More than 50 years ago, a devastating oil spill off our coast sparked a powerful movement.
In 1970, our community came together to organize one of the first Earth Day celebrations — and the Community Environmental Council was born.
This weekend, we will gather again.
Earth Day is a reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together to demand change and build solutions.
But today, we are once again facing efforts to expand fossil fuels and roll back progress.
VENTURA — The 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival is set for Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). The festival is the ultimate experience for strawberry lovers. It is filled with tasty strawberry-themed food and beverages, live entertainment, carnival rides, an artisan and crafters area, and other activities, all in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., both days.
As we are halfway through the week I just want to hop on here an remind you all of the closing session of the Lotus Bloom Circle Series facilitated by wellness artist Khaatia Vantiger.
Session 4: The Blossoms – Legacy/Community
SANTA BARBARA — COPE (Cottage Outpatient Program Experience) Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) provides flexible, accessible behavioral health services for individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders and mental health conditions across the Central Coast and throughout California.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) announced the release of the first annual report from the Measure P Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC), providing the community with a transparent update on how voter-approved bond funds are being managed and invested up to December 31, 2025. Click here to see the full report in English and Spanish: CBOC.SBCC.edu
New research suggests that for consumers with textured hair, the “clean” label may not always equal “chemical-free.”
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) held a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest affordable housing development located at 15 South Hope Avenue on Wednesday, April 22. This new construction, multifamily rental housing project will provide 46 affordable units and represents a major step in addressing the region’s housing needs. Neighbors, local officials, community partners, and housing advocates gathered to celebrate this milestone.
CENTRAL COAST — After widespread opposition from constituents and conservation groups, House leaders have indefinitely postponed a vote on the “ESA Amendments Act” (H.R. 1897), a proposal that would have gutted the Endangered Species Act. The bill was pulled from consideration on April 22 moments before it was scheduled for a vote, after mounting concerns about its impact on more than 1,700 protected plant and animal species across the country.
The Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan is a collaborative, countywide effort launched by the County of Ventura in partnership with House Farm Workers!, designed to understand and address the urgent housing needs of the county’s farmworker community – needs shaped by long-standing shortages, rising housing costs, and the essential role farm workers play in sustaining the region’s agricultural economy.
Time is running out. The deadline to weigh in on a major federal housing proposal is tomorrow – and what happens next could determine whether thousands of families can stay in their homes. The Trump administration’s attacks on immigrant families are spreading to impact affordable housing for children and others living in mixed-status homes.
Right now, federal policy allows families with mixed immigration status to stay together and receive housing assistance for members of the family who are eligible. The new proposed policy would end that.
If finalized, it would shift to an “all-or-nothing” rule: If even one person in a household isn’t eligible, the entire family could lose housing assistance.
Popularly known as the “Oscars® of Science,” the award honors scientists whose discoveries are significantly driving growth of human knowledge.
Read more about the prize
IN-PERSON: STOP GUESSING: UNDERSTAND YOUR BUSINESS NUMBERS WITH QUICKBOOKS REPORTS
April 21 @ 8:30 am
QuickBooks Online can generate dozens of reports, but which ones truly matter for running and growing your business? Join SCORE Ventura, City of Ventura, Accelerate CA and Economic Development Collaborative in this practical workshop, business owners will learn how to create and interpret the most important financial reports on QuickBooks Online. Whether you are new to QuickBooks or have been using it for years, understanding your financial reports is essential for making informed decisions and managing your business with confidence. Participants will explore a few of the most critical reports every business owner should review regularly and learn how to interpret the numbers behind them. Check-in: 8:00 am – Coffee and Pastries Provided; Event starts at 8:30 am. Address: Ventura City Hall | 501 Poli St, Ventura, CA 93001 | Community Room. #202. Price: FREE.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) is hosting “Foundations of Financing for Entrepreneurs,” a free workshop today at the HIVE Autonomous Innovation Center in Camarillo.
The workshop is part of a national pilot program, CEED to Success, designed to expand entrepreneurship and business financing education to underserved founders. As part of this initiative, VCCCD is partnering with the program’s founder, Baker Hill, through its Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) and a partnership with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE).
CAMARILLO — Aspiring entrepreneurs across Ventura County will have the opportunity to develop and pitch business ideas in just one day at Startup Day Channel Islands, taking place Friday, April 24, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at California State…
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College will welcome acclaimed poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera for a special poetry reading and community zine workshop April 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. in Boyd Concert Hall (bldg. F) on the Santa Maria campus.
The free event, which is open to the public, will offer attendees the opportunity to hear from one of the nation’s most influential literary voices and participate in a collaborative, hands-on creative workshop.
Herrera, the son of farmworkers, was born in Fowler, California, and has spent more than five decades shaping American poetry through his writing, teaching, and community engagement. He served as Poet Laureate of the United States from 2015 to 2017, becoming the first Mexican American to hold the position, and previously served as California’s Poet Laureate.
