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

Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula to host State of the City event

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SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula welcomes all Santa Paula residents, business owners, partners and supporters, to attend the annual State of the City event on June 5th. The event will take place at the Ventura County Agriculture Museum, located at 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula, CA 93060.

This year’s event, themed “Feel the Progress,” offers a chance for residents, community leaders, and stakeholders to hear about the City’s recent accomplishments, ongoing efforts, and what lies ahead. Join us to explore Santa Paula’s current priorities and community focused initiatives shaping our future.

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

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) announces appointment of five new board members

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CENTRAL COAST — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV), a leading local organization dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, is pleased to announce the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors. These individuals bring diverse expertise, leadership experience and a deep commitment to gender, racial and economic equity, further strengthening WEV’s ability to transform lives and build a resilient community, one small business at a time.

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News

Local Medi-Cal health plan earns accreditation from National Committee for Quality Assurance

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SANTA BARBARA — CenCal Health, the Medi-Cal managed care plan for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, announced that it has received accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for its Medi-Cal (Medicaid HMO) program on the Central Coast. By successfully demonstrating its commitment to high-quality healthcare, operational efficiency and member experience, CenCal Health earned accreditation for its quality of managed care operations.

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Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Allan Hancock College celebrates 2025 Transfer Students

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated 2025 graduates who will continue their education at four-year universities at its annual University Transfer Celebration on May 16 at the college’s Santa Maria campus.  

Hosted each year by Hancock’s University Transfer Center, the event was an opportunity for Hancock’s transfer students to celebrate their achievements with their friends and family as they prepared for a new chapter in their educational journeys. More than 300 transfer graduates and their families were honored at this year’s celebration.  

Participating students, many wearing apparel from their respective universities, received a commemorative transfer medallion, took photos with their soon-to-be university peers, and listened to messages of support from Hancock staff and their fellow transfer students.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety, Youth

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosts fire and EMS Graduations in Lompoc

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LOMPOC — Allan Hancock College celebrated a new crop of first responders on May 16 as a combined 68 cadets graduated from the college’s fire and emergency medical services (EMS) academies.? 

The graduates were honored during two ceremonies at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC) in Lompoc.?? 

“This graduating class embodies the future of public safety,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “They’ve undergone rigorous training and are ready to step into their roles as first responders, serving and protecting our communities.” 

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services — Free dog adoptions for dogs in our care for 100+ days

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Over 50 amazing dogs have been in our care for more than 100 days! To help them find loving homes, we’re offering a fee-waived adoption promotion for these long-stay pets.

Please note: All adoption procedures still apply despite promotions.

Adoption Hours: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Tuesday – Sunday
Locations:  Camarillo & Simi Valley Animal Shelters
View Available Animals: www.vcas.us/pets
Learn About the Adoption Process: www.vcas.us/adopt

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales

Bilingual report — Three community champions named at 2025 Hancock Honors recipients

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College announced the recipients of the 2025 Hancock Honors, presented by CoastHills Credit Union. This annual celebration recognizes individuals and organizations making a lasting impact on the college and the communities it serves.

This year’s honorees are the late community banker and philanthropist Jim Glines, retired Hancock faculty member and veteran Dr. Henry Davis, and the Santa Yne Valley Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to enriching lives throughout the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos Valleys.

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

Bilingual report — Santa Barbara Museum of Contemporary Art’s ‘Arte de Pueblo’ frop off date is May 22. Calling All Artists!

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SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Contemporary Art has announced the wildly popular and critically acclaimed exhibition “Arte de Pueblo” returns for another year! with an opening Party & Reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 1 at 653 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara.

The Juror-free All-Are-Welcome Group Show is currently seeking artists.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Finance, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Opinion

Bilingual commentary — MBA Graduates and the New Workplace

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Listening to NPR the other day, I heard a young woman lament that she had just received her MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree but could not find work. This is an unfortunate contrast with more prosperous times in our country when MBAs were popular because they were a golden ticket to meaningful, highly remunerative employment.

So why are these young, ambitious graduates, likely already saddled with enormous student debt, finding it so challenging to find jobs that match their level of education?

The job market is undergoing a slow but certain seismic shift.

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Business, Events, Finance, Government, Local, News

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Happy World Trade Month!

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The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize World Trade Month. This month celebrates how international trade unlocks new business opportunities, creates jobs and helps strengthen the United States and global economy.

The EDC is proud to support our community by providing professional technical assistance through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

• Start-up guidance
• Marketing and Branding
• International Trade
• E-commerce and Social Media
• Manufacturing Assistance
• Legal Compliance
• Strategic Planning
• QuickBooks and Accounting
• And MORE!

