Author: KEYT

Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Santa Barbara Foresters continued their dominant summer play with a 10-3 win over the Philippines Baseball Group, improving their record to 21-10 in a game fueled by stellar pitching, aggressive base running, and timely offense. The matchup, sponsored by the Santa Barbara Independent, brought out high energy from both the team and fans at Eddie Mathews Field.Starting pitcher Noah Waldeck was sharp from the first pitch, striking out seven and allowing no runs through four innings of work. He kept hitters off balance with a mix of fastballs and off-speed pitches, retiring the side in order in the first and working around traffic in the second.

The Foresters broke the game open in the second inning. After Brenton Clark walked and stole second, Mic Paul delivered an RBI single to bring him home. Paul then stole both second and third before scoring on a sac fly from Zane Becker. Makani Nabarro added an RBI single to give Santa Barbara a 3-0 lead.

The third inning saw the Foresters erupt for five more runs. Sawyer Farr knocked in Easton Moomau with a single, followed by a 2-RBI double from Caden Miller, who would later score on another Becker sac fly. By the end of the frame, Santa Barbara had built a commanding 8-1 lead.

Bryce Navarre took over in the fifth and battled through a tough inning, surrendering three runs on a pair of hits and a walk. The Foresters responded immediately, and reliever Josh Hyneman shut things down over the next two frames, striking out three and allowing no further damage.In the bottom of the fifth, Clark singled, Paul walked and stole his third base of the game, and another wild pitch allowed a run to score. Becker capped off his day with his third sac fly, bringing in Sawyer Farr to extend the lead to 10-3.

Pitcher Tyler Phewnow kept things quiet for the Philippines scoreboard, only allowing one runner on base in the 8th. The Foresters slid through the 8th inning to maintain their lead. A threat came in the 9th: a player hit by pitch and a single, but a strikeout from Phenow ultimately ended the game. 

The Foresters look to carry this winning energy into their homestand, playing the Menlo Park Legends with a first pitch at 4:30pm. Come watch the game Eddie Mathews Field or tune into the Santa Barbara YouTube Channel for live coverage.

(Article courtesy of Santa Barbara Foresters/Sami Ogan).

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Alissa Orozco

CARPINTERIA, Calif. – During their emergency meeting on July 10th, Carpinteria City Council approved the one-time appropriation of $10,000 to help fund non-profit organizations offering emergency assistance to families directly affected by the recent immigration enforcement throughout the city.

The meeting was announced before the chaotic scene at Glass House Farms locations in Carpinteria and Camarillo occurred that same day – originally responding to videos of ICE activity in the city. The raid in the Carpinteria only amplified the need for a meeting.

“We believe that we can make change, we believe we can impact our community, we believe we can protect what needs to be protected, we believe that we will all stand together for what’s right. Not just what’s right for me, but what’s right for everyone here in Carpinteria,” councilwoman Julia Mayer said.

An original amount of $5,000 from the city’s General Fund to support non-profit organizations was to be considered by the council via their agenda for last week’s meeting, but after public comment and council consideration, a one-time appropriation of $10,000 was approved.

The city is now seeking proposals from organizations who provide immigration support services to local residents impacted by recent federal immigration enforcement actions. A maximum award of $2,500 will be given to eligible organizations, depending on the number and quality of proposals received.

Organizations interested in submitting a proposal must send it to the city in PDF format via email no later than Wednesday, July 30th at 11:59pm.

Applications must include a program description, budget, evaluation plan, organizational qualifications, and other required documentation.

Award notifications will be sent out August 8th.

Additional 501(c)(3) status organizations are available to the community to provide a variety of support services to those affected by immigration enforcements.

You can find of the full list of organizations and more information on proposals here.

Puede encontrar la lista completa de organizaciones y más información sobre las propuestas aquí.

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Below is a press release from The County of Santa Barbara Health Department regarding their commitment to the community regardless of citizenship status

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The County of Santa Barbara Health Department (County Health) wants to reassure our community that no proof of citizenship is required to receive care at any of our five health centers throughout the county. We continue to operate under our current policies and procedures, providing safe, equitable, and confidential services to all patients as we do not inquire about immigration status.

While recent federal policy announcements have caused concern and confusion for many in our community, we want to emphasize that no formal implementation guidelines have been issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at this time. As such, there are no changes to the way our health centers operate or the services we provide.

