Business, En español, familia, Family, Health, Local, Locales, News, Salud, Seniors, Women, Youth

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan earns NCQA Plan Accreditation

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CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) (on Jan. 22) announced it has earned Health Plan Accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality.

NCQA Health Plan Accreditation is a widely recognized, evidence-based program dedicated to quality improvement and measurement. It provides a comprehensive framework for organizations to align and improve operations in areas that are most important to states, employers and consumers. It’s the only evaluation program that bases results on actual measurement of clinical performance (HEDIS® measures) and consumer experience (CAHPS® measures).

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Cultural, Family, Food, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Community support urgently needed to protect access to medically necessary meals in Santa Barbara and Goleta

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SANTA BARBARA & GOLETA — Organic Soup Kitchen is asking the community to step in during a critical moment to help prevent nutrition gaps for low-income residents living with serious and chronic illness. 

Over the past year, Organic Soup Kitchen partnered with a local health care provider to deliver medically tailored meals to individuals whose health depends on consistent, nourishing food. That partnership helped many people stabilize their health during periods of acute medical need. 

Today, that same funding now typically supports meal access for about 12 weeks. While short-term nutrition intervention is an important part of medical care, many individuals living with cancer, autoimmune disease, and other chronic conditions need ongoing food support well beyond that window. 

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Business, Health, Local

Santa Barbara trainer intervenes to save shelter dog from euthanasia, calls on community to support life-saving work

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SANTA BARBARA — A last-minute intervention by local dog trainer John Sorosky saved the life of Knox, a young German Shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix who had been placed on the euthanasia list while housed at Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

Sorosky stepped in to provide immediate safety, structure and professional training pro bono. Knox is now in a secure training environment while final paperwork and required quarantine are completed so he can fly to his adoptive home in Hawaii. His adopter is an experienced Malinois handler who has formally committed to continuing his care and training. The transfer process is expected to take approximately six to nine weeks. 

This intervention is part of an ongoing partnership with k911Animalrescue.org, which focuses on urgent, high-risk shelter dogs — particularly those requiring training and stabilization to avoid being euthanized.

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Education, Local, News, Technology

CSUCI announces new fully online bachelor of science in computer science

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CAMARILLO — California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) is launching a fully online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Degree Completion Program, expanding access to a high-demand, high-growth field. The new program is designed for working adults and transfer students seeking a flexible path to a four-year degree. Applications are open with the first cohort beginning in Fall 2026.

The online program complements CSUCI’s on-campus Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and offers the same academic rigor, faculty expertise, and industry relevance. As a degree-completion program, it is intended for students who have already completed lower-division coursework—typically 60 or more transferable units or an associate degree.

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

2026 Events & Festivals announced in Lompoc on California Central Coast

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LOMPOC — Lompoc celebrates its culture, creativity, and history through a year-round lineup of festivals and events. From food-focused gatherings and historic home tours to arts festivals, aviation showcases, wine weekends, and living-history programs at La Purísima Mission, the city offers something for every interest and season. Here are some events to look forward to in 2026:

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Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

How one Santa Barbara teacher grant brings student creativity into focus

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SANTA BARBARA — On the walls of the Santa Barbara Junior High School library, framed photographs quietly tell students’ stories: a bus ride in the early morning, friends gathered around a birthday cake, a kite flying high above. Each image began the same way, with a student checking out a camera and being asked to slow down, notice beauty, and capture what matters.

Those photographs are part of Picture Me Grom, a project created by Chris Greeley, a teacher librarian at Santa Barbara Junior High School, and funded through the Santa Barbara Education Foundation’s Teacher Grants program. Later this month, SBEF will award more than $228,000 in Teacher Grants to educators across the Santa Barbara Unified School District, supporting innovative teaching that brings learning to life in meaningful ways.

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Make 2026 the year of Healing

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MCASB is committed to transforming what a contemporary art museum can be, a place where community knowledge, embodied experience, and creative practice are not only welcomed but centered. As a part of our ongoing accountability work, we are opening the museum as a space for practices that nurture well-being, presence, and collective care.

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Business, Cultural, Education, En español, Government, Local, News

E.P. Foster Library to temporarily close for renovations until fall 2027

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“We’re excited to bring these long-planned improvements to life,”?said Ventura County Library Director Nancy Schram.?”When the work is complete, E.P. Foster will offer more accessible spaces, enhanced technology, improved energy efficiency, and greater year-round comfort for everyone who uses the library. We look forward to welcoming the community back to a space that truly reflects their needs.”? 

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

Allan Hancock College kicks-off Spring 2026 classes

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SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College welcomed thousands of students back to campus this week as spring 2026 classes began January 20 at the college’s Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center.

Both campuses were buzzing with activity as students arrived for the first week of the semester. More than 10,800 credit and noncredit students enrolled in spring classes at Hancock, a 7% increase from the 2025 spring semester.

