Exploring Lompoc, California’s Native Roots

LOMPOC — History lovers and cultural enthusiasts, don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with one of California’s most storied regions! Long before Lompoc became known for its colorful murals and lush wine country, it was part of a vast territory (over 7,000 square miles!) inhabited by the Chumash people. These Indigenous communities thrived along California’s Central Coast for thousands of years, leaving behind a legacy of art, innovation, and resilience.

The Chumash were skilled artisans, engineers, and seafarers whose traditions and innovations continue to inspire today. Here’s how you can immerse yourself in their incredible history and culture while visiting Lompoc and its surrounding areas.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) — Arte del Pueblo Assembly (Hope to see you this evening)

In the spirit of community and creativity, we warmly invite you to join us tomorrow for the Arte Del Pueblo Assembly, a gathering where artists and art lovers can connect, support one another, and engage in meaningful dialogue. 

Come together in this open forum to reflect on the state of contemporary art today, share your voice, and uplift each other’s visions. Let’s build bridges through mindful conversation and collective inspiration.  

Your presence and perspective matter, see you there!

Bilingual report — Ronald Miller II appointed Chief Probation Officer for the Ventura County Probation Agency

“We’re very excited to welcome Ronald Miller to our team as he steps into this important leadership role,” shared 4th District Supervisor, Janice Parvin, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We’re confident that his longstanding experience and proven leadership will guide the agency forward with success. His deep commitment to community investment, combined with an extensive career in law enforcement, makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead the Ventura County Probation Agency.”

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors to hold meeting

View this email online The next regular meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for  9 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2025 County Administration Building Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara The public may participate…

Summer Bucket List in Lompoc: Your Guide to Sunshine-Fueled Fun

LOMPOC — Ready to make this summer unforgettablke?  Lompoc is calling! From flower fields to fine wine, skydives to sunsets, this Central Coast gem is full of sunny advenfures.  Whether your’re planning a weekend escape or a season-long staycation, this summer bucket list will help you squeeze every drop of fun of your Lompoc days.

Let’s dive in!

Explore Lompoc — The Complete Guide to the Sta. Rita Hills Wineries In Lompoc On California’s Central Coast

LOMPOC — Tucked between the Santa Rosa and Purisima Hills in western Santa Barbara County, the Sta. Rita Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area) is a world-class wine-growing region renowned for its cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Just minutes from downtown Lompoc, this unique valley offers visitors an immersive experience where maritime breezes, diverse soils, and passionate winemakers converge to produce some of California’s most celebrated wines.

Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a casual sipper, this guide will help you explore the best of the Sta. Rita Hills wineries and tasting rooms—many of which are right here in Lompoc, with others tucked into the surrounding hills for unforgettable vineyard experiences.

Brian Israel joins Lowthorp Richards in Oxnard as partner

OXNARD — Brian C. Israel, an attorney whose expertise spans estate planning, trust administration, probate and corporate law, has joined the offices of Lowthorp Richards, LLP, as a partner.

A practicing attorney for over a decade, Israel received his Juris Doctorate degree from California Western School of Law where he earned numerous academic achievement awards. He was admitted to the California State Bar in 2013 and began practicing law in his hometown of Ventura that same year.  

Israel specializes in several areas of law including conservatorships, estate planning, trust administration and probate, as well as corporate law and business representation. He is highly regarded for his extensive knowledge and compassionate approach to serving his clients.

Please join the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation for opening of a new exhibit at Casa de la Guerra, ‘Telling Stories of Mexican California: Real Life & Myth Making’ from June 26 through Aug. 31

SANTA BARBARA — Though it lasted less than three decades, California’s Mexican period (1822–1846) helped shape the distribution of land, wealth, and power after California officially entered the union in 1850.

Telling Stories of Mexican California reflects on this past, and how romanticized retellings made lasting impacts on the state’s culture and popular understandings of its history.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula celebrates a successful State of the City event

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula proudly hosted its first independent State of the City event on June 12, 2025, marking a departure from previous joint events traditionally held with the Chamber of Commerce. With more than 176 guests in attendance, the evening was a vibrant celebration of community, progress, and civic engagement, and by all accounts, a resounding success.

Held at the Ventura County Agriculture Museum, the evening began with a festive outdoor reception featuring live folklórico dancing by Proyecto Esperanza, musical performances by local group Chucumite, and hors d’oeuvres provided by local favorites including Flight 126, El Capricho, Mr. Shrimp, and Parque 1055. The community came together to enjoy food, music, and connection before moving indoors for formal remarks and presentations.

SEEAG’s Summer Celebration on Aug. 16 to honor local farmers, support ag education and raise funds for proposed new 2.5 acre educational farm campus

The Summer Celebration will be held at the Ventura County Agricultural Museum in Santa Paula. Guests will enjoy the flavors of summer with brunch stations, appetizers, and locally crafted beverages curated by Seasons Catering—featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients from SEEAG’s farm partners and artisanal products from Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Attendees can learn about SEEAG’s programs, be the first to view its vision for its new farm campus, explore the museum’s current exhibition, enjoy live music, and participate in a live auction. 

Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara announces winner of 2025 Solo Piano Concerto Competition

SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West is thrilled to announce that Min Joo Yi has been selected as the winner of the 2025 Solo Piano Concerto Competition, held on June 20 at Hahn Hall as part of the Music Academy’s 2025 Summer Music Festival & School.

Min Joo Yi captivated the audience and a panel of judges with a commanding interpretation of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37, earning the opportunity to perform as part of the Santa Barbara Symphony’s Beethoven Piano Concerto Marathon on Saturday, January 17, 2026 — the first concert in a two-concert weekend showcasing all five of Beethoven’s piano concertos, each performed by a winner of an international piano competition. In addition to this prestigious performance opportunity, the winner receives a $2,500 award from the Music Academy.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Emergency preparedness events to be held June 25, 26, July 10, 17, 24

Our community has been deeply impacted by the tragedy of wildfire. We’ve seen firsthand the devastation it can bring — to our homes, our environment, and our sense of safety. That’s why it’s more important than ever to be prepared and take action before the next disaster strikes.

First, I hope you’ll join us for Wildfire Safety Day — a free, family-friendly event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Wednesday, June 25, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. This fun and informative day will include:

Friendship Center Adult Day Services — Caregivers are carrying so much – Can you help lighten the load?

Although Friendship Center’s main mission is to provide compassionate care for seniors living with dementia, we don’t stop there. We know it takes a village to provide care for someone else, and it is often a spouse, adult child, or sibling who are key components of one’s support system. It is important to us that not only are our program attendees are cared for, but that their caregivers feel supported during their loved ones journey with dementia.

Ventura Improv Company still standing

VENTURA — The Ventura Improv Company (VIC), making audiences laugh with made-up-on-the-spot comedy since 1989, is happily at home at NAMBA Performing Arts Space these days.

Closing the theater space in 2017 and losing long-time Artistic Director Gary Best in 2023 were two challenges that almost silenced the group permanently. But then, not wanting to end the run just yet, Judy Gottlieb stepped in.

“We already had a new home at NAMBA,” says Gottlieb, a long-time performer and current Artistic Director of the VIC. “Our monthly shows continue to draw audiences, and our drop-in improv workshops started to grow. I felt like it wasn’t time to quit.”

Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Cleaver & Clark Commons in SLO: Pre-Applications Coming Soon | Cleaver & Clark Commons: Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles pronto

Pre-applications available Tuesday, July 8, 9AM at pshhc.org/CCC
Pre-solicitudes disponibles el martes 8 de julio a las 9AM en pshhc.org/CCC

2025-2026 Ventura County Grand Jury panel selected

VENTURA  — The Judges of the Superior Court by an Order signed June 20, 2024, nominated thirty-three (33) Ventura County citizens (see attached list) to the panel from which the members of the 2025-2026 Grand Jury will be drawn.

Exercising an option available under amended statutes, the Judges have named among the thirty-three (33) member panel, six (6) members of the 2024-2025 Grand Jury as “holdovers” to the 2025-2026 Grand Jury. The nineteen-member 2025-2026 Grand Jury will be drawn from this 33-member panel on July 1, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in Courtroom 22 and eleven (11) persons not drawn from the panel for immediate service will remain alternate jurors to be drawn as replacements should that become necessary during the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

TruNorth Jets in Camarillo welcomes pets on board as private air travel with dogs takes off

CAMARILLO — As more families embrace their pets as essential travel companions, TruNorth Jets is excited to officially welcome dogs and cats aboard its private jet charters.

The move reflects a fast-growing trend in pet-friendly private aviation. With hectic airports, unpredictable delays and cramped cargo holds, commercial air travel can be stressful for pets and their owners. Private air travel offers a far more peaceful alternative, giving travelers the chance to keep their pets right by their side in a quiet, luxurious cabin.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: BUSINESS FORMATION UNCOVERED: NAVIGATING BUSINESS STRUCTURES

June 24 @ 10:30 am

This business formation webinar is tailored to help entrepreneurs and business owners thoroughly understand the advantages and disadvantages of each entity type (sole proprietor, LLC, S-Corp.) from legal separate entities, tax reporting structures, non-tax paying entities, liabilities, asset protection and more. In today’s competitive market, choosing the right business entity is more than just a procedural step; it’s a strategic decision that impacts every aspect of your operations and long-term success. The

Stuff the Bus — Help United Way of Ventura County provide backpacks with essential school supplies for 1,000 local homeless youth

United Way’s Stuff the Bus campaign aims to increase school readiness of homeless youth and lessen the financial burden of back-to-school expenses on their families. Over 8,000 youth have been identified as homeless in Ventura County. The average cost for back-to-school supplies for one child is almost $600, which can be a challenge for low-income families.