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Business, Family, Health, Local, News, Public Safety, Seniors

Friendship Center in Santa Barbara — The Friendly Finch: Spring Special!

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While spring is in full bloom and our days are buzzing with activity at Friendship Center, I’m writing with a sincere request: we need your help.

This week marks the launch of our Spring Appeal, and we’re working toward raising $50,000 to support the rapidly growing needs of our senior members living with dementia—and the family caregivers who rely on us to provide safe, engaging, and expert care.

If you’ve been following our journey, you’ve seen how quickly we’re growing. Since the start of 2025 we have:

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

County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting of May 20 to discuss Emergency Shelters Zoning Ordinance Amendments, Prohousing Designation, Public Safety Realignment Plan, Grand Jury Epidemic Response

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Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors’ meetings are available in Spanish. Watch live on our Spanish YouTube Channel, or Cable TV subscribers can access Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) in language settings.

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

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) — Art Adventures in LA with MCASB on May 24, more news, events

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There are still a few spots left to join us on Saturday, May 24, departing Santa Barbara at 9:00 am.

Our LA adventure begins with a studio visit with artist Luz Carabaño. From there, we will experience an exhibition preview of Tony Cokes at Hannah Hoffman. Then we will end the day at The Brick where we will see Elizabeth Paige Smith Unshade me of You.

We hope you join us on a very full and rewarding day of art and ideas – register here!

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Entertainment, Events, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors

Senior Concerns in Thousand Oaks honors 150 Family Caregivers at annual recognition event

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THOUSAND OAKS — On Tuesday, May 6, Senior Concerns hosted 150 family caregivers at Caregiver Recognition Day at Los Robles Greens in Thousand Oaks.

This at-capacity event, themed “Invigorating Your Caregiver Power,” offered a restorative and empowering experience for attendees, who are often the silent heroes behind the health and well-being of aging loved ones. Caregivers enjoyed a complimentary lunch, motivating presentations, and thoughtful gifts.

“So many family caregivers noted that they arrived feeling overwhelmed and fatigued,” said Martha Shapiro, director of programs at Senior Concerns. “At the end of the event, most attendees reported feeling inspired and appreciated. This event is our way of wrapping them with care and giving them tools and encouragement to keep going.”

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Education, Events, Family, Local, News, Youth

Scouting America to Honor Patrick Maynard and Patrick Rose at Prepared for Life Gala

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VENTURA COUNTY — Scouting America, Ventura County Council (SAVCC) — formerly Boy Scouts of America — proudly announces its Prepared for Life Gala, scheduled for May 31, 2025, at Camarillo Ranch, at 201 Camarillo Ranch Road, Camarillo. The event will honor two outstanding community members, Patrick Maynard and Patrick Rose, recognizing their significant contributions to Ventura County.

Patrick Maynard, Director of Ventura County’s Office of Emergency Services, will receive the Good Scout Award for Public Safety and Service. Maynard has demonstrated exceptional leadership through numerous local emergencies, including wildfires, mudslides, oil spills, the Borderline mass shooting and the COVID-19 pandemic. His strategic, calm and compassionate approach embodies the values of preparedness, leadership and community service central to Scouting America’s mission.

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Education, Events, Family, Local, News, Women, Youth

Santa Barbara City College welcomes community to 76th Annual Commencement Ceremony

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is proud to announce its 76th Annual Commencement Ceremony, to be held on Friday, May 23, at 5 p.m. at the college’s La Playa Stadium. This cherished event marks the culmination of years of hard work and academic achievement, and SBCC warmly welcomes the community — including families and friends of graduates — to join in this special celebration.

SBCC will confer more than 3,833 degrees to around 1,535 graduating students across a wide range of disciplines, recognizing their academic accomplishments and resilience. The ceremony will include inspiring speeches, student recognitions and heartfelt moments as graduates cross the stage.

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Business, Events, Family, Government, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — Community members urged to use shuttles and off-site parking for Strawberry Festival

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VENTURA — With thousands expected to attend the California Strawberry Festival at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on May 17-18, 2025, the Ventura Police Department advises visitors to expect traffic congestion throughout the weekend. Attendees are encouraged to use off-site parking, the free Strawberry Express Shuttle system, or rail services to avoid delays and enhance pedestrian safety. 

“While the City of Ventura is not the host of the Strawberry Festival, the event has a significant impact on our streets and neighborhoods,” said Traffic Unit Supervisor Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “Our role is to help ensure public safety by managing increased traffic, preventing collisions, and providing for pedestrian safety.” 