“Our staff and faculty are excited welcome students to campus for spring classes,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Our students come to Hancock with big goals, and we are committed to providing the support, guidance, and resources they need to succeed from day one.”

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

Bilingual report — Guest contribution — From receptionist to vice president: Ventura County native Desiree Rangel’s rise to the top of Sleep Medicine

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VENTURA COUNTY — What began as an 18-year-old’s first job at a front desk has become one of Ventura County’s most inspiring healthcare success stories. Desiree Rangel, a 2009 graduate of Oxnard High School, has risen from receptionist to Vice President of Sleep Disorder Center, a leader in modern sleep diagnostics and telehealth.

Rangel joined the independent sleep laboratory in 2010, mastering every department—scheduling, supervision, marketing, and operations—while helping the company grow from a single-insurance clinic to a fully licensed, multi-state home-testing facility.

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Local

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics Encourages Sustainable, Intentional Healthy Habits in the New Year

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SANTA BARBARA —  This year, Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics encourages people making New Year’s resolutions to reimagine their approach to health by embracing small, sustainable changes instead of aiming for the typical “all or nothing” goals. Major lifestyle alterations might look impressive on a list of goals, but when it comes to health, baby steps tend to be more productive.

“Lasting health doesn’t come from dramatic resolutions that fade by February,” Mahdi Ashrafian, CEO of Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, said. “It comes from little everyday choices—walking a little more, sleeping a little better, checking in with your doctor—that, over time, can dramatically improve quality of life.”

Here are some gentle resolutions anyone can make this year and immediately start seeing results.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Government, Health, Local, News

Los Padres ForestWatch launches community science project to protect Central Coast wildlife

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CENTRAL COAST — Los Padres ForestWatch is launching a new community science project, empowering residents to help protect wildlife across the Central Coast by documenting wildlife sightings and roadkill along local roads and highways.

Participants download a free mobile survey and upload observations during their daily routines and commutes, compiling critical data that will help guide conservation and land-use planning efforts throughout the region. Volunteers can participate by collecting data opportunistically or by committing to regular wildlife surveys along local roads and highways.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, Government, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Seniors, Women, Youth

City of Santa Paula invites residents to apply for the second cohort of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy

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he City of Santa Paula is pleased to announce the return of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy and invites residents and local businesses to apply for Cohort II. This nine-week civic leadership program is designed to educate and engage community members by providing an in-depth look at City government, operations, and local decision-making.

Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, the Academy offers participants a unique opportunity to connect directly with City leadership and staff while learning how municipal services are delivered and how policy decisions are made. The program aims to strengthen civic knowledge, promote transparency, and foster meaningful relationships between the City and the community it serves.

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Business, Education, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

Take to the Seas for Island Packers Winter Whale Watching and Excursions to the Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary

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VENTURA — Island Packers, the official concessionaire to the Channel Islands, is now offering  Winter Whale Watching Excursions for whale enthusiasts to witness the inspiring migration of Pacific Gray whales as they travel through the Santa Barbara Channel near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island.  February 15, 2026 is World Whale Day.

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Cultural, Education, Family, Local, Seniors, Women, Youth

Museum of Ventura County — You’re Invited to an opening reception for a new exhibition, more news

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We invite you to join us for an opening reception celebrating Pages to Posters: The Visual Worlds of Simms Taback.

Friday, February 13

5:30 – 7:30 PM

Museum of Ventura County

100 E. Main Street, Ventura

Guests will enjoy an early look at original artworks, posters, and more, as the exhibition reveals how Taback’s distinctive visual language shaped educational materials, commercial design, and storytelling for generations.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Health, Local, News

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Only One Week Left to Join CEC Climate Stewards Winter 2026 Cohort!

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The Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) Winter 2026 Climate Stewards cohort begins in just one week! This is your final opportunity to join a growing community of climate advocates turning concern for our planet into meaningful, local action. You don’t need a background in science, advocacy, or policy to join — just a desire to learn, connect, and collaborate to amplify climate action.

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

TOArts and SeeingHappy launch THRIVE: Ventura County, Inviting artists to capture what it means to thrive

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“THRIVE reflects our belief that the arts are essential to a healthy, connected community, ” said Casey Comstock-Mills, Programs and Development Director at TOArts. “This project invites people of all ages and backgrounds to pause, reflect on what gives them hope, and share those moments with others—strengthening both personal well-being and community connection. ”

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Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Government, Local, News, Youth

Ready, Set, Robot! Port of Hueneme powers up robotics season at Hueneme High

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PORT HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme recently helped kick off an exciting new robotics season at Hueneme High School, joining students, educators, and families for the school’s FIRST Robotics Competition season launch: a celebration of innovation, teamwork, and hands-on STEM learning.