Museum of Ventura County — Photography Workshop with Diego Huerta, more events

Saturday, August 16
3 – 8 p.m.
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street., Ventura

Diego Huerta, the resident photographer behind the Enfoque exhibition and internationally acclaimed for documenting Indigenous communities throughout the Americas, leads this outdoor portrait workshop at Surfer’s Point. Designed for intermediate to advanced photographers ages 16 and up, the 60–90 minute session focuses on using natural light, flash, and strobe to create compelling portraiture.

?Participants must bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera, tripod, filters, lenses, and lighting gear. Be prepared to navigate uneven terrain and embrace changing weather conditions—this workshop runs rain or shine. Dinner is included after the session. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from a master in the field. Cost: $250 non-members, 15% off members. Register HERE.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura reports $2.31 billion in agricultural value for 2024

“The 2024 Crop and Livestock Report focuses on the history of Ventura County’s top 10 crops and the issues that farmers face today in cultivating these crops,” stated Korinne Bell, Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner. “Ventura County is unique in that our agricultural community cultivates a significant number of crops with values well over $1 million. This allows for a wide range of products to be cultivated but also presents some substantial challenges for our farmers. Many thanks to the Ventura County agricultural community – growers, packers, and shippers – for providing the data on their efforts in 2024 and making the production of this report possible.”

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — CEC’s Environmental Hub Expands Event Rental Offerings 

“The Hub provides a space for our community to come together, celebrate, learn, and collaborate,” said Kathi King, CEC Director of Outreach and Education. “We’re thrilled to offer an outdoor option to complement the versatile indoor venue. The patio is a perfect add-on for a happy hour, outdoor lunch, or small private meeting — a great way to enjoy Santa Barbara in the summertime.” 

City of Ventura — Marina Park Playground now open

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is thrilled to officially open Marina Park’s new playground, delivering a modern and thoughtfully designed play space for the Pierpont Bay community and surrounding areas.

Local dignitaries, City staff, project partners, and community members gathered on Tuesday, June 24, for a celebratory ribbon-cutting to commemorate this exciting milestone. 

Bilingual report — Joint Statement from the Fire Departments of Ventura County: Emergency services are for everyone

VENTURA COUNTY — Every fire department in Ventura County is united in our commitment to protecting lives—no matter who you are or where you’re from. Everyone in our communities deserves safety, emergency care, and compassion. Our firefighters respond to every emergency without hesitation or judgment. Immigration status is never a factor in the care we provide, and we do not ask, record, or report that information.

Bilingual commentary — Compassion vs. Caution on the Street

Having more time to walk the streets of the Oxnard and Ventura areas lately, I find myself navigating a world that had not been entirely apparent to me in the past. I am more aware now of the great number of people who are distressed, troubled, and immersed in mental illness.

Their plight becomes obvious as I witness people who are talking animatedly with themselves—sometimes cheerfully, but too often they are angry and threatening. It’s hard to feel safe when someone close by is screaming something such as, “I’m gonna kill every single person I find!”

Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan denounces sharing of Medicaid enrollment data with Department of Homeland Security

CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP), the local Medi-Cal plan for Ventura County, is deeply concerned about the possibility of sensitive Medicaid enrollment data—including names, addresses, and immigration statuses—being shared with the Department of Homeland Security as reported by the Associated Press. According to the article, the data sharing was conducted “despite internal objections from Medicaid officials” and without consent from states, health plans, or members.

The data includes information from individuals in various states, including California, that allow those with “unsatisfactory immigration status” to enroll in Medicaid programs funded by state dollars.

“This breach is not just a policy failure—it is a moral one,” said Dr. Felix Nuñez, GCHP’s chief executive officer. “Trust is the foundation of our health system. Undermining that trust by turning health care into a tool of immigration enforcement jeopardizes the well-being of entire communities. We must protect the right to seek care without fear.”

Brenda Allison receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Rotary Club of Ventura

OXNARD — Brenda Allison, CEO of Coast General Insurance Brokers and a dedicated community advocate has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rotary Club of Ventura.

A Rotarian since 2005, Allison has served in multiple roles at the Ventura club over the past two decades, including as service director, membership director, risk management support and community service director. She is currently the club’s treasurer, a position she’s held since November 2023.

CLU School Management Community Newspaper

Hard to believe, but another academic year has come to a close. Just a few weeks ago, School of Management undergraduate and graduate students walked the stage at Cal Lutheran’s annual Commencement on our beautiful Thousand Oaks campus.

They worked tirelessly to reach this milestone, and for many, the experience was bittersweet. During their time at Cal Lutheran, the School of Management has become a home — a place where they found their tribe, discovered their calling, built skills that will stay with them for life. Now, they look ahead with excitement: to entry-level opportunities in the corporate or nonprofit worlds, to promotions at their current organizations, or to further study in graduate programs. Whatever comes next, we are proud of them and remain committed to supporting each one of them every step of the way.