businesses, governmental agencies, and Santa Barbara residents, under the umbrella of The Santa Barbara Conservancy, a local nonprofit.. They are coordinating a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake and its aftermath with a variety of events and symbolic activities.

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

Women’s Economic Ventures and the County of Ventura announce Forgivable Loan & Consulting Awardees

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“Ventura County is proud to partner with Women’s Economic Ventures, an organization that has consistently demonstrated its ability to transform our local business landscape,” said County of Ventura Deputy Executive Officer of Economic Vitality, Estelle Bussa. “Their proven track record of helping entrepreneurs access capital and acquire crucial business knowledge has made a significant impact on our community. This partnership represents our commitment to supporting small businesses that are the backbone of our local economy.”

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Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Local, News

Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary seeks applicants for its first-ever advisory council

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for its first-ever advisory council. The council provides NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries with advice and recommendations on the management of the sanctuary. Council members also act as liaisons to their communities, building a strong connection between the sanctuary and stakeholders.

Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council is composed of 15 voting members who represent a variety of community interests. The sanctuary is currently seeking applicants for the following 13 voting seats and one non-voting seat for terms of two to three years:

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Entertainment, Events, Local, News

Open Call for Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura County Artists: A Woman’s Place: Visual Voices

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“A Woman’s Place: Visual Voices” is a tribute to the profound impact of women’s narratives. This exhibition, in celebration of Women’s History Month, serves as a platform for artists to amplify stories that have often been overshadowed or marginalized. It provides a space where the rich tapestry of women’s experiences can be vividly depicted and shared in a manner that crosses language and cultural barriers.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News, Women

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces California Competes Tax Credit Program

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The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment and strategic importance to the state or region.

Application Period Timeline: For fiscal year 2024-2025, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during the following periods:

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Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

SLO Bigs to Celebrate Milestone 30th Year Anniversary and launch 30 for 30 Campaign

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SAN LUIS OBISPO — Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo (BBBS SLO) is excited to kick off National Mentoring Month this January. National Mentoring Month, a time to recognize the power of mentorship in shaping the lives of young people. The organization invites the community to join in celebrating the countless mentors, volunteers, and supporters who make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in San Luis Obispo County.  

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Commentary, Entertainment, Events, Government, Local, News

LAUNCH, Korean Cultural Center issues ‘Call for Artists’ in Southern California for upcoming exhibit

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“Edge of Now” invites artists to submit works that capture personal, cultural, and global transformations We seek works that explore the rich tapestry of contemporary life where multiple cultures intersect, where personal and collective experiences are shared, and where the celebration of self, community, and place unfolds alongside the challenges we all encounter.

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Business, Casa, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Food, Government, Home, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

39th Annual California Strawberry Festival call for applicants: Makers of unique, quality handcrafted artwork and craft items

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VENTURA — The 39th Annual California Strawberry Festival is accepting applications from individual makers of quality, handcrafted works by artists and crafters for this year’s festival taking place May 17 and 18 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The deadline to apply is Feb. 10.

The festival, which attracts more than 60,000 visitors, features dozens of different kinds of foods and beverages made from fresh strawberries. About 150 artisans from throughout California showcase their original works including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, children’s toys, accessories, photography, textiles, outdoor furniture, jewelry and specialty foods

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Business, Cultural, En español, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — City of Ventura announces Corporate Games return in spring 2025

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VENTURA — Registration for the City of Ventura’s 2025 Corporate Games opens on January 7, 2025. The Games will occur over the course of five weeks from March 22 to May 3, 2025, on weekends and weeknights after regular business hours.

This annual program brings together businesses from Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles Counties to compete against each other in various activities and sporting events. All local companies and businesses are welcome to join. Registration ends February 14, 2025.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming teams old and new back to the Games,” said Recreation Supervisor Tyler Nelson. “We’ve been hosting the Games for over 35 years, and every season we’re working to improve our activities, ensure participants have a great time, and create lasting memories.”

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Business, Cultural, Events, Government, Health, Local, News

County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors Jan. 7 meeting, other updates

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The next meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 
9 a.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
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, Health, Local, News, Youth

Cottage Health Welcomes Its First New Year’s Baby of 2025

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital welcomed its first baby of the new year.

Mariam and Igor Boyko of Ventura welcomed their fourth child, a baby girl named Esther Love Boyko, into the world at 3:07 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH).

Weighing 7 pounds and 4 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches, Baby Boyko is already captivating hearts with her arrival.