The Port is proud to sponsor Hueneme High School’s robotics team, the Thunder Vikes, as they prepare to compete in this year’s FIRST Robotics season. The sponsorship reflects the Port’s ongoing commitment to expanding STEM opportunities and building strong career pathways for local students.

During the kickoff event, Port Commissioners Mary Anne Rooney and Celina Zacarias together with CEO Kristin Decas presented the Port’s sponsorship check to the team, officially launching the partnership and underscoring the Port’s investment in education and workforce development.

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Education, Local, News

Guide dog raised by Ventura Charter School Executive director graduates and begins life of service

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VENTURA — Ventura Charter School is proud to announce that Tenny, a male black Labrador retriever, has graduated from his program at Guide Dogs for the Blind as part of Class CA1041. Tenny has officially completed his training and is now a certified guide dog, embarking on a new chapter supporting greater independence for his handler. Tenny was fostered by Lisa Hildebrand, Executive Director of Ventura Charter School, who served as Tenny’s official puppy raiser for 12 months. During the 2024–2025 school year, Tenny spent every day on campus, becoming a beloved presence among students and staff. His calm demeanor and friendly nature made him a source of comfort throughout the school.

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

40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance to be held Oxnard

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OXNARD — Ventura County gathers in unity. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Ventura County invites you to the 40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance, held in person on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 in Oxnard.

Theme:

A Living Legacy: Cultivating Compassion and Justice in Ventura County

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

ICE OUT 805 Solidarity Concert and March held in Santa Maria

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SANTA MARIA — A community-led action brought together grassroots organizers, rapid response volunteers, youth leaders, and musicians to stand in solidarity against ongoing immigration enforcement violence across the Central Coast during the ICE OUT 805 Solidarity Concert/March on Jan. 15, 2025 in Santa Maria, representatives of the 805UNDOCFUND reported on their Facebook page.

Led by those carrying a banner that read “ICE OUT OF CALIFORNIA” the protesters marched down the residential streets in Santa Maria calling for the end of ICE activities in the region.

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Cultural, En español, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Youth

Bilingual commentary — Video Games: Digital Native vs. the “Dinosaur”

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It’s 2026 now, and sometimes I want to feel smug about having watched technology blossom as I grew into adulthood. After all, I’ve seen tech evolve from vacuum tubes to transistors to integrated circuits to incredibly powerful central and graphics processing units to AI accelerators. So, I’m supposed to feel comfortable with technology, right?

Wrong, as I embarrassingly discovered when playing video games with my grandson Andrew, age 7, recently. He challenged my dignity…and won commandingly. Digital natives like him are light years beyond those of us “of a particular age” who used to think that holding a remote with a cord in our hand meant power.

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

TOArts expands board with three distinguished leaders from finance, arts, and education

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THOUSAND OAKS — TOArts has appointed Victor Fakrogha, Aerin LeDuc-Gummeson, and Dr. Michael Hart to its Board of Directors, expanding the organization’s leadership with expertise spanning finance, arts advocacy, and higher education. The appointment reflects TOArts’ continued commitment to strengthening arts access, community engagement, and long-term organizational impact across the region. 

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

Ventura County Leadership Academy announces 2026 honorees

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• Business Leader of the Year – Nick Deitch, R.A., Principal, RRM Design Group

• Educational Leader of the Year – Dr. Cynthia Herrera, Vice Chancellor of Institutional Effectiveness, Ventura County Community College District

• Non-Profit Leader of the Year – Robin Britt (Cohort XXIV), Executive Director, Community Conscience

• Public Sector Leader of the Year – Mark Stadler (Cohort XXVII), Sr. Program Administrator, Crisis Intervention Training Program, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office

• Alumna of the Year – Danielle Borja (Cohort XXIV), President/CEO, Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce

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Business, Education, Local, News

SBCC Shares Community Update on Physical Education & Athletics Building Replacement Project

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the community regarding the Physical Education & Athletics Building Replacement Project. The project remains in the demolition phase, and shoring installation began on Monday, January 12, 2026, as the next step in construction.

“We are excited to see the progress of the Physical Education & Athletics Building Replacement project,” shared Vice President, Business Services, Chris Renbarger. “In just a few months, the building deconstruction has shifted the landscape of our Cliff Campus.” 

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

Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors elects Chair and Vice Chair for 2026

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VENTURA — At its first regular meeting of 2026, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors elected 2nd District Supervisor Jeff Gorell to serve as Chair of the Board of Supervisors and 5th District Supervisor Vianey Lopez to serve as Vice Chair.

Each January, the Board selects a Chair and Vice Chair from among its five members to serve one-year terms. The Chair presides over all Board meetings, helps set agendas in coordination with the County Executive Office, and represents the Board in ceremonial functions and intergovernmental matters. The Vice Chair serves in the Chair’s absence and supports leadership duties as needed.

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