“We are committed to serving every individual who walks through our doors with compassion and respect,” said Mouhanad Hammami, Director of County Health. “Public health depends on everyone feeling safe enough to seek care. Our health centers are safe places where patient privacy and rights are protected.”

County Health is actively exploring alternative ways to expand access to care for all families, especially our immigrant and indigenous communities. To better serve our communities, our health care centers offer a range of flexible and culturally responsive options, including a Walk-in Clinic in Santa Maria, Behavioral Health Telehealth appointments, and Mixteco voiceovers for our Mixteco-speaking populations.

If you have any concerns about attending your appointment in person due to recent events, please contact us. In some cases, we may be able to offer a phone appointment instead. County Health urges all community members to continue accessing the medical and preventive care services they need.

For more information about services and health center locations, please visithttps://www.countyofsb.org/2150/Health-Care-Centers or call the following health center near you.

Santa Maria Health Care Center2115 Centerpointe Pkwy, Santa Maria, CA 93455+1 805-346-7230

Lompoc Health Care Center301 N R St, Lompoc, CA 93436+1 805-737-6400

Santa Barbara Health Care Center345 Camino del Remedio, Santa Barbara, CA 93110+1 805-681-5488

Franklin Health Care Center1136 E Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103+1 805-568-2099

Carpinteria Health Care Center931 Walnut Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013+1 805-560-1050

Traducción al Español

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Santa Bárbara (County Health) quiere asegurar a nuestra comunidad que no se requiere prueba de ciudadanía para recibir atención en cualquiera de nuestros cinco centros de salud en todo el condado. Seguimos funcionando bajo nuestras pólizas y procedimientos actuales, proporcionando servicios seguros, equitativos y confidenciales a todos los pacientes ya que no preguntamos sobre el estatus migratorio.

Aunque los recientes anuncios legislativos federales han causado preocupación y confusión para muchos en nuestra comunidad, queremos enfatizar que hasta hoy el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos (HHS, por sus siglas en inglés) no ha publicado guías para implementación.

«Nos comprometemos a atender con compasión y respeto a todas las personas que cruzan nuestras puertas», dijo Mouhanad Hammami, director del Departamento de Salud, «La salud publica depende de que todos sientan lo suficiente seguro para buscar atención médica Nuestros centros de salud son lugares seguros donde la privacidad y los derechos de los pacientes están protegidos.»

County Health está explorando activamente maneras alternativas de expandir acceso a la atención médica para todas las familias, especialmente nuestras comunidades de inmigrantes e indígenas. Para servir mejor a nuestra comunidad, nuestros centros de salud ofrecen una gama de opciones flexibles y culturalmente sensibles, incluso una clínica sin cita previa en Santa Maria, citas de telesalud de salud conductual y locuciones en mixteco para nuestras poblaciones de habla mixteca.

Si le preocupa asistir a su cita en persona debido a los recientes eventos, póngase en contacto con nosotros. En algunos casos, podemos ofrecerle una cita telefónica. County Health insta a todos los miembros de la comunidad a seguir accediendo a los servicios de atención médica y preventiva que necesitan

Para más información sobre servicios y locales de los centros de salud, visite:https://www.countyofsb.org/2150/Health-Care-Centers o llame al centro de salud más cercana.

Santa Maria Health Care Center2115 Centerpointe Pkwy, Santa Maria, CA 93455+1 805-346-7230

Lompoc Health Care Center301 N R St, Lompoc, CA 93436+1 805-737-6400

Santa Barbara Health Care Center345 Camino del Remedio, Santa Barbara, CA 93110+1 805-681-5488

Franklin Health Care Center1136 E Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103+1 805-568-2099

Carpinteria Health Care Center931 Walnut Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013+1 805-560-1050

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Below is a press release from County of Santa Barbara regarding their County Master Plan for Aging from 2025 – 2030.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on July 15, 2025, approved the Santa Barbara County Master Plan for Aging 2025 – 2030, a comprehensive five-year roadmap designed to strengthen support for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers countywide. Rooted in community input and local data, the plan provides a strategic framework to improve quality of life and address the growing needs of an aging population.

The Plan highlights four central priorities: awareness of community resources, caregiving, housing and homelessness, and access to healthcare and community services—including transportation, behavioral health, nutrition, and long-term care.