Baby Boyko arrival marks not just the start of a new year but the beginning of a new chapter in the Boyko family’s lives.

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

January at the Santa Paula Art Museum

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Saturday, January 18, 2025 • 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 SPAM members • $10 Non-members

Join us at the Santa Paula Art Museum on Saturday, January 18, for the premiere of “A Brush with Nature: Three Artists’ Perspectives,” an exhibition featuring Santa Clarita-based artists Sandy Fisher, Mardilan Lee Georgio, and Charlotte Mullich. Together the three artists present three impressions of nature, from landscapes and seascapes to flora and fauna, using three distinct mediums: oil, pastel, and watercolor. All of the artworks will be available for purchase.

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

Entry Deadline is Jan. 24 for California Strawberry Festival Artwork Contest

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OXNARD — January 24, 2025 is the deadline to enter and submit artwork for the 39th Annual California Strawberry Festival Artwork Contest. The artist with the winning strawberry-themed design will receive $2,000 and VIP tickets to the Festival, which takes place May 17-18, 2025 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Entries will be evaluated by a judging panel looking for creativity and the best use of a strawberry design. The winning design may be used in printed and digital advertising collateral as well as on souvenir merchandise. Artists should keep in mind that judges may give preference to artwork that will print well on promotional items like t-shirts.

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

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Brings Holiday Cheer to Families with Fifth Annual Operation Holiday Cheer

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CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria celebrated its fifth annual Operation Holiday Cheer, a beloved family event generously sponsored by Cox Communications. Since its inception in 2020, Operation Holiday Cheer has brought the spirit of the holidays to Girls Inc. families, providing much-needed gifts and cheer during a challenging season.

“This event goes beyond gift-giving; it’s about bringing our community together to create moments of hope and connection that resonate well beyond the holiday season,” said Jamie Collins, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “Witnessing the joy on the faces of children and families reminds us of the profound impact a united community can have, all thanks to our remarkable partners at Cox Communications.”

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Business, Events, Family, Government, Home, Local, News, Public Safety, Seniors, Women, Youth

District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Mountain Fire Burn Area Town Hall on Jan. 7, 2025

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Although this meeting is designed to support Mountain Fire victims, emergency preparedness is vital for everyone in our community. Disasters can strike unexpectedly, and taking steps now can make all the difference. I encourage you to visit ReadyVenturaCounty.org to access valuable resources and ensure you and your loved ones are ready for whatever may come.

The Mountain Fire left a lasting impact on our community, and I know the path to recovery can feel overwhelming for many community members. Please know that you are not alone. At the recent Board of Supervisors Meeting, I directed Staff to bring forward a measure—one that I proudly voted for—to waive fees and streamline processes to assist Mountain Fire victims in their rebuilding efforts. Click here to learn more.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Food, Government, Local, News, Youth

SEEAG Reaches 9,796 Students And Over 16,000 Community Members With Free Ag Education Programs And Events In 2024

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VENTURA COUNTY — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) provided free agricultural education to nearly 26,000 students and community members in Southern California in 2024.

The nonprofit organization delivered hands-on agricultural education to 9,796 students from 87 schools across 26 school districts stretching from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara counties. Third-grade students participated in free field trips to SEEAG’s Farm Labs at working farms in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. They learned about nutrition, wellness and healthy eating during in-classroom instruction. Older students received STEM education and explored agricultural career opportunities.

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Cultural, Family, Finance, Food, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Seniors receive holiday gifts courtesy of Unity Shoppe

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SANTA BARBARA — Many Seniors who live in the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s housing will receive holiday gifts through the Unity Shoppe’s Seniors Helping Seniors program. 

A total of 365 gifts will be distributed to senior residents to add some additional cheer to their holidays, through the Housing Authority’s supportive housing program.

Hundreds of Unity Shoppe senior volunteers work throughout the year – knitting, sewing, quilting, painting, woodworking, and assembling – to bring warmth and joy to our most vulnerable residents.

“We are grateful to Unity Shoppe for ensuring that our senior residents receive a special gift this holiday season. it means so much to them,” said Alice Villareal Redit,  Resident Programs Supervisor.

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Business, Education, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Local, News

Community Environmental Council — Climate-resilient communities don’t just happen

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The California Central Coast we love – with its breathtaking vistas and reputation as a lighthouse community for environmental action – exists because people like you saw the need to protect it. Now it’s our turn to ensure our region remains a beacon.

