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

Santa Paula Museum of Art — Inbox Art Exhibit: “A Brush With Nature: Three Artists’ Perspectives”

by  • 

“A Brush with Nature: Three Artists’ Perspectives”

?
Sandy Fisher, Mardilan Lee Georgio, and Charlotte Mullich

On view now through May 4, 2025

Artists Sandy Fisher, Mardilan Lee Georgio, and Charlotte Mullich highly recommend joining your local arts organization. The three friends met through the Santa Clarita Artists Association and later formed their own modest alliance to trade advice and support one another. All three women began their professional fine art careers later in life after raising children, though Charlotte has been teaching art for many years, and all were encouraged towards the arts from a young age.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Immigration, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

805UndocuFund receives $32,000 in total grant support from the Fund for Santa Barbara to strengthen immigrant rights advocacy and Emergency Response

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — 805UndocuFund is proud to announce it has received a total of $32,000 in grant funding from The Fund for Santa Barbara to expand its immigrant rights advocacy and strengthen rapid response and disaster relief efforts across the Central Coast.

The first award—a $10,000 Emergent Needs Grant from The Fund for Santa Barbara—will provide general operating support for the 805 Immigrant Rapid Response Network, which monitors and responds to immigration enforcement actions across Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties.

The second award—a $12,000 Donor Advised Grant, also from The Fund for Santa Barbara—provides additional general support for the Rapid Response Network, further sustaining the network’s capacity to verify ICE activity, deploy trained legal observers and community responders, and provide emergency assistance to impacted families.

Read more →

Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual commentary — The Enigmatic Nature of the Blowing Wind

by  • 

As I write this, the wind outside is causing trees to sway and birds in flight to move erratically. These must be the March winds in April.

I recalled reading about the beliefs of the Aztecs regarding the wind. They surmised that the wind served as a bridge between the realms of the physical and the spiritual. They depicted Ehécatl, the Aztec god of the wind, as the sacred entity that breathed life into humanity. 

The Aztecs venerated the wind and lived in awe of its dual nature; it gave life, but it could also chaotically take it away. For them, the wind carried both messages and benedictions from the gods. It was a transformative force to be reckoned with. It moved and changed the elements of the world around them. 

Read more →

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

Ventura County Ethnic Studies Downtown Oxnard Walking Tour to be held April 18

by  • 

OXNARD — The Ventura County Ethnic Studies Downtown Oxnard Walking Tour will be held from9 a.m.to 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 18.

Led by Professors José Alamillo and Frank Barajas, the 2.5 mile tour of the historic and cultural sites of downtown Oxnard will be followed by lunch and conversation.

A driving option is available for those with mobility issues.

RSVP to Patty Colman (pcolman@vccd.edu) by Wednesday, April 16 as space is limited.

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy — We Deserve Clean Air. Safe Water. A Just Future

by  • 

Everyone deserves clean air, safe water, and a healthy community – no matter your race, income, or zip code. But right now, low-income communities and communities of color are still being hit first and worst by pollution and climate change.

Environmental justice means we don’t just survive – we thrive. It means organizing, speaking out, and demanding bold changes that put our health, our safety, and our futures first. And this month, you’ve got three powerful ways to take action with our community:

Speak Up at the State Lands Commission – Monday, April 14

Read more →

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

Santa Barbara Museum of Art to open expanded educational space on April 13

by  • 

“Education is at the core of SBMA’s mission,” states Eichholz Family Foundation Director Amada Cruz. “The new expanded space for classes and workshops at the Museum is a game-changer. From the minute you walk into the light-filled white ART LEARNING LAB, you are immersed in a space for art-making with colorful pencils, crayons, sketch pads, and drawings on the wall.”

Read more →

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

150 artisans will display their designs and crafts at 39th annual California Strawberry Festival

by  • 

While strawberry-themed foods and beverages are a big draw for the nearly 50,000 people who attend each year, the festival is well-known for unique handcrafted works by artists and crafters. Over 150 artisans showcase their original items including paintings, ceramics, children’s toys, wearables, photography, outdoor furniture, jewelry and specialty foods. Many incorporate strawberries into their creations.

“For many festivalgoers, their first stop is the arts and crafts booths to see what’s new,” says Dana Hale-Mounier, director of Pacific Fine Arts Festivals and coordinator of the festival’s arts and craft booths. “Meeting the artists at the festival makes the experience special. You learn about their inspiration and the creation process and appreciate what goes into every item.”

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Women, Youth

CLU School of Management announces April events

by  • 

‘Life in Tune” with Freddie Ravel
Tuesday, April 22 | 12:00 PM
Zoom Webinar

“Life in Tune” is a one-of-a-kind program designed to challenge and inspire organizations to discover their untapped potential. The format is fast-paced, entertaining, and as the secrets of the world’s undisputed international language of music are revealed, full of surprises.