The Plan reflects a growing recognition of the challenges and disparities faced by aging residents across the county, especially as one in four residents is expected to be over the age of 60 by 2030. It outlines goals and objectives to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can live with health, safety, and dignity.

The Plan builds on a strong local foundation of services, while identifying key areas for system improvement. It emphasizes the need for a coordinated, countywide response to address long-standing service gaps, growing demand, and equity challenges.

A Demographic Shift with Local Consequences

Santa Barbara County is experiencing a rapid increase in its aging population. By 2060, the number of residents aged 60 and older is expected to grow by 32%, with significant impacts on housing, caregiving, and healthcare. Among older adults:

33% live with a disability

20% are at risk of developing dementia

70% will need long-term care during their lifetime

Over 30% experience economic hardship

“Local demographics illustrate a need for proactive planning to ensure older adults and people with disabilities can age in place with access to vital resources,” shared Barbara Finch, Adult & Aging Network Director. “This five-year plan seeks to continue building a path for older adults today and into the future.”

Plan Objectives and Priorities

The local plan complements California’s statewide Master Plan for Aging and focuses on critical local issues:

Housing and Homelessness – Increasing age-friendly housing options and addressing the high rate of homelessness among adults 55+.

Caregiving – Expanding support for unpaid caregivers and improving caregiver workforce development.

Healthcare Access – Enhancing culturally responsive, community-based care services.

Information and Navigation – Improving visibility and use of resources such as 211 and the Aging & Disability Resource Center.

Community Engagement and Leadership

The Plan was shaped through extensive community engagement. Over the past two years, the Adult and Aging Network (AAN), and dozens of community partners held focus groups, surveys, and listening sessions to understand the needs of older adults and caregivers—especially from underserved populations including Spanish speakers, individuals with disabilities, and Black/African American residents.

Their feedback revealed significant challenges related to affordability, language access, transportation, and isolation, which directly informed the goals and strategies outlined in the plan.

Implementation and Next Steps

Now that the plan has been approved, the Adult and Aging Network will lead implementation in partnership with County departments, nonprofit agencies, and individuals with lived experience. Annual reviews will assess progress and adjust strategies to ensure continued relevance and impact. The plan is designed to align with state and federal initiatives and to leverage existing partnerships and funding opportunities.

The Santa Barbara County Master Plan for Aging 2025-2030, marks a major milestone in Santa Barbara County’s commitment to becoming an age- and disability-friendly region for all residents.

To read the full Santa Barbara County Master Plan for Aging 2025–2030, visithttp://www.sbcaan.org/master-plan-for-aging.html.

Traducción al Español:

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – El 15 de julio de 2025, la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Santa Bárbara aprobó el Plan Maestro sobre el Envejecimiento del Condado de Santa Bárbara para el 2025 – 2030, una hoja de ruta integral de cinco años diseñada para fortalecer el apoyo a los adultos mayores, las personas con discapacidades y sus cuidadores en todo el condado. Basado en los aportes de la comunidad y los datos locales, el plan proporciona un marco estratégico para mejorar la calidad de vida y atender las necesidades crecientes de una población que envejece.

El plan destaca cuatro prioridades centrales: la concientización sobre los recursos comunitarios, el cuidado, la vivienda y la falta de hogar y el acceso a la atención médica y los servicios comunitarios, incluidos el transporte, la salud mental, el tratamiento del uso de sustancias, la nutrición y la atención a largo plazo.

El plan refleja un creciente reconocimiento de los desafíos y las disparidades que enfrentan los residentes de edad avanzada en todo el condado, especialmente porque se espera que uno de cada cuatro residentes tenga más de 60 años para 2030. Además, describe metas y objetivos para asegurar que las personas de todas las edades y capacidades puedan vivir con salud, seguridad y dignidad.

El plan se basa en una sólida base local de servicios, al tiempo que identifica áreas clave para la mejora del sistema. Enfatiza la necesidad de una respuesta coordinada en el condado para abordar las brechas de servicios de larga data, la creciente demanda y los desafíos de equidad.