Teatro de las Américas
34th Anniversary
Dinner/Concert Fundraiser
Teatro de las Américas is celebrating its 34th anniversary as the only organization dedicated to Spanish-language theater on the Central Coast, and we invite friends, volunteers, and anyone interested in supporting the arts and culture in our community to join us for our annual benefit event.
Watching Artemis II loop around the Moon and come home felt like I too had “come home.” Some of us in my generation used to get up at 3 a.m. to watch the electrifying launches of the missions with god-like names: Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo. We would watch with focused fascination the black-and-white images on our small TV screens, never imagining that our grandchildren some 50 years later would be seeing mesmerizing high-definition, full-color feeds of the lunar surface on large high-tech screens during their moonshot. It all felt like a powerful injection of déjà vu. It wasn’t just about the hardware or the physics; it was that energy of the thrill of returning to the Moon.
CESI’s 2026 conference, “California’s Housing Crisis: Roots of the Problem and What Lies Ahead,” is now fully available—bringing together opening remarks, cutting-edge research, a dynamic panel, and candid Q&A throughout.
Explore three short highlight videos tackling housing affordability, economic inequality, and the mounting pressures facing communities across California.
This is more than a recap—it’s a call to action. Join the conversation, challenge the status quo, and help drive the long-overdue change Californians deserve.
Watch CESI Conference!
SANTA BARBARA —. Vejas Skripkus, a board-certified physician specializing in family medicine, has joined Cottage Primary Care – Santa Barbara – Bath St., where he practices alongside Dr. Barry Statner, Dr. Nastassia Sylvestre, Dr. Brett Trzcinski and Dr. Jane Varner.
VENTURA — More than six centuries of public service were recognized this week as the County of Ventura honored 24 employees reaching career milestones of 25 to 35 years. Their combined 660 years of service reflect decades of experience supporting essential programs and services across the county. The recognition took place during the April 14 meeting of the Board of Supervisors.
The Museum of Ventura County extends beyond its galleries. Through community events, school tours, and outreach programs, we connect with people across Ventura County in ways that spark curiosity.
Over the past 12 months, we have reached more than 10,000 people through these experiences. Communities come together to share and reflect. Students see their local history in a new way. Families engage with one another through hands-on activities.
This is what the Museum does. We connect people through the shared stories of Ventura County.
VENTURA — Ocean water quality results from samples collected this week indicate that ocean water quality at the following Ventura County beach sampling locations failed to meet State standards for bacteria:
Rincon Beach – South of Creek
Surfer’s Knoll Beach
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Over 300 teens and their parents selected free prom attire at Prom Closets at the two branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. Prom Closets were held at the Simi Valley Family YMCA and Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village. Both Prom Closets were filled with donated, gently used and new formal wear for use by high schoolers at their prom.
For the past three years, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA and its branches have partnered with the Simi Valley Soroptimist Club to hold a Prom Closet at both YMCA sites.
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Elections Division released its Election Observation Schedule, outlining the dates, times, and descriptions of observable activities, for the upcoming June 2nd election.
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Department is currently accepting applications for the Police Chief Advisory Committee. Those interested in applying can do so online. The application is open to residents or business owners in the City of Santa Paula.
The Police Chief Advisory Committee will be comprised of 5-7 members from the community. The committee may take on roles including but not limited to: reviewing policies and practices, community concerns, and recommending public safety strategies. The committee’s purpose is advisory only, and it will not act in an oversight capacity.
Download the 2026 Economic Outlook Report presented at our April 14th VCTF event.
This comprehensive report is presented by Dr. Mark Schniepp from the California Economic Forecast.
VENTURA — The 13th Annual Ventura County Farm Day drew over 7,300 visitors to 18 local farms, ranches and agricultural venues across Ventura County. The number of visitors for the April 11 event was the largest since the annual event began.
Almost 10,000 vegetable seedlings donated by Plantel Nurseries were distributed at Duda Farms and Petty Ranch, two participating farms.
Dear Friends of our Ventura County kids, Nearly 9,500 youth have been identified by the Ventura County Office of Education as homeless in Ventura County. Help us support local youth experiencing homelessness as they head back to school. Your contribution…
SOLVANG — The California Nature Art Museum (CalNAM) is pleased to welcome Jessica Tade as the organization’s new executive director. In this role, Tade will provide strategic leadership as she guides the museum through its next phase of growth and impact.
“We are thrilled that Jessica will be bringing her vast experience and leadership to the California Nature Art Museum as we begin the next chapter of our storied history,” said CalNAM Board President Kevin Patterson. “Her vision and creativity will continue to grow the museum’s impact, deepen our connection with the community, and inspire greater appreciation for the intersection of art and the natural world. We are confident that under her leadership, CalNAM will reach new heights and build on its legacy as a vibrant cultural and educational resource.”
n a media environment where creating content and spreading false or misleading material is easy, perception is everything. Political scientist Julia Morse examines how these dynamics play out in the international arena.