Freddie will be taking questions that will be moderated by Gerhard Apfelthaler, Dean of the School of Management. Everyone is welcome to join the conversation.

Registration is required. Registered participants will be sent information about joining the Zoom webinar.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias

Bilingual report — County of Ventura awarded $550,000 Catalyst Grant to establish Advanced Air Mobility Innovation Center

by  • 

VENTURA — The County of Ventura’s Economic Vitality Unit, in partnership with the Department of Airports and key regional partners, has been awarded $550,000 to establish an Advanced Air Mobility Innovation Center. The grant is part of a $9 million…

Read more →

Business, Education, Government, Local, News, Youth

SEEAG Selected To Receive A Target Circle Community Grant

by  • 

“SEEAG is honored to be chosen to participate in this special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, SEEAG executive director. “The more points SEEAG receives, the larger portion of Target’s charitable funds will go to fund SEEAG’s mission.”

Nonprofits were selected by region based on their impact and address pressing issues in their community. Points are accumulated through June 1.

Read more →

Commentary, Cultural, Education, En español, Entertainment, Events, familia, Family, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Take a Look at What’s Coming Up!

by  • 

Join us for an evening of Cochineal Dye Demonstrations, Mezcal Tasting, and Delicious Oaxacan Cuisine at Sangre De Nopal artist Porfirio Gutierrez’s Studio in Ventura.

Funds raised will provide critical support for museum exhibitions and programs like Sangre de Nopal currently on view.

For further questions email hello@mcasantabarbara.org

Read more →

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

Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Get your tickets for the 2025 Builder Games on April 26

by  • 

Saturday, April 26 | 3-7 PM | 1060 Kendall Rd, San Luis Obispo
 
Want to join the fun at the 2025 Builder Games? Reserve your spot now!

Cheer on teams as they race against the clock and face fun challenges to build one-of-a-kind playhouses for children. Enjoy Santa Maria style BBQ, local wine, beer, and music! All funds raised benefit the Supportive Housing and Camino Scholars programs of PSHH.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Health, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Last Chance! Register now for CEC’s Climate Stewards Course

by  • 

Are you ready to lead grassroots climate action?
CEC’s Spring Climate Stewards Course begins April 16.
CEC Climate Stewards are leading a groundswell of Climate Action across California’s central coast. If you are looking for ways to have a positive impact in your community, CEC’s Climate Stewards certification program can equip you with the skills and confidence to take individual and collective action.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, familia, Family, Finance, Government, Home, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — Ventura County Continuum of Care announces 15.6% reduction in 2025 Ventura County Homeless Count

by  • 

VENTURA — The Ventura County Continuum of Care has reported a 15.6% decrease in homelessness as part of the 2025 Ventura County Homeless Count. Conducted on January 22, 2025, the count identified 1,990 individuals experiencing homelessness, a reduction of 368 people compared to 2024. Since 2023, the overall decrease stands at 18.5%.

This progress reflects successful investments in permanent supportive housing, homelessness prevention programs, and enhanced supportive services across the county to promote housing retention. The count, which adheres to federal definitions of homelessness, includes individuals living unsheltered, in emergency shelters, or in transitional housing.

Read more →

Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by  • 

IN-PERSON EVENT: OXNARD’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: MARKETING AND RESOURCES FOR RESTAURANTS

April 9 @ 9:00 am

Join SCORE Ventura County and Economic Development Collaborative to learn about Oxnard’s Recipe for Success. This workshop aims to equip restaurant owners with the tools and strategies to maximize social media and highlight the power of collaboration between restaurants, local districts and Visit Oxnard from a panel of local businesses. Address: Oxnard Main Public Library (251 South A St, Oxnard, CA 93030). 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Health, Local, News

Dr. Amir Jalilian Joins Cottage Primary Care–Goleta

by  • 

Dr. Jalilian is board-certified in family medicine and a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Iran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services in Tehran, Iran where he also served as a primary care and emergency medicine physician. Dr. Jalilian completed his family medicine residency at University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa and went on to practice medicine at Peace Health Medical Group in Florence, Oregon. Prior to joining Cottage Health, he cared for patients at Santa Barbara Health Care Center, a public health clinic under the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.

Read more →

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

County of Ventura Supervisor Jeff Gorell announces inaugural Supervisorial Leadership & Excellence Awards

by  • 

Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell is proud to announce the honorees of the 1st Annual Supervisorial Leadership and Excellence Awards, a signature event recognizing extraordinary individuals whose leadership, dedication and compassion have made a lasting impact across Ventura County’s District 2.