Un cambio demográfico con consecuencias locales

El Condado de Santa Bárbara está experimentando un rápido aumento en su población que envejece. Para 2060, se espera que el número de residentes de 60 años o más crezca en un 32%, con impactos significativos en la vivienda, el cuidado y la atención médica. Entre los adultos mayores:

El 33% vive con una discapacidad

El 20% está en riesgo de desarrollar demencia

El 70% necesitará cuidados a largo plazo durante su vida

Más del 30% experimenta dificultades económicas

“La demografía local ilustra la necesidad de una planificación proactiva para garantizar que los adultos mayores y las personas con discapacidades puedan envejecer en su lugar con acceso a recursos vitales”, compartió Barbara Finch, directora de la Red de Adultos y Envejecimiento (AAN, Adult and Aging Network). “Este plan de cinco años busca continuar construyendo un camino para los adultos mayores hoy y en el futuro”.

Planificación de objetivos y prioridades

El plan local complementa el Plan Maestro sobre el Envejecimiento del estado de California y se enfoca en temas locales críticos:

Vivienda y falta de hogar: aumentar las opciones de vivienda apta para personas de edad avanzada y abordar la alta tasa de personas sin hogar entre los adultos mayores de 55 años

Cuidados: ampliar el apoyo a los cuidadores no remunerados y mejorar el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral de los cuidadores

Acceso a la atención médica: mejorar los servicios de atención basados en la comunidad y culturalmente receptivos

Información y navegación: mejorar la visibilidad y el uso de recursos como 211 y el Centro de Recursos para el Envejecimiento y Discapacidad

Compromiso comunitario y liderazgo

El plan se configuró a través de una amplia participación comunitaria. En los últimos dos años, la Red de Adultos y Envejecimiento (AAN) y docenas de socios comunitarios llevaron a cabo grupos de enfoque, encuestas y sesiones de escucha para comprender las necesidades de los adultos mayores y los cuidadores, especialmente de poblaciones desatendidas, que incluye hispanohablantes, personas con discapacidades y residentes afroamericanos.

Sus comentarios revelaron desafíos significativos relacionados con la asequibilidad, el acceso al idioma, el transporte y el aislamiento, que informaron directamente las metas y estrategias descritas en el plan.

Implementación y próximos pasos

Ahora que el plan ha sido aprobado, la Red de Adultos y Envejecimiento liderará la implementación en asociación con los departamentos del condado, agencias sin fines de lucro e individuos con experiencia vivida. Los exámenes anuales evaluarán los progresos realizados y ajustarán las estrategias para garantizar la pertinencia y el impacto constantes. El plan está diseñado para alinearse con las iniciativas estatales y federales y para aprovechar las asociaciones existentes y las oportunidades de financiamiento.

El Plan Maestro sobre el Envejecimiento del Condado de Santa Bárbara para el 2025-2030 marca un hito importante en el compromiso del Condado de Santa Bárbara de convertirse en una región amigable con la edad y la discapacidad para todos los residentes.

Para leer el Plan Maestro sobre el Envejecimiento del Condado de Santa Bárbara para el 2025–2030, visite http://www.sbcaan.org/master-plan-for-aging.html.

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Andrew Gillies

TEMPLETON, Calif. — The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that four juveniles from northern San Luis Obispo County have been identified in connection with the devastating fire that destroyed the historic Templeton Feed & Grain building on July 4.

According to a press release, detectives determined that one of the juveniles is allegedly responsible for starting the fire, which is believed to have been ignited by illegal fireworks. All four individuals are reported to be male and under the age of 18.

While the Sheriff’s Office has completed its part of the investigation, officials say the identities of the juveniles and the evidence collected have been turned over to the Templeton Fire Department, which is leading the case moving forward.

The Sheriff’s Office also thanked the public for their help and cooperation during the investigation. As of Thursday, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office said no charges have been recommended.

The fire consumed the Templeton Feed & Grain structure, a fixture in the community for more than a century. Originally constructed in 1912, the building was not only a visual landmark but also a symbol of the town’s agricultural roots—so iconic, in fact, that its image appears on Templeton’s emergency service vehicles.

It remains unclear whether any of the juveniles have been detained or arrested. Your News Channel has reached out to Templeton Fire and Emergency Services for additional comment. Their response will be included as soon as it is received.

Templeton Feed and Grain Fire on July 4, 2025. Image courtesy of the San Luis Obispo County Fire Department.

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – On Thursday, the University of California Board of Regents announced UC Santa Barbara’s sixth chancellor as Dr. Dennis Assanis.

Assanis will take over for former chancellor Henry Yang, who just concluded his 31 year tenure on July 14th. Executive Vice Chancellor David Marshall was named Interim Chancellor while the search for the university next permanent chancellor was underway. Marshall will continue as Interim Chancellor until Assanis assumes his role on September 1, 2025.

Assanis is a Greek-native who previously served as President of the University of Delaware (UD). An article published by The Current credits Assanis with overseeing the many programs and opportunities that made the University of Delaware one of the best colleges in the United States according the U.S. News & World Report and the Wall Street Journal. 

Research spending skyrocketed over 160 percent during Assanis’ time at UD, and he oversaw the development of multiple interdisciplinary centers and institutes – including the creation of the Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) campus, now home to over 1.2 million square feet of new facilities and more than 3,000 professionals.

The UC Regents formally approved Assanis’ appointment at their July 17th meeting.

“Dr. Assanis is the right person to lead UC Santa Barbara into the future,” said UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D. “His deep understanding of the power of interdisciplinary work combined with his energy, insight and strategic vision will blend perfectly with the excellence of UC Santa Barbara students, faculty and staff as they address the world’s most urgent challenges.”

Assanis spoke via Zoom about his personal academic journey and his excitement to begin a new journey at UC Santa Barbara.

“I always remember my late father, who never stopped encouraging me to pursue my academic dreams to the fullest as chancellor,” Assanis said. “I look forward to building on the outstanding accomplishments created by Chancellor Yang and the faculty, staff, and senior leaders who have shaped UC Santa Barbara with their daily contributions and dedication.”

Assanis earned his bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering from Newcastle University, and proceeded to earn three master’s degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Assanis completed his Ph.D. in Power and Propulsion at MIT.

“Above all, [my wife] Eleni and I are thrilled to join the vibrant Gaucho and Santa Barbara communities, to make new friends, hear your stories, learn, and lead with integrity. Together, we will win and write the next chapter in UC Santa Barbara’s incredible story.”

The Current reported the UC Regents approved Assanis’ salary at $880,000.

The search for the university’s sixth chancellor concluded just in time for the 2025-2026 academic school year. Assanis will assume his role on September 1, 2025.

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Ivania Montes

PORT HUENEME, Calif. – In a bold step toward cleaner air and climate leadership, the Port of Hueneme unveiled its second STAX Engineering emissions capture and control barge this week—making it one of only two ports in California to operate multiple barges of this kind.

The STAX barge is part of a cutting-edge technology that captures harmful pollutants directly from ships docked at port. According to STAX Engineering, the barge removes 99% of particulate matter (PM) and 95% of nitrogen oxides (NOx) — both of which are known to impact human health, particularly in communities near the port.

The STAX technology is especially important for working ports like Hueneme, which are located near residential neighborhoods. A recent study by the California Air Resources Board found that coastal communities often face elevated levels of air pollutants due to port and shipping activity.

STAX’s Chief Technology Officer, Bob Sharp walked and showed your News Channel STAX’s latest addition: STAX 6. Right across from where it is placed is STAX 3.

The mayor of Port Hueneme was present saying, “It is a concern that we have had in the city was that our community, was being impacted. And so any step that the port can take towards, decreasing those emissions is a good thing.

The new barge also supports the Port of Hueneme’s ambitious Zero Emissions by 2030 initiative. If achieved, it would make Hueneme the first zero-emissions port in the nation—and possibly the world—by the end of the decade.

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Mina Wahab

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. — VC Defensa Volunteer Leo Martinez says the demand for food deliveries has shot up, and the attendance at many food distribution sites has dropped. “Our volunteers are having to load up their cars with all the extra food at the end of the food distribution and going out to do deliveries, whether it be in neighborhoods that we know are in need or as part of our network of already existing families that we’re trying to serve, that we’re directly affected by the first raid,” said Martinez. Prior to the ICE raids, the volunteers would go to food distribution sites to pass out “Know Your Rights” flyers to community members.  Now, they’re focused on delivering the food to some of the community’s most vulnerable. “We’re running to the box, food stores sometimes are going to local distributors, and that’s where we put together our bundles and we buy in bulk dry beans, dry rice, dry pasta, and then we mix it in together with a lot of canned proteins and we try to put together bundles of meals that at least are cohesive and go together.” Yvonne Lomeli says it’s the farm workers who are struggling the most, as they’re skipping days of work in the fields out of fear of deportation. She’s helping to feed the workers she says dedicated their lives to feeding the community. “We get big bulks of thing, the bulk of beans and rice, and then we have volunteers by hand, putting them in like quart size bags and then really like distributing and putting these things together,” said Lomeli, a VC Defensa Volunteer who wears many hats. It’s not just food they’re delivering. It’s also basic hygiene necessities like diapers and toiletries. Yvonne Lomeli says it’s bringing dignity to families that have been stripped of their humanity. “It’s just one tiny stress off of a family’s plate that has already experienced so much trauma. And that’s actually a lot of the work that we do. It is not about it’s not about so much support in the thriving. It is literally support in surviving the day-to-day.”  

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Patricia Martellotti

A new hands-on exhibit at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is taking visitors on a journey beyond Earth just in time for a community increasingly fascinated by the stars.

The Museum’s newest addition, Our Cosmic Coast, A Space Sciences Exhibit is officially open to the public.

The exhibit explores everything from Moon phases and gravity to meteorites and the sounds of space, with interactive stations that connect cosmic phenomena to life here on Earth.

Timed with a wave of local space-related events—including a talk from the pilot of NASA’s Mars Helicopter and the opening of the Rubin Observatory—the exhibit is designed to capture the curiosity of all ages.

The exhibit opens daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is included with regular museum admission.

To top it off, the Museum is also offering solar viewing and immersive planetarium shows all summer long. For more, head to sbnature.org/astronomy.

For more information, visit: https://www.sbnature.org/.

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Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Social isolation and loneliness are growing public health concerns among older adults, with nearly half of seniors reporting feelings of depression or disconnection.

Across California, programs like the Oasis Adult Day Center in Fresno are helping seniors re-engage with their communities.

The Oasis Day Center, run by the Valley Caregiver Resource Center, offers older adults with memory loss or dementia a chance to socialize, stay active, and give caregivers much-needed respite.

“When I moved here, I didn’t know anybody at all,” said Fresno resident Bill Copeland, who now visits the center daily. “I love to chat about what’s going on in sports and the news. It’s a great place to connect.”

Meghan Velasquez, Executive Director of the Valley Caregiver Resource Center, said isolation often worsens after a dementia diagnosis—both for the individual and their caregiver.

“It’s hard for your loved one to get out and feel safe and comfortable,” Velasquez said. “Programs like this help create friendships and reduce stress for caregivers, who can take a break or attend support groups.”

According to a 2023 California Department of Aging survey of more than 17,000 seniors, 40% reported feeling lonely or isolated, and 43% said they experienced depression. One in four older Californians now lives alone.

To address this, California officials are urging families to explore community programs.

“If it’s something you’re on the fence about, I’d encourage you to pay a visit,” said Susan DeMarois, director of the California Department of Aging. “Take a buddy with you. Introduce yourself.”

The Oasis program is expanding with help from a $50,000 grant from the City of Fresno. Fresno Councilmember Tyler Maxwell said the funding will help fill a gap for families who can’t provide elder care on their own.

Central Coast Resources for Seniors

Similar programs exist on the Central Coast to help older adults facing loneliness or isolation:

Santa Barbara County:

Family Service Agency – PEARLS Program offers free in-home coaching to help seniors reduce depression.

Center for Successful Aging provides peer counseling, wellness check-ins, and support groups.

Cottage Health Coast Caregiver Resource Center offers caregiver support and education throughout Santa Barbara, Ventura, and SLO counties.

Ventura County:

Ventura County Area Agency on Aging connects seniors with social services, meal delivery, and transportation.

Senior Support Line: 1-800-235-9980 for free emotional support.

PathPoint Life Skills Center offers a therapeutic day program with activities and social support.

San Luis Obispo County:

Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens provides peer counseling, legal assistance, and advocacy services.

Wilshire Community Services supports older adults with counseling, volunteer companionship, and end-of-life care.

Transitions-Mental Health Association offers community drop-in centers and social support programs for seniors across SLO and northern Santa Barbara counties.

For a full list of programs or to find services in your area, visit the California Department of Aging.

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