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

Ventura County Civic Alliance May 15, 2025 Livable Communities Newsletter

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We are continuing to look at the dire housing crisis in Ventura County and the need for affordability in the real estate market. This quarter’s articles focus on identifying different housing needs and a variety of approaches used to fill them.

The actualized projects presented by the Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation and California State University Channel Islands each address the needs of specific groups in different but effective ways. The third segment discusses a project that has initial approval and is working its way through the system in Ventura.

It is clear that creativity in design, amenities, location and financing, along with process flexibility, are key

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News

Community Environmental Council (CEC)— Santa Barbara County votes to phase out oil drilling

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Thanks to your support, on Tuesday, May 13, the County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors voted to direct county staff to develop an oil phaseout ordinance. More than two dozen community members attended in-person or virtually to provide public comment, mostly in support of ending oil drilling and phasing out existing wells. The Community Environmental Council (CEC) partnered with the Sierra Club Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, the Environmental Defense Center, Climate First: Replacing Oil & Gas (CFROG) and more than 50 other organizations on this call to action.

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Cultural, Education, Local, News

California Lutheran University Professor Awarded Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Business and Economics

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THOUSAND OAKS — California Lutheran University School of Management professor Vlad Vaiman, Ph.D., has been awarded one of the most prestigious appointments offered to U.S. scholars: A 2025-26 Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Business and Economics.

Vaiman is the first Cal Lutheran School of Management professor to receive the award. He will spend a total of four months conducting research at the Hanken School of Economics in Finland, a leading global university with 115 years of experience in research and education in economics and business.

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Business, Cultural, Education, familia, Family, Government, Health, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Dept. — “Click It or Ticket” campaign reminds Californians to always buckle up

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“Buckling up takes seconds, but it can save your life,” said Corporal David Curtis. “Every person in every vehicle — no matter their age or where they’re sitting — deserves that protection. Wearing a seat belt should be second nature, every trip, every time.”

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Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

CSUCI is recognized as a top producer of Fulbright U.S. Scholars – for the second time

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CAMARILLO — The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has once again recognized CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) as one of the nation’s Fulbright Top Producing Institutions for 2024/2025. The first time CSUCI received this recognition was in 2021/2022. 

Each year, the national bureau lists the U.S. colleges and universities with the highest number of faculty and administrators selected for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, a federal government-sponsored international exchange program that enables U.S. scholars and other professionals to conduct research, teach, and pursue professional projects abroad. 

Not only that, but in the master’s degree-granting classification, CSUCI is among the top three of the 46 institutions listed. CSUCI had three faculty members and one administrator earn the Fulbright scholarship for the 2024/2025 year, whereas the majority of universities in CSUCI’s classification had one or two. 

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News

California Lutheran University Commencement celebrates 1,018 graduates

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THOUSAND OAKS — The California Lutheran University Class of 2025 chose perseverance as its theme, reflecting its success in navigating post-COVID-19 pandemic changes and national and global uncertainties. This tenacious cohort of 1,018 graduates will celebrate achieving its academic goals at the 2025 commencement ceremonies on May 16 in William Rolland Stadium on the Thousand Oaks campus.

The 62nd annual Undergraduate Commencement at 8:30 a.m. will honor 552 traditional undergraduates and 52 in the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program. Graduate Commencement at 2:30 p.m. will honor 414 students, including 388 earning master’s degrees and 31 receiving doctorates.

“The Class of 2025 embodies the power of perseverance,” Interim President John Nunes said. “Their accomplishments are rare, courageous and sacred. I believe God is up to great things in each of their lives to carry forward the Cal Lutheran legacy of learning that transforms lives.”

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Business, Cultural, Family, Finance, Home, Local, News

People’s Self-Help Housing Fundraiser brings together over 150 donors & sponsors in Support of Resident Programs community event highlights the impact of giving back

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CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has tallied the final numbers for their annual fundraiser, the Builder Games, presented by Mechanics Bank, which they hosted at the end of April. Meeting a new record, they brought in over $125,000 net through the support of over 150 community donors and sponsors. Proceeds from the event directly benefit PSHH residents through its programs and services.  

Significant gifts from the event include a $10,000 Presenting Sponsorship from Mechanics Bank. Also giving an additional $10,000 during the paddle raise was individual donor Marcelle Kardush, matched by another $10,000 thanks to event attendees and a generous donation from Mission Bank.  

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — County of Ventura awarded over $93M to support expansion of Behavioral Health infrastructure

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The competitive grant will support the development of three major behavioral health projects that will expand access to care throughout the region: the Lewis Road Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC), the East County Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), and the East County Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF).

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