Donate today and DOUBLE the effects of your gift.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Government, Home, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Year in Review from People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC)

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This year was marked with so much success because of strong partnerships, faithful support and visionary investments from people like you. Thank you for every part you played through your advocacy, goodwill and generous support. You made stories like these below possible!

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

Spring Classes CSU Channel Islands’ OLLI-Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

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Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, we are excited to begin our Spring Session.

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to share plans for our future, including a new Learning Lab in Gateway Hall. This innovative space will enhance your learning experience with cutting-edge technology and a flexible learning environment, paving the way for OLLI’s next chapter.

Starting in Spring II, we will also be offering additional Zoom courses through Osher Online, a program run by the Osher National Resource Center. Osher Online partners with OLLI programs around the country to provide an exciting selection of online courses that supplement and complement each OLLI’s in-house offerings. We are excited to expand our curriculum through this partnership, which will provide you with even more opportunities to engage in enriching courses and connect with members from other OLLIs.

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Business, Finance, Local, News, Seniors

Friendship Center — Moments we’ve shared in 2024…

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The holidays are often the perfect time to reflect on what matters most: celebrating togetherness, cherishing traditions, and creating new memories with loved ones. They also invite us to honor those who are with us and those we carry in our hearts.

At Friendship Center, we understand how precious these connections are. We honor and celebrate the memories of everyone who has touched our lives—those we cherish today and those whose legacy inspires us every day.

As we approach the end of the year, I’d like to share that our Matching Memories campaign is in its final stretch.

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Business, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Veteranos

Hospice of Santa Barbara less than $110,000 away from reaching $1 Million Legacy of Compassion Campaign goal

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SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is less than $110,000 away from meeting its $1 million goal for the Legacy of Compassion Campaign, which launched in celebration of the organization’s 50th anniversary. The campaign aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of HSB’s free compassionate care services, helping to meet the current demand and build a stronger foundation for the future.

Funds raised from this campaign will go toward reducing the counseling waitlist for grieving adults, expanding HSB’s presence in schools to support all children experiencing grief, assisting patients in navigating the medical system, developing new services to reach more families, and preparing for the rising wave of need in the years ahead.

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

Ventura College Foundation Receives $75,000 Grant From Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

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“Courses that lead to jobs in healthcare such as nursing require expensive books and materials that often create a financial barrier for low-income students to enter these professions,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “Digitizing textbooks and establishing a lending library for required equipment brings those costs down to zero. For many students, this grant will open the door to high-paying, in-demand medical jobs. It will also impact the entire county’s healthcare system as students graduate and enter the workforce.”

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Business, Commentary, Education, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Ventura County Community Foundation’s (VCCF) Power of Purpose December 2024 newsletter

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Over the past weeks, we have witnessed extraordinary acts of generosity that have not only improved the lives of hundreds of families in our community, but have also addressed some of Ventura County’s most urgent challenges, including access to clean water, advancing higher education, preserving local journalism, and affordable housing.

Because of your compassion and unwavering support for your neighbors, last week VCCF’s Board of Directors approved an additional $650,000 to assist those most affected by the Mountain Fire. To date, more than $975,313 has been granted, providing families with access to temporary housing, replacement of vital medical equipment, and other essential resources. Your generosity has also covered emergency veterinary bills for injured pets, supported over 450 animal rescues, and provided families with much-needed financial assistance and childcare as they work to rebuild their lives. You have helped farmworkers who lost both work and housing, and so much more.

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Business, Commentary, Family, Finance, Food, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Support Our Resilient Local Food System

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When you support SBCFAN, you’re supporting programs that make a tangible impact—programs like our Emergency Aid and Food Justice Program.

This year, we awarded $40,000 to 9 recipients across Santa Barbara County, providing critical funding to students, local food producers, small businesses, and community organizations addressing food inequity. These grants helped recipients plan, grow, experiment, strengthen, and ultimately build a more resilient local food system.

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Business, En español, familia, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety, Salud, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — The final news of the year from the County of Ventura

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nueva unidad pediátrica

El miércoles 18 de diciembre, líderes locales, pacientes y sus familias se reunieron para celebrar la gran inauguración de la recién contruida Unidad Pediátrica del Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC por sus siglas en inglés). 

Financiada con una subvención estatal de 15 millones de dólares de la Propuesta 4, la nueva unidad de 16 camas está diseñada para proporcionar una atención integral y centrada en la familia a niños, desde recién nacidos hasta adultos jóvenes. 

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