The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 PM at the Amgen campus in Thousand Oaks. This inaugural celebration will honor “Great Navigators” those who have shown excellence in Public Safety, Education, Prosperity and Economy, Conservation and Environmentalism and Community Leadership.

Read more →

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

Lumina Alliance launches ‘Light the Way’ lifeline vampaign to dustain vital services for survivors

by  • 

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance has launched the Light the Way lifeline campaign, a bold three-year, $5 million fundraising initiative to ensure that survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence in San Luis Obispo County continue to have access to life-saving resources. With nearly half of the organization’s funding at risk due to potential federal funding cuts, vital services—including emergency shelter, therapy, and crisis intervention—are in jeopardy.

“For thousands of survivors in San Luis Obispo County, Lumina Alliance is their only lifeline,” said Jennifer Adams, CEO of Lumina Alliance. “Without urgent funding, we risk losing the essential services that help survivors heal and rebuild their lives.”

Read more →

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

Long-time Ventura College Foundation board member Eleanor Tilquist given board emeritus status

by  • 

“Eleanor is dedicated to seeing that students have every opportunity to succeed,” says Nicole Kreutz, Board Chair. “She is adored by students and the community. We are proud to bestow Eleanor with the Board Emeritus status and look forward to her continued involvement in the foundation.”

Read more →

Business, Commentary, Family, Immigration, Local, News, Politics, Seniors, Women, Youth

Farmworkers in Santa Maria demand dignity, fair wages, and an end to deportations in commemoration of César Chávez Day

by  • 

SANTA MARIA — On Sunday, March 30, the Santa Maria community peacefully rallied alongside farmworkers and allies, standing firm to demand dignity—not just for their labor but for their humanity. Everyone, no matter where they were born, deserves respect, fair wages, and the opportunity to live without fear.

“We are all here today united to use our voices to fight back against the deportations. We are fighting for our kids; we are fighting for ourselves because we are all essential and deserve the right to live safely, without fear,” said Gabriela Vivar, Farmworker Leader with Alianza Campesina.  

Read more →

Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Politics

Bilingual commentary — For Peace Throughout, Let’s Live and Let Live

by  • 

Learning to “live and let live” is like sipping cold tea on a hot summer day. When we master the concept of living and letting live, we learn to tolerate and even accept the quirks, beliefs, boundaries, and tastes of others. 

If nothing else, acquiring this outlook allows us to accept a family member who cheers for the political candidate that we abhor or who likes pineapple on their pizza.

In some countries and within certain cultures, many people adopt the philosophy of “live and let live.” Living together while embracing this attitude allows for the avoidance of conflict between members of a society—something we here in the U.S. could use about now

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Immigration, Local, News, Public Safety, Seniors, Women, Youth

Santa Barbara joins national “Hands Off!” Day of Action on April 5 to push back against rising authoritarianism and corporate greed

by  • 

The event, part of a nationwide protest movement, will take place at De La Guerra Plaza from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with pre-rally sign-making starting at 12:00 PM. It is co-sponsored by Indivisible Santa Barbara and Women’s March Santa Barbara, and is part of a coordinated response to what organizers call an “ongoing crisis of power and greed” from Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and other billionaire elites.

Read more →

Business, En español, familia, Family, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Public Safety

Bilingual report — Ventura Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sánchez-Palacios addresses recent hate crimes and vandalism

by  • 

VENTURA — The City of Ventura strongly condemns the hateful actions that occurred in our community this past weekend. The swastikas painted on public and private property are not only criminal acts of vandalism, but they also seek to spread fear and division. Let it be clear: hate has no place in Ventura.

I am deeply grateful to the Ventura Police Department for their swift and effective response, leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect. Their commitment to justice helped prevent further harm and reassured our community that such behavior will not be tolerated.

Read more →

Business, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety, Seniors, Women, Youth

Ventura County Fire Dept. launches emergency blood transfusion program

by  • 

“This program marks a groundbreaking advancement in emergency medicine,” said Chief Gardner. “By equipping our rescue ambulances with whole blood, our firefighter-paramedics can deliver life-saving transfusions at the scene—significantly improving patient outcomes when every second counts.”

Read more →

Local

Women business leaders to be honored at 11th Annual BRAVO Awards ceremony on May 1 in Goleta

by  • 

SANTA BARBARA — The National Association of Women Business Owners, Santa Barbara chapter (NAWBO-SB), is proud to announce the 11th Annual BRAVO Awards, celebrating the achievements of outstanding women in the Santa Barbara community. President Kara Pearson and President-Elect Mary Jean Vignone will be co-hosting an engaging luncheon to honor nine exceptional winners.

The event will take place on May 1, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Goleta. This year’s theme, “Elevating Women, Elevating Impact,” underscores the profound influence of women leaders in Santa Barbara.?

